There sat Penrose Walters, watching both of her bosses getting married secretly in Sulani. So secret that the only people who were invited aside from herself was the Duchess Dowager’s long time friend, Judith Ward, Judith’s personal assistant, and their butler. Perlas, who was the Vanderburgs’ previous tour guide, was invited to officiate the wedding. That’s four more people. Oh, and there’s the wedding photographer Judith had recommended. So that’s five more people.
It’s risky, inviting five people in this Watcher-forsaken cursed wedding — not that she’s suspicious of Perlas, she knows her lover would never tell a thing, and that she’s not interested in celebrity gossip — but this is a PR disaster in the making. She had to trust Judith and her little team, just like what the Duchess had asked her to, but she couldn’t help it. She had ambushed the photographer yesterday evening, and made her sign an NDA.
If this gets out, it’s over for her boss, for the Duchess, and for the twins. All she will think of is to run the hell out of Del Sol Valley, and live in Sulani with her lover permanently. Her thoughts were broken when she heard Bernie’s vows.
“Now that we are about to be wedded to each other, my Duchess Margaret, you no longer need to be alone, for I am here, not only as your husband, but as your personal private secretary, which has always been. I will not let other people hurt you anymore, not even the royal family.”
And Penny started to look away, trying not to scoff. She looked up at the sky. Earlier it was clear, but now…even the sky disagrees with the wedding.
She doesn’t know how the time passed, but she heard Perlas say, “Mr. Braxton, you may now kiss your bride.”
Everyone cheered, Penny herself tried her best not to make her clapping sound sarcastic, as Bernie swooped Margaux off her feet. She saw how Judith and her personal assistant shared a look, and it made her feel uneasy.
Judith caught her stare, and the actress smiled at her. Penny smiled back politely, and she returned her attention to the newlywed couple. Maybe it’s nothing.
The couple walked down the aisle, with everyone following suit. The photographer also followed, camera in hand. What was left in the little pier was herself, and Perlas.
“It must be hard, my Rose,” Perlas said, standing beside her.
“It is, honey,” Penny sighed. “Here I am, trying to pick up their mess, and here they are, making another one.”
“You can only do so much, my love,” Perlas gently guided her to walk. “You have done your best to protect their reputation and the twins.”
Penny agreed, her spirits lifting up. “I just know something bad will happen soon. No matter how hard they try to cover up everything, the truth will always come out.”
“Yes,” Perlas nodded, “and you must prepare yourself when the time comes. You must save yourself, as you can no longer save them.”
Penny stopped and sighed. Perlas approached and embraced her with a kiss. “Come now, my love. At least there is cake.”
Penny laughed.
“Well?”
“It took a lot of reassurance but I convinced the Duchess and Mr. Braxton that the only copies of their photos existing are the physical photographs…that they have now,” Kristine said. Grinning, she added, “I have the soft copies.”
“Excellent, darling,” Judith smiled, letting out a laugh, “And the photographer?”
“Paid handsomely to keep his mouth shut. Though, apparently, he was made to sign an NDA by the other secretary,” Kristine said.
Judith frowned, “The blonde girl?”
Her personal assistant nodded and smiled, “Don’t worry. I got the copy of the NDA, but I will still need the secretary’s copy…”
“Matteo can take care of that,” Judith smirked. “I’ll let him know. They wouldn’t suspect a butler did it. What would they know? He only does cleaning.”
Kristine giggled. “Good thinking, Judith! Now, just say the word, and I’ll have it sent to…”
“Now, now, sweetie,” Judith shook her head. “Let’s not get hasty. When the time is right, I will let you know. Let’s just hold on to it for the meantime. If we release it now, they’ll know who did it. Let the days pass by. Wait until winter. When college is over for her children.”
Kristine watched the look towards the dark horizon. Judith continued, “By then, Margaux will have no family left by her side anymore.”
She smiled to herself. “By then, her name will fade amongst the stars. Judith Ward will continue to shine.”
[EARLY MORNING; SAPPHIRE SHORES RESORT, LANI ST. TAZ, SULANI]
[LATE MORNING; HIBISCUS HUT, LANI ST. TAZ, SULANI]
PENROSE had stepped out of her hut, breathing in that morning summer breeze. She had gone through the main house, and had exited when she noticed something at the corner of her eye. There, she found MARGAUX and BERNARD, on a silent and intimate embrace, dancing to the song of the waves.
Furiously, she walked away, but before she left the resort, she sent a message to BERNARD.
PENROSE: I’ll be back for a while, Bernie…
PENROSE walked, and her feet brought her to the familiar route to somewhere…
PENROSE: I’m sorry I’m lying to you, Mousse, Julie…
Deep in thought, she had walked past the tidal pools of Lani St. Taz.
PENROSE: I can’t believe I’ve branded myself as your protector against the system – the damned system that protects only the monarch and its immediate family, not “outsiders”.
Mindlessly, she walked; her lover’s hut is near her now.
PENROSE: It felt like and ambush, you know? Bernie took advantage of you being away… and now they’re…
And now, PENROSE is in front of the Hibiscus Hut.
PENROSE: I promise I’ll make it right. I’ll tell the truth, in the right time. I swear in your father’s name.
PENROSE knocked, eyeing through the gaps of the door.
PENROSE: Hello? Perlas? I’m home!!! [chuckling]
When she saw no movement inside from the hut…
PENROSE: Huh…
PENROSE: I guess I’ll wait…
Just then, she heard talking, and when PENROSE turned around…
PERLAS: My Rose, is that you?
PENROSE jumped down from the wooden porch and PERLAS caught her. They hugged each other tightly.
PENROSE: Perlas!!!
When she let go of PERLAS, PENROSE turned to the latter’s companion.
PENROSE: Oh! And this is…?
P’TONIA: Ah! Ah-hem. I’m P’tonia, I’m an alien!!! I mean – UH – !
PENROSE raised a brow. PERLAS sighed, shaking her head a little.
PENROSE: Alien? My Watcher, I thought there are only merfolks here, Perlas. What on earth…?
PERLAS: I told you to skip the “I’m alien” part, Tonya. What if the person you’re introducing yourself to get scared? I’m surprised you managed to hold yourself back when we hosted Dating Deanna…
P’TONIA pouted, looking down, abashed.
P’TONIA: Sorry, I didn’t mean to…I was just excited…
PENROSE winked.
PENROSE: Don’t worry. I’ve dealt with a lot of secrets, and yours isn’t any different. It’s safe with me, Tonya.
PENROSE: [to PERLAS] Though you might want to keep me on the loop. What has happened, my Pearl?
PERLAS: It’s a long story, my Rose… something that should be shared while we drink Kava. Shall we?
P’TONIA: I love Kava!!!
PENROSE, PERLAS, and P’TONIA each shared a glass of Kava, while P’TONIA enthusiastically relayed what happened over the course of the summer, with some commentary from PERLAS and PENROSE.
The summer escapade had turned into a secret wedding. Here sat Penrose Walters, witnessing another mess that she had yet to clean up before the royal family bites her bottom...
BELLA dropped her luggage on the mosaic floor of the estate, where BEA and JULIE eagerly greeted her.
BELLA: Thanks for inviting me here…I hope I’m not bothering you.
JULIE waved a hand.
JULIE: The summer break is making me crazy; we had nothing else to do. Besides, the more the merrier!
BEA: I really really missed you, Bella. You did great out there.
JULIE: Come on, Sid and Louie made something for us.
[KITCHEN]
JULIE and BEA led BELLA to the kitchen, where SID and LOUIE were preparing breakfast for them. SID turned to them, and with a shocked face…
SID: Oh my Watcher, it’s you!
SID embraced BELLA.
BELLA: Bella, this is Sid, another friend of ours. And than on the back – that’s Louie. They’re together, by the way.
JULIE: And just plain old me…but! At least you’re here, Bella! We’re going to outdo whatever they do here. They laugh, we laugh louder!
LOUIE called from the counter.
LOUIE: Alright girls, settle down while I plate some pancakes for you!
[DINING ROOM]
Once LOUIE had finished serving them and left them to catch up, the girls started eating their breakfast.
BEA: So, how was it? How is everyone there?
BELLA: Oh goodness. [big sigh] I don’t know where to start! But here…I remember around the first round, they had to remove a contestant because of physical altercation. I’m glad the crew did it otherwise I wouldn’t feel safe there.
SID [off-camera]: [sipping] Oh yeah, we’ve seen that episode. I’m glad you’re okay.
BELLA: I think I did good…managed to win three times, at least, especially the last round.
BEA: Yes, we were happy for you!
JULIE: Ooh, what about the Sulani episode? The guest stars? Perlas? I was surprised when I saw her there!
BELLA: You know her? And Tonya?
JULIE: [shaking her head] Only Perlas. She was our guide the last time my family and I went there. She once told us some of Sulani’s conservatory programs, and the lack of students and understudies – I’ve been thinking about sending some Hidden Springs students for an exchange program…maybe I should call Penny later…
SID: Penny! Isn’t your family going there again? Would that mean she’s going to meet Perlas again, hmmmm?
BEA turned to BELLA.
BEA: Penny is their assistant private secretary, and apparently, she had a romantic relationship with Perlas.
BELLA: What a small world then!
Turning back to JULIE, BELLA says…
BELLA: Penny must be so patient, for having such a long-distance relationship! If I may ask, where does your family live, Julie?
JULIE: We live in Del Sol Valley, in The Pinnacles. That would make us neighbors. Where in Del Sol do you live?
BELLA: Starlight Boulevard, near the chaos of paparazzi and celebrities. [chuckling]
SID: So, what plans do you have now? If you don’t mind me asking.
BELLA: Well, to start…[to JULIE] do you mind if I stay here a little longer? At least until you leave Tartosa – and then I’ll find a BNB after that. I agreed to be part of the commentary cast.
JULIE: That’s no problem! All yours even when we’ve left and until you’re done!
BELLA: Really? Wouldn’t that be a problem with your brother?
JULIE: Well, I’m the duchess so, he won’t say anything.
BELLA looks up as she speaks, letting her thoughts flow through.
BELLA: After that…I’d return home to Del Sol, finish up some things, and then move to San Myshuno. I saw an ad from a prestigious lounge in Uptown looking for a lounge singer. Sanguine Lounge – its name? Apparently, it’s under renovation…Anyways, they said we’re welcome to perform and write our own songs! They’re even willing to produce it!
SID murmurs, “San Myshuno, huh?” as if she remembers something.
BEA crooned, “That sounds like a dream!”
BELLA: I’m – it’s giving me anxiety, makes me now wanna pursue it…
JULIE: Don’t be – take that path, Bella. Take the risk. You’ll regret it if you don’t. Whatever happens, we’ll be here.
BEA: I’ll be here.
We're having an exclusive behind the scenes from one of our contestants, Isabella Manalo!
What do you think is her inspiration on her outfit? Tune in!
Missed out on her episode? Check it out on our official SimTube channel!
TRANSCRIPT
[PORTO LUMINOSO, TARTOSA]
ISABELLA MANALO, RANK 18
CREW, off-cam: Bella! You're on camera!
ISABELLA: Hello!!! Hahaha! Hi!
CREW: You look absolutely gorgeous, Bella! How was it?
ISABELLA: It was fun! I was inspired from Devin and Bea...really tried to remember and did some mental notes from their past magazine covers and photoshoots. I sketched this outfit actually, well, I'm not good of an artist, but I tried...and I guess I was able to do my idea!
CREW: What was the idea behind this outfit?
ISABELLA: The theme given to me is sea, or water. I thought of a sea goddess, mermaid, of course, and how the sun will always meet the sea. The upper half of my body represents the sun, while the shining, shimmering skirt is the sea!
I would also like to thank the crew, especially Devin, for getting this wig for me...as you can see this isn't my real hair, hahaha! Mine is much shorter and straighter than this one, wouldn't hold a curl for the life of me. I'm grateful that I was able to get the vision I wanted.
More photos; BEST LISTENED WITH TYLA'S PUSH 2 START
CREW: Do you have any words to our viewers?
ISABELLA: Catch me on the dress up segment of Dating Deanna on channel ChangingPlumbob! I hope you like my outfit!
“Oh please, Judith,” Margaux laughed, “We’re friends. Just Margaux.”
“Well, Margaux,” Judith chuckled, “how are you?”
“Doing my last royal duty as my daughter’s regent,” Margaux said. “After that, I’ll be stepping down permanently. Perhaps return to showbiz…”
“It’s been a while since your last project, no?” Judith looked away and up at the blue afternoon sky, “Of Tea and Treachery…”
She returned her gaze to Margaux, who also had her attention elsewhere. Judith and Margaux are more than co-workers–they have been in the limelight for so long, and it’s safe to assume that they are each other’s confidante in their line of work. As a friend though? People say they are, but that’s only what the public sees…
Judith sees every colleague of hers as competition–a tool to use to further her career in show business. And even if this…friend…of hers is far more superior than her when it comes to status, she still sees the Dowager Duchess as a competition and tool.
“I’m also thinking…”
Judith hummed, encouraging her friend to continue.
“Once Julie finally takes office,” Margaux continued, “I want to publicly announce my relationship with Bernie.”
“Your secretary?” Judith inquired.
Margaux nodded. Her smile was small and demure.
Judith scrutinized her, but quickly tried to soften her look when the Dowager Duchess returned her stare.
Judith asked, “And what about the royal family? Will you stay as the Dowager Duchess of your husband? If you announce your relationship with Braxton, that might mean your royal status could get revoked.”
“I mean, we’re not getting married yet,” Margaux says, “but I know my daughter wouldn’t kick me out. I know she’ll support us. Bernie had grown close to the twins, and they also look up to him.”
“Do you love him?”
“I do,” Margaux smiled, giggling a little.
“I’m happy for you, friend,” Judith curtly said.
“I want to have a private engagement party with Bernie. If possible, will you come?”
“Of course.”
“Kristine,” Judith takes a sip of her tea, “I know she’ll keep this engagement party as private as possible, but I’ll convince her to hire a photographer – courtesy of yours truly. She won’t hesitate to agree, if we tell her the pictures will only be sent to them.”
“But you’d like to keep a copy to share,” Kristine says, typing something on her phone. “Something to spread. Something to feed the media.”
“Very good, Kristine,” Judith smiled. “You’re such a reliable PA.”
