20. Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

C andy

The final notes of my last song are still ringing in the air as I take my bow, my heart pounding with exertion and exhilaration. The crowd is on their feet, their cheers washing over me like a tidal wave.

It's a high like no other, this feeling. This connection. This outpouring of love, appreciation, and raw, unbridled emotion.

I'm still riding that surge of energy as I exit the stage, my legs shaky and a wide smile on my face. Courage is there waiting for me, his arms already open, and I fall into them with a breathless laugh.

"You were incredible," he murmurs into my hair, his hand stroking soothingly up and down my back. "I've never seen you shine brighter. You had them eating out of the palm of your hand."

"It was like I could feel them with me, you know? Like we were all part of something bigger, something… transcendent."

"I know." He pulls back to look at me, his eyes warm and full of an emotion I'm almost afraid to name. "I felt it too, just watching you up there."

Before I can respond, Lila comes bounding up to us, her face flushed, her eyes bright with excitement. "Candy, oh my god! You blew the roof off this place!"

I grin, pulling her into a quick, fierce hug. "So did you, girl! The way you commanded that stage… I'm telling you, arena tours are in your future."

She laughs, then her eyes widen as the reality hits her. "One step at a time, yeah? Tonight, I'm just happy to bask in your glow."

As we talk, swapping stories and compliments, I catch movement out of the corner of my eye. Someone approaching, their gait purposeful, their manner almost… desperate.

I turn, my heart sinking as I recognize the sleek bob and sharp features. Eleanor Baker. And from the look on her face, she's not here for an autograph.

"Candy!" Her voice is exuberant, as though she enjoyed my performance. "What a show. The audience seemed swept away."

"Thanks." My smile feels brittle, my guard up. "It was a good crowd."

"I have a feeling all your concert crowds are going to be good from here on out." Her smile fades as she shifts gears. "I hate to be a pest, but have you given any more thought to our conversation? About Broken Starlets ?"

Courage tenses behind me, his hand coming to rest on my waist in a silent show of support. I draw strength from his touch, from his steady presence at my side.

"Yes." Taking a deep breath, I meet her gaze head-on. "And I appreciate the offer. I really do. But I don't think it's the right move for me. Not right now."

Her brow furrows. "Candy, I urge you to reconsider. Have you been keeping up with this in Variety ? KEN's minions are already doing hit pieces on Samantha Adair, Veronica Trudeau, and the other victims. Despite your missteps, you're well-respected. Most of the others have faded from the spotlight and you've gone on to gold records and sold-out venues. Your voice will help take down the perpetrators." Her face is so sincere. I know this is her passion project, so I give it more thought.

"But that's just it," I counter, sudden clarity washing over me. "I am telling my truth. Every night, on that stage. Through my music, my words, my presence. I'm connecting with people, sharing my pain without the details. This is the way that feels right to me."

She opens her mouth to argue, but I hold up a hand, the words tumbling out of me in a rush. "I know you think I have some kind of obligation, that I owe it to the other survivors to lend my voice to their fight. But the thing is… I'm fighting too. In my own way, on my own terms."

Courage's grip tightens on my hip, giving me the courage to forge ahead, to speak my piece once and for all.

"What happened to me, what happened to so many of us at KEN… it was unforgivable. Horrific. And it's left scars that may never fully heal."

My voice wavers, but I push through, determined. "But I refuse to let it define me. To let it be the only thing people see when they look at me. I am more than my trauma. More than a victim or a survivor or a poster child for a cause."

I square my shoulders, standing tall and proud. "I'm Candy fucking Wood. And I'm going to keep making music, keep connecting with my fans, keep living my life on my own damn terms. And if that inspires people, if it gives someone else the strength to speak their truth or chase their dreams, then I'll call that a win."

Baker looks taken aback, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly. But there's a glimmer of understanding in her eyes.

"Well," she says finally, her lips quirking in a rueful smile. "I can't say I'm not disappointed. But I understand your position. I know I was asking a lot because no doubt about it, sharing your truth on the documentary will turn your life topsy-turvy again."

She extends a hand and I take it. Her grip is firm and businesslike. "The offer still stands, if you change your mind. But in the meantime… keep shining, Candy Wood. The world needs your light."

With that, she strides away as I let out a shuddering breath, my knees suddenly weak with the release of tension.

But Courage is right here, his arms strong and steady around my waist. "I am so proud of you," he murmurs fervently, his lips brushing my temple. "You are so fucking strong. You never cease to amaze me, rock star."