A Soul to Shine

By Jennifer Ott

"Sometimes a person’s journey is no reflection on their destination. That is why we should never judge where a person came from, but appreciate where they’re going.”

From the outside, starlet Olivia Hammond has it all—fame, fortune and a Hollywood hunk boyfriend. No one suspects her rising self-doubts and anxieties. In order to escape the realities of her chaotic world, she dives into an Oscar quality role of a young woman trapped in the horrors of post war Berlin. It is here that Olivia feels most comfortable.
Her real and fictional lives collide when the director casts Dimitri Malakhov, a Russian porn star, as her costar. She immediately fears her image and reputation will be tainted. Personally and professionally, she must face what frightens her most—exposing herself, her fears, her imperfections and her desires to the world.

The experience of filming the movie with Dimitri and being on location in Berlin destroys her prejudices and judgments. It shatters all her illusions and perceptions. When liberated from her own confines, her life and love truly shine.

Manchmal das Herz muss zerstört werden, um zu heilen.
Sometimes the heart needs to be broken in order to heal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Ott
• Release date: Apr 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311741363

Jennifer Ott

After graduating college with a degree in fashion design and fine arts, I moved to New York City where I studied screen writing with the Gotham Writer's group and attended NYU part-time studying filmmaking and acting. Learning how to write screenplays taught me how to write tight storylines and acting helped master dialog. Living in New York City, inflicted with credit card debt, impassioned me to write my first non-fiction satire, Ooh Baby Compound Me which compares the credit card industry to fraternity hazing. Bad dating experiences inspired Wild Horses and eventually after much research - Love and Handicapping. My book, The Tourist reflects the dreamer's plight in an overly commercial and corporate world which many can relate. Saying Goodbye, What the World Doesn't Know, I can only say was channeled by from an unknown source. I became consumed by a real-life love story and felt compelled to write. The repressed eighth grade journalist arose and I dug deep into uncovering a hidden love story. The same force encouraged The Insurrectionist - a story so powerful and intense, it had to be told. After writing The Insurrection I needed something light and fun was desperately needed - One with the Wind. Throughout the years, I have learned stories are a dime a dozen, characters can blend into one and the same dialog can be repeated in many different ways, but the best writing comes from what we are most passionate. If the story compels the writer to near madness, it is a story that must be written.

Book preview

A Soul to Shine

Jennifer Ott

Copyright © 2014 Jennifer Ott

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Meet Jennifer Ott

Other Books by Jennifer Ott

"You and I are now time itself, not just the city,

The whole world is taking part in our decision.

We are more than just the two of us now.

We embody something.

We are sitting in the People's Square

And it's full of people with the same dream as ours.

We define the game for all.

I'm ready."

Wings of Desire

Wim Wenders

Peter Handke

Chapter 1

Orange dust of the Sahara swirled around a speeding black sedan. The car came to a screeching halt outside a small brick hideaway. Two tanned behemoths exited the vehicle and seized a flaxen-haired woman from the back seat. The side seam of her twill shirtdress split to her mid-thigh. Sweat poured down her perfectly dirtied skin. One of the thugs hoisted the woman over his shoulder, carried her kicking and screaming into the house and tossed her onto a mattress in an empty room.

You'll never get away with it. You can keep trying, but Derek will find you, she spat to her captors.

No one will ever find you, Jessica. Not even Derek Evans can save you now, said a thug.

It's a danger to underestimate him. I almost feel sorry for you, Jessica said tempting more harassment.

He laughed and gagged her with a cloth rag while the other tied her arms to the bedposts and her legs together. Jessica squirmed trying to get free of her bonds. She screamed through her gag hoping her dear love, Derek Evans, would hear, but to no avail. She settled into her captivity, defeated.

Jessica studied her surroundings—a plain cement room with no furniture other than the bed where she was tied. She could feel the desert breeze through the open window. Despite her bravado with the bad-guys, she was terrified until a raucous resounded in the front room and she knew.

Derek Evans, a hunky hero with boy-next-door good looks, burst down the door with a circling karate kick, taking out one villain instantly. The other thug growled and came after Derek like an animal. Derek grabbed his large fist and twisted him to the ground in a spiral motion.

With the two villains writhing in pain, Derek whipped two pistols from his holsters and aimed them at the bad guys. This will teach you not to mess with the good old US of A.

When the US army surrounded the house, Derek rushed into the bedroom to save his love, Jessica. He untied her feet. She whined through the gag. Jokingly, he pretended to leave her muzzled.

This is the kind of trouble you get yourself into, Jess, when you don't stay out of my business. When will you ever learn? Derek asked.

Jessica rolled her eyes at him. Derek removed her gag and untied the ropes from her hands. They kissed passionately.

An American soldier entered the room and grinned. I see you two want some alone time.

Derek and Jessica laughed. The credits rolled with a rocking theme song. The audience erupted in applause.

Beaming searchlights pierced the night sky as a crowd gathered outside a New York City movie theater. At center stage, celebrities paraded before flashing cameras. Some smiled and waved while others pretended to be bothered by the attention.

The stars of the film All Out or Nothing II, Bonded by Love, hunk Trent Macklemore, (Derek Evans) and his beautiful starlet Olivia Hammond (Jessica Stanton) posed for photographers. They exchanged kisses and embraced for the adoring paparazzi and fans.

Such chemistry the two of you have, a reporter called from the crowd. "Any word when you'll start filming, All Out or Nothing III?"

Trent held Olivia firmly around the waist. I have to wait for Olivia's schedule to open up. She's going to be making a Miles Thorpe film. I can't do it without my main leading lady.

Olivia offered a sweet, yet slight smile for the fans. It had been a short six years that catapulted her from teen idol to fashion icon and burgeoning critical actress. There was not one thing she needed to ask; she was handed everything. Designer gowns sent to her by the biggest fashion designers in the world. Charities wanted her name and her money, and of course, she had an adoring love—handsome Trent Macklemore. She was not just the toast of Tinsel Town, but of the whole United States.

Olivia, a reporter shouted from the back. Tell us about the Miles Thorpe movie.

Olivia beamed with excitement. "Paperweight, based on the novel by J.C. Summers. I'll be playing Rosamund. It's got Oscar written all over it. I'm so very honored to be cast."

Any word who will be playing your romantic lead, Stefan? the same reporter asked.

No, not yet. Olivia hugged Trent around the waist. I was hoping they would cast Trent. She flashed her loving eyes at him.

Some say we are bonded by love, Trent said with a wink.

Maybe if we flood Mile Thorpe's Twitter feed with the idea, he'll make it a reality, said the reporter.

Another reporter turned her attention on Trent. Are you going to miss Olivia while she's filming in Berlin?

Of course, I will, he said. She is my life. My life will be dark the days she is not there to brighten them.

A chorus of 'oohs' and 'ahs' rang through the crowd. That is so sweet, replied the reporter.

Olivia that is a gorgeous green dress you're wearing! called out a reporter.

Valentino, she answered. I absolutely love the color.

If you ask me, my Olivia looks beautiful in any color, Trent replied.

Olivia playfully shooed him. Stop it.

So great of the two of you to lend your support to child leukemia! yelled out another reporter.

Well, we are so blessed with good fortune, with health and love, that we really feel it's important to help others, especially sick children who need it most, Trent replied.

Olivia's PR rep tapped her shoulder. Oh, looks like we have to go everyone. Sorry, she said to the crowd of reporters.

Olivia and Trent smiled for their fans and waved goodbye. Behind the curtain, their respective agents and PR people rushed them to a waiting limousine. Once inside the car, Olivia let out a loud sigh. Can reporters ask different questions? I feel like a robot asked the same thing over and over again.

Trent put his arm around her shoulder. You were wonderful tonight, as always.

She rubbed his knee. As were you. She leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the lips. Just think how that would be if we didn't have each other. It is so much better facing the spotlight with someone rather than being alone. I feel sorry for all those single girls. I don't know how they do it.

Yeah, Trent said sliding down in the seat. He gave her a wink. We could have the driver roll up the window.

Olivia chuckled. Oh honey, no. Not in the Valentino dress.

All right. I guess I have to wait until we get home, he replied with a fake sullen face.

A few fans waited outside the door to their apartment building. Trent peered out the window. Geez, don't these people have a life?

The driver opened the door and helped Olivia from the car. Shouts from fans rang out. Olivia, I just love you. You two are so cute. When are you going to get married and have babies?

Olivia waved bashfully at the fans, while Trent shuffled her toward the door. Soon I hope, he said.

Olivia lowered her head as she entered the building and stepped onto the elevator. What was that about? Olivia asked as soon as she and Trent reached privacy.

Well, of course, we're going to be married soon and have children, Trent replied.

I'm leaving for Berlin in a couple of days to make a movie, she said.

Sure, afterward of course. He read her expression plainly. Olivia we talked about marriage and family. It's what we both want.

I know, but don't shout it to strangers. I want to keep some things private.

Trent stood alongside her as the elevator rose to their penthouse apartment. I want to shout it at the top of the world. He took her in his arms. I love Olivia Hammond.

I think the world knows, she said and stepped off the elevator upon arriving at their penthouse.

Olivia headed straight for her white marble bathroom decorated with lavender linens and orchids. She studied her reflection in the mirror. Whose idea was it to put me in green? I look terrible in green, she thought.

Discouraged with her appearance, she removed her emerald earrings and tossed them carelessly on a silver tray. She peeled off her fake eyelashes and removed her makeup. In the mirror's reflection, she inspected all her freckles and wondered if she should have that mole on her neck removed. Makeup can't hide everything.

Sweetheart, Trent called from their living room. We're trending.

Oh, Trent, you know I don't care about that shit, she said as she slipped out of her Valentino dress and into a silk kimono. She hung the dress on a hanger. Beautiful dress, I just don't like green. She walked out to their living room where Trent was sitting before his laptop.

Take a look. He kissed her hand. They love us.

Olivia read down the thread of comments. Holly Jones doesn't. She thinks we're narcissistic and Maggie Butler thinks we're pretentious and phony. She stood erect, offended. Oh, and apparently Nick Hastings thinks I need to eat a sandwich. Jamie Olson thinks you're a dork. Grow up Jamie, no one says dork anymore, Olivia shouted at the computer.

Trent chuckled and pulled her onto his lap. Calm down, sweetie. They're just jealous. They wish they were us. We have this great life, this great love and they're just sad people. Besides, the majority of people love us and want us to marry. Who cares what the haters think anyway?

Olivia relaxed in his arms. You're right. You're always right. I just get tired of the hate and vitriol. I hate how the hate makes me crazy. She laughed at herself.

It is those people who are full of hate because they have nothing else going on in their lives. Not you. He kissed her ear and cheek.

She slid out of his arms. I'm going to take a bath and wash off all these comments. They make me feel exposed and dirty.

Good idea, he said and continued to read the comment thread, thoroughly enjoying the praise.

Olivia returned to the bathroom and ran the water. It was all she could do to shut out the world—scented candles, steamy bath. She slid out of her robe and into the tub. She reached for J.C. Summer's book, Paperweight, and paged to where she last left.

Not being able to deal with the chaos of her own life, she delved into her character. Olivia escaped into Rosamund's world, exposed and vulnerable to Berlin's occupying forces, not unlike today's privacy-invading paparazzi. Judged and berated by the world for the atrocities of Germany's leaders, similar to the raves and rants of tabloids and fans. For Olivia, the limelight was no different from sitting in a pile of rubble that used to be her home.

Olivia slipped deeper into the tub barely feeling the hot sudsy water caressing her skin. She couldn't smell the sweet scent of lavender hanging in the bathroom mist. Her mind was absorbed in the contrast of post-World War II Berlin.

The door opened and Trent appeared. Can I come in? he asked not waiting for permission and undressed. He looked around at the dark bathroom lit with candles. How can you read in this light?

Just fine, she said bothered and sat forward in the tub giving him room to enter.

He climbed into the tub behind her and played with her hair. What's the big deal with that book anyway?

It's about a young woman, Rosamund Kuhn, during postwar Berlin. She is a secretary at this printing press. Several of the men at the press are involved in the black market. They use this small, steel Sphinx replica paperweight to signal the pickups. It's all very dangerous because they have to do it without the occupying Allies finding out or they could be arrested or worse. It's amazing the Allies would try to keep the Germans from food and supplies. Keeping the people starving and maintaining control of the food supply is how they maintained power.

Sounds tragic. Trent sudsed his hands with soap and massaged Olivia's back. And Rosamund gets involved because she has a crush on Stefan?

No, Olivia stated. She gets involved to escape her overbearing father and control of the Allies. She wants to do something to help her people, as well as create some opportunities for herself.

So why does she get involved with Stefan? Trent asked.

Olivia shifted in the tub to face him. Because Stefan respects Rosamund. He treats her like an equal.

Trent chuckled. I guess that's a turn-on for some woman.

Olivia stepped out of the tub and wrapped herself in a towel.

Babe, I'm sorry, he said. Come back in the bath.

She refused and wrapped another towel around her head like a turban. I'm done, she said and walked out of the room.

Sweetheart! Trent called and splashed water discouraged. He got out of the tub and followed her into the bedroom. I'm sorry, he said finding her changing into a nightgown.

Nothing to be sorry about. I'm just on edge. I'm tired of the constant critics. Why does everyone feel the need to express every stupid thought in their heads? She collapsed on the bed. And worse is how it makes me feel about myself. I don't like feeling angry, bitter and bitchy.

Trent sat next to her on the bed. You have to learn how to shake it off and realize that everything said has nothing to do with you. What people say is a reflection on them, whether they are the press, the fans or the critics. He toyed with the towel wrapped around her breasts. All you need to worry about is me, and I think you are pretty fantastic.

Olivia sat upright and hugged Trent. Thanks.

Trent placed his hands on her hips and gently pressed himself against her. I know something that can help with the edgy feeling.

She allowed him to push her back onto the bed. As he made love on top of her, her mind drifted off to nowhere in particular. For almost a year, she had grown disinterested in sex. It was not that she disliked sex; her passion just left and she had no desire to find it.

The Los Angeles cityscape was barely visible through white sheers. Adult entertainment director Fawn Evans set up stage lights around a bed. I'm going to want a camera facing the side of the bed and one at the corner, she said to her small crew of two cameramen.

Fawn paused hearing Russian chatter nearing her studio. She waited patiently for their knock. Come in, she said. An attractive young couple entered. Punctual performers, I love it. Fawn reached out her hand to a beautiful blonde-haired girl. You must be Daniella.

Yes. Serena is my stage name, she said politely in a thick Russian accent. This is my boyfriend and partner Dimitri.

Dimitri Malakhov extended his hand to Fawn. My name's not important. She's the star of the show, he said in an equally heavy accent.

Daniella rolled her eyes. Behave yourself, she scolded.

Dimitri released a boyish grin. It's not like I'm actually going to be in the picture, just my member.

Awesome, a porn star with a sense of humor. Who would have guessed? Fawn studied Daniella and Dimitri. Okay, here's the deal. This is supposed to be an amateur film. We're not going to let on your experience in Russia. She cupped Daniella's fresh face. You, my dear, are a natural Californian, which means to the two of you, no speaking. Fawn glanced at Dimitri. Get that?

Even if I use my John Wayne voice? Dimitri replied in a fake American accident.

Please don't, Fawn said, guiding him to the bed. Now Dimitri, we're going to start with you in your underwear on the bed. I'm going to have Daniella come through the door and you guys will get it on.

Do you have a perform list? Dimitri asked.

Do you need one? Fawn asked. I think you guys can freestyle it. You're supposed to be amateurs remember.

Dimitri stripped down to his underwear and