The time in the old Grandfather clock chimes eight o'clock in the evening and Marcel Woods checks himself in the full-length mirror. Adjusting his dark red tie and combing back his hair, he takes a long, deep breath before turning away.
Tonight is the engagement party of his daughter and Gray Langdon. Would the media believe their charade? But before it is answered, a more pressing question hangs in the air.
Would Gray and Lucy do their part as star-crossed lovers in front of the camera? Or is this party just another disaster waiting to happen?
Again, he could only trust the stars.
Marcel's eyes gazes longingly at the lone picture occupying the far wall of his private room. It is the wedding picture of him and Felicity Woods in Saint John the Divine, the grandest cathedral in North America. It was February 23, 1989 when he married her, with nothing more than mere attraction he felt at that time. He married her for the sake of Helterground tradition, but as the years went by he gradually fell in love. He loved her more than anything, more than the company, more than his life.
But when Felicity delivered Lucy into the world, she died because of postpartum hemorrhage. Marcel could never forget her dying wish. It is a wish that he is about to fail. It's not easy for him, but he must do it for the sake of Helterground—which has been his second wife since Felicity died. He must fail her wish for everything at stake.
Slowly, almost fearfully, he walks toward their wedding picture and he gently caresses the infectious smile of Felicity. His heart constricts endearingly, missing her gentle touch and presence.
"I miss you, my love," he whispers, his green eyes growing distant.
Then, as if in an answer, the voice of Felicity echoes inside his mind. "Promise me our child will bear no responsibility to Helterground. She will have her choices. She will have her own life. Promise me, Marcel. Do not let the tradition ruin her."
And once again, Marcel utters the same words. The same excuse.
Forgive me, Felicity, but it is time.