LARRY BRIDGE
The person who flourished under duress and found opportunities where others saw turmoil has always been Michael Andrew. The King of New York's entertainment empire, however, was nothing more than a naive fool when it came to Zari Valentine. I knew something had changed when he contacted me this morning and sounded more lively than I had heard him in years. His voice was a mix of relief and incredulity as he declared, "She said yes." I stared at the phone in my palm and blinked. "Hold on. "Yes?" she said. To the agreement? To all of it," he explained. "We're married." I almost spilt my coffee. What do you mean by you're married? What time did this occur?" Last evening." As though it were the most casual thing in the world, he said, "Night." I already had the marriage contract drawn out, so we both signed it privately. Just the two of us." "Private? This is tremendous, Michael! And you didn't consider giving me a call? Your closest pal? The one who is meant to prevent you from acting in such a manner? He laughed. "Larry, I didn't need anyone to stop me. It's the correct thing to do. Please assist her in getting ready. "What are you getting ready for?" "For her next chapter," was all he said. That's how I ended up standing amid boxes and suitcases in the centre of Zari Valentine's new house, a large penthouse in one of Michael's upscale homes. Michael had demanded that she vacate her short-term shitty motel right away. I could see why. A far cry from the life she had known, the place she had been staying in served as a continual reminder of everything she had lost. Michael wanted her to start over, and he made sure she had everything she needed if he was going to cut any corners. Zari entered the room, her presence commanding even in casual clothes. She was still adjusting to this new reality, her look a mix of appreciation and cynicism. She crossed her arms and looked around at the confusion, saying, "Larry." "Thank you for what you're doing, but this is a bit much." I arched an eyebrow. "You are referring to Michael Andrew. The man is hardly subtle. He will give it his all if he wants to assist you. With a sigh, she took a seat on the couch. "This is not something I'm used to anymore. The luxury, the attention. Sitting opposite her, I grew softer. "I can understand that. But Zari, you deserve this. Furthermore, Michael is not acting sympathetically. He truly has faith in you. She gazed at me, her eyes containing a mixture of uncertainty and another emotion I couldn't quite identify. "Why? Why is he so concerned? I paused, carefully selecting my words. "Because you are important to him." He has cared about you for a very long time. She averted her gaze and scowled. He claimed to have loved me for a decade. However, how can that ever be possible? I was unknown to him at the time. I laughed. "Zari, Michael is the type of guy who notices qualities in others that they don't even notice. He perceives brilliance, strength, and resiliency in you. He loves you for who you are now, not simply for who you used to be. She nodded slowly, her lips pressing into a narrow line. Because I think he can help me start over, I said yes. However, this marriage isn't typical. I take it that this is a business arrangement? I grinned with knowledge. Yes, if you need to tell yourself that. Zari, Michael doesn't take things lightly. Although this may have begun as a business agreement, I promise that it will ultimately involve something much more profound.
The remainder of the day was bustling with activity. I assisted Zari in organising her new clothing, preparing her workspace, and making sure everything was in its proper position. When nightfall finally came, Michael was there, and as soon as he entered, his presence filled the room. He nodded in agreement as he glanced about and remarked, "You've been busy." I gave him a shoulder clap and added, "She's ready." "But you might not be." Michael gave me a look, but Zari was the next to speak. She stood next to me and remarked, "Larry, you have been helpful." "I'm grateful. You two. "You set up a whole musical room and studio for me; I'm so grateful." As Michael gazed at her, his eyes grew softer. "Zari, you don't have to express gratitude to me. Now this is your home. You don't have to deal with anything by yourself anymore; you are no longer alone." The room went quiet for a while as his comments weighed heavily on us. I released the tension by clearing my throat. In light of that, I'll let you two handle it. But if you need anything, don't be afraid to give me a call. I couldn't help but have a weird spectrum of feelings as I walked out of the apartment. I saw optimism in my best friend's eyes for the first time in years, even though Michael and Zari had a long road ahead of them. After being imprisoned in the dark for six years, she was now at last emerging into the light. However, a persistent notion persisted in the back of my mind as I ventured out into the chilly New York night. A text message comes through on my phone: "Get Grace's husband a job paying millions weekly and get them to live in one of my penthouses not too far from our home. Grace has been a loyal friend, so it's only fair she gets a rewar"d. Perhaps Michael is prepared to give Zari the world, but the scars she carried ran deep. And healing? That was never easy. I once loved a girl this hard, but then she got married, leaving me broken. Michael's never questioned me about it, but I know he suspects what transpired between me and his sister. The shrill sound of my phone ringing interrupts my thoughts suddenly, and when I pick up the call, the voice I hear stuns me into silence.