Chapter 1

December 3rd, 1965

"We'll be live in 3, 2,1"

"Good morning America and welcome to our morning show, Live with Markus. Today, I'm honored to have the wonderful Melanie Stewart herself with me."

"Oh Markus thank you for having me, I'm the one honored to be on one of the best radio shows we have, but I prefer to be called with my husband's name, though, it's been 7 years already"

"My apologies Mrs. Franco. So the opening of your play is finally tonight, how does it feel?"

"I'm very excited for it, we've been working so hard for so long; every single person on set deserves a standing ovation, not just the cast, but all the crew member from behind the scene. I literally can not wait for the people to see it"

"You're making me even more excited for it and as you just said, you've got an amazing cast and crew; besides of course you, there's your husband Daniel franco, there's Joseph Andrews and Neil Patterson; so many huge names."

"Yes Markus, Daniel, and Joseph are doing an incredible job as usual and Neil's acting is going to shock the world, in a good way I mean, because we all know him as the great musician he is, but his acting skills are definitely as good. Also, watch out for the new faces, Owen, Leah, and Clair will shine tonight."

"I'm sure everyone will, so what can you tell us about 'The Show Must Go On'?"

"I can not tell you much, you have to come see it yourself, but all I can say is that Thomas our very talented writer and director has done an extraordinary job and also the production team headed by George Matthew and the music and the costumes, basically everyone on set"

"Isn't Stephanie Hayes, your husband's ex.girlfriend may I say, responsible for the costumes?"

"Yes, she is and she's great at it. The fact that she's my husband's ex. doesn't make her any bad at her job. she's an outstanding costume designer and I have to admit it."

"I know you just said you can not tell me much about your play, but can you at least give us any sneak peeks? I know it's a mystery thriller"

"I hope Tom doesn't kill me after I say that, but I have to feed your curiosity bug, don't I? There's a crime and we're a family, so throughout the play, you see how everyone reacts in such situations, basically everyone puts themselves first, so there are also psychological and deep hidden meaning behind it too."

"This sounds brilliant, I really am very excited about tonight and my wife, Lorene, can't wait to see the play; she even wanted to come to work with me today in order to meet you in person."

"That's so sweet, maybe I'll meet her tonight."

"She's going to be so happy to hear that. So one final question, any beauty tips for girls out there who want to look as beautiful? What do you normally do before a huge night like tonight?"

"Good night sleep, natural facial, eat and drink healthy and, of course, exercise. It's not just about looking good, but feeling good."

"Amazing advice for girls out there. So, Mrs. Franco. thank you for being here today, you were wonderful."

"It's my pleasure Markus, thank you for having me"

"See you tonight and good luck."

"Thank you."

Melanie came out of the studio and paparazzi were everywhere, her second assistant Rachel was nowhere to be found even though she was supposed to be here waiting in the car for Melanie to take her back to the set.

More and more people started gathering and still Rachel not around, so Melanie knew she had to take a cab before it was too late.

"Taxi" she shouted and hopped into the first one she could take. "Drive out of here, fast please." she said as she entered and sat in the back seat laying her back down sitting more comfortably "I haven't taken a Taxi in a very long time."

"No longer than me, I haven't taken a cab in so long since I've been driving one for over 20 years. So where to miss?"

"Broadway please."

As soon as they arrived, Melanie came out running to the back door before paparazzi gathered again.

"Did I just see Melanie Stewart coming out of a cab or was I just hallucinating?"

"Name is Melanie Franco and hello to you too Joe" she left and walked to Tom's room; she stood at the door eavesdropping as she heard her husband's name.

"I'm telling you, George, if he messes this up, I'm firing him tomorrow and I don't care what would Melanie do, this is my life's work and I'm not going to ruin it because Melanie wants her talentless husband to star with her, Joe was definitely the better option for that role!" Thomas sounded angry.

"Calm down Tom, Melanie is probably on her way back here and everything is going to be great tonight, trust me. Daniel is not that bad, you're exaggerating."

"Well, he's certainly not good enough."

Melanie was furious hearing them talk that way about her husband, but for the play's safety, she decided to let go for now and pretend as if she didn't hear anything, then she went into the room.

"Morning Tom, morning George. Ready for tonight?"

"Morning Mel, where have you been? You're late." Tom said

"That new assistant you got me left me waiting in the street for 15 minutes! I had to take a cab back here. Anyways, did you hear my interview?"

"Yes, we did and you were great. Thanks for the compliments." George said

"I wasn't complimenting, everyone has been working so hard and I'm very proud of us, tonight is going to be a legendary opening, I assure you, but please take care of the Rachel problem, I can't take it any longer and she needs to understand what an assistant means; she needs to be more like Tiffany."

"I will don't worry. Just go get ready."

"Yes, boss. But really, thank you both because, without the 2 of you, we wouldn't have a show tonight. I know we've had our ups and downs, but everything will be worth it after tonight."

Melanie left the room and walked to her costar and husband's room right next to hers. As she approached the door, she found Leah coming out of the room.

"Oh hello Melanie, how are you? I was just dropping off some stuff."

"I'm fine, just came to give my husband a good luck kiss before getting ready." Melanie said then opened the door and went into the room "Darling what was she doing here? That little crush of hers is getting annoying."

"Are you jealous?" he smirked.

"Of course not, why would I be Jealous of her?"

"Calm down, I was just joking. She doesn't have a crush on me, she's just grateful for the opportunity and even if she does, I don't care because I only have eyes for 1 girl and I'm looking right into her."

Melanie smiled at him "You always know what to say to make me happy."

"I hope I can always make you happy. By the way, I heard your interview and you were great and tonight you'll be stunning I'm sure."

"Thank you." she smiled then she remembered Tom's words in her head "You'll be too, tonight we shine together. Now." she walked over to him and held his hands "where's my good luck kiss? I need to get going."

He pulled his hands away from hers and held her face in between them, she looked up at him and their eyes met "You always make me feel so short."

"Because you are." he laughed.

"I'm not, I'm 5 feet 7, you're the super tall one and muscular and handsome. Maybe I'm lucky after all."

"Well, I'm luckier even though I have to kneel to be able to kiss you."

He kissed her then she left to her room to get ready. Tiffany was there "Looking happy. Daniel?"

"Yes, he's such a romantic. I really hope her does great tonight, it's his time to shine."

"You love him so much, don't you?"

"You can't even imagine Tiffany, he saved my life. Anyways, is everything ready?"

"Yes, wigs and makeup here in order of scenes and costumes over there. Oh, and these 6 bouquets came for you."

"6! From who?"

"Do you want me to read the notes for you?"

"Yes please, but unzip my dress first, I want to change into my robe."

Tiffany unzipped her and Melanie stood behind the caravan changing while Tiffany read her the notes.

"The first one is definitely from Daniel -Lovely flowers to my lovely wife.- Aw sweet. Markus sent you those purple flowers -Thanks for coming to my show- Thomas and George wish you good luck. Your mother in law also sent flowers -My dearest Melanie, good luck and see you tonight-"

"These are 5 notes, who's the 6th from?"

"You won't like it, Neil."

"Neil as Neil Patterson? What does it say?"

"To the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, I couldn't find flowers as beautiful, but I hope you still like them."

"Ughhh, doesn't he take no for an answer, throw it away please."

"Are you sure? He drew you a heart." She giggled.

"That's stupid!"

That's the end of the first chapter, hope you enjoyed it. I still didn't get into heart of the story itself, because I just wanted you to meet the characters first and you'll meet the rest in chapter 2 which will get a lot more serious especially at the end ;) Thanks for reading