Chapter 113
Gideon noticed how anxious Celestine looked, her fingers nervously rubbing the little charm in her hand. He wondered if she’d been just as tense when she’d asked
for this trinket for him.
The award ceremony was reaching its peak. Excitement buzzed in the air as everyone craned their necks, waiting for the announcement.
Finally, the presenter broke the seal on the envelope and, with deliberate slowness, read out the name: “Joanna.”
A stunned murmur swept through the room, quickly giving way to stunned silence. Then, after a few heartbeats, hesitant applause broke out, gathering momentum.
Spotlights swung to Joanna, making the diamonds on her gown glitter like starlight. She pressed her hand to her lips in theatrical surprise, glancing incredulously at the guests seated on either side.
A cold smile tugged at Celestine’s lips. When Joanna wasn’t acting, her performance skills were actually quite convincing.
Even Joanna seemed genuinely caught off guard by the night’s outcome. She’d only asked Zeke to switch her nomination to Best Actress to overshadow Mirabelle a little–she never expected to win it outright, again. Still, she’d always been a force to be reckoned with; it was no surprise she outshone the rest.
She played up her shock for the cameras. “I… never imagined I’d have the honor of receiving this award again. Thank you to the organizers and all the judges for this incredible recognition.”
Online, Joanna’s fans erupted:
**[Sis! I knew you’d crush it! Show those publicity–hungry nobodies how it’s done! Put them in their place!]**
**[See that, Mirabelle stans? That’s called talent! Does your fave even understand what this award means?]**
**[Our queen stepped back from the spotlight for years and still wipes the floor with your idol! Feels bad/huh?]**
But not everyone was convinced:
**[I’m not even a fan, but judging by the clips, Mirabelle’s acting was next level. Joanna’s fans must be drinking the Kool–Aid or something.]**
1/2
17:33
**[And isn’t this Best Actress? Joanna starred In a show targeted at men. By billing, she wasn’t even the female lead. This is ridiculous.]**
**[Rigged!!]**
The backlash exploded online–Joanna’s fans were ecstatic, but even bystanders started speaking up, only to be drowned out by waves of hired commenters. Soon, congratulatory messages for Joanna flooded every platform.
On stage, Joanna accepted her trophy, eyes glistening with (well–rehearsed) emotion. “I’m sorry if I made anyone laugh–I honestly didn’t expect this tonight. I don’t even have a speech prepared.”
Of course, not having a speech was itself a carefully crafted part of her act.
The presenter kept things moving, ever the professional. “Joanna, is there anyone here or watching from home you’d like to address?”
Joanna nodded. “I really thought Mirabelle would be going home with this trophy. I hope she doesn’t blame me. I heard she prepared for this night for a long time. I’m sorry to have taken this from you. Maybe next time, I’ll sit it out–opportunities belong to those who are prepared.”
She put on a face of sincere regret, but inside, she couldn’t wait to see Mirabelle’s reaction. The hall was too dim, though; unless Mirabelle was mentioned by name, the camera wouldn’t find her.
Sure enough, a spotlight finally found its mark, illuminating Mirabelle in her pale blue gown. What had seemed a plain‘ dress at the start now shimmered with a silvery glow, making her look impossibly beautiful.
Her eyes were red, but she managed a gracious smile as she stood. “Thank you to the organizers for inviting me, to the fans for your support, and to the director and crew for believing in me. I made it this far thanks to you all. I’ll keep working hard–l won’t stop here, and I won’t let you down.”
She paused, voice steady. “That was the speech I’d prepared in case I won. Even though I’m not up there now, I still wanted to say it.”
She turned to Joanna, her tone respectful. “Thank you, Miss Sinclair, for this opportunity. I wasn’t good enough this time. I’m disappointed, but I’m not beaten. I’ll focus even more on my craft from now on.”
Mirabelle’s response was dignified, but the shockwaves she sent rippled through the crowd–and the internet–setting off a fresh storm both inside the venue and
out.
