Chapter 3

On the stage, the host announced the winner of the award. Last year, the television drama Joel starred in became a massive hit. The organizers had hinted beforehand that she would be receiving the Best Actress award this time. Though she had already planned her departure from the industry, the thought still stirred a flicker of excitement within her. After all, this was the culmination of her relentless efforts—a perfect way to conclude her acting career. “And the winner of Best Actress is—” “Miss Rosanne Grant!” The host's energetic voice echoed through the venue, but the name announced took everyone by surprise. All eyes immediately turned to Joel, their expressions a mixture of shock, sympathy, and discomfort. Joel froze for a moment, her face darkening slightly. After the awards ceremony ended, she walked backstage. Rosanne was there, holding her trophy, hugging Chris and Daniel one by one. When she turned her head and saw Joel approaching, a flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. “Chris, Daniel, thank you both so much! I really needed this award!” Rosanne exclaimed. “But… if Joel finds out you helped me, do you think she’ll be upset?” Chris ruffled Rosanne’s hair gently, his expression soft. “She won’t. It’s just one award. It’s not like she’s short on trophies.” Daniel chimed in immediately, “Exactly. Besides, we didn’t really do much—just said a few good words about you to the organizers. You absolutely deserve this.” Joel stood frozen in place, as if struck by lightning. Of course. Who else but Chris and Daniel could have interfered with the award? They claimed they merely praised Rosanne to the organizers, but the organizers weren’t fools. Knowing where Chris and Daniel’s favor lay, they naturally recalibrated their decision. But Chris and Daniel knew better than anyone how much Joel had sacrificed for her career. The scars left from filming and the chronic stomach issues she had yet to heal were clear testaments to her dedication and passion. And now, what she had fought so hard to achieve was casually handed away as a gift… Chris and Daniel finally noticed Joel. They exchanged a glance, uneasiness flashing across their faces. Chris was the first to react. He approached Joel, speaking quickly, “Joel, let me explain. Rosanne is trying to get a role in Mr. Steenburg’s film, and she really needed this award…” Daniel added from the side, “Yeah, Joel, you know how hard it’s been for Rosanne to get here. Can’t you just let her have this one?” Joel clenched her fists tightly, her knuckles turning white. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Has it been easy for me?” “You know exactly how much I’ve given.” A flicker of guilt appeared on Chris and Daniel’s faces, but before they could respond, Rosanne suddenly covered her face and began to cry. Her long lashes trembled as she sobbed, looking fragile and pitiful. “I’m sorry, Joel. It’s all my fault. I’ll go to the organizers right now and ask them to give the award to you…” The trace of guilt on Chris’s face vanished entirely, replaced by a colder tone. “Joel, stop being unreasonable, will you? You already have so much. Why must you compete with Rosanne over this?” “Apologize to Rosanne right now!” They had stolen what was rightfully hers, and now they demanded she apologize? Joel let out a bitter laugh, her anger boiling over. But she wasn’t one to be easily trampled on. Without another word, she turned and walked away. Faintly, she could hear Daniel’s voice behind her. The man who had guided and supported her patiently since her debut was now gently patting Rosanne on the back, his tone warm and familiar. “Don’t mind her. You did nothing wrong. This award was always meant to be yours.”