The grand bathroom in Neuschwanstein Castle is magnificent. A chamber instead of a standard length. Possibly 100 feet in size. The sound of the faucet bounces off the walls takes time to resonate. The delay is insane!

I rinse my face with cold water to liven up my saggy under eyes.

Ugh...I look like death... I need surgery!

Although everyone has the hollow point under their eyes...I want to fix it. I apply transparent face tape to smooth fine lines and lift my chubby cheeks. I have to look better for the public, they're already tearing me apart for not having work done...this is the least I can do.

In the past weeks, the mall renovations have been progressing for my shop. The country club is secure with top-tier team members. Jace announced the return of the Stryger F15, winning back the working class. But lately, he seems troubled despite the great success.

It may be related to the model shoot. It started after that. Does my baby hate revisiting his sexual identity? I know he mentioned how he left it in the past. Maybe the model brought back old pain.

Jace is the type to deny that anything is wrong. Is his past complicating things? I want to ask him, but I'm hesitant. It may be another touchy subject I have to avoid.

Lil, Jess, and Mom are gathered in a sitting nook off the stairs. It has benches built into the jumbo mahogany windows.

"There's a battle going on..." Lil pats a spot beside her.

"Huh?" I squint, going over. She turns around the screen of the scopic phone, which we all have. I see twitter trending page.

"The HartStoppers are fighting with the HartLiners. Because they're anti Macy." She explains.

"Wait...when did this happen??"

Mom shrugs. "That's what we're trying to figure out."

"I guess you can't greet your fans as hartstoppers anymore." Jess frowns.

I click the tag of my supporters not wanting to see too many personal jabs at me. I'm already feeling ugly today.

The comments read:

HartLiners rule! HartStoppers are a mess

Just be haters and stay sway these ppl need jobs I swear 😡

HartLiner all the way.

"HartStoppers love toxic shit 💩

#HartLiners why so bitter? Madison don't care about y'all 😂😂

I pledge Hartstopper now cus it's funner

Hoe as traitor! 🤬

HartLiners get off her dick that paycheck must be nice babes 💅

She's ugly so it's easy to hate 🤡

Definitely needs Botox 👀

I cut the reading short, hating that my confidence just died. "Yeah...that's crazy."

"That micromanager will want you to handle this, won't she?"

It takes me a second to realize who my mom is referring to. "Oh...you mean Velma? And yeah she'll be calling soon." I sigh.

"You can't fix this it's impossible."

"I know mom, but damage control is mandatory." I shrug. "Where is Jace?"

"Playing chess with your Dad, look in the maze." Mom points at the giant windows to give me a sense of direction.

I head to the maze full of Greek statues and hedges. In the center is where I find them. My hubby and dad sit in black chairs at a tiny table.

Dad moves his queen from d4 to h8, delivering a decisive checkmate.

Jace's king on g8 is trapped by pawns on f7, f8, and h7. He has no escape. "Well played." My Jacy baby accepts defeat without a fuss.

"Looks like he has another person to fear."

My love chuckles. "That's classified information."

Dad grins, "thank you for whistleblowing, I'll spread the leak."

"Next time I'll bring my A-game. I went easy on you."

"Sure...that's what they all say." I banter.

Dad stands up, stretching wide with a loud groan. "Maybe not in these chairs...I'm getting old."

"There're massage chairs in lobby 3." Jace informs him.

"Ahh...this place is a life saver....literally. I know it can't replace what was lost but it'll help." Dad states wisely while leaving.

"That's true...It's a nice restart." I take a seat.

"I guess so." He leans over to cradle my hands.

"You've been pretty quiet," I begin, cautiously. "Everything okay?"

Jace is a little guarded, a slight defensiveness register in his eyes. "I'm fine...just swapped with everything going on. The employee investigations, the mafia, pitching the F15 for final approval. How to get out of the presidential run. NASA. Alodia...."

Hmm...maybe I was overthinking about what the cause was. But his words don't match, usually he answers with a less dodgy demeanor. "That's a headache." I give the benefit of the doubt...I'll try asking again tomorrow so he doesn't feel targeted.

"No...I think your fan battle has it beat."

"Yeah..." I huff.

"That's civil war level...I never seen fans sabotage themselves." His scopic phone rings. "Look who it is..." He huffs. I read the screen. It's Velma.

She speaks the second the line picks-up. "This fan battle is out of hand, go live now for damage control!"

I sigh, feeling the weight of the day's problems pressing harder. "Alright, Velma. I'll handle it." She hangs up before Jace can. He hands over his phone so I can go live.

"Hey all. The conflict between HartStoppers and HartLiners isn't the way. I know tensions are high, but let's remember why social media began...to connect and share. We can have different opinions without being disrespectful. Let's focus on kindness, because karma isn't a joke. Instead of tearing each other down, let's give positivity." I smile sincerely. "Thank you to everyone who's listening, I appreciate your time, have a blessed day."

Comments scroll in.

We do need positivity. 💕 #HartStoppersForever"

We're all fans here, let's remember that. ❤️ #UnityOverHate

Let's all be better! 🌟

This is key 🙌

HartStoppers are so delusional, can't believe they think they're superior. 🙄

Madison is trying to save face. #HartLinersDon'tTrustHer

This is pathetic. HartStoppers can't handle the truth about their slut queen 🤡

Madison needs to address the real issue, not just pacify everyone. 👎

I hope you have a miscarriage 👿

Whore 🙄

Why do you even bother? Nothing's going to change 😒

I sign off and lock the screen.

"Don't get sad over it, cheer up Katey Baby."

How does he know I'm sad? "I'm having a rough day."

"Because of the fans?"

"No..."

"Then what?"

I'm caught so I might as well tell the truth. It's normal to not look your best. Now I don't feel my best. The rude remarks are getting me down. "I don't feel cute today...hence the tape." I motion to the clear, lifting squares on my face.

"You're beyond cute, Madi." He gently kisses my ring hand. "You're a hot goofball 24/7."

I giggle. "Ehh...I don't know about hot 24/7but yes to the goofball part."

"I can list everything that makes you beautiful."

Is he joking or is he serious?? A list?? "That might help...tell me."

"Your giant heart and smile. Those ocean eyes. The way you snort. The blushing. How you swish your hips. Your silly dancing. Your imagination." He smooches my lips. "Just to name a few."

JACE

Later we link in the dining hall with Velma. Madi sits stiffly, back straight, her hands folded in her lap, while Velma micromanages. "Chin up, shoulders back, parted lip smile. Hollywood is all about the illusion of perfection." Madi's doing her best, but she looks robotic, like my humbots. "Let's work on your red carpet walk."

I lean forward. "Maybe loosen up some? She doesn't need to be a mannequin."

Velma gives me a sharp look. "Yes she does. What do you think models are?"

I glance at Madi, who agrees to keep the peace. "I'll work on it." I want to tell her it's okay to push back, but for now, I keep quiet, though it kills me to watch her become something she's not.

Velma pulls out her phone, showing videos of red carpet walk. Madi tries to mimic it, her movements awkward and unnatural. "You need to master the regal walk." Madi stands to replicate the walk. Shoulders back, chin up, one foot in front of the other. "Don't swing your arms, imagine a string pulling you up from your head. Smooth and controlled."

My baby is determined to perfect the posture. She's getting there. I clap to encourage her attempt.

"When posing, don't face the cameras straight on—turn slightly at an angle. You don't want to appear boxy, especially in a dress," Velma adds, demonstrating a slight pivot with her body.

My wife mimics her well. "Okay...I think I got that one."

Next is how to take a seat. "Cross your ankles at the calves, not at the knees. It's more elegant and prevents any wardrobe malfunctions," Velma explains. "When you sit, glide down gently, don't plop into the chair. Hands should rest lightly in your lap, fingers naturally curved, like this." She demonstrates the perfect celebrity posture: relaxed but poised. "When in dresses and skirts place a hand back to prevent it from riding up."

Madi follows, trying her best to look comfortable. The term stick up your ass isn't a lie. She places her hands neatly on her lap, fingers slightly curled, her back straight as a rod.

"Perfect," Velma smiles. "You look like a doll. Which is the mission."

"That doesn't look comfortable." I chime in.

Velma waves me off. "Comfort doesn't matter. Flawlessness does. Let me do my job."

Madi looks between us, then shrugs and nods. "It's fine, Jace." she says, reluctantly siding with Velma to avoid conflict. Velma hands Madi the script for the Tonight Show. My honey is swapped by the training and the script, which she has 3 days to memorize. Madi is swamped by both the training and lines.

For dessert my bunny bakes a massive pumpkin cake. There a digital countdown candle set to five days in its center. Halloween is her favorite holiday. We, including her family, blow out the candle.

We retire to a Halloween-themed tower. It's decked out with eerie purple, green, and orange lighting. Cobwebs, and dangling spiders. Smoke machines. A chandelier flickers ghostly shadows. Velvet-covered tables display intricately carved pumpkins. Bubbling cauldrons and animatronic skeletons.

Before bed, I sit in on Madi's dance lesson in the castle's medieval ballroom. Melissa Auclair is all elegance in black attire. Today, we focus on the basics of ballroom.

I taught Madi well on this so training is unnecessary. They waltz nonchalantly. Melissa is the lead, this is getting spicy.

As they practice, Melissa pokes fun at French words. "'Preservatif' means 'condom,' but I heard Americans think it's about preservatives!"

Madi bursts out laughing. "Wait, seriously? Okay I'll ask for preservatives in France."

"Baiser'—careful with that one. You might think it means a kiss, but in French, it's more like... how do you say... sleeping with someone!"

Madi cocks a brow. "I'll use that for my husband." She mischievously peers my way.

"Je suis en train de baiser avec ma femme." I use the phrase: I am having sex with my wife.

"Je suis en train de baiser avec ma femme." Madi repeats it.

"Oh...when did you two get married?" I tease.

"Oh crap....." My baby facepalms.

"You'll get better with the gender phrases. Melissa sniggers, moving on to the next funny translation. "Pain" means "bread. I'll take pain with jelly on the side."

Okay she's a hoot, Madi was right. I understand what Velma sees in her, sense of humor is a game changer. But what does she see in Velma??

I summon Doctor Lori to the hospital wing, a space filled with antique equipment. "I've been concerned," I start, trying to keep my voice steady. "Madi and I are trying for a baby with no luck. I honestly think it's from my end."

"A vasectomy can indeed affect fertility," she confirms. "Some men regain naturally, but others may face complications. It's likely that there's a blockage causing conception issues."

"What are my options?"

"One option is a second reversal. This procedure aims to reconnect the vas deferens, allowing sperm to mix with semen."

My brow furrows at the thought. "And if the second one doesn't work?"

She reassures me, "If it fails, you could consider a third. Success rates can vary, but it's often worth trying if you're family oriented."

I process the information. I think it's worth the shot. The quicker I decide the faster Madi and I can start our family. However, I'll keep this a secret, I'm already embarrassed over ruining our chances. The dream of our baby still haunts her, I hate that I prolonged the miracle. "I'll try the third reversal."

Doctor Lori offers a reassuring smile. "I'm available whenever you're free, sir."

MADI

The makeup artist powder my face adding purple blush for Halloween. I'm Elvira as Jace wanted. I revisit the tinder foreplay, loving how we kept our word. Jace is a sexy Dracula, very minimalist yet recognizable with the cape, fanned out collar, slicked back hair and sharp teeth. The pale makeup is done slightly.

We're ready for the Tonight Show's Halloween special.

The stage is a replica of a haunted house. Spiked cemetery gates. Fog, Frankenstein statues. The audience is hyped, their costumes ranging from funny to downright eerie. Jimmy Fallon announces us with his trademark energy.

"Let's welcome Mr. and Mrs. Harrison! Ready to get into the Halloween spirit early?" Jimmy asks the crowd.

Jace and I take the stage. The love is undeniable, the applause matches the EXPO. The same energy is here. I sit as Velma coached me, wanting to make her proud.

Jimmy claps. "You two are 'gourd'-geous!"

"Why thank you, your replica of the host is accurate." I toy, aware he's going as himself.

"I know...it took hours." He fixes his hair.

Jace smirks. "That's a difficult look, congrats."

"The best costume of the year."

"Hands down, Halloween king!" I play along. "You'll blow up online."

Jimmy chuckles. "Speaking of online, I heard about the fan battle. HartStoppers and HartLiners. What is going on?"

"Your guess is better than mine, I'm just playing referee." I quote the script. "I hope everything mends itself."

"Yes, let's keep hoping for that impossible miracle." He crosses his fingers to dig the backhanded comment in deeper. That was an insult to my dumb hope.

"We try not to get caught up in the drama and focus on enjoying the journey. Madi has HartShop to focus on." Jace secretly defends me, going off script to do so.

Jimmy grins. "Yes, I heard, brava miss beauty!"

"Thank you."

"Do you consider yourself a tech queen yet?"

"No...not really."

"She's being modest, my wife is smarter than she lets on. First the phone...now the Stryger F15."

"I thought that was all you??" Jimmy stunned.

"No...I put the car to rest, Madi revived it."

"So...she is an up and coming tech queen?"

"Definitely."

I find it silly to agree. Jace is a literal god in the field, I just give suggestions.

Next up is a game where we bob for caramel apples. They're so gooey and slimy. As Jace and I dive in, trying to catch apples with our mouths, the scene becomes a splashy, hilarious mess. I'm drenched, laughing so hard I almost forget to keep my posture in check, but I remember Velma's training. I straighten up, flicking my hair back as I try to look effortlessly stunning, even with water dripping down my face.

"Who knew bobbing for apples could be so glamorous?" I quip, playing up the dramatics.

"Sugar is the best facial ever!" Jim derides.

I manage to recover five apples from the water, glad my makeup is waterproof, so I don't look a wreck. Jace is such a show off. he recovered all 20. "I demand disqualification, he's done this before." I dramatically point at my hubby.

The next segment is Q&A. The audience throws questions our way:

"What's your favorite Halloween tradition?"

"Oh, definitely a pumpkin cake for the last 5 days. It's a sort of countdown. My fam has done this forever."

"Yes, the cake is delicious."

"Oh boy...." The host covers his mouth. "There's an innuendo there somewhere." The crowd cat calls.

"Oh wow, clean your mind." I titter.

"Your husband started it." Jim puts on a child-like voice. The crowd cracks up. "What about you Jace?"

"My favorite tradition is Halloween balls, to me, they signify the holiday."

The last activity, is scary trivia. We're pitted against each other. Team Queen and King. I accuse Jace of cheating when he gets a question right about horror movies. "I'm starting to think you've been moonlighting as a serial killer."

My love darts his green eyes to the side, gaining hysterical giggles from the crowd. "I assure you all my riches are from a clean source." He coughs sarcastically.