Anne spent the best three days she’d had in months, feeling so alive and full of peace that it seemed eternal. This sense of calm lingered in her mind, making work easier. She anized reports with Jobs and mahe projects Billy o deliver. Billy, in turn, reviewed manuscripts and prepared not only for the premieres in two states but also for presentations in the United Kingdom and Paris. At least these three locations were firmly in the minds of the producers. Afterward, he’d o attend the studio in Baja California.

  - We have an appoi with the National Tennis Federation. They’ll help us get started on hosting an ATP tour. It all depends on our facilities, prizes, funding, and pliah regutions. I think it’s best to start with a 32-pyer touro award an ATP 500. - Anne expio Billy, showing him the study pns and the rigorous requirements they o meet for the associations. anizing a tour like this aid publicity, but it could grow inter event to showcase Lux Animation’s success with the Lux Cup.

  - Even in bed, you ’t stop thinking about work. - Billy teased, kissing her back. Anne murmured happily before being pulled into his arms, which she gdly accepted.

  - You’ve got an hour and a half meeting with the animators ao finish the manuscripts for the successive publications. - Anne reminded him.

  - I need energy. I need love. - Billy said, kissing Anne on the lips, a pang of guilt invading him, worse than what he’d felt with Alice, whose memories he silenced.

  …

  - I’ll have to swing by the house for a moment. - Anne announced as she hurried off in her car.

  She o ge her clothes. After three days of living with Billy, she felt unfortable without her wardrobe. The drive home took her thirty minutes, leaving her somewhat disappointed. But when she arrived, the familiar aroma and the chaos of children preparing for school greeted her. Her grandmother, upon seeing her, could only open her mouth in surprise, captivated by Anne’s glowing presence.

  She has a good lover, the older woman thought, preparing a hearty pte of food for her granddaughter, who finally seemed to find time to be selfish and escape her chaotic, loss-filled, and somewhat irritating life.

  - So, I guess I shouldn’t wait up for you tonight either. - Anne’s grandmother remarked calmly, vihat the young woman might soon have her own family or at least a stable figure by her side.

  - I o get ready for work. I’m afraid it’s over now. I hope you uand he’s a busy man. - Anne replied, trying to quiet her grandmother’s thoughts.

  - I’m not foolish… he’s the young man who sends you packages full of clothes and jewelry. Just three days ago, he sent boxes of sweets, flowers, perfumes, chocotes, and even a geous neckce with a green emerald. - the grandmother added.

  Anne blushed and headed to her room. There, she found an array of gifts: extravagant jewelry, clothes, bags—everything a woman could wish for, all in impeccable style.

  - So, what are we supposed to do? - her grandmother asked from downstairs.

  - Be quiet! - Anne shouted, shutting the door. How did he know her size? She wondered, lost in thought. There were soaps, oils, perfumes, ditioners—everything she’d ever wanted. It was exactly what she feared.

  - He’s such a fool. - she murmured, tidying her room. She noticed the dy was already half gone and shook her head, bming the children. Still, she felt happy; being showered with gifts made her feel loved in a way she hadn’t before.

  The premiere process for The English Patient was fully underway. Curiously, Winona had started her campaign early. She was aiming for an Oscar, leveraging her close retionship with Juliette Binoche, a renowned actress stunningly appealing to European media, known for her quick-witted performaogether, they gave several interviews in the United Kingdom.

  - What I say? It’s a film full of meaning. It offers a unique perspective, ohat makes it pelling. It portrays roman a way that has always been seen but never expined like this before. - Winona shared in an interview with a French outlet. Despite speaking in English, she was the angel of the ’90s, and along with Juliette, she embodied everything audiences wahe media adored her; she was the golden girl, and anything associated with her was sought after and celebrated.

  - What do you think of your role? - the interviewer asked.

  - I didn’t want to take it initially. But Billy insisted I had to. He said it was an excellent film and that I’d regret passing it up once I saw the final project. He eve me a signed copy of the book with a letter urging my participation. I took the role, and it wasn’t until I saw the final cut that I truly uood what I art of. It’s a remarkable film, filled with sensitivity and deeply moving shots. - Winona expined.

  - Was it disappointing? -

  - Not at all. I think at first I just went along with it. There were ses where I thought, “Oh God, how is this possible?” But it’s enting. The ag doesn’t add or take away; it simply does what it . And looking back, I see a magnifit film. Besides, Anthony was skeptical. He didn’t think we could pull off a movie like this. But when you face the challenge and immerse yourself in the role, you just let go—and that’s what we did. - Winona added.

  - I think we’ll see that The English Patient has much to offer in the ing days. - Juliette ented. She also uood the gravity of the subject matter. The film addressed war, but this time, it focused on a moment of love rather than terror. Tragedy resent, but it didn’t defihe story.

  Winona smiled and nodded. She was happy aermio do everything possible to ehe film’s success. With Billy supp her campaign, she felt optimistic about the audience’s response.

  - Yes, my character, Hanna, is delightful. She’s a war nurse weary of life, longing for romand a love that awaits her, seeking something within herself that won’t trouble her anymore. - Juliette eborated, refleg on how the film turned out.

  …

  Winoed, deep in thought. Billy would arrive in the United Kingdom in five days, pletely unprepared but undoubtedly ready to propose a new project. Who knows what might e ?

  - Thank you for the interview. - one of the producers murmured to her.

  Although the el had sought the interview, it beed signifitly from featuring personalities like Winona. They were a national work, but having someone of her stature was a striking addition.

  - Well, see you ime. - she said to the producer.

  Juliette arrived, ready and eager to introduce her to French society, including parties and all sorts of exg events.

  - I’ll introduce you to some people. We have to eat at a restaurant you’ll love. - Juliette told her. The two womehe ter of attention, celebrities shining under tless lights.

  ...