Chapter 9: Celebrating Alone

As Ellie got up to leave, Daniel reached out, gently grabbing her wrist. 

"Hey…"

Ellie stared at her husband, waiting for him to continue. Her gaze slowly explored his face as if trying to memorize his every feature. She won't get to see him for the whole day, so she woke up to join him in breakfast, despite having only three hours of sleep. 

However, she didn't expect that atmosphere to turn awkward and tense. 

Daniel still didn't speak, so Ellie asked, "What is it?"

He hesitated. He wanted to say something—like telling her he misses her, something about her work life, or about what happened to him yesterday. He wanted to pull her back to the seat and talk to her until they both ran out of something to say.

The doorbell interrupted that moment. Ellie turned and walked away. "That must be Kate. Does she always come this early?"

Daniel lost the chance to speak. He could have pulled her back and said anything—just one thing about this big project his company decided to bid on. Just to get her support, but his hand wavered. 

He left dejectedly. By the side mirror of his car, he glimpsed Ellie, yawning while walking back inside after seeing him off. That simple gesture would have required a big effort from Ellie, but Daniel just realized how small it was. 

When did he start measuring the efforts they put to keep going? He was at a loss. He hated himself for thinking that way. 

His day was ruined because of that. Still, he forced a smile as he shook hands with the executives of SK Estate Developers, famously known as SKED—a leading real estate developer company. 

Applause erupted inside an upscale conference room as the deal was sealed. The contract is signed. Daniel's architectural firm has won the bid for SKED's next major project—one of the largest commercial complexes in the city. 

It will be a defining moment in his career, proving his firm's reputation in the architectural field. And that project alone could help Daniel's company thrive for another four years. 

He was on the moon closing the deal, but at the back of his mind, he felt a little melancholic. That big day was overshadowed by his personal worries. 

"Congratulations, sir!" 

Daniel's employees congratulate him. The excitement buzzed in the air after he announced they won the bid to his associates. 

Mark, one of the senior architects in Daniel's firm, clapped his shoulders and shouted, "This calls for a celebration!"

Daniel smiled, but his mind was occupied with wanting to get home quickly, talk things out with his wife, and celebrate his achievement together. However, the expectant eyes of his employees poked at his conscience.

He sighed. "Dinner is on me."

"Woohoo!"

Daniel chuckled. He excused himself while his employees started packing up and discussing which restaurant they wanted to go to. He took his phone and called Ellie. 

Meanwhile, inside another conference room, Ellie sat next to her editor, Shane, across from Diana and the director, Randy. 

A projector screen displayed the working title of her novel's adaptation, including the characters' background and plot breaks in other slides. She spent the whole day discussing the new draft, which was based on her famous novel The Outcast. 

After finalizing a few parts, Randy wasted no time and immediately jumped on to the next task.

The director leaned forward, his fingers tapping on the profiles on the opened folder before him. "Now that the final script is finished, I'm thinking of choosing the lead roles for now. Ms. Hartwell, I know this might be beyond your job, but I want to ask for your opinion. When you think of your novel turning into a film, do you have an actor in mind you want to play the protagonist?"

"Does my opinion matter?" Ellie asked, her gaze lingered on the folder. 

She didn't expect it to be asked of her, so she never really thought about it. But some parts of the novel were based on her life, so if she were to choose an actor, perhaps someone who was more likely to resemble her background. 

Randy cleared his throat. It didn't used to be. Once they acquired all rights in the manuscript, the writer's opinion doesn't matter anymore. However, the higher-ups wanted Ms. Hartwell to be part of the production until the film was completed. Randy was pressured to convince the elusive and introverted novelist to stay with them until the end. 

"Of course, Ms. Hartwell. A casting of the writer's choosing will more likely fit the characters since you know them better than we do," Randy reasoned. Diana nodded beside him. 

Ellie's gaze moved up from the folder to the director. "But you already have actors in mind."

"Ah. These are just the actors' profiles we were considering before. We brought it for you to look at. If you have someone in mind, you can tell us, and let's see if they will also fit the market appeal." Randy pushed the folder. 

Before Ellie could touch the folder, though, Shane's hand shot up and slammed her hand on it. She smiled deviously at the director. "I don't think it's her job to do that."

Diana answered, "That's right. But as a writer, don't you want to see your own creation come to life in the best way possible? Ms. Hartwell will also profit from the film's revenue, so of course, we only want actors worthy of playing her characters and, at the same time, are bankable."

Randy nodded in agreement. "Ms. Hartwell should choose actors that will give justice to her characters." 

Shane turned to Ellie to hear her decision. Ellie stared at the profiles. Most of them are acclaimed actors. 

"...let's see," she muttered after seeing a profile that caught her attention. Shane sighed and gave the folder to her. She began reviewing the profiles in silence. 

Randy and Diana both sighed in relief. They exchanged glances, sharing the same thoughts.

After a while, Ellie picked a profile and laid it on the table without saying anything. Three pairs of eyes focused on the piece of paper. 

Diana was the first to speak. "Alexander Yoon. He's also the one I was considering for the lead role. He has the charm and intensity needed for the role. He's an amazing action star, too."

"Ms. Hartwell's The Outcast is heavy on emotion, and I also think he's someone who can capture that vulnerability. He starred in many action movies and a few romantic ones, and most of them received awards and—"

Ellie's phone rang, interrupting Randy's speech. Everyone looked at her as she picked up the phone in a hurry. "Hey, can I call you back? I'm in the middle of a discussion right now."

There was a pause from the other line, which Ellie took as permission, so she ended the call right away. She typed a message instead before motioning to Randy to continue. Her message was left on read, yet she didn't mind. 

Randy went on and discussed other possible good actors for the film, and soon, he and Ellie reached an agreement. 

"Then let's arrange test readings with both actors soon," Randy concluded. He gathered the profiles and smiled gratefully at Ellie. "Ms. Hartwell, I'd like to discuss another matter with you. What do you think about dinner with us?"

Ellie agreed. Realization hit her. Her book will soon become a movie. Excitement bubbled inside her, and she couldn't wait to share her joy with her husband.