Two Weeks Later
The vibrant studio of Good Morning With Eric Howell Show buzzed with energy. Caras swiveled, catching every angle, while a crew of producers and assistants moved efficiently in the background.
The glass table reflected the bright lights of the set, and seated comfortably on the plush gray couch were Tom and Lucy, both impeccably dressed, their hands intertwined.
Tom wore a tailored navy-blue suit that highlighted his sharp features, while Lucy stunned in a white two piece pant suit with a deep neckline.
Eric Howell, with his trademark grin, leaned forward, excitent radiating from his every word. Beside him sat Alicia, whose warm smile added a touch of grace to the lively atmosphere.
"Welco back, everyone!" Eric's voice bood. "We have a treat for you this morning. Joining us are two of the most talked-about lovebirds in all of Ludus. Ladies and gentlen, please give a warm welco to our guests. They're none other than Thomas Hank, and his very delectable fiancée, Lucinda Perry!"
Applause erupted, and Tom gave a small wave while Lucy smiled shyly.
"Thank you for having us," Tom said, his deep voice calm and confident.
"It's such a pleasure to be here," Lucy added, her tone soft.
Eric leaned back, clasping his hands together. "Now, let's dive right in! Your engagent party was the talk of the city. I an, it trended for days and has been one of the most searched topics till now. But there's one thing I still can't wrap my head around. Did you both really propose at the sa ti?"
Tom and Lucy exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter. "Well," Lucy began, still chuckling, "it's true. We did."
"No way!" Alicia exclaid, feigning shock. "How does that even happen? Lucy, were you just tired of waiting for Tom to pop the question?"
Lucy's laughter bubbled again and Tom joined her. "Not exactly! I'd always told Tom I wasn't interested in marriage or kids. So, when I changed my mind, I thought it would be a fun surprise to pop the question."
Eric's eyebrows shot up. "Wait a second. Tom, she told you she didn't want to get married, and you still proposed? What were you thinking?"
Tom's grin widened, and he shrugged playfully. "I was hoping she'd change her mind eventually, and she did."
"And I did," they said simultaneously and laughed as Tom raised her hand to his lips.
"Talk about optimism!" Eric teased. "But seriously, how did you feel when she proposed back to you?"
Tom leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with genuine emotion. "You should be asking how I'm still feeling because, honestly, I haven't gotten over it yet."
The studio erupted into laughter, including Eric and Alicia. "Wow," Eric said, shaking his head. "You two look so in love."
"I feel even more in love than I look," Tom said, glancing at Lucy. "She's the best thing that's ever happened to . Absolute best."
Lucy's cheeks flushed, but she laughed softly. "The feeling is mutual," she said, her voice brimming with affection.
Alicia chid in. "Do you two have plans to get married anyti soon?"
Tom and Lucy nodded in unison. "We do," Tom confird. "And it'll be sooner than you think," he said with a grin, and Lucy giggled again.
The hosts exchanged intrigued glances, "Sothing tells it is an exclusive ceremony. Well, we hope we get an invitation."
"Fingers crossed," Alicia said with an hopeful smile while Tom and Lucy laughed.
"Now, Tom, let's talk business. We know that your company has been making great strides. What's next for I-Global?"
Tom straightened slightly, his professional deanor kicking in. "At I-Global, we're focusing on expanding into erging markets while strengthening our existing foundations. The goal is to remain innovative and inclusive."
"Impressive," Alicia said. "And what about you, Lucy? What's next on your plate?"
Lucy smiled. "I'm working towards launching my fashion line, so that's going to be my main focus. I'm also looking forward to my wedding, and spending more ti with my family and friends. And-" she paused, her expression turning more serious-"I'm starting a foundation for young won who've experienced abuse or trauma. My goal is to help them get the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives."
Alicia's expression softened since she understood Lucy's reason for it. "That's incredible, Lucy. Truly inspiring."
"Yes. That's my Jewel. She's incredible," Tom said, looking at her with undisguised love and admiration.
Lucy giggled as she elbowed his side playfully, to remind in that they were on live television. "Thank you," Lucy said to Alicia.
The interview continued for a while and as the interview wrapped up, Eric stood and extended a hand. "It's been a pleasure and a honor having you both here. You're an inspiration to
many."
"Thank you for having us," Tom said, shaking Eric's hand.
As they stepped out of the studio into the crisp afternoon air, Lucy exhaled deeply. "Well, that's over. I've been dreading this for weeks."
Tom chuckled. "You were amazing," Tom said and she laughed.
"It's hard to take your word for anything cause you believe everything I do is amazing," she said, and Tom chuckled.
"But it's the truth. Everything you do is amazing," he said, making her giggle.
"That's exactly what I an. I've got to run. The girls are waiting for . We are having lunch together to discuss our first project for the year."
Tom raised an eyebrow. "Another eting? I thought you girls t on Saturday? Today is Tuesday," he said, and she giggled.
She nodded. "Yes. It's an impromptu eting. It won't take long since it's work hours. Besides, after now I'm going to be too busy with planning the wedding, you know that."
"Supervising not planning," Tom corrected, and Lucy rolled her eyes, "I will drop you off," he said, leading her to the car.
As they drove, Lucy's phone buzzed with a news notification. She glanced at the screen and
sighed softly.
"What is it?" Tom asked, glancing her way.
"It's about Dawn. Ryan Harris has released a press statent. He says his daughter, Genevieve Harris, is fine now and recovering after her surgeries. He thanked the public for their support and prayers," she said as her eyes skimd through the page.
"Did he attach a picture?" Tom asked, and Lucy shook her head.
"Nah," she said softly.
Over the last two weeks the family had been unable to get access to Ryan, and he had gone as
far as getting a restraining order against them and taking them to court, using the press statent Tom had issued about Dawn not being his daughter as evidence that the Hank family didn't want Dawn, and were only coming for her now because of what she stood to
inherit.
They had all decided to not fight it and watch from afar to make sure Dawn was fine and wait until she was old enough to understand the situation and take her place in the Hank family.
Tom nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I'm glad she's okay."
" too," Lucy said quietly. "It's such a relief to hear."
They exchanged a look of mutual understanding before continuing their journey in
comfortable silence.
Tom dropped Lucy off at the lounge where she was supposed to et with the girl before
returning to his office.
As Lucy she stepped through the glass doors of the lounge, she adjusted the strap of her purse on her shoulder as she scanned the room for the girls.
She spotted them seated in a cozy corner, laughter and warm conversation already in the air.
But as she approached, her steps faltered.
Sitting among them was soone she hadn't expected to see- Anita.
Lucy froze for a mont, her heart pounding. The mories of their last encounters flashed
through her mind like quick snapshots. Her stomach churned, and she swallowed hard before
finally making her way over.
"What's going on here?" Lucy asked, glancing at from Jade to Lisa.
The chatter around the table died instantly. Anita stood up, her usual confidence was gone, replaced by sothing Lucy had never seen before- uncertainty.
"I... I didn't know how to approach or face you, Lucy," Anita began, "I've been wanting to apologize, but I didn't know if you'd even want to hear from . So, I asked my sisters if I
could co along. Please... I'm sorry."
Lucy stared at her, silent.
"If you want, I'll get down on my knees," Anita added quickly, her voice almost breaking. "I
know I was a bitch. I'll do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness. I'm truly sorry for everything for all the trouble I caused and for hurting you."
Before Lucy could respond, Lisa stood up beside Anita, her hands clasped in front of her.
"Lucy," Lisa said gently, "she ans it. She's changed. Please, forgive her. She's been trying to figure out how to make ands for weeks now."
Lucy glanced at Jade, and she shrugged. Lucy sighed as she faced Anita. "I've forgiven you. I did after you released the apology video," Lucy said finally, her voice softer than before. Anita's shoulders sagged with relief. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes glistening. She picked up her bag and took a step back, as if preparing to leave.
But Lucy spoke again. "Wait."
Anita paused, looking back at her.
"If you'd like to join us there is a spot for you here too," Lucy said, gesturing to her previously
occupied seat at the table.
Anita's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
Lucy nodded. "Yes. If you want to be a part of this like your sisters, you're welco."
A small, hesitant smile broke across Anita's face. "I'd love to," she said softly, "I'd really love
to."
"Then sit down," Lucy said with a faint smile of her own. "You're welco."
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