Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

As the review for 'Nirvana and Rebirth' remained incomplete, Violeta's anxiety was mounting.

She had intended to launch the promotional campaign once the approval was secured, but with the domestic version still pending, everything was on hold.

The film had been carefully edited to eliminate any potential issues, so Violeta was confident that the approval process should be smooth.

If it went through, she could avoid burdening Hayden for assistance.

However, if it failed, she would need to rely on him, as he had previously agreed to help if necessary.

She had a plan either way.

But to her frustration, the review process was dragging on.

With her trip to Pherances approaching in the middle of the month and 'As Soon As We Meet' already gaining traction and beginning its promotion, Violeta felt a growing sense of urgency. That evening, once she returned to Liberty Grove, she called Hayden.

Holding the phone, she stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, her gaze fixed on the dimly lit rooftop garden across the street.

After a few rings, Hayden's calm and clear voice rang out.

"Hello."

Violeta tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and took a few steps. "Hi, it's me."

"I recognise your voice, Vio."

"Sorry for calling so late. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"No, not at all. I just got out of my car. What's up?"

Violeta hesitated for a moment. "Do you remember when you said you'd help me with something?"

"Yes, I remember. What's the problem?"

Feeling slightly awkward but reassured by Hayden's steady tone, Violeta began to explain.

"Well, there's this film of mine that's been submitted for review, but we haven't received any feedback yet. It's taking longer than anticipated, and I suspect there might be some issues causing the delay. Could you check into it?" There was a brief pause on the line.

"Hello, Hayden?"

"Yes, I'm here."

"Did you hear what I said?"

Violeta wondered if he might not have caught her message clearly.

Then she heard the sound of a door closing.

"Are you just getting home?"

"Yes. Guess where I am now."

"Back at your place in Newham?"

Violeta wasn't entirely sure.

Hayden replied, "No, I'm back in Quinston. Are you on the balcony?"

Before Violeta could fully grasp

Hayden's return to Quinston, she

noticed the rooftop garden, whet

had been dark, was now illuminated.

She exclaimed, "So you're back in Liberty Grove!"

"Yes."

As Hayden spoke, his tall figure became visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the rooftop garden loft.

One hand was in his pocket, and the other held the phone.

From two buildings away, they locked eyes across the distance.

"When did you get back?"

"Tonight."

"You've been transferred back here?"

"No, I'm on a three-day leave to attend a birthday party."

"Oh, I see."

Hayden had promised to return within five years. It was still relatively early.

Hayden moved away from the window, put his phone on speaker and walked over to the sofa. Then he turned on the air conditioning and removed his jacket.

"Could you repeat what you just said?"

Zoren had left some belongings at Liberty Grove.

Hayden was unaware of this until he witnessed it for himself. He was genuinely startled to find the living room crammed with heaps of pet supplies-cat food, dog food cans, and various other items.

It seemed as though he had transformed the space into a makeshift storage unit.

A property worth millions of dollars is being repurposed as a warehouse.

Zoren, you never cease to amaze.

Violeta reiterated the issue.

Without hesitation, Hayden agreed to assist.

"I'll have someone look into it and get back to you tomorrow. When are you heading to Pherances?"

"The day after tomorrow."

"Since I'm here for a rare visit, how about we have dinner with Zero and Liam tomorrow? Would you like to join us?" "Sure."