Dreams of Stardom (Hollywood SI)

"Don't be nervous," Tobias said gently as Diana held his arm tightly. "This is something most people go through sooner or later. Believe me, everything will be alright. Honestly, I thought you'd get married way after me, but hey, life has its surprises, right?"

Diana took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She loved Tobias to death, but he was terrible at pep talks.

"You wouldn't say that if you were getting married at 21 because you were pregnant," she retorted as calmly as she could. "Don't get me wrong, I love Mark, I really do. And I want this baby, but…" She hesitated, trailing off.

Tobias held her chin and tilted her head up gently, his eyes steady and reassuring. "You don't have to get married right now. Or ever. I'll support you in any way I can, even after you finish school. I'm making good money now."

"It's not about the money," Diana said softly. "You're on a different continent most of the time." She shook her head. "Forget it. Just… forget it. It's probably nothing. People get cold feet all the time before their wedding, right? It's probably just that."

Tobias hugged her tightly, and Diana leaned into the embrace, realizing just how much she needed it.

"Alright," Tobias said, pulling back. "Shall we do this then?"

Diana closed her eyes, took a final deep breath, and nodded. "Yes. Let's."

She clung to Tobias' arm as he guided her on what would be her last walk as an unmarried woman. She felt the weight of every gaze on her, and for a second, she thought about turning and running. Only Tobias' firm hold kept her steady. Then she saw him—Mark, standing right in the middle, his face lit with an unmistakable grin.

She had to give credit to Mark. He hadn't been angry when he found out she was pregnant. For him, abortion hadn't even been a question; he'd proposed right then. She hadn't said yes immediately—after all, they were both still in university. But Tobias' reassurance that he'd sponsor her studies after the baby had helped her finally agree to marry Mark.

That was why Tobias, not their absent father, was the one walking her down the aisle. Their father hadn't contributed a thing to the wedding anyway and was nothing but a guest like most other relatives of hers.

When they reached the front, Tobias handed Diana over to Mark, then stepped back to stand beside Aimie, his British girlfriend he'd met in London while working for Troy Armitage. Diana was thrilled for her brother; Aimie was perfect for him.

From then on, everything felt like a blur to Diana. From their vows to the moment Mark kissed her as her husband, it all seemed like a dream.

The wedding party that followed in the adjoining reception hall was beautiful, another thoughtful touch arranged by her dearest brother.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention for just a moment," Tobias announced, drawing everyone's eyes. "I promise I'll keep this quick, so we can all get back to celebrating this incredible couple!" Diana, Mark, and everyone else quieted down, waiting for him to continue.

"First, I want to say how lucky I am to be here today, seeing my little sister marry such a remarkable person," Tobias tilted his head toward Mark, who grinned back. "Just a heads-up, Mark—she likes using her nails when she loses an argument. I still have childhood scratch marks to prove it. So whatever she says, agree immediately."

Everyone laughed, and Diana could only suppress her embarrassment with a chuckle. The cameras were capturing everything, after all, and she didn't want to look less than perfect in the video. She still thought five cameramen were overkill, but Tobias had insisted on it.

"Jokes aside," Tobias continued, "I couldn't have asked for a better sister. Diana is the best person I know, and I'm sure she and Mark will make one amazing couple. So, I've decided to give them a small gift to kick off their journey together—a fully paid week-long stay in the Swiss Alps."

Diana gasped. She had always dreamed of going there, and Tobias knew it! She turned to Mark, who didn't look surprised at all.

"You knew?" she asked.

"Of course," he replied with a grin. "I had other plans for our honeymoon, but Tobias called me and told me to keep it a secret from you."

Diana turned back to her brother to thank him, but he wasn't done yet.

"Someone suggested I should sing a song for my sister today to show my appreciation," Tobias said, "but believe me, I don't want to torture you all with my terrible voice. So, I did one better. Now, if the happy couple would come over here, I'd like to give them their second gift."

Diana looked at Mark, equally puzzled by the mention of a second gift. But with everyone watching, they had no choice but to follow Tobias' instructions. Together, they walked to the center of the reception hall where Tobias was waiting.

"You'll love this gift," Tobias whispered to them.

"You didn't have to get me anything else," she insisted. "I already love the Alps trip. Even that was too much, considering everything you've done for the wedding."

"Don't worry about it," Tobias reassured her. "Just focus on what's in front of you."

Tobias stepped back, and only then did Diana notice something unusual. A part of the stage was covered by an intricately embroidered white sheet. It was beautiful, but she couldn't understand why it was there. Was her gift hidden behind it? She glanced around and saw that their friends and family were just as curious about what could possibly top a trip to Switzerland.

They didn't have to wait long. The sheet dropped, revealing a band of five musicians on stage. Four of them stood at the back with their instruments, while a teenager with a microphone took center stage.

Without missing a beat, they launched into an upbeat song.

Diana gasped. "What the fuck!" She turned to her brother in shock, but he only shrugged, stepping back with a sly smile. She looked at Mark, who seemed just as stunned by the surprise performance.

(Sugar - Maroon 5)

~: I'm hurtin', baby, I'm broken down

I need your lovin', lovin', I need it now

When I'm without you, I'm somethin' weak

You got me beggin', beggin', I'm on my knees :~

Troy Armitage—Tobias' boss and a world-renowned star—was right there, singing his heart out for Diana and Mark. Diana knew he had a Broadway background, but hearing him live like this was on another level. His voice was so powerful and steady, as if he were a seasoned pop singer used to performing at massive concerts.

Almost everyone in the crowd rose to their feet as the realization set in: one of the biggest superstars in the world was in their midst, serenading the newlyweds. Tobias had been right; this was hands-down the most unforgettable gift he could have given her. Now the cameras made perfect sense.

Overwhelmed with joy, Diana pulled her new husband into a fierce kiss, which he returned with equal passion.

~: I don't wanna be needin' your love

I just wanna be deep in your love

And it's killin' me when you're away

Ooh, baby

'Cause I really don't care where you are

I just wanna be there where you are

And I gotta get one little taste

Your sugar, yes, please

Won't you come and put it down on me?

I'm right here, 'cause I need

Little love, a little sympathy

Yeah, you show me good lovin', make it alright

Need a little sweetness in my life

Your sugar, yes, please

Won't you come and put it down on me? :~

"Will you do me the honor, milady?" Mark asked, extending his hand. Diana took it eagerly, and soon they were dancing to the song, letting Troy's voice guide their steps.

They weren't alone for long; soon, everyone was dancing around them, transforming what had been a peaceful reception into a lively, joyous celebration.

When the song ended, no one wanted it to stop.

"Encore!" one of Diana's friends shouted, and the crowd quickly took up the chant.

Poor Troy ended up singing the song three more times by popular demand, and by the second round, everyone was belting out the chorus together:

"Your sugar, yes, please

 Won't you come and put it down on me?"

But all good things have their limits, and eventually, Troy's impromptu concert had to end.

"Thank you, everyone," he said, catching his breath. "I wish I could stay longer with this amazing couple, but I'm on a publicity tour for [The Perks of Being a Wallflower]. I'll sing one last song for Mark and Diana. By the way, both of these songs will be part of my first album, coming out later this year."

The musicians began playing a soft melody as Troy launched into a beautiful ballad. Mark took Diana's hand again, guiding her to the center of the floor. The guests got the hint and cleared some space, leaving the couple to dance alone intimately, swaying in time to Troy's heartfelt performance.

(All of Me - John Legend)

~: 'Cause all of me loves all of you

Love your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you

You're my end and my beginning

Even when I lose, I'm winning

'Cause I give you all of me

And you give me all of you, oh-oh :~

Mark looked at Diana with pure love and devotion in his eyes. She felt as though the song had been written just for her by Mark himself. The soulful lyrics and melody resonated deeply, and in that moment, she knew she had made the right choice. Her eyes filled with tears of joy as her worries and uncertainties melted away, leaving only the present and the love she felt. She embraced her husband tightly as the song ended, knowing she couldn't have found a more devoted partner than Mark.

And it was all thanks to Tobias, who had made this amazing wedding a reality.

(Break)

[The Perks of Being a Wallflower] had a stellar opening weekend. With Troy and Emma paired as romantic leads, it was bound to draw attention—and the box office numbers reflected it, despite a somewhat limited promotional push. Strong reviews, combined with Troy's loyal fanbase, more than compensated for Warner Bros.' lackluster promotion.

The film's box office take increased slightly from $9.5 million on Friday to $9.7 million on Saturday, then dipped slightly to $9.2 million on Sunday, bringing the total weekend earnings to an impressive $28.4 million—an exceptional figure for a modestly budgeted film like [Perks].

In response, Warner Bros. expanded the screen count to 3,500 across the U.S. the following week, while also opening the film in international markets. A major marketing plan was launched, featuring not just Troy and Emma but also co-stars like Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele, Mila Kunis, Michael B. Jordan, and others on a global tour organized by Warner's promotional team.

The U.K. was the film's biggest international market, where Troy's legacy as a beloved child star ensured a remarkable $5 million opening. Other successful territories included Japan, Australia, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Russia, and Germany—all of which benefited from Troy's worldwide appeal. 

It was remarkable to see how a coming-of-age story about an American teenager's school life struck a universal chord, resonating with audiences across the globe.

(Break)

"Ladies and gentlemen," David Letterman announced to the audience, "Today, I have the pleasure of hosting two of the youngest superstars in the world, starring in the blockbuster film that's lighting up theaters globally this week. Please welcome Troy Armitage and Emma Watson!"

I let Emma walk out first, following close behind with a huge grin as I waved at the crowd. Soon, I was shaking hands with David Letterman after Emma finished her greeting.

"It's great to have you both back here, Emma, Troy," Letterman said, gesturing for me to sit beside Emma.

"It's great to be here," Emma replied. "New York is such a fantastic place."

"Agreed," I chimed in. "Though I'd choose Pittsburgh over New York any day."

"Oh?" David said, sounding intrigued. "Why's that?"

"That's where we filmed [The Perks of Being a Wallflower]," I answered, seizing the chance to promote the movie. "It was such a peaceful experience compared to shooting in London or L.A."

"Are you sure about that?" David asked, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Because I heard a rumor that a certain photo of you two made it pretty tough to wrap up the film with all the paparazzi."

I felt my patience grow thin. Why couldn't these asshole hosts stick to the pre-approved questions? Unlike small-time reporters, I couldn't exactly blacklist someone as big as Letterman from future interviews.

"Briefly, yes," Emma responded when I didn't jump in immediately. "It can be hard to focus on lines when you're filming outdoors, and suddenly a crowd of people with cameras shows up."

David hummed thoughtfully before asking, "How different was it filming something so grounded, compared to a fantasy movie like [Harry Potter]?"

Finally, a question we'd actually prepared for.

"It was amazing," I replied. "Getting to work alongside Emma, who's such a good friend, made it even better."

"You both play American characters in the film," Letterman noted, veering off-script again. "Don't you think it's unfair that you took jobs away from Americans?" His tone was playful, but I could tell he was trying to stir the pot.

He probably thought Emma and I were just inexperienced teenagers riding on [Harry Potter] fame. Time to show him how wrong he is. I used to respect him, but today's interview was quickly souring that feeling.

"I don't see it that way," I replied without missing a beat.

"Oh?" Letterman prompted. "How so?"

"Because if it weren't for me, this movie wouldn't even exist," I said, my voice steady. "I fully financed the film with my own funds. No studio was willing to back a film with a new director. I trusted Stephen Chbosky because I saw his vision. At the time, I didn't even have a distribution deal, which many producers would call stupid when you're investing that much money into a project. And aside from me and Emma, most of our cast and crew are American. So from where I'm standing, I created jobs for Americans, not took them away."

David Letterman's mouth hung open in shock, blinking twice as if processing what I'd just said. It was clear he had forgotten—or didn't know—that I was also the producer of the movie. Had he known, I highly doubted he would have brought up that question. The crowd seemed to understand immediately my play because they started clapping loudly.

"Also," Emma chimed in when the applause died down somewhat. "I wasn't the first choice for Sam. There was an American actress originally cast, but she had to back out for personal reasons at the last minute. The production was on a tight schedule, and Troy didn't have the time to hold auditions again. So, he asked me to fill in as a favor. And I couldn't be more grateful. I'll always be thankful to him for letting me be a part of this incredible film."

She turned back to me and gave me a sweet smile. I couldn't help but smile back at her. She always knew exactly what to say when I needed backup. It was one of the reasons I loved her so much. Unfortunately…

"[The Perks of Being a Wallflower] is currently playing in theaters near you," David said, trying to wrap up the interview. "It's an amazing movie, so be sure to check it out."

Once we received the signal that the interview was officially over, Emma and I stood up together and began to remove our microphones. Emma finished first and walked away. I was about to follow her example, but Letterman stopped me.

"I'm so sorry," He said earnestly. "I didn't have the time to prepare for today's interview. I just read the questions that the producers gave me. I didn't even know that you produced the film."

I shook my head, "I really don't care all that much. But you should probably apologize to Emma as well."

"I will," He said resolutely. "I just hope you don't hold it against me in the future."

"As long as you don't ask insensitive questions in the future about the love life of minors. Sure," I said with an easy-going grin on my face, but even a daft moron could tell that I was far from happy. Without letting him say anything else, I turned around and walked towards my changing room.

The things I tolerate to promote my movies are too much sometimes.

One thing I learned from this debacle is that I really missed Emma and her sharp wit a lot ever since we parted ways. Our chances to get back together as a couple may be slim to none right now, but I really wanted her back as a friend. I guess it can wait until after the shooting of my next film which will begin in less than a week.

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