The Greatest Showman#1319 - 1 sentence sorry

Renly raised an eyebrow in response to Andre's teasing, his voice calm but firm. "I thought you didn't need these names, just like a duck to water."

Andre, cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth, glanced at Renly, a hint of provocative dissatisfaction in his expression. He didn't respond verbally, but the confidence radiating from him spoke volumes. He knew his charm was undeniable, even in Renly's presence.

Eaton, standing nearby, added with a grin, "Didn't you say last time you should wear a ring to catch more attention? I thought the bachelor title was out of style."

Andre shot Eaton a look. "The point of the ring is to signal my interest in women. Without it, I'm too popular, and men keep hitting on me, which makes it harder for the women to approach. Understand?"

Renly, ever insightful, chimed in, "You know, soon rings could have dual meanings." He referenced the upcoming British House of Commons vote to legalize same-sex marriage in July, with over 90% public support.

The words caught Andre off guard. Eaton and Matthew exchanged glances, and even Renly's casual remark seemed to stir a moment of uncertainty in Andre, who, after a brief pause, shrugged it off with a smile. "So, are you finally ready now? Can we finalize this work?"

No one mentioned Princess Beatrice. Though everyone knew she harbored feelings for Renly, it was clear that no romantic future existed between them. Renly, having fought his whole life for independence, wasn't about to shackled by a relationship.

Andre, sensing the awkward silence, smoothly moved the conversation forward. "So, 'Boom Drummer'—you're still going to star in it, right?"

"Boom Drummer." Renly nodded, recognizing the name.

"Damian has approached me several times, and you're still his first choice. He's been hoping I could convince you to join, and he's willing to accommodate your schedule. He can wait," Andre explained.

The investment of $3 million from Andre and Damian had secured the rights to the film, though it hadn't been publicly announced yet. Andre was still seeking publishing collaborations.

Renly raised an eyebrow. "How do you know all this, with the show still unreleased?"

Andre paused. "The show's not out yet, but the buzz has already spread through the industry."

Eaton and Matthew exchanged glances, trying to stifle their smiles. Fortunately, Andre and Renly, familiar with each other's dynamics, continued the conversation. "What do you think?" Andre asked. "Are you ready to get to work?"

Renly considered the offer, knowing how much effort had already gone into this project. He nodded. "Okay."

"Perfect!" Andre exclaimed, his confidence unwavering. He turned to head toward the hall, signaling the start of the next phase for "Boom Drummer." With Renly's commitment secured, Andre's Hollywood ambitions seemed within reach.

Eaton followed, engaging Andre in casual chatter. Renly and Matthew lingered behind, walking toward the light, before Matthew suddenly spoke, "Sorry."

Renly, surprised, gave him a puzzled look.

Matthew shrugged, offering no further explanation. Renly, sensing the weight of the apology, nodded lightly. "It's fine. It doesn't matter."

After a beat, Renly added, "I once read or heard somewhere that, after a lifetime, parents wait for thanks from their children, and children wait for apologies from their parents—but neither ever comes."

Though Renly rarely showed it, the weight of the past lingered in his heart. Despite his efforts to break free, some scars remained.

Matthew glanced at Renly with a faint smile. "So, we turn to our friends and lovers to vent our emotions. It's too bad you don't have a lover yet. All the damage falls on us, your friends."

Renly smirked, eyeing Andre and Eaton ahead. "Are you suggesting we start hurting each other?"

Matthew raised his hands in mock surrender.

Renly laughed, picking up his pace and turning to beckon Matthew. "Hurry up. Don't make me perform a second time."

The night deepened, the party resumed its lively course, though its heart was quieter now. The Earl of Oxford had disappeared entirely, leaving only rumors behind. Some claimed he was seen in the garden, searching for Renly, his eyes shining like the sun.

But these were rumors, unconfirmed. By midnight, the party was winding down, and the guests slowly filtered out. The event, though brief, would linger in the upper-class circles of London for some time.