August 14, 2025 • 42 mins
Step into the glamorous yet shadowy world of Old Hollywood with Mashair Reads as we dive deep into The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
In this episode, we break down Evelyn’s dazzling career, scandalous relationships, and heartbreaking truths with a storytelling style that’s as captivating as the novel itself.
Whether you’ve read the book or are hearing about it for the first time, expect detailed, cinematic summaries, emotional insights, and thought-provoking discussions that make you feel like you’re right there in Evelyn’s glittering world.
✨ Listen now and experience book discussions like never before — and don’t forget to stream our audiobook episodes and summaries on Spotify, and all major platforms.
📌 Follow Mashair Reads for more in-depth, emotionally rich book talks that make stories come alive.
In this episode, we break down Evelyn’s dazzling career, scandalous relationships, and heartbreaking truths with a storytelling style that’s as captivating as the novel itself.
Whether you’ve read the book or are hearing about it for the first time, expect detailed, cinematic summaries, emotional insights, and thought-provoking discussions that make you feel like you’re right there in Evelyn’s glittering world.
✨ Listen now and experience book discussions like never before — and don’t forget to stream our audiobook episodes and summaries on Spotify, and all major platforms.
📌 Follow Mashair Reads for more in-depth, emotionally rich book talks that make stories come alive.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Disclaimer. This is a summary of The Seven Husbands of
Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins. Read It is not a
substitute for the original novel and does not contain the
full text or exact phrasing of the author. All characters,
plot points, and themes discussed are based on interpretations of
the published work. Readers are encouraged to consult the original
(00:21):
book for a complete and authentic experience of the story.
We Are is introduced to the enigmatic and legendary film
star Evelyn Hugo. A twenty seventeen article from The New
York Tribune sets the stage, drawing attention to Evelyn's unexpected
decision at seventy nine to auction off twelve of her
iconic gowns. The proceeds will go toward a breast cancer charity,
(00:45):
a cause that is especially poignant given the recent loss
of her daughter, Connor Cameron, who tragically passed away from
the diseases at just forty one. The article paints a
brief portrait of Evelyn's life, a daughter of Cuban immigrants
who made her mark on the glamorous world of Hollywood,
A woman whose beauty and charm were rivaled only by
her tumultuous personal life, including seven marriages. The story begins
(01:09):
with Monique Grant, a struggling writer working at Vivante, a
magazine that has yet to give her the break she
desperately needs. She meets with her editor, Frankie, who presents
Monique with an unbelievable opportunity, an exclusive interview with the
reclusive film star Evelyn Hugo. What's even more perplexing is
that Evelyn has specifically requested Monique to be the one
(01:31):
to conduct the interview, which raises questions for both Monique
and Frankie. Why her Evelyn hasn't spoken to the press
in years, and now, out of nowhere, she chooses a
relatively unknown writer. Monique, curious about the connection, asks her
mother if her late father, who worked in Hollywood, might
have known Evelyn. Her mother dismisses the idea, leaving Monique
(01:55):
with no clear answer. Despite the mystery, Monique is eager
to seize this rare chance, seeing it as the moment
that could transform her faltering career into something more promising. Frankie,
a bit skeptical, wonders aloud if Evelyn's interest in Monique
might stem from an article Monique had written about physician
(02:15):
assisted suicide, a piece she had poured her heart into.
Monique reflects on the effort she had invested in that story,
feeling both proud of her work and yet unsure why
it would catch Evelyn's eye. Monique throws herself into researching
Evelyn Hugo, determined to prepare for the high profile interview
that could define her career. For days, she immerses herself
(02:37):
in Evelyn's storied past, both her personal and professional life.
Through the research, Monique learns about Evelyn's legendary film career,
her seven husbands, and the tumultuous relationships that filled her
decades in the public eye. The more Monique uncovers, the
more she finds herself captivated by Evelyn's world, as complex
(02:57):
and dazzling as it is in her personal life. Monique
is reeling from a recent upheaval. Her husband, David has
moved out, and she's left to navigate the painful and
confusing aftermath of their relationship. She's unsure of what went
wrong or what exactly led to their separation, and this
uncertainty hangs over her thoughts as she prepares for the interview.
(03:22):
Despite her emotional turmoil, Monique can't shake the anticipation and
pressure she feels about the upcoming meeting with Evelyn. To
distract herself and perhaps find a sense of connection with
the woman she's about to meet, Monique watches clips of
Evelyn's films. As she watches the elegant and magnetic star
on screen, Monique becomes entranced by Evelyn's beauty, her poise,
(03:44):
and the power she exudes in every scene. The photographs
of Evelyn throughout the years only deepen her fascination. It's
clear that Evelyn wasn't just a star, she was a force,
always leaving her audience wanting more, a mystery that only
added to her allure. As Monique absorbs everything about Evelyn,
she finds herself wondering what will happen when they finally
(04:06):
meet face to face. Will the interview too leave her
wanting more, just as Evelyn always managed to do with
her public Monique embarks on the nerve wracking journey to
meet the elusive Evelyn Hugo for the first time. As
she heads toward Evelyn's apartment, Monique is filled with a
mix of confidence and nerves, aware that this moment could
be a game changer for her career. She's greeted by Grace,
(04:30):
Evelyn's poised and professional assistant, who ushers her into an
apartment that takes Monique's breath away. The space is a
lavish reflection of Evelyn herself, elegant, grand and overlooking the
iconic Central Park, Monique can't help but be in awe
of the opulence surrounding her. When she finally meets Evelyn,
(04:51):
Monique is struck by the star's timeless beauty and elegance.
She's momentarily starstruck, feeling like she's standing in the presence
of someone who has lived a thousand and lives, each
one more glamorous and mysterious than the last. Evelyn, however,
wastes no time in surprising Monique with a bold proposition.
Instead of a typical interview, Evelyn offers Monique the opportunity
(05:13):
to write her biography, one that will be published only
after Evelyn's death. Monique is taken aback. This isn't what
she expected, and the weight of the offer immediately sinks in.
Evelyn goes on to clarify that she's not interested in
confessing her sins or spilling out her regrets. When Monique
asks if Evelyn wants to make amends, Evelyn draws a
(05:35):
sharp distinction between apology and regret, making it clear that
she doesn't regret many of the choices she's made, even
if they've hurt others. For Evelyn, the idea of regret
is something that doesn't fit with her approach to life.
She's lived it unapologetically, even if it means keeping secrets.
She challenges Monique to truly understand her and to see
(05:57):
beyond the surface, something she deems crue us for their
working relationship. In that moment, Monique realizes just how deeply
Evelyn values her story and how important it is to
her that it's told in the right way. Evelyn's next
demand is a stark one. She insists that Monique be
ruthless in selling the story of her life, the biography.
(06:19):
Evelyn believes it will be worth millions, and Monique's task
is to make sure she gets as much money as
possible for it. Despite the gravity of the request, Evelyn
refuses to disclose why she's chosen Monique for this monumental task.
Monique finds herself caught in a web of lies, as
she tells her editor Frankie that she's still trying to
(06:40):
secure the coveted tell all interview with Evelyn. In reality,
Monique has already entered into a much more intimate and
complex arrangement with the Star, one that's full of secrets
and unexpected revelations. While Monique holds on to the lie
for the sake of her career, Evelyn begins to open
up to her, sharing the story of her tumultuous rise
(07:01):
to fame. Evelyn's story is one of survival and ambition.
She recalls growing up in poverty with the tragic loss
of her mother at a young age. She learned early
on that life wasn't going to hand her anything, so
she had to take what she wanted. At the age
of sixteen, Evelyn seduced Ernie Diaz, a much older man
who was about to leave for Hollywood. She saw him
(07:23):
as her ticket out of her small, difficult life and
convinced him to take her along, even though she knew
it meant compromising herself. Evelyn makes a point of emphasizing
that in order to succeed in this world, people need
to take what they want, something she's lived by ever
since Monique, intrigued and a little shaken by Evelyn's openness,
(07:44):
asks who the love of Evelyn's life was. This question
causes Evelyn to pause, and she abruptly cuts the interview short.
She reveals that she's been hiding her true self for
so long, carefully constructing a public persona to survive in
the ruthless world of Hollywood, that it's become almost impossible
for her to be honest. The weight of this confession
(08:06):
hangs in the air, leaving Monique wondering who Evelyn truly
loved and what it means for the story she's trying
to unravel. Evelyn picks up the thread of her story,
her voice carrying the weight of years and regrets. She
begins by acknowledging a hard truth. Everyone she loved is gone.
With their absence, the time has come for her to
(08:28):
finally lay bare the full extent of her life, the
secrets and the moments she's kept locked away for so long.
It's as though after years of carefully constructing a facade,
Evelyn is now ready to dismantle it all piece by piece.
She tells Monique that her story will begin with her
first husband, Ernie Diaz, This is where her journey into
(08:48):
the world of Hollywood and its complicated web of love, loss,
and survival started. As Evelyn begins to recount her past
with Ernie, it's clear that this isn't just another tale
of youthful and ambe Evelyn takes us deeper into the
formative years of her life, painting a vivid picture of
her childhood and the choices that shaped her into the
(09:09):
woman she would become. She starts by reflecting on her mother,
a chorus girl and aspiring actress who was both her
idol and the person Evelyn wanted to emulate. But Evelyn's
world was also filled with darkness, as her father was
abusive and her mother tragically passed away when Evelyn was
just eleven. This loss was the first of many that
(09:31):
would drive Evelyn's desire to escape her circumstances and pursue
a different life, one far removed from the pain and
limitation of her past. As Evelyn matures, she begins to
attract the attention of men, but rather than seeing herself
as a victim, she begins to realize the power she holds.
This epiphany comes when an older boy at a corner
(09:53):
store forces himself on her Rather than succumbing to the situation,
Evelyn takes control, demanding whatever she wants in exchange. In
this moment, she sees the transaction not as an act
of submission, but as a trade, something that becomes a
recurring theme in her life. Her sights are firmly set
on Hollywood, and to get there, Evelyn uses her charms
(10:14):
to seduce Ernie Diaz, a man she deceives about her
age in order to marry and escape her abusive father.
With Ernie by her side, Evelyn begins her journey to Hollywood,
where she hopes to make a name for herself. In Hollywood,
Evelyn doesn't wait for opportunities to come to her, she
creates them. She frequents a cafe known for attracting celebrities,
(10:35):
where she meets Harry Cameron, a young film producer who
gives her small roles as she navigates this new world.
Evelyn learns quickly and hides her ambition from Ernie to
avoid making him feel threatened. She soon becomes as successful
as he is, even convincing him to let her take
acting lessons to improve her craft. However, when Evelyn desires
(10:57):
a lead role, Harry informs her that the industry's bias
against her Cuban heritage and its preference for blonde women
makes it almost impossible for her to be considered for
the part. Undeterred, Evelyn engineers a meeting with Ari Sullivan,
the producer she knows can give her the role. She
uses sex as a tool, feigning pleasure while understanding that
(11:19):
the real satisfaction comes from securing what she wants in exchange.
This bold move pays off. Evelyn lands the lead role
in Little Women. With her newfound success, the studio orchestrates
a complete image overhaul. Evelyn is transformed into a blonde
bombshell and re christened as Evelyn Hugo from Evelyn Elena
(11:40):
Herrera with the Cuban American heritage, a name that would
become synonymous with glamour and stardom. To further enhance her
public persona, the studio arranges for to appear alongside famous
male celebrities and stages a divorce from Ernie. Though Evelyn
feigns heartbreak for the cameras, she later reflects that although
she used Ernie to get what she needed at the time,
(12:01):
it ultimately worked out for him. As well, he used
his settlement money to build a life of his own.
Monique finishes her first interview with Evelyn feeling a powerful
surge of confidence. The interview, intense and revealing, has left
Monique with a sense that she can conquer anything, perhaps
even her own doubts. Her conversation with Evelyn, full of
(12:24):
emotional honesty, has sparked something in her, igniting a belief
in herself she hadn't felt in a long time. Later,
Monique has a phone call with her mother, which brings
another layer of reflection. Her mother, always direct and honest,
shares her thoughts about Monique's estranged husband, David. She reveals
that she never thought David was a good match for Monique,
(12:45):
a comment that causes Monique to pause. It's a raw
moment for Monique as she realizes how much her mother's
perspective on her relationship had shaped her own understanding of it,
even if she hadn't fully acknowledged it before. Amidst this,
Monique's mother congratulates her on landing the opportunity to write
(13:06):
Evelyn's life story. Clearly impressed by the magnitude of the
task ahead, she goes on suggests that Evelyn must have
chosen Monique for her talent, a compliment that lifts Monique's spirits. However,
Monique can't shake the feeling that there's something deeper behind
why Evelyn selected her, a reason she can't quite put
her finger on yet, but is determined to uncover. Evelyn's
(13:30):
rise to fame continues, though not without its setbacks. The
production of Little Women, the film that was supposed to
cement her place in Hollywood, faces delays. In the meantime,
the studio keeps her busy, casting her in a series
of other films, including her first major project, Father and Daughter.
As her star starts to shine brighter, the media and
(13:51):
public grow more interested in her, and Evelyn is encouraged
to go on a series of staged dates with various actors.
These dates are merely for publicity, designed to capture the
public's attention and keep Evelyn in the media's spotlight. But
then something shifts. Evelyn meets Don Adler, an actor who
seems to be more than just a face for the press.
(14:13):
Unlike the others who only seem interested in their own image,
Don appears genuinely captivated by Evelyn, not just her beauty,
but her talent. Though Evelyn herself isn't sure what makes
Don different from the rest, she finds herself drawn to
him for the first time. Her feelings begin to shift
from the realm of calculated publicity to something more real,
(14:34):
more emotional. They begin to date for real, and Evelyn
feels the stirrings of a connection that feels different, even
though she's still navigating the complex and often manipulative world
of Hollywood relationships. Evelyn's career takes another leap forward with
the success of Father and Daughter. The film becomes a hit,
(14:55):
cementing her growing status in Hollywood. However, despite her burning
desire to film Little Women, Evelyn is persuaded by her
team to keep riding the wave of commercial success. They
advise her to take on more films like Father and Daughter,
ones that will further solidify her place in the public
eye and capitalize on the popularity she's gaining. They agree
(15:18):
that Little Women can wait a little longer, suggesting that
she stick with lighter romantic roles for now, including a
movie with Don, the man she's fallen deeply in love with.
At this point, Evelyn's relationship with Don has blossomed into
something much more genuine. She's completely enamored with him, and
when he proposes to her on the red carpet, her
(15:39):
heart races with excitement. She says yes, marking a new
chapter in her life. The public is also swept up
in their romance, and in nineteen fifty seven, an article
in sub Rosa gleefully announces their engagement, dubbing them Don
and ev forev. The article speculates that Don's famous parents
(16:00):
be thrilled to welcome Evelyn into the family, and it
promises that their upcoming wedding will be the event of
the year. Evelyn reminisces about her wedding to Don Adler.
She paints a vivid picture of the day, especially her dress,
a gown that dazzled the press and seemed to embody
the fairytale image the world expected of her. The ceremony
(16:20):
itself was grand, meticulously arranged by Don's influential parents, who
seem to have Ethama's control over the event, as they
did over Don's career. Evelyn notes how Don, despite his fame,
often appeared eager to escape the long shadow cast by
his family's legacy. It's clear to her that he's searching
for his own identity, and she believes, perhaps hopes, that
(16:42):
their union might be a step toward that freedom. In
the midst of the chaos and glamour, Evelyn still feels
like a woman in love. The cameras, the whispers, the
carefully staged moments, all of it fades when she looks
at Don and thinks about the future they're building together.
They are young, beautiful, and in the eyes of the world, unstoppable.
(17:03):
Evelyn is captivated by the idea of being part of
a power couple, of loving and being loved, all while
climbing higher on the ladder of fame. At the reception,
In a quieter, more personal moment, Evelyn shares a rare
exchange with Harry Cameron. Curious, she asks him why he
never made a move on her, especially given how close
(17:23):
they've grown. Harry, without explicitly saying it, reveals his truth
he's gay. The conversation, tender and loaded with unspoken truths,
deepens their bond. Evelyn assures him that she treasures his friendship,
perhaps even more so now that she understands just how
much of himself he keeps hidden in a world that
wouldn't accept him for who he truly is. But just
(17:46):
as the fairy tale seems to settle into place, Evelyn's
voice takes a sharp turn. The glitz of the wedding,
the promise of love, it all begins to unravel. Only
two months into their marriage, the man she once adored,
the man who once looked at her like sh she
was the only thing that mattered, beg to hit her.
In the early weeks, things still felt golden. Evelyn was
(18:08):
in love, and for a fleeting moment, they appeared to
be the golden couple of Hollywood. But the shine doesn't
last long. As Evelyn's star continues to rise, garnering accolades's
attention and respect, Don's dims in comparison. The press begins
to turn on him, no longer treating him as the
heir to Hollywood Royalty, but as the lesser half of
a powerful duo, and Don, proud and fragile, doesn't take
(18:32):
it well. Resentment creeps in. What starts as sulking and
bitterness slowly curdles into something darker. Evelyn notices the shift.
Don no longer celebrates her success. Instead, he begins trying
to control her, trying to tether her ambition to the
domestic expectations of the nineteen fifties. He tells her to
take his name, quit her career, and start having children,
(18:55):
as if her existence should revolve around supporting his ego
rather than chasing her own dreams. When Evelyn refuses, boldly
without apology, it triggers the worst in him. In a
moment of rage, Don slaps her. The act is quick,
but the pain is slow and familiar. Evelyn is shaken
not just by the sting of the slap, but by
(19:16):
what it reminds her of her father's violence, her childhood powerlessness.
For a woman who has fought so hard to take
control of her life, this feels like a devastating step backward. Still, Evelyn, ever,
the professional, pushes through. She conceals the injury with makeup,
stuffs the shame deep down, and walks onto the set
of One More Day, the movie they're filming together. The
(19:37):
irony of pretending to be in love with the man
who just hurt her isn't lost on her. On set,
under the artificial glow of a fake beach, Don tries
to make amends. He apologizes, and Evelyn, craving peace more
than anything, lets herself believe for a moment that maybe
it's all going to be okay. The film becomes a
massive success. Both Don and Evelyn receive Oscar nomine, cementing
(20:01):
their place in Hollywood history. But for Evelyn, the movie
is stained. It becomes the one film she can't bear
to watch, not because of the acting or the story,
but because she knows the truth behind the camera. She
remembers the bruise behind the smile, the apology on the sand,
and the betrayal that began to chip away at the
woman she was becoming. After Don's initial apology for hitting her,
(20:25):
Evelyn holds on to the hope that it was a
one time mistake, that love, remorse and promises will be
enough to change him. But that illusion shatters quickly. The
abuse doesn't stop. It worsens whenever Don's pride takes a hit,
whenever a director favors Evelyn or a script praises her
over him, he lashes out physically and emotionally, And each
(20:47):
time Evelyn asserts herself, challenges his cruelty, or dares to succeed,
she becomes the target of his rage. A painful routine
forms the violence, the shame, the carefully applied makeup the
rehearsed smile, Evelyn learns how to survive in silence. She
becomes an expert at hiding bruises, both literal and emotional,
and though her love for Don is still tangled in
(21:08):
the mix, it's now laced with fear and confusion. She's
trapped in a cycle that feels inescapable. Harry Cameron, ever
the watchful friend, notices he sees through the facade when
he confronts Evelyn after noticing the bruises, his concern is
sincere and immediate, but Evelyn, feeling the weight of her entrapment,
confesses what many victims do. She still loves Don, and
(21:31):
she can't see a way out. Love, after all, is
rarely simple, and for Evelyn that love is nodded with ambition, fear, hope,
and public image. Amid this turmoil, a professional breakthrough arrives.
Little Women is finally greenlit. Evelyn is cast as Joe,
the strong, independent lead, a character whose spirit mirrors Evelyn's
(21:51):
own buried strength. Her close friend Ruby Riley lands the
role of Meg, and Joy Nathan will play Amy, But
the biggest surprise in the casting is the newcomer Celia
Saint James, a bright eyed teen actress cast as Beth.
Celia's presence sends a ripple of tension through the cast.
Both Evelyn and Ruby sense that this young actress is
(22:11):
more than she appears. There's something about Celia, her poise,
her charm, the quiet power she holds even as a newcomer,
that makes them uneasy. Evelyn always strategic sees the potential threat.
She worries that Celia might steal the spotlight and disrupt
the carefully constructed image she's fought so hard to maintain.
(22:32):
Evelyn was in the quiet tension of her bedroom, a
space where her bruises are hidden beneath satin robes and
carefully rehearsed smiles. When Paula, Evelyn's maid, enters the room
to clean, Evelyn quickly sends her away, pretending she's just
running late. In truth, Evelyn is trying to hide the
evidence dark painful bruises wrapping around her ribs, the result
(22:55):
of Dawn shoving her down the stairs during yet another
violent outburst. But Evelyn's carefully maintain secrecy cracks when Paula,
unaware and concerned, bursts back into the room, only to
catch a glimpse of Evelyn midchange, she sees the bruises,
and for a brief, frozen moment, Evelyn wonders if this
will be it, if Paula will finally say something, if
(23:17):
the glossy veneer of her marriage will crumble under the
weight of truth. But Paula says nothing. She simply looks,
then quietly leaves, and Evelyn is left with a haunting question.
Why doesn't anyone speak out even when they see the truth?
Is it fear, is it loyalty? Or is it the
unspoken rule of Hollywood never break the illusion? On the
(23:38):
Set of Little Women, Evelyn's attention turns from hiding bruises
to managing another kind of threat, the young, dazzling Celia
Saint James. Both Evelyn and her friend Ruby can't help
but eye the girl with thinly veiled envy. Celia is fresh, innocent,
and glowing in the spotlight in a way Evelyn remembers
being once. Yet Celia doesn't seem to recognize the tension
(24:00):
and swirling around her. She's genuinely nervous, voicing her insecurity
and fear about not knowing what she's doing. On set,
her vulnerability catches Evelyn off guard, but Evelyn, still on
the defensive, reads Celia's openness as insincere. She calls her out,
accusing her of faking it to win sympathy. The words
cut deeper than Evelyn intends. Celia's hurt is real, and
(24:22):
in that moment, something shifts. Evelyn sees Celia not as
a threat, but as a person, a young woman scared
and unsure, just like Evelyn once was, And for the
first time, Evelyn lets her guard down, if only a little.
She decides quietly and without fanfare, that she likes Celia
Saint James. As the day's intense revelations come to a close,
(24:43):
Evelyn signals the end of their interview session. Monique, though
still overwhelmed by the weight of Evelyn's confessions, remains silent
about the biggest secret she's keeping. She hasn't told Frankie,
her editor at Vivante, that this story isn't for the
magazine at all. It's something personal, something bigger. Later, at home,
Monique finds herself opening a package that feels like a
(25:06):
time capsule, filled with moments captured by her late father
inside our photographs he had taken during his time working
on Hollywood film sets. The black and white stills speak
not just of a glamorous past, but of a man
who saw beauty through a lens and who passed that
sensitivity down to his daughter. As she flips through the Prince,
(25:27):
a tender wave of nostalgia hits her. She recalls how
her father once gave her a piece of advice that
stayed with her long after his death, do something you
truly love. That memory sends her back to her own
winding journey, how she stumbled through various paths, unsure of
her place in the world until she found her calling
in journalism. Just like her father had poured his soul
(25:49):
into photography, she now pours hers into stories, seeking truth, meaning,
and connection. Among the photos, Monique finds one that freezes
her in time, an image of herself as a little girl,
tucked between her parents, her father's deep brown skin her
mother's pale, freckled arms. As a biracial child, Monique often
(26:10):
felt like she belonged to two worlds, but never fully
fit into either, not black enough, not white enough, always
somewhere in between. But as she stares at that photograph,
something inside her settles. The image is simple, unposed, but
in it, she sees love. She sees proof that she belonged,
that she was wanted, that she came from a place
(26:31):
of tenderness, and in that quiet moment, she feels whole. Later,
something marks the beginning of a friendship that will come
to define Evelyn's life in ways she can't yet imagine.
It begins with a simple outing, an invitation from Celia
Saint James to spend time together outside of work. On
the surface, it seems innocent, but when Celia suggests they
(26:52):
go somewhere where they'll be seen, somewhere the cameras will
catch them, Evelyn's guard immediately goes up to Evelyn, who
spent years calculating every move for survival in Hollywood, it
feels like manipulation. She's spent too long being used by
men and the media to not recognize a strategy. When
she sees one hurt, she accuses Celia of wanting to
(27:14):
use her name and fame to boost her own rising star,
but Celia quickly backtracks, saying that's not what she meant
at all, She just genuinely wants to get to know Evelyn.
Taking control, Evelyn redirects them to a quieter more private spot,
somewhere off the radar, away from the flash of cameras.
When the waiter there recognizes Evelyn, she playfully insists he
(27:36):
must be mistaken. She jokes that she's just some woman
who wishes she were Evelyn Hugo. That small moment of
pretend is more than humor. It's a flicker of longing
for a simpler existence, a life unburdened by fame and
the masks it requires. As the two women talk, the
conversation turns sharp and honest. Evelyn Never Want a Sugarcoat,
(27:58):
admits she's used people before, and she's unapologetic about it.
In her world, survival often depends on leverage, on knowing
how to make others want something from you. She tells
Celia plainly, if you're going to use people, at least
be good at it. Celia responds not with judgment but fascination.
She calls Evelyn awful, but with a spark of admiration.
(28:20):
There's something refreshing about Evelyn's unapologetic self awareness, and instead
of fighting each other, Celia proposes a different path cooperation.
She'll help Evelyn hone her craft and become a stronger
actress and in return, Evelyn will lend her own star
power to give Celia more visibility. They strike a deal
not just of mutual benefit, but the start of a
(28:42):
friendship grounded in brutal honesty and complicated admiration. Following this,
a biting article titled Cold Evelyn is published in sub Rosa,
framing Evelyn as the villain in her marriage. It claims
she has refused to have children with Don, leaving him heartbroken,
and accuses her of being difficult, messy, and unkind to
the staff. The article paints Evelyn as cold and self absorbed,
(29:06):
reinforcing a narrative the public is all too ready to
believe that a woman who prioritizes her ambition must also
lack warmth, softness, or compassion. After the scathing Subrosa article
portrays Evelyn as cold hearted for refusing to have children,
the fallout is swift and serious. Evelyn, Celia, and Harry
(29:26):
gather to assess the damage, and it's clear this story
could tarnish Evelyn's career if she doesn't act quickly. She
begins to piece together how such private information got out
and concludes with sharp intuition that her maid Paula must
have been the source Paula had seen too much and
perhaps felt too little loyalty, But rather than confront her directly,
(29:48):
Evelyn chooses a more theatrical route, something she knows well.
She devises a plan to manipulate the narrative. With Harry's help,
she arranges for her doctor to call the house. When
the phone rings, Evelyn puts on a performance worthy of
an oscar. She sobs into the receiver, murmuring phrases of grief,
pain and loss loud enough for Paula to overhear. She
(30:09):
fabricates a heart wrenching tale of miscarriages, knowing the housekeeper
will take the bait. As predicted, Don, caught between appearances
and confusion, fires Paula. After overhearing the supposed phone call,
Evelyn knew exactly what would happen next. Paula would run
to the press, thinking she was leaking a juicy secret,
when in reality, she was spreading a carefully crafted lie.
(30:32):
And it works. Subrosa once again publishes a piece, but
this time the tone has changed. The article, titled Blessed
Don and Evelyn They Need It, paints Evelyn and Don
as a grieving couple who've suffered through three tragic miscarriages.
The public, now softened by sympathy, rallies behind them. Evelyn's
(30:52):
image is repaired, at least in the eyes of the media,
but behind the headlines, something much more meaningful is quietly blooming.
Evelyn and Celia are growing closer by the day. Their friendship,
once competitive and guarded, has blossomed into an easy intimacy.
They spend hours together on set and off. Celia, with
her earnestness and natural talent, helps Evelyn refine her acting,
(31:16):
pushing her to reach deeper and be more vulnerable in
her roles. In return, Evelyn's star power brings Celia more attention,
more weight in the industry. Their performances in Little Women
are nothing short of dazzling. Hollywood is already buzzing. Both
women are being touted as early favorites for the Academy Awards.
After the carefully orchestrated media spin about Evelyn's miscarriages takes hold,
(31:41):
she and Celia retreat to Evelyn's home for a quiet celebration.
The glamour and public spectacle fall away for the evening,
leaving just the two of them alone with a bottle
of wine and the intoxicating comfort of each other's presence,
The night feels different, softer, more personal. As the wine flows,
so does the conversation. They share stories about their families,
(32:03):
their pasts, and even their real names, peeling back layers
the world never gets to see. Celia, ever, earnest and open,
doesn't hold back her admiration. She tells Evelyn how much
she respects her ambition and the way she moves through
the world with strength and purpose, and then she says
it that she thinks Evelyn is the most beautiful woman
(32:23):
she's ever seen. It's more than flattery, it feels like
a confession. Evelyn, never one to let sentiment take the lead,
tries to keep her guard up, but when Celia suggests
they burn the Cruel subrosa article that labeled Evelyn as
cold and selfish, Evelyn agrees. They sit by the fire,
watching the lies go up and smoke, and in that
(32:44):
moment it's as if they're burning away everything fake and
leaning into something real. Their conversation takes a more vulnerable turn.
Celia asks if Evelyn loves Don, and Evelyn doesn't give
the easy answer. She admits it's complicated that she both
loves and hates him. Don, after all, is her husband
in name and image, but he's also a man who
(33:06):
represents both safety and constraint. Her feelings for him are tangled,
but they don't hold the same fire as what she's
beginning to feel for Celia. When Evelyn accidentally spills wine
on Celia's shirt, it gives them an excuse to move
to the bedroom. There. As Celia changes, Evelyn sees her
not just as a co star or friend, but as
(33:26):
someone who truly knows her. Celia assures her that her
secrets are safe with her, and in that moment, Evelyn
feels something seismic shift inside her. She's never loved anyone
the way she's starting to love Celia, not with this
kind of aching clarity. But the intimacy is shattered in
an instant when Don unexpectedly walks in Celia midchange is
(33:48):
exposed in more ways than one. Don freezes, his face,
doesn't show fury or shock, just suspicion. He asks what's
going on, and Evelyn, quick on her feet, brushes it
off with a simple nothing. Of course, it's never really nothing.
The public, oblivious to the real nature of Evelyn and
Celia's relationship, gets a different version of events. A nineteen
(34:10):
fifty nine article in Photo Moment paints a picture of
a fun, innocent foursome, Don and Evelyn seen on double
dates with Celia and Don's friend, actor Robert Logan. The
truth hides in plain sight, but no one is really looking.
Not yet. It's the night of the Little Women premiere,
and the studio expects a perfect performance, not on screen,
(34:30):
but on the red carpet. Celia is supposed to attend
with Robert Logan, a polished but insufferable, studio approved escort
meant to squash rumors and reinforce heteronormative optics. Celia, however,
is visibly uncomfortable with the careade. She loathes Robert and
pleads with Evelyn to attend the premiere as her date instead.
But Evelyn, fully aware of the stakes and how easily
(34:53):
rumors could spiral into ruin, insists they both play their parts.
Celia must walk in with Robert, just as Evelyn must
smile beside Don. It's the price of being seen while
hiding in plain sight. Despite the orchestrated appearances, Evelyn ensures
Celia gets her moment. She maneuvers them into photographs together,
subtly placing Celia in the spotlight. Evelyn understands how publicity
(35:17):
works and uses it as a weapon for Celia's benefit.
Watching the film for the first time, Evelyn is in
awe of Celia's performance. She sees brilliance on the screen,
something award worthy, and rather than feel threatened, she feels proud.
It's a rare, quiet moment of selflessness that surprises even her.
She doesn't envy Celia's success, she revels in it. But
(35:39):
behind the glamour tension simmers. Evelyn dares to show Celia
a small gesture of affection in Don's presence, and immediately
her body goes cold with dread. She knows Don, she
knows how he'll react. The public smiles and elegant gowns
might be blinding, but Evelyn lives under constant fear of
what happens when the cameras go dark. Later, at the
(36:00):
after party, the evening takes a darker turn. Ruby Riley, ever,
the opportunist, corners Evelyn in a laundry room. In a dramatic,
almost theatrical move, she spills a bright green drink on
Evelyn's equally green dress. Ruining it. The act isn't accidental,
It's a power play. Ruby proposes a calculated alliance to
sabotage Celia, hinting that she has dirt to spill, but
(36:23):
Evelyn shuts her down. She won't betray Celia, not for fame,
not for protection, not for anything. Ruby, in retaliation, delivers
two crushing blows. She casually reveals that Celia is a lesbian,
using the word like a weapon, and then informs Evelyn
that Don is having an affair. But Evelyn doesn't even
flinch at the latter. In that moment, her priority is clear.
(36:46):
It's not her dress, not the party, and not her
cheating husband. It's Celia. All Evelyn wants is to find her,
that singular focus in a world that demands divided loyalties
says everything. The night ends not with applause or celebrate,
but with the quiet realization that love, real, raw love
is growing in a place where it may never be
(37:06):
safe to fully bloom. In the quiet of their interview space,
Monique dares to ask the question that's been circling them
for chapters. Did you know Celia was gay? Evelyn always poised,
momentarily falters Beneath her polished calm, something shifts, just a flicker,
but Monique notices. She pushes, gently but firmly, asking Evelyn
(37:27):
to tell her who the great love of her life
really was. It's a moment that feels suspended in time.
For Evelyn. The answer carries the weight of decades lived
in secrecy, performance and sacrifice, and even now in the
safety of a private interview, she hesitates. Monique can feel
the risk of it in the air. Coming out, especially
(37:48):
for someone as publicly mythologized as Evelyn Hugo, is still
not without consequence, even in this more progressive era. And
then Evelyn says it, Celia Saint James was the love
of my life. The words land like a revelation. Monique,
moved and stunned, instinctively leaps to a conclusion. So you're gay,
she says, trying to connect the dots, but in doing
(38:09):
so she misses something vital. Evelyn stiffens. Her expression shifts
not with anger but disappointment, not because she's ashamed, but
because she's been misread. She clarifies, calmly but firmly, she's bisexual.
She loved men, she says, and she loved Celia, both
were real, both mattered. Her identity isn't a compromise or
a half truth, It's whole. Monique immediately feels the sting
(38:32):
of her own assumption. She realizes how quickly she had
put Evelyn into a box, reducing a complex truth into
a convenient label, and in that moment, she reflects on
her own experience as a biracial woman, how often others
try to define her, strip away the nuance, or choose
for her which part of herself is more real. She
apologizes sincerely, and Evelyn accepts. The air between them clears
(38:56):
a little heavier, but also more honest. The inner you continues,
but now it feels different, more vulnerable, more true. At
a party where Evelyn, amid the chaos and the glitter
of the event, seeks out Celia. She finds her in
the laundry room, where the tension between them feels almost unbearable. Evelyn,
full of questions and urgency, confronts Celia with the question
(39:19):
that has been lingering in her mind. Are you a lesbian?
Celia's attempt to retreat from the conversation only drives Evelyn closer, and,
in a bold, unrestrained moment, she kisses Celia. It's a
kiss that carries the weight of all the unspoken words,
the unacknowledged feelings that have been building between them. But
Celia pulls away and leaves her emotions a tangled mess
(39:41):
of confusion and fear. After the kiss, Evelyn's resolve hardens.
She goes looking for Don, knowing that there's something she
must confront, and when she finds him, it's not the
reunion she might have hoped for. Instead, she catches him
in the act of infidelity. The betrayal stings, but Evelyn
is no stranger to betrayal. She doesn't hesitate. She calls
(40:04):
Harry over, asking him to take her home. She even
hints at her own complex feelings, suggesting that she and
Celia might share a bond, not unlike Harry's with his partner. Harry, Ever,
the confidant doesn't shy away from the truth. He admits
that he thought Celia had feelings for Evelyn and warns
her that leaving Don might carry heavy consequences, not just personally,
(40:26):
but professionally. He knows what the world would say, what
it could mean for her career, and yet Evelyn listens
but remains unmoved. When she gets home, she finds Celia
waiting for her, and the weight of their relationship is
finally laid bare. Evelyn tells Celia the truth. She doesn't
love Don anymore. He's no longer the center of her
(40:47):
world because Celia is all she thinks about. With that,
Evelyn makes a choice. She packs her bags, leaving behind
a life she no longer wants, stepping forward into something
unknown but undeniably hurt. It's a pivotal moment, a declaration
of who she is, what she wants, and who she's
willing to fight for. They share a bed, but despite
(41:09):
the intimacy of their proximity, Evelyn holds herself back. She
longs to kiss Celia again, but is conflicted about what
it would mean for her identity. The tension between what
she feels and what society expects of her is palpable.
As Evelyn wrestles with her emotions, Harry pays her a visit,
bringing with him the divorce papers from Don. The terms
(41:30):
of the divorce are clear. Evelyn will get the house
in half of Don's wealth, but she's forbidden from ever
speaking about their marriage publicly. The legal battle isn't over,
though Don has also arranged for her to be kicked
out of Sunset Studio, ensuring she'll only be cast in
mediocre films from now on until her contract expires. Despite
(41:51):
the bitterness and the messy aftermath, Evelyn and Harry vow
to remain friends. The friendship, though, feels like a rare
constant in a world that seems to be crumbling around her.
Once Harry leaves, Evelyn finally confronts her feelings. She turns
to Celia, admitting for the first time that she loves her.
In that moment, the weight of all the things they've
(42:13):
held back is released, and they give in to their passion.
They sleep together, marking a turning point in their relationship,
a moment where Evelyn fully embraces her love for Celia,
free from the constraints of the past.
Disclaimer. This is a summary of The Seven Husbands of
Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins. Read It is not a
substitute for the original novel and does not contain the
full text or exact phrasing of the author. All characters,
plot points, and themes discussed are based on interpretations of
the published work. Readers are encouraged to consult the original
(00:21):
book for a complete and authentic experience of the story.
We Are is introduced to the enigmatic and legendary film
star Evelyn Hugo. A twenty seventeen article from The New
York Tribune sets the stage, drawing attention to Evelyn's unexpected
decision at seventy nine to auction off twelve of her
iconic gowns. The proceeds will go toward a breast cancer charity,
(00:45):
a cause that is especially poignant given the recent loss
of her daughter, Connor Cameron, who tragically passed away from
the diseases at just forty one. The article paints a
brief portrait of Evelyn's life, a daughter of Cuban immigrants
who made her mark on the glamorous world of Hollywood,
A woman whose beauty and charm were rivaled only by
her tumultuous personal life, including seven marriages. The story begins
(01:09):
with Monique Grant, a struggling writer working at Vivante, a
magazine that has yet to give her the break she
desperately needs. She meets with her editor, Frankie, who presents
Monique with an unbelievable opportunity, an exclusive interview with the
reclusive film star Evelyn Hugo. What's even more perplexing is
that Evelyn has specifically requested Monique to be the one
(01:31):
to conduct the interview, which raises questions for both Monique
and Frankie. Why her Evelyn hasn't spoken to the press
in years, and now, out of nowhere, she chooses a
relatively unknown writer. Monique, curious about the connection, asks her
mother if her late father, who worked in Hollywood, might
have known Evelyn. Her mother dismisses the idea, leaving Monique
(01:55):
with no clear answer. Despite the mystery, Monique is eager
to seize this rare chance, seeing it as the moment
that could transform her faltering career into something more promising. Frankie,
a bit skeptical, wonders aloud if Evelyn's interest in Monique
might stem from an article Monique had written about physician
(02:15):
assisted suicide, a piece she had poured her heart into.
Monique reflects on the effort she had invested in that story,
feeling both proud of her work and yet unsure why
it would catch Evelyn's eye. Monique throws herself into researching
Evelyn Hugo, determined to prepare for the high profile interview
that could define her career. For days, she immerses herself
(02:37):
in Evelyn's storied past, both her personal and professional life.
Through the research, Monique learns about Evelyn's legendary film career,
her seven husbands, and the tumultuous relationships that filled her
decades in the public eye. The more Monique uncovers, the
more she finds herself captivated by Evelyn's world, as complex
(02:57):
and dazzling as it is in her personal life. Monique
is reeling from a recent upheaval. Her husband, David has
moved out, and she's left to navigate the painful and
confusing aftermath of their relationship. She's unsure of what went
wrong or what exactly led to their separation, and this
uncertainty hangs over her thoughts as she prepares for the interview.
(03:22):
Despite her emotional turmoil, Monique can't shake the anticipation and
pressure she feels about the upcoming meeting with Evelyn. To
distract herself and perhaps find a sense of connection with
the woman she's about to meet, Monique watches clips of
Evelyn's films. As she watches the elegant and magnetic star
on screen, Monique becomes entranced by Evelyn's beauty, her poise,
(03:44):
and the power she exudes in every scene. The photographs
of Evelyn throughout the years only deepen her fascination. It's
clear that Evelyn wasn't just a star, she was a force,
always leaving her audience wanting more, a mystery that only
added to her allure. As Monique absorbs everything about Evelyn,
she finds herself wondering what will happen when they finally
(04:06):
meet face to face. Will the interview too leave her
wanting more, just as Evelyn always managed to do with
her public Monique embarks on the nerve wracking journey to
meet the elusive Evelyn Hugo for the first time. As
she heads toward Evelyn's apartment, Monique is filled with a
mix of confidence and nerves, aware that this moment could
be a game changer for her career. She's greeted by Grace,
(04:30):
Evelyn's poised and professional assistant, who ushers her into an
apartment that takes Monique's breath away. The space is a
lavish reflection of Evelyn herself, elegant, grand and overlooking the
iconic Central Park, Monique can't help but be in awe
of the opulence surrounding her. When she finally meets Evelyn,
(04:51):
Monique is struck by the star's timeless beauty and elegance.
She's momentarily starstruck, feeling like she's standing in the presence
of someone who has lived a thousand and lives, each
one more glamorous and mysterious than the last. Evelyn, however,
wastes no time in surprising Monique with a bold proposition.
Instead of a typical interview, Evelyn offers Monique the opportunity
(05:13):
to write her biography, one that will be published only
after Evelyn's death. Monique is taken aback. This isn't what
she expected, and the weight of the offer immediately sinks in.
Evelyn goes on to clarify that she's not interested in
confessing her sins or spilling out her regrets. When Monique
asks if Evelyn wants to make amends, Evelyn draws a
(05:35):
sharp distinction between apology and regret, making it clear that
she doesn't regret many of the choices she's made, even
if they've hurt others. For Evelyn, the idea of regret
is something that doesn't fit with her approach to life.
She's lived it unapologetically, even if it means keeping secrets.
She challenges Monique to truly understand her and to see
(05:57):
beyond the surface, something she deems crue us for their
working relationship. In that moment, Monique realizes just how deeply
Evelyn values her story and how important it is to
her that it's told in the right way. Evelyn's next
demand is a stark one. She insists that Monique be
ruthless in selling the story of her life, the biography.
(06:19):
Evelyn believes it will be worth millions, and Monique's task
is to make sure she gets as much money as
possible for it. Despite the gravity of the request, Evelyn
refuses to disclose why she's chosen Monique for this monumental task.
Monique finds herself caught in a web of lies, as
she tells her editor Frankie that she's still trying to
(06:40):
secure the coveted tell all interview with Evelyn. In reality,
Monique has already entered into a much more intimate and
complex arrangement with the Star, one that's full of secrets
and unexpected revelations. While Monique holds on to the lie
for the sake of her career, Evelyn begins to open
up to her, sharing the story of her tumultuous rise
(07:01):
to fame. Evelyn's story is one of survival and ambition.
She recalls growing up in poverty with the tragic loss
of her mother at a young age. She learned early
on that life wasn't going to hand her anything, so
she had to take what she wanted. At the age
of sixteen, Evelyn seduced Ernie Diaz, a much older man
who was about to leave for Hollywood. She saw him
(07:23):
as her ticket out of her small, difficult life and
convinced him to take her along, even though she knew
it meant compromising herself. Evelyn makes a point of emphasizing
that in order to succeed in this world, people need
to take what they want, something she's lived by ever
since Monique, intrigued and a little shaken by Evelyn's openness,
(07:44):
asks who the love of Evelyn's life was. This question
causes Evelyn to pause, and she abruptly cuts the interview short.
She reveals that she's been hiding her true self for
so long, carefully constructing a public persona to survive in
the ruthless world of Hollywood, that it's become almost impossible
for her to be honest. The weight of this confession
(08:06):
hangs in the air, leaving Monique wondering who Evelyn truly
loved and what it means for the story she's trying
to unravel. Evelyn picks up the thread of her story,
her voice carrying the weight of years and regrets. She
begins by acknowledging a hard truth. Everyone she loved is gone.
With their absence, the time has come for her to
(08:28):
finally lay bare the full extent of her life, the
secrets and the moments she's kept locked away for so long.
It's as though after years of carefully constructing a facade,
Evelyn is now ready to dismantle it all piece by piece.
She tells Monique that her story will begin with her
first husband, Ernie Diaz, This is where her journey into
(08:48):
the world of Hollywood and its complicated web of love, loss,
and survival started. As Evelyn begins to recount her past
with Ernie, it's clear that this isn't just another tale
of youthful and ambe Evelyn takes us deeper into the
formative years of her life, painting a vivid picture of
her childhood and the choices that shaped her into the
(09:09):
woman she would become. She starts by reflecting on her mother,
a chorus girl and aspiring actress who was both her
idol and the person Evelyn wanted to emulate. But Evelyn's
world was also filled with darkness, as her father was
abusive and her mother tragically passed away when Evelyn was
just eleven. This loss was the first of many that
(09:31):
would drive Evelyn's desire to escape her circumstances and pursue
a different life, one far removed from the pain and
limitation of her past. As Evelyn matures, she begins to
attract the attention of men, but rather than seeing herself
as a victim, she begins to realize the power she holds.
This epiphany comes when an older boy at a corner
(09:53):
store forces himself on her Rather than succumbing to the situation,
Evelyn takes control, demanding whatever she wants in exchange. In
this moment, she sees the transaction not as an act
of submission, but as a trade, something that becomes a
recurring theme in her life. Her sights are firmly set
on Hollywood, and to get there, Evelyn uses her charms
(10:14):
to seduce Ernie Diaz, a man she deceives about her
age in order to marry and escape her abusive father.
With Ernie by her side, Evelyn begins her journey to Hollywood,
where she hopes to make a name for herself. In Hollywood,
Evelyn doesn't wait for opportunities to come to her, she
creates them. She frequents a cafe known for attracting celebrities,
(10:35):
where she meets Harry Cameron, a young film producer who
gives her small roles as she navigates this new world.
Evelyn learns quickly and hides her ambition from Ernie to
avoid making him feel threatened. She soon becomes as successful
as he is, even convincing him to let her take
acting lessons to improve her craft. However, when Evelyn desires
(10:57):
a lead role, Harry informs her that the industry's bias
against her Cuban heritage and its preference for blonde women
makes it almost impossible for her to be considered for
the part. Undeterred, Evelyn engineers a meeting with Ari Sullivan,
the producer she knows can give her the role. She
uses sex as a tool, feigning pleasure while understanding that
(11:19):
the real satisfaction comes from securing what she wants in exchange.
This bold move pays off. Evelyn lands the lead role
in Little Women. With her newfound success, the studio orchestrates
a complete image overhaul. Evelyn is transformed into a blonde
bombshell and re christened as Evelyn Hugo from Evelyn Elena
(11:40):
Herrera with the Cuban American heritage, a name that would
become synonymous with glamour and stardom. To further enhance her
public persona, the studio arranges for to appear alongside famous
male celebrities and stages a divorce from Ernie. Though Evelyn
feigns heartbreak for the cameras, she later reflects that although
she used Ernie to get what she needed at the time,
(12:01):
it ultimately worked out for him. As well, he used
his settlement money to build a life of his own.
Monique finishes her first interview with Evelyn feeling a powerful
surge of confidence. The interview, intense and revealing, has left
Monique with a sense that she can conquer anything, perhaps
even her own doubts. Her conversation with Evelyn, full of
(12:24):
emotional honesty, has sparked something in her, igniting a belief
in herself she hadn't felt in a long time. Later,
Monique has a phone call with her mother, which brings
another layer of reflection. Her mother, always direct and honest,
shares her thoughts about Monique's estranged husband, David. She reveals
that she never thought David was a good match for Monique,
(12:45):
a comment that causes Monique to pause. It's a raw
moment for Monique as she realizes how much her mother's
perspective on her relationship had shaped her own understanding of it,
even if she hadn't fully acknowledged it before. Amidst this,
Monique's mother congratulates her on landing the opportunity to write
(13:06):
Evelyn's life story. Clearly impressed by the magnitude of the
task ahead, she goes on suggests that Evelyn must have
chosen Monique for her talent, a compliment that lifts Monique's spirits. However,
Monique can't shake the feeling that there's something deeper behind
why Evelyn selected her, a reason she can't quite put
her finger on yet, but is determined to uncover. Evelyn's
(13:30):
rise to fame continues, though not without its setbacks. The
production of Little Women, the film that was supposed to
cement her place in Hollywood, faces delays. In the meantime,
the studio keeps her busy, casting her in a series
of other films, including her first major project, Father and Daughter.
As her star starts to shine brighter, the media and
(13:51):
public grow more interested in her, and Evelyn is encouraged
to go on a series of staged dates with various actors.
These dates are merely for publicity, designed to capture the
public's attention and keep Evelyn in the media's spotlight. But
then something shifts. Evelyn meets Don Adler, an actor who
seems to be more than just a face for the press.
(14:13):
Unlike the others who only seem interested in their own image,
Don appears genuinely captivated by Evelyn, not just her beauty,
but her talent. Though Evelyn herself isn't sure what makes
Don different from the rest, she finds herself drawn to
him for the first time. Her feelings begin to shift
from the realm of calculated publicity to something more real,
(14:34):
more emotional. They begin to date for real, and Evelyn
feels the stirrings of a connection that feels different, even
though she's still navigating the complex and often manipulative world
of Hollywood relationships. Evelyn's career takes another leap forward with
the success of Father and Daughter. The film becomes a hit,
(14:55):
cementing her growing status in Hollywood. However, despite her burning
desire to film Little Women, Evelyn is persuaded by her
team to keep riding the wave of commercial success. They
advise her to take on more films like Father and Daughter,
ones that will further solidify her place in the public
eye and capitalize on the popularity she's gaining. They agree
(15:18):
that Little Women can wait a little longer, suggesting that
she stick with lighter romantic roles for now, including a
movie with Don, the man she's fallen deeply in love with.
At this point, Evelyn's relationship with Don has blossomed into
something much more genuine. She's completely enamored with him, and
when he proposes to her on the red carpet, her
(15:39):
heart races with excitement. She says yes, marking a new
chapter in her life. The public is also swept up
in their romance, and in nineteen fifty seven, an article
in sub Rosa gleefully announces their engagement, dubbing them Don
and ev forev. The article speculates that Don's famous parents
(16:00):
be thrilled to welcome Evelyn into the family, and it
promises that their upcoming wedding will be the event of
the year. Evelyn reminisces about her wedding to Don Adler.
She paints a vivid picture of the day, especially her dress,
a gown that dazzled the press and seemed to embody
the fairytale image the world expected of her. The ceremony
(16:20):
itself was grand, meticulously arranged by Don's influential parents, who
seem to have Ethama's control over the event, as they
did over Don's career. Evelyn notes how Don, despite his fame,
often appeared eager to escape the long shadow cast by
his family's legacy. It's clear to her that he's searching
for his own identity, and she believes, perhaps hopes, that
(16:42):
their union might be a step toward that freedom. In
the midst of the chaos and glamour, Evelyn still feels
like a woman in love. The cameras, the whispers, the
carefully staged moments, all of it fades when she looks
at Don and thinks about the future they're building together.
They are young, beautiful, and in the eyes of the world, unstoppable.
(17:03):
Evelyn is captivated by the idea of being part of
a power couple, of loving and being loved, all while
climbing higher on the ladder of fame. At the reception,
In a quieter, more personal moment, Evelyn shares a rare
exchange with Harry Cameron. Curious, she asks him why he
never made a move on her, especially given how close
(17:23):
they've grown. Harry, without explicitly saying it, reveals his truth
he's gay. The conversation, tender and loaded with unspoken truths,
deepens their bond. Evelyn assures him that she treasures his friendship,
perhaps even more so now that she understands just how
much of himself he keeps hidden in a world that
wouldn't accept him for who he truly is. But just
(17:46):
as the fairy tale seems to settle into place, Evelyn's
voice takes a sharp turn. The glitz of the wedding,
the promise of love, it all begins to unravel. Only
two months into their marriage, the man she once adored,
the man who once looked at her like sh she
was the only thing that mattered, beg to hit her.
In the early weeks, things still felt golden. Evelyn was
(18:08):
in love, and for a fleeting moment, they appeared to
be the golden couple of Hollywood. But the shine doesn't
last long. As Evelyn's star continues to rise, garnering accolades's
attention and respect, Don's dims in comparison. The press begins
to turn on him, no longer treating him as the
heir to Hollywood Royalty, but as the lesser half of
a powerful duo, and Don, proud and fragile, doesn't take
(18:32):
it well. Resentment creeps in. What starts as sulking and
bitterness slowly curdles into something darker. Evelyn notices the shift.
Don no longer celebrates her success. Instead, he begins trying
to control her, trying to tether her ambition to the
domestic expectations of the nineteen fifties. He tells her to
take his name, quit her career, and start having children,
(18:55):
as if her existence should revolve around supporting his ego
rather than chasing her own dreams. When Evelyn refuses, boldly
without apology, it triggers the worst in him. In a
moment of rage, Don slaps her. The act is quick,
but the pain is slow and familiar. Evelyn is shaken
not just by the sting of the slap, but by
(19:16):
what it reminds her of her father's violence, her childhood powerlessness.
For a woman who has fought so hard to take
control of her life, this feels like a devastating step backward. Still, Evelyn, ever,
the professional, pushes through. She conceals the injury with makeup,
stuffs the shame deep down, and walks onto the set
of One More Day, the movie they're filming together. The
(19:37):
irony of pretending to be in love with the man
who just hurt her isn't lost on her. On set,
under the artificial glow of a fake beach, Don tries
to make amends. He apologizes, and Evelyn, craving peace more
than anything, lets herself believe for a moment that maybe
it's all going to be okay. The film becomes a
massive success. Both Don and Evelyn receive Oscar nomine, cementing
(20:01):
their place in Hollywood history. But for Evelyn, the movie
is stained. It becomes the one film she can't bear
to watch, not because of the acting or the story,
but because she knows the truth behind the camera. She
remembers the bruise behind the smile, the apology on the sand,
and the betrayal that began to chip away at the
woman she was becoming. After Don's initial apology for hitting her,
(20:25):
Evelyn holds on to the hope that it was a
one time mistake, that love, remorse and promises will be
enough to change him. But that illusion shatters quickly. The
abuse doesn't stop. It worsens whenever Don's pride takes a hit,
whenever a director favors Evelyn or a script praises her
over him, he lashes out physically and emotionally, And each
(20:47):
time Evelyn asserts herself, challenges his cruelty, or dares to succeed,
she becomes the target of his rage. A painful routine
forms the violence, the shame, the carefully applied makeup the
rehearsed smile, Evelyn learns how to survive in silence. She
becomes an expert at hiding bruises, both literal and emotional,
and though her love for Don is still tangled in
(21:08):
the mix, it's now laced with fear and confusion. She's
trapped in a cycle that feels inescapable. Harry Cameron, ever
the watchful friend, notices he sees through the facade when
he confronts Evelyn after noticing the bruises, his concern is
sincere and immediate, but Evelyn, feeling the weight of her entrapment,
confesses what many victims do. She still loves Don, and
(21:31):
she can't see a way out. Love, after all, is
rarely simple, and for Evelyn that love is nodded with ambition, fear, hope,
and public image. Amid this turmoil, a professional breakthrough arrives.
Little Women is finally greenlit. Evelyn is cast as Joe,
the strong, independent lead, a character whose spirit mirrors Evelyn's
(21:51):
own buried strength. Her close friend Ruby Riley lands the
role of Meg, and Joy Nathan will play Amy, But
the biggest surprise in the casting is the newcomer Celia
Saint James, a bright eyed teen actress cast as Beth.
Celia's presence sends a ripple of tension through the cast.
Both Evelyn and Ruby sense that this young actress is
(22:11):
more than she appears. There's something about Celia, her poise,
her charm, the quiet power she holds even as a newcomer,
that makes them uneasy. Evelyn always strategic sees the potential threat.
She worries that Celia might steal the spotlight and disrupt
the carefully constructed image she's fought so hard to maintain.
(22:32):
Evelyn was in the quiet tension of her bedroom, a
space where her bruises are hidden beneath satin robes and
carefully rehearsed smiles. When Paula, Evelyn's maid, enters the room
to clean, Evelyn quickly sends her away, pretending she's just
running late. In truth, Evelyn is trying to hide the
evidence dark painful bruises wrapping around her ribs, the result
(22:55):
of Dawn shoving her down the stairs during yet another
violent outburst. But Evelyn's carefully maintain secrecy cracks when Paula,
unaware and concerned, bursts back into the room, only to
catch a glimpse of Evelyn midchange, she sees the bruises,
and for a brief, frozen moment, Evelyn wonders if this
will be it, if Paula will finally say something, if
(23:17):
the glossy veneer of her marriage will crumble under the
weight of truth. But Paula says nothing. She simply looks,
then quietly leaves, and Evelyn is left with a haunting question.
Why doesn't anyone speak out even when they see the truth?
Is it fear, is it loyalty? Or is it the
unspoken rule of Hollywood never break the illusion? On the
(23:38):
Set of Little Women, Evelyn's attention turns from hiding bruises
to managing another kind of threat, the young, dazzling Celia
Saint James. Both Evelyn and her friend Ruby can't help
but eye the girl with thinly veiled envy. Celia is fresh, innocent,
and glowing in the spotlight in a way Evelyn remembers
being once. Yet Celia doesn't seem to recognize the tension
(24:00):
and swirling around her. She's genuinely nervous, voicing her insecurity
and fear about not knowing what she's doing. On set,
her vulnerability catches Evelyn off guard, but Evelyn, still on
the defensive, reads Celia's openness as insincere. She calls her out,
accusing her of faking it to win sympathy. The words
cut deeper than Evelyn intends. Celia's hurt is real, and
(24:22):
in that moment, something shifts. Evelyn sees Celia not as
a threat, but as a person, a young woman scared
and unsure, just like Evelyn once was, And for the
first time, Evelyn lets her guard down, if only a little.
She decides quietly and without fanfare, that she likes Celia
Saint James. As the day's intense revelations come to a close,
(24:43):
Evelyn signals the end of their interview session. Monique, though
still overwhelmed by the weight of Evelyn's confessions, remains silent
about the biggest secret she's keeping. She hasn't told Frankie,
her editor at Vivante, that this story isn't for the
magazine at all. It's something personal, something bigger. Later, at home,
Monique finds herself opening a package that feels like a
(25:06):
time capsule, filled with moments captured by her late father
inside our photographs he had taken during his time working
on Hollywood film sets. The black and white stills speak
not just of a glamorous past, but of a man
who saw beauty through a lens and who passed that
sensitivity down to his daughter. As she flips through the Prince,
(25:27):
a tender wave of nostalgia hits her. She recalls how
her father once gave her a piece of advice that
stayed with her long after his death, do something you
truly love. That memory sends her back to her own
winding journey, how she stumbled through various paths, unsure of
her place in the world until she found her calling
in journalism. Just like her father had poured his soul
(25:49):
into photography, she now pours hers into stories, seeking truth, meaning,
and connection. Among the photos, Monique finds one that freezes
her in time, an image of herself as a little girl,
tucked between her parents, her father's deep brown skin her
mother's pale, freckled arms. As a biracial child, Monique often
(26:10):
felt like she belonged to two worlds, but never fully
fit into either, not black enough, not white enough, always
somewhere in between. But as she stares at that photograph,
something inside her settles. The image is simple, unposed, but
in it, she sees love. She sees proof that she belonged,
that she was wanted, that she came from a place
(26:31):
of tenderness, and in that quiet moment, she feels whole. Later,
something marks the beginning of a friendship that will come
to define Evelyn's life in ways she can't yet imagine.
It begins with a simple outing, an invitation from Celia
Saint James to spend time together outside of work. On
the surface, it seems innocent, but when Celia suggests they
(26:52):
go somewhere where they'll be seen, somewhere the cameras will
catch them, Evelyn's guard immediately goes up to Evelyn, who
spent years calculating every move for survival in Hollywood, it
feels like manipulation. She's spent too long being used by
men and the media to not recognize a strategy. When
she sees one hurt, she accuses Celia of wanting to
(27:14):
use her name and fame to boost her own rising star,
but Celia quickly backtracks, saying that's not what she meant
at all, She just genuinely wants to get to know Evelyn.
Taking control, Evelyn redirects them to a quieter more private spot,
somewhere off the radar, away from the flash of cameras.
When the waiter there recognizes Evelyn, she playfully insists he
(27:36):
must be mistaken. She jokes that she's just some woman
who wishes she were Evelyn Hugo. That small moment of
pretend is more than humor. It's a flicker of longing
for a simpler existence, a life unburdened by fame and
the masks it requires. As the two women talk, the
conversation turns sharp and honest. Evelyn Never Want a Sugarcoat,
(27:58):
admits she's used people before, and she's unapologetic about it.
In her world, survival often depends on leverage, on knowing
how to make others want something from you. She tells
Celia plainly, if you're going to use people, at least
be good at it. Celia responds not with judgment but fascination.
She calls Evelyn awful, but with a spark of admiration.
(28:20):
There's something refreshing about Evelyn's unapologetic self awareness, and instead
of fighting each other, Celia proposes a different path cooperation.
She'll help Evelyn hone her craft and become a stronger
actress and in return, Evelyn will lend her own star
power to give Celia more visibility. They strike a deal
not just of mutual benefit, but the start of a
(28:42):
friendship grounded in brutal honesty and complicated admiration. Following this,
a biting article titled Cold Evelyn is published in sub Rosa,
framing Evelyn as the villain in her marriage. It claims
she has refused to have children with Don, leaving him heartbroken,
and accuses her of being difficult, messy, and unkind to
the staff. The article paints Evelyn as cold and self absorbed,
(29:06):
reinforcing a narrative the public is all too ready to
believe that a woman who prioritizes her ambition must also
lack warmth, softness, or compassion. After the scathing Subrosa article
portrays Evelyn as cold hearted for refusing to have children,
the fallout is swift and serious. Evelyn, Celia, and Harry
(29:26):
gather to assess the damage, and it's clear this story
could tarnish Evelyn's career if she doesn't act quickly. She
begins to piece together how such private information got out
and concludes with sharp intuition that her maid Paula must
have been the source Paula had seen too much and
perhaps felt too little loyalty, But rather than confront her directly,
(29:48):
Evelyn chooses a more theatrical route, something she knows well.
She devises a plan to manipulate the narrative. With Harry's help,
she arranges for her doctor to call the house. When
the phone rings, Evelyn puts on a performance worthy of
an oscar. She sobs into the receiver, murmuring phrases of grief,
pain and loss loud enough for Paula to overhear. She
(30:09):
fabricates a heart wrenching tale of miscarriages, knowing the housekeeper
will take the bait. As predicted, Don, caught between appearances
and confusion, fires Paula. After overhearing the supposed phone call,
Evelyn knew exactly what would happen next. Paula would run
to the press, thinking she was leaking a juicy secret,
when in reality, she was spreading a carefully crafted lie.
(30:32):
And it works. Subrosa once again publishes a piece, but
this time the tone has changed. The article, titled Blessed
Don and Evelyn They Need It, paints Evelyn and Don
as a grieving couple who've suffered through three tragic miscarriages.
The public, now softened by sympathy, rallies behind them. Evelyn's
(30:52):
image is repaired, at least in the eyes of the media,
but behind the headlines, something much more meaningful is quietly blooming.
Evelyn and Celia are growing closer by the day. Their friendship,
once competitive and guarded, has blossomed into an easy intimacy.
They spend hours together on set and off. Celia, with
her earnestness and natural talent, helps Evelyn refine her acting,
(31:16):
pushing her to reach deeper and be more vulnerable in
her roles. In return, Evelyn's star power brings Celia more attention,
more weight in the industry. Their performances in Little Women
are nothing short of dazzling. Hollywood is already buzzing. Both
women are being touted as early favorites for the Academy Awards.
After the carefully orchestrated media spin about Evelyn's miscarriages takes hold,
(31:41):
she and Celia retreat to Evelyn's home for a quiet celebration.
The glamour and public spectacle fall away for the evening,
leaving just the two of them alone with a bottle
of wine and the intoxicating comfort of each other's presence,
The night feels different, softer, more personal. As the wine flows,
so does the conversation. They share stories about their families,
(32:03):
their pasts, and even their real names, peeling back layers
the world never gets to see. Celia, ever, earnest and open,
doesn't hold back her admiration. She tells Evelyn how much
she respects her ambition and the way she moves through
the world with strength and purpose, and then she says
it that she thinks Evelyn is the most beautiful woman
(32:23):
she's ever seen. It's more than flattery, it feels like
a confession. Evelyn, never one to let sentiment take the lead,
tries to keep her guard up, but when Celia suggests
they burn the Cruel subrosa article that labeled Evelyn as
cold and selfish, Evelyn agrees. They sit by the fire,
watching the lies go up and smoke, and in that
(32:44):
moment it's as if they're burning away everything fake and
leaning into something real. Their conversation takes a more vulnerable turn.
Celia asks if Evelyn loves Don, and Evelyn doesn't give
the easy answer. She admits it's complicated that she both
loves and hates him. Don, after all, is her husband
in name and image, but he's also a man who
(33:06):
represents both safety and constraint. Her feelings for him are tangled,
but they don't hold the same fire as what she's
beginning to feel for Celia. When Evelyn accidentally spills wine
on Celia's shirt, it gives them an excuse to move
to the bedroom. There. As Celia changes, Evelyn sees her
not just as a co star or friend, but as
(33:26):
someone who truly knows her. Celia assures her that her
secrets are safe with her, and in that moment, Evelyn
feels something seismic shift inside her. She's never loved anyone
the way she's starting to love Celia, not with this
kind of aching clarity. But the intimacy is shattered in
an instant when Don unexpectedly walks in Celia midchange is
(33:48):
exposed in more ways than one. Don freezes, his face,
doesn't show fury or shock, just suspicion. He asks what's
going on, and Evelyn, quick on her feet, brushes it
off with a simple nothing. Of course, it's never really nothing.
The public, oblivious to the real nature of Evelyn and
Celia's relationship, gets a different version of events. A nineteen
(34:10):
fifty nine article in Photo Moment paints a picture of
a fun, innocent foursome, Don and Evelyn seen on double
dates with Celia and Don's friend, actor Robert Logan. The
truth hides in plain sight, but no one is really looking.
Not yet. It's the night of the Little Women premiere,
and the studio expects a perfect performance, not on screen,
(34:30):
but on the red carpet. Celia is supposed to attend
with Robert Logan, a polished but insufferable, studio approved escort
meant to squash rumors and reinforce heteronormative optics. Celia, however,
is visibly uncomfortable with the careade. She loathes Robert and
pleads with Evelyn to attend the premiere as her date instead.
But Evelyn, fully aware of the stakes and how easily
(34:53):
rumors could spiral into ruin, insists they both play their parts.
Celia must walk in with Robert, just as Evelyn must
smile beside Don. It's the price of being seen while
hiding in plain sight. Despite the orchestrated appearances, Evelyn ensures
Celia gets her moment. She maneuvers them into photographs together,
subtly placing Celia in the spotlight. Evelyn understands how publicity
(35:17):
works and uses it as a weapon for Celia's benefit.
Watching the film for the first time, Evelyn is in
awe of Celia's performance. She sees brilliance on the screen,
something award worthy, and rather than feel threatened, she feels proud.
It's a rare, quiet moment of selflessness that surprises even her.
She doesn't envy Celia's success, she revels in it. But
(35:39):
behind the glamour tension simmers. Evelyn dares to show Celia
a small gesture of affection in Don's presence, and immediately
her body goes cold with dread. She knows Don, she
knows how he'll react. The public smiles and elegant gowns
might be blinding, but Evelyn lives under constant fear of
what happens when the cameras go dark. Later, at the
(36:00):
after party, the evening takes a darker turn. Ruby Riley, ever,
the opportunist, corners Evelyn in a laundry room. In a dramatic,
almost theatrical move, she spills a bright green drink on
Evelyn's equally green dress. Ruining it. The act isn't accidental,
It's a power play. Ruby proposes a calculated alliance to
sabotage Celia, hinting that she has dirt to spill, but
(36:23):
Evelyn shuts her down. She won't betray Celia, not for fame,
not for protection, not for anything. Ruby, in retaliation, delivers
two crushing blows. She casually reveals that Celia is a lesbian,
using the word like a weapon, and then informs Evelyn
that Don is having an affair. But Evelyn doesn't even
flinch at the latter. In that moment, her priority is clear.
(36:46):
It's not her dress, not the party, and not her
cheating husband. It's Celia. All Evelyn wants is to find her,
that singular focus in a world that demands divided loyalties
says everything. The night ends not with applause or celebrate,
but with the quiet realization that love, real, raw love
is growing in a place where it may never be
(37:06):
safe to fully bloom. In the quiet of their interview space,
Monique dares to ask the question that's been circling them
for chapters. Did you know Celia was gay? Evelyn always poised,
momentarily falters Beneath her polished calm, something shifts, just a flicker,
but Monique notices. She pushes, gently but firmly, asking Evelyn
(37:27):
to tell her who the great love of her life
really was. It's a moment that feels suspended in time.
For Evelyn. The answer carries the weight of decades lived
in secrecy, performance and sacrifice, and even now in the
safety of a private interview, she hesitates. Monique can feel
the risk of it in the air. Coming out, especially
(37:48):
for someone as publicly mythologized as Evelyn Hugo, is still
not without consequence, even in this more progressive era. And
then Evelyn says it, Celia Saint James was the love
of my life. The words land like a revelation. Monique,
moved and stunned, instinctively leaps to a conclusion. So you're gay,
she says, trying to connect the dots, but in doing
(38:09):
so she misses something vital. Evelyn stiffens. Her expression shifts
not with anger but disappointment, not because she's ashamed, but
because she's been misread. She clarifies, calmly but firmly, she's bisexual.
She loved men, she says, and she loved Celia, both
were real, both mattered. Her identity isn't a compromise or
a half truth, It's whole. Monique immediately feels the sting
(38:32):
of her own assumption. She realizes how quickly she had
put Evelyn into a box, reducing a complex truth into
a convenient label, and in that moment, she reflects on
her own experience as a biracial woman, how often others
try to define her, strip away the nuance, or choose
for her which part of herself is more real. She
apologizes sincerely, and Evelyn accepts. The air between them clears
(38:56):
a little heavier, but also more honest. The inner you continues,
but now it feels different, more vulnerable, more true. At
a party where Evelyn, amid the chaos and the glitter
of the event, seeks out Celia. She finds her in
the laundry room, where the tension between them feels almost unbearable. Evelyn,
full of questions and urgency, confronts Celia with the question
(39:19):
that has been lingering in her mind. Are you a lesbian?
Celia's attempt to retreat from the conversation only drives Evelyn closer, and,
in a bold, unrestrained moment, she kisses Celia. It's a
kiss that carries the weight of all the unspoken words,
the unacknowledged feelings that have been building between them. But
Celia pulls away and leaves her emotions a tangled mess
(39:41):
of confusion and fear. After the kiss, Evelyn's resolve hardens.
She goes looking for Don, knowing that there's something she
must confront, and when she finds him, it's not the
reunion she might have hoped for. Instead, she catches him
in the act of infidelity. The betrayal stings, but Evelyn
is no stranger to betrayal. She doesn't hesitate. She calls
(40:04):
Harry over, asking him to take her home. She even
hints at her own complex feelings, suggesting that she and
Celia might share a bond, not unlike Harry's with his partner. Harry, Ever,
the confidant doesn't shy away from the truth. He admits
that he thought Celia had feelings for Evelyn and warns
her that leaving Don might carry heavy consequences, not just personally,
(40:26):
but professionally. He knows what the world would say, what
it could mean for her career, and yet Evelyn listens
but remains unmoved. When she gets home, she finds Celia
waiting for her, and the weight of their relationship is
finally laid bare. Evelyn tells Celia the truth. She doesn't
love Don anymore. He's no longer the center of her
(40:47):
world because Celia is all she thinks about. With that,
Evelyn makes a choice. She packs her bags, leaving behind
a life she no longer wants, stepping forward into something
unknown but undeniably hurt. It's a pivotal moment, a declaration
of who she is, what she wants, and who she's
willing to fight for. They share a bed, but despite
(41:09):
the intimacy of their proximity, Evelyn holds herself back. She
longs to kiss Celia again, but is conflicted about what
it would mean for her identity. The tension between what
she feels and what society expects of her is palpable.
As Evelyn wrestles with her emotions, Harry pays her a visit,
bringing with him the divorce papers from Don. The terms
(41:30):
of the divorce are clear. Evelyn will get the house
in half of Don's wealth, but she's forbidden from ever
speaking about their marriage publicly. The legal battle isn't over,
though Don has also arranged for her to be kicked
out of Sunset Studio, ensuring she'll only be cast in
mediocre films from now on until her contract expires. Despite
(41:51):
the bitterness and the messy aftermath, Evelyn and Harry vow
to remain friends. The friendship, though, feels like a rare
constant in a world that seems to be crumbling around her.
Once Harry leaves, Evelyn finally confronts her feelings. She turns
to Celia, admitting for the first time that she loves her.
In that moment, the weight of all the things they've
(42:13):
held back is released, and they give in to their passion.
They sleep together, marking a turning point in their relationship,
a moment where Evelyn fully embraces her love for Celia,
free from the constraints of the past.
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