Chapter 4: A Supportive Husband

Ellie's waiting finally ended. When her phone rang with her editor's name on the screen, she breathed a sigh of relief yet felt a bit nervous.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Ellie. I'd like to meet with you regarding an adaptation offer of your work The Outcast. Please, tell me when a good time for you is," said Shane, Ellie's editor. 

Ellie's initial plan to inquire about her new manuscript was forgotten after she heard the good news. She immediately agreed to meet the same day.

She arrived at their meeting place an hour later. Shane waved at her as soon as she entered the cafe. She pulled the chair opposite Shane and pointed at the iced coffee before her. "Mine?"

"Who else?" Shane sipped on her lemonade. She pushed a document to Ellie and began explaining. "We received the offer some days ago—

"And you didn't bother to give me a heads-up at all?"

"They reached out to the boss, not me. You know him. When it comes to your books, he's very careful. He wanted to review the contract first and discuss it with me. This is the revised contract in our terms, and what SK Productions wants to change in your story."

Ellie's hand reaching for the document paused. "They want to change my story?"

Shane put her drink down. She already prepared herself to convince Ellie, since the terms they laid on SK Productions were accepted. "They pointed out some controversial parts in your book, and they only want you to change them into something the critics won't nitpick too much." 

Ellie grimaced. She snatched the document and read the SK Productions part of the contract. She huffed in disbelief. "They might as well ask me to change the whole book."

"Don't be ridiculous, Ms. Ellie. Did you not see how much they are willing to pay for the rights?" Shane flipped the page and pointed that part with huge eyes. "They wanted to acquire the adaptation rights for ten years, but the boss managed to bring it down to five. They will have to develop, produce, and distribute the film within that timeframe, if they don't, the rights revert to you!"

"It's a decent deal, yes, but what they want out is integral in the story! It's not just a controversy for controversy's sake—it's there for a reason! Removing it changes the entire message of the book," Ellie replied.

Shane leaned forward. "It's a sensitive subject, and the studio is worried about backlash. They specifically mentioned cutting out that part. They think modifying or removing it will make the adaptation more marketable." 

Ellie was speechless. Even the book received criticism and controversy, due to the background of the main character, but it was what made it a bestselling book. 

"It was titled The Outcast because of the protagonist's past. His dark, tragic past is what made the book sell, Shane. They take that out, their film will plop."

Shane chuckled nervously. "Don't talk like that. I'm sure they know what they're doing. They will probably modify that part into something less…uh, gut-wrenching without involving any religions or politics. And let's look on the brighter side, Ms. Ellie. They're offering that amount for the rights, plus 5% of net profits from the film earnings. Once the movie gains traction, your existing book sales will likely spike. Not to mention the international exposure and potential book re-releases!"

Ellie bit her lip. Shane had a point, but she was torn between money and her artistic integrity. As an editor, she would push for commercial success, but what about preserving the book's original intent?

Ellie let out a frustrated sigh. "I need time to think about it."

"Sure, but these deals don't stay on the table forever. If we wait too long, they might move on to another project." 

"I get it."

Throughout her way back home, Ellie was thinking about the offer. She was welcomed by Kate on her way to leave. 

"Ma'am, it's weekend tomorrow. Do you need me to come?"

Ellie shook her head in dazed. Kate nodded and said goodbye. She slumped on the couch and stared at the ceiling. A writer's happiness is to share their stories, but changing details in it is one of the things they hate.

But they offered a good amount…and a good deal…

Her thoughts were interrupted by the notification sound of her phone. Two messages popped up. One from Shane telling her that she will review the manuscript she passed. The other one was from Daniel asking what she wanted for dinner. 

She typed: Braised beef short ribs. Drive safely. 

Not long after, her husband arrived carrying a take-out meal from their favorite restaurant. Ellie welcomed him by the foyer. She tiptoed and planted a quick kiss on his lips, before taking the paper bag. 

Daniel noticed her mood. "What's wrong?"

Ellie shrugged her shoulders. "Later. Let's eat first."

After dinner, she told Daniel everything while they sat in front of the TV, eating ice cream. 

"You don't want them to change the story?" Daniel asked after listening diligently. He wiped the cream on the corner of her mouth. Ellie nodded and took another scoop. "How about changing the story for them, then?"

Ellie paused. She looked at Daniel with a raised brow. What he said did not make sense. She was scooping ice cream when Daniel snatched the bowl from her and replied, "Write the script yourself. You don't want them to mess with the original one, right? Why not offer to create a similar one which is less controversial? Does it count as plagiarism though?"

"Self-plagiarism isn't illegal, but it can impact my reputation negatively. Give it back," she reached for the bowl, but Daniel moved it away. 

"No. You've had enough. You're not going to publish it as an entirely new book. Your readers will just probably think that the film is adapted from the original one." 

Ellie's brow furrowed. "What's the difference in just giving them the rights on the original one?"

"You get the upper hand. You get to change the story the way you want. Isn't it better than someone else butcher your work?" Daniel wriggled his brows, seemingly proud of his suggestion. 

He didn't expect to be jumped all of a sudden, so the bowl he was holding fell on the carpeted floor. Inches apart from his face was his wife's, smiling widely. 

"You're right! Why didn't I think of that?" She gave him a quick smacking kiss on the cheeks before trying to stand properly, excited to inform Shane of that idea. 

However, Daniel pulled her body again and locked her in his arms. Ellie asked to be let go, but he bumped her forehead and pointed at the wasted ice cream on the carpet. 

"You took my share of dessert. Replace it." Before Ellie could realize what he meant, her lips were already sealed by his. His hands roam freely under her shirt, leaving every place he touched a hot mess. 

The thawing cream on the carpet was forgotten, and the TV was left open, providing them light and drowning their moans and passionate murmurs.