You told the truth. And the whole world is on your side. The whole world doesn’t pay my rent.
Margaret said, but she smiled a little. Vivian picked up her phone and gasped. Margaret you need to see this.
The video has been viewed over 20 million times now. And look, there are job offers in your email. Margaret turned her phone back on, and immediately it started buzzing with notifications.
Her email inbox was flooded with messages. Wedding venue in California wants to book you for three events. Record label interested in discussing a contract.
Talk show wants to interview you. Women’s empowerment organization wants you to speak at their conference. Margaret scrolled through the messages, her hands shaking.
This can’t be real. These have to be fake. But Vivian was checking the sender addresses.
They’re real Margaret. These are legitimate companies and organizations. Your story touched people.
They want to hear more from you. Across the city Richard Cole sat in his penthouse apartment, which suddenly felt too big and too empty. His phone had been ringing nonstop since last night.
Board members, business associates, his parents, reporters. He had stopped answering hours ago. The video of the wedding disaster was everywhere.
His name was trending on social media but not in the way he had always dreamed. Instead of being celebrated as a successful businessman, he was being called, the heartless groom, and the man who abandoned his pregnant ex. Marcus had texted him once, you need to make this right.
Apologize publicly. Show some remorse. It’s your only chance.
But Richard couldn’t bring himself to do it. Apologize. To Margaret? In front of the whole world? His pride wouldn’t allow it.
His lawyer called again. Richard finally answered. Richard we need to talk about damage control, the lawyer said.
The board is meeting today to discuss your position. Several major clients have called to express concerns. Your reputation is.
I know what my reputation is, Richard snapped. I’ve seen the internet. I don’t need you to tell me.
Then you know you need to act fast. A public apology might help. Taking responsibility for your actions.
Maybe reaching out to Margaret Williams to offer support for the child. She did this to herself. Richard shouted.
She chose to humiliate me at my own wedding. Why should I apologize? There was a long silence on the other end of the line. Then his lawyer said quietly, because you abandoned a pregnant woman Richard.
Because you tried to humiliate her first by hiring her for your wedding. Because everything she said in that song was true, and the whole world knows it. Your only chance of saving anything is to show genuine remorse.
But I’m starting to think you’re not capable of that. The lawyer hung up. Richard threw his phone across the room where it hit the wall and clattered to the floor.
Later that morning, Margaret received a phone call from a number she didn’t recognize. She almost didn’t answer but something made her pick up. Hello? Is this Margaret Williams? Asked a warm professional woman’s voice.
Yes this is she. My name is Diana Foster. I’m a music producer and artist manager.
I’ve been watching your video, along with the rest of the world, and I’d love to talk to you about your future. Margaret’s heart started racing. My future.
You have an incredible voice Margaret. But more than that, you have a story that resonates with people. Authenticity like yours is rare in the music industry.
I think you could have a real career. Recording albums, performing at major venues, inspiring people with your music. I…I don’t know what to say, Margaret stammered.
I’m seven months pregnant. I’m living in a tiny apartment. I’m not some polished professional singer.
That’s exactly why you’re special, Diana said. People are tired of perfect and polished. They want real.
They want honest. They want someone who’s lived through pain and came out stronger. That’s you Margaret.
Margaret sat down feeling overwhelmed. This is all happening so fast. Yesterday I was just trying to survive.
Today people are calling me about record deals. I understand it’s overwhelming, Diana said kindly. You don’t have to decide anything today.
But I’d like to meet with you this week just to talk. No pressure, no commitment. Just a conversation about possibilities.
Would you be open to that? Margaret thought about her baby, about the future she wanted to build. Okay. I’ll meet with you.
Wonderful, Diana said. I’ll email you some times that work. And Margaret? What you did took incredible courage.
You should be proud of yourself. After the call ended, Margaret sat in silence for a long moment. Vivian watched her carefully.
What are you thinking? I’m thinking, Margaret said slowly, that maybe something good can come from all this pain. Maybe my story can help other people. Maybe I can turn this into something meaningful.
That’s exactly right, Vivian said, hugging her friend. You’re not just a victim of Richard’s cruelty anymore. You’re a survivor.
And now you get to decide what comes next. That afternoon, Richard Cole walked into the Cole Industries boardroom for the emergency meeting. He had put on his most expensive suit, styled his hair perfectly, and prepared a speech about how the wedding incident was a personal matter that had nothing to do with his business capabilities.
But the moment he saw the faces of the board members, he knew he was in trouble. Robert Harrison sat at the head of the table, his expression stern and disappointed. Eight other board members sat around the table and none of them looked friendly.
Richard sit down, Mr. Harrison said. Richard took his seat trying to project confidence he didn’t feel. I assume you all saw the video, Richard began attempting to control the narrative.
I want to be clear that this was a personal attack by a vindictive ex-girlfriend. Her claims were exaggerated, and her actions were designed to embarrass me. I’m actually considering legal action against.
Stop, Mr. Harrison interrupted. Just stop Richard. We’re not here to listen to your excuses or your denials…
