I've never been in charge of designing anything before. The fact that I'm looking over layouts to approve it is so surreal! There's a panel of architects who await my choice. I'm a bit scared. I might screw up and choose one that's too similar and get Jace into legal trouble. 

There are 30 different options for the home screen, app page, and navigation bar. "The toolbar should be across the top of the screen. The app pages shouldn't be pages but category boxes. The Home Screen should display weather, news, time, and percentage. Maybe these should be shown as huge icons, not tiny symbols. "I choose the 15th option and hand it over. 

"As for the passcode to unlocking the phone?" a geeky guy asks.

"I think it should only be face recognition, no codes. That'll set it apart from our rivals."

"And the registered App Store for the SPhone?"

"That'll be released at a later date," Jace replies for me.

"Hmm...I see, but we will need an idea of it. A name would help."

"S-Market." Jace brainstorms.

"Perfect." The guy scribbles down the name on a table. He then scans the design I chose and mirrors it on the screen. 

A chubby dark-haired woman mirrors her tablet as well. "Now for the color scheme. Since space is the major theme for the phone. I suggest black and white all around. The apps could show a metallic gray to differentiate the tone. The color pallets should fuse evenly for a dynamic contrast. 

A sort of blurry line of demarcation." She demonstrates this on the screen. The black and white colors are stark as they blend, dissolving into one another. The mock apps are adjusted to gray. All my instructions are visible on the page. 

After Jace and I sign off on the architects' agreement, we head to the lab to view the prototype. The phone is sleek and thin. Robotic claws extend the device to its full length, 10 inches, then fold it back to a 5 by 8 phone. Five cameras line the middle backside of the phone. 

An engineer lists all the capabilities. "64-core processor. 5.2GHz. Turbo Boost 256GB memory. 7GB/s. SSD 40TB storage space. 260TFLOPs. All while producing minimum system noise." The woman clicks on the camera tab. "Classified resolution beyond any camera known to the public. My guess is 16k resolution. 132.7 megapixels, 16 times as many pixels as 4K resolution and 64 times as many pixels as 1080p resolution." 

"NASA is a show-off."

"That they are." She nods. "This will be the main reason the launch will have to go through a 3-month trial. These features alone are massive since nothing similar has ever been created. Beta testers will be needed to rate performability."

"Of course, there can be no malfunctions." My fiancé plucks the phone from its stand. "How many test prototypes are ready?"

"300."

JACE

Today was interesting. I've never had a co-partner calling the shots with me. Madison deserves to lead this one. The majority of the idea is hers. That's another thing to celebrate. I schedule the yacht party for tonight. Her family and myself. I wish my fam could join. I've been putting off the talk between Madi and my mother. I can't put it off any longer.  

The caterers and waiters board ahead of us to set up banquet tables. Three main courses and dessert. The boat is regal. Inspired by the Titanic. 1912 Royal finery. Madi pops champagne. She fills glasses and passes them around. "What are we celebrating?" Lucy is puzzled. "It seems important?"  

"It is." My bunny gives a wide, elated smile.

"SHE'S KNOCKED UP!" Lily shouts obnoxiously.

"Huh?" Lucy scopes out her daughter's stomach. "You're pregnant???"

"No mom! Lil is just being silly."

"So, what's the big surprise, then?" Paul stares between us.

"I'm a millionaire!" She yells excitedly.

Jess's mouth forms a perfect circle. Holy shit! What???"

"50% of it is mine." Lily cracks.

"Hmm...we can discuss that percentage." My baby smirks. "After all, we're business partners." Lil's stupefied expression is priceless. "President and vice president of San Jose and InkHart."

"Hold on, babe." Lil holds up a finger. "Are you being serious?"

"I am."

Paul scratches his head. "How are you a millionaire?"

"Well, thanks to my fiancé. Jace battled Uber and Dignity Hospital for my pain and suffering. Both parties settled out of court and left me $14.7 million."

"Congratulations!" Lucy and Paul clap and go in for hugs.

"Good thing I know all your passwords. I'll take $7 million and skip town. Jess, let's get hitched." Lil winks at her lover. This wins a round of laughter from everyone.

"It's a good deal...sorry, Maddy." Jess shrugs.

"How dare you love her more than me!" She animatedly points a finger at Jess.

"The offer is too tempting. But I'll toast to you, so you don't hate me." Jess raises her glass. We all follow her lead. "To M&J, may you continue to prosper and grow."

Our glasses cling.

"Speaking of getting hitched." Lucy begins. "We're supposed to fly out to the island and pick a spot."

"Way ahead of you, we all fly out in the morning." I respond.

"Yay, a vaycay!" Lucy cheers. "I've never been out of the country, this'll be interesting."

"Very interesting. Let's drink to that!" My baby chugs her drink.

She gulps down the whole glass. "Wow."

"That's a skill she got from her dad." Paul brags and gobbles down his drink too.

Velma calls in the morning, waking me and Madi from a cuddling sleep. The time reads 8 am. "Turn it off," Madi grumbles.

I answer. "What is it?"

"You two are scheduled for a meet and greet at Joy's Homeless Shelter." There's a sting to her voice. "10 am, don't be late. No excuses." Vel ends the call. I'm guessing she's fed up with how I've been ignoring her. It's best I do as she says. The sooner I do, the faster she'll leave me alone. The human parasite wins this round.  

I let Madison sleep in. I inform her crew that we'll be flying to Alodia at noon. Velma and her fashion minions arrive to dress us.

Madi is irritated by Vel. Not just for delaying the day, but for interfering so rudely. "A day's notice would have been nice. But I guess you don't care as long as you get your way."

"Now you're finally using that head of yours. Keep thinking I'm selfish. If I was, I wouldn't be saving both your asses." She hands us dressing bags. "You're welcome." Vel taps off in her heels.

"I hate her."

"I know." I rub her shoulders. "Let's just get it over with."

The outside of the homeless shelter is lined with fans and reporters. It seemed Velma had this set up for a while. This isn't an unplanned event. Alonso and two guards surround us on the way out. I have no problem having fewer hitmen. Alonso makes up a squad on his own.The crowd is a mixture of support and hate. Many boast posters of mine and Madi's ship-name while others are ANTI-HART!! 

PEDO HART!!

HOMEWRECKER!!

DEADBEAT DAD!!!

Their voices clash, I can't make out the words, but most of them sound mean. Aggressive. Objects are thrown at us. Rocks and sticks. Enough to create a shower of attacks. This is a scare tactic. They're trying to frighten us."It's alright." I calm Madi, who's on edge. Her jumpy eyes frightfully scan the mob. She hyperventilates. 

The downpour thickens, now sounding like raining hail. She shrieks and grabs my hand for dear life.The slaughter of debris continues. A hostile chant begins. "CUT OUT THE HEART! CUT OUT THE HEART! CUT OUT THE HEART! CUT OUT THE HEART!" The chant is sadistic. Demonic. Howling voices demand the words. They aren't just reciting.Large boulders are thrown. I'm glad for the bodyguards who absorb the hits for us. Alonso knocks boulders away like swatting flies. He shoves the mob back.  

I can't see the crowd, but from the grunts and scuffling, fights are breaking out. The good fans against the bad ones.Screams follow.Alonso picks up the pace; hustling to get us inside. Velma is the first to get to safety...and the first one I target."Why the hell isn't the crowd under control!"

" Jace...you know how this works. Chaos is fame rising." Her entitlement irks me.

"It's fine, Jace." Madi relaxes. "I'm okay."

"You're complaining about nothing." Vel turns away. "Now come, let's get to the kitchen."

I hold Madi's face, examining it for scratches. "Did you get hit?" 

"No, don't worry." She grins to soften me. I know what she's doing. She's downplaying her fear. I can tell by the clawing grip of her hand on mine. "We got through it."I wished she'd say she's afraid. As I said before, I'll walk away if she gets harmed...I'll have no choice. I'll leave so she can live. I'd have to love her enough to let her go.This is just the taste of the threats to come.  

The kitchen is huge and industrial. It's obvious this shelter has been up for decades. A walk back in time. I can easily picture it in black and white. There are cooks awaiting us. Some hold aluminum pans of breakfast food. Pancakes, sausages, eggs, bacon, French toast. Others hold giant pitchers of orange juice and milk.  

"Hello again." Velma greets. "Let's do a photo op." She directs this to the same photographer from before, Hailey. "You two, stand in the middle." Madi and I do so. "Big smiles everyone."

We have on earth tone outfits today, muted green and reserved. Velma wants us to blend in, so she dressed us as regular citizens. The homey vibe is smart. No one visits a homeless shelter dressed up all glamorous. Those who do are attention seekers. Only out for clout.

Hailey captures 5 photos from different angles."Alright, Let's serve these unfortunate souls." My PR Rep enters a cafeteria. It's dull, a dingy blue. 

The tables are faded white metal with benches attached. There's a buffet counter sort of like a kitchen island. 

Velma stages us in the middle of it. "Bring the food and set it up." The cooks ready the counter with the trays and serving spoons. Then they hand us aprons to put on. Us and the cooks stand behind the long counter. Velma brings stacks of foam plates. "Get the crowd outside the windows in the shot." 

There are a few more minutes of photos before the doors are opened. Alonso and his pack fend off the rowdy crowd and only allow those in need inside. Mostly old men file in, there are women and children but not as many.My men get the door closed, yet it takes some force. 

I guess the rowdy ones in the crowd are pushing against it. The loud mob is heard from beyond the door.Alonso looks at me. He doesn't have to say anything. I can read his eyes well. Today won't be safe. 

"Recording now." The photographer films us.Vela holds a large iPad that acts as a teleprompter. We read from it. 

"Good morning, California!" Madi speaks buoyantly. "Today my fiancé and I are volunteering at the Joy Homeless Shelter. Jace influenced me to help the unfortunate. I guess he's rubbing off on me." The screen tells her to pinch my cheek, so she does.

My script says to be charming and sensitive. I guess sensitive means to speak softer. "I hope so." I flash a smile. "There's no better feeling than helping others heal." 

"It must feel godlike." 

"Pretty much." I ignore the script. It feels odd glancing at the camera every five seconds. It isn't authentic. Real conversation involves eye contact. "I hope you're ready to feel epic because we'll be aiding our community every week." I focus on the camera. "Our fans will recommend which organizations to support for the rest of the year."  

The protesters outside whack on the door. Madi tries hiding this jump scare, but can't. "Let's start with today by feeding the hungry." She grins tensely.  

Vel hand motions to my guards. The homeless bunch is in a separate room, away from the chaos. My men gather them, as Madi and I begin packing plates with breakfast. The starving citizens line up to receive their food in an assembly line.Hailey steps to the side of us for a better filming angle. Each of them give thanks. The mother and children give gigantic smiles. The elderly take hold of our hands to show gratitude.  

Madi beams like a true angel. The act of giving to others feeds her soul. Powers her heart. I can tell it's swelling. I love how she wears it in her eyes. Every scoop of eggs she dumps onto their plates is done with care and passion.Her nurturing is undeniable. She wears it like a halo. I adore how she hugs the children. How she bends to fill their plates. The look of pure delight she shares with them.I've unlocked a new side of her.  

It takes about thirty minutes to serve everyone, even with the help of the cooks. There are hundreds here. Every table is jammed packed by the end.Velma and Haylie go around filming the happy guests. The cooks begin cleaning the counter full of empty food trays. Madi and I have some alone time now."You know...I'm kinda glad Velma roped us into this. The charity work was a good idea. Maybe I don't hate her."  

I squint. "Not even a little?"

She ponders, scrunching her nose and tugging her mouth to the side. "Maybe a little."

"Good, we can't be successful without an archenemy." I chortle.

"True, all superheroes have one." She kisses me.

"Speaking of that, you embodied Mother Teresa."

"Who?"

"She was a hero for her warm heart towards the poor. From schools, orphanages, clinics, and homes for the elderly and the dying. A true saint."

"I never heard of her...but she sounds amazing." My baby bashfully stares at her feet. "I doubt I'm on the same level."

"To me you are." I watch her cheeks blaze. "Don't be shy." I pull her in to kiss her forehead.

Velma paces to us. "Alright, the feature is done. You two can go." She spins on her heels.

"Wait, Velma," Madi says softly.

"What is it?" Vel faces her, a bit annoyed. "If it's another complaint-"

"It's not...I just want to thank you for arranging this."

I've never seen my PR baffled...or lost for words. She's usually quick with a response. Now she's unable to give one. Velma is touched by the compliment. She gives a quick grin before walking away."That's the nicest I've ever seen her." I gawk. 

"It must be a tough job, maybe that's why she's so rough."

Alonso called on ten more of his squad to guide us through the crowd. The hectic energy of the mob hasn't died down. The bad and good sides bicker, fight, and yell. I place my bunny behind me for extra protection. The extra suits clear the area with force. Alonso is in the lead like a hound dog. The sidewalk is visible, so is the car. We all hustle to it. 

"Wait!" An old woman flags us down. "I missed breakfast! Am I too late???" She's dressed in baggy, brown pants and a dirty shirt. Hair all wild and eyes like a doe.

"Oh no," Madi exclaims. "I'm sorry, ma'am, all the food is gone." 

The elderly lady holds her stomach. "Please, I haven't eaten in days." She pleads, her voice cracks with desperation. 

"Jace...there has to be something we can do." This is a dilemma. All the food pans are empty. Maybe there's something in the kitchen for her. "Bring her inside. We're going back in." My orders are followed. Alonso steers the woman towards the door. Once inside, I tell Velma the issue. 

MADISON

I feel horrible! The physical pain the woman is in is obvious. Hunger. Abandonment. Desperation. I hold her hands and comfort her. "I'm so sorry, I thought everyone was accounted for. This won't happen next time." 

"Next time?" Her frail voice queries.

"Yes, I plan on visiting as much as possible. No one should starve."

"You have a golden heart." Her wrinkled smile is so adorable.

"I hope so."

The woman hugs me. Her bony body is alarming. She shouldn't be so skinny at this age. So malnourished and weak. How could the world do this to her? "Oh!" The woman almost falls over. "I need to sit...please."

I help her to a chair.

Jace returns. "The cooks are looking for a meal."

"She needs something now. I can take her to the kitchen for a snack while she waits."

"Sure, let's go." He and Alonso help her up and support her body.

I tread after them to the kitchen. I search the cabinets for something quick. I find peanut butter. Where's the bread? "Please, a glass of water?" She asks Jace. He goes to the sink. "Oh, my feet! Young man, please get me some aspirin?" 

I don't hear Alonso move. I glance back, wondering why. He inspects her shoes. "Did you step on something?" His voice is skeptical. 

"I believe so."

"Can I see?" Again, he's investigating rather than helping. The tone of his voice points away from concern.. That's weird. Why?

"Aspirin, please!" She begs.

Just before I can look away, he removes her shoes. Out of nowhere, the woman pulls a knife from her pocket and uses the handle to whack Alonso across the temple. He topples sideways. I gasp. The woman races towards me way too fast for her age. The knife high above her head like a crazed murderer. Hate and rage in her eyes. "CUT OUT THE HEART!!!!" My life flashes before my eyes.