Page 162 of Love Unscripted
The audience applauded. Aaron continued.
“But what many of you may not realize is that Camille’s story off-screen has been just as powerful.”
Camille shifted slightly in her seat.
“Life has a way of confronting all of us with our weaknesses.”
He spoke quietly now. “But redemption is real.”
He smiled. “And I’m grateful that this film tells a story about the courage to change. Thank you for coming tonight. I hope the story inspires you as much as it inspired us.”
The audience erupted in applause.
Camille looked at him from her seat, eyes shining.
When Aaron returned to his seat she whispered softly,
“You didn’t have to do that.”
He took her hand.
“Yes,” he said gently. “I did.”
~*~*~*~
Later at the after-party Camille excused herself to go to the washroom.
When she stepped back into the hallway someone grabbed her arm.
Simon.
For a moment she stiffened in shock. Then she recovered. “Get your hand off me,” she said coldly.
He released her with a mocking laugh.
“Haughty, aren’t we?” he sneered. “There was a time you were begging me to touch you. Gagging for it.”
Camille grimaced.
“Don’t remind me. I just ate.”
Then she added calmly, “Thank God that He brought me from darkness into His marvelous light.”
His expression twisted.
“You might feel like you’ve won,” he hissed. “But you haven’t. Soon Cortelli will recognize you for the common little whore that you are.”
Camille blinked rapidly, refusing to cry.
Then another voice spoke behind her.
“You’re wrong about that, Halden.”
Aaron stepped forward.
“When I look at her I see her as she truly is. A child of God. Beautiful and precious.”
He slipped his arm around her waist.
