...
ZDF987 couldn't tell whether the heroes were on good terms or held positive feelings toward Irina, he only had a few tentative guesses.
ZDF987: I guess that's something only the future will tell... I haven't heard from either of them lately.
In fact, the Envoy had even checked their official profiles for recent news, only to find that updates on them had nearly vanished. This was especially odd considering that Unbreakable was in the midst of a major campaign to bolster its plot and promote its protagonists. The narrative needed constant publicity, with the public reminded over and over of its breathtaking twists.
ZDF987 surmised there were two possibilities: the protagonists either loved each other or hated one another. He reasoned that if genuine love were at play, there'd be more visible signs of affection. After all, lovers tend to display their feelings openly, whereas silence suggested indifference, or even revulsion. Although it wouldn't have been surprising if the story had ended with them as lovers or close colleagues, there was simply no connection between them at the conclusion of Unbreakable. Thus, he was led to believe that hate was the more likely sentiment.
No matter how intensely their emotions were portrayed on-screen, the systems and plots couldn't govern the hearts of real people. And sometimes, it was a sad reality to imagine that a once-beautiful couple had crumbled into dust. They had been so beautiful together.
While Irina dried her hair, she listened intently and sighed softly. "I'll meet them at the awards ceremony, and then we'll find out," she murmured.
After a lengthy routine of hygiene and beauty, Irina felt refreshed and ready to leave the prison. The facility had been specially prepared to house individuals involved in System Plots, so to prevent complications, these inmates were isolated from other detainees, after all, it was crucial to avoid any confusion when so many dangerous people were involved.
Irina had fully immersed herself in the narrative and, unlike most, lived alongside other prisoners. In doing so, she had even forged a few friendships, a testament to the fact that many were paying for youthful mistakes throughout their lives. The prison director proved to be a staunch ally, ensuring Irina's safety and well-being even as she performed her villainous role.
After bidding farewell to those with whom she had shared her days, Irina was ready to go home. A car awaited her outside the high-security prison. Along with her departure, many fans, admirers of her unwavering dedication to Unbreakable, followed her daily broadcasts with almost religious fervor. Her loyal supporters, along with numerous reporters eager to capture her every word, gathered to see her off. Unbreakable, like all System Plots, was a hot topic, a subject of intense public interest.
Flanked by several prison guards and additional private security personnel, Irina left the prison. Flashes lit up the scene as the crowd erupted in passionate, euphoric cheers. Irina could feel her heart skip a beat, it was an exhilarating sensation, one she had never experienced before. As she navigated through the crowd and reached the waiting car, she waved and called out, "Take good care of yourselves, the weather's been getting colder... And thank you so much for all your support. Keep cheering for Unbreakable and its characters, Emil and Bella truly deserve your love."
Just then, a journalist called out, "Could you answer a few questions?"
Irina sighed wearily; although she longed to refuse, she felt compelled to engage with the reporters. Nodding, she agreed, "Alright, I'll answer three questions."
The first question came: "Did you have any visitors during your time in prison?"
Irina replied, "No, I didn't have visitors. I believe my character deserved no mercy, loneliness was a fitting punishment. Moreover, those associated with me outside of Unbreakable were warned to stay away. It seemed best for everyone. That's just my perspective on the plot."
The journalists seemed satisfied, and a round of applause followed as others eagerly awaited their turn. Another reporter then asked, "With Unbreakable being a strong favorite for Best Story of the Year, what are your thoughts on its popularity?"
Irina nodded and responded, "The unwavering dedication to crafting this story is what has made it so popular. We understood the risks involved in aiming for such high ratings. Unbreakable isn't a romance, it's a tale of revenge. In the end, the virtuous were rewarded and the villains punished. That, I believe, is why it resonates with audiences. Besides being a strong contender for Best Plot, I think we're also in the running for Best Heroine. After all, who isn't in awe of Bella's brilliance?!"
The journalists were visibly amused by her relaxed manner and nodded in agreement. Finally, one reporter asked, "Bella and Emil haven't appeared together since the end of Unbreakable, and the broadcast was cut well ahead of schedule. Yet you remain detained following the programming for your character. Doesn't that seem unfair? Are you essentially promoting the plot while others enjoy their freedom?!"
ZDF987, overhearing the question, agreed that it did seem unfair. Yet Irina remained composed. "As you mentioned, I was bound by the Unbreakable schedule. I can't speak for others, but if such discrepancies exist, there are real reasons behind them. I don't feel wronged. They are real people facing real challenges, so please, be patient and avoid unfounded assumptions."
As she finished speaking, her personal assistant, Dominica Hansen, appeared at her side, directing the reporters to maintain their distance so that Irina could settle comfortably into the car. A security escort cleared a path, and soon the car rolled out of the prison parking lot.
Dominica offered a gentle smile as Irina nodded appreciatively. "Welcome back, Miss Cerdic," Dominica said warmly.
"It's good to be back... Update me on everything, Dominica," Irina replied.