Chapter 3

Chapter 3

On the stage, the host was announcing the winners.

Earlier this year, my drama had been a massive hit. The organizers had already hinted that the Best Actress award was mine.

Even though I was planning to leave, I was still excited.

It was the culmination of years of hard work. I wanted to end my career on a high note.

"And the winner for Best Actress is―"

"Delilah Vance!"

The host's voice was full of energy, but the name sent a shockwave through the room.

Everyone turned to look at me, their expressions a mix of pity and mockery.

My heart sank. My face went pale.

After the ceremony ended, I walked backstage with leaden feet.

I saw Delilah holding the trophy, hugging Caleb and Silas.

She caught sight of me and a smug smile flashed across her face before she hid it.

"Caleb, Silas, thank you so much! I really needed this win," she chirped.

Then she looked down, acting worried. "But… if Elara finds out you guys helped me, will she be mad?"

Caleb ruffled her hair, his expression softer than I'd ever seen it. "She'll be fine. She has plenty of awards already."

Silas nodded in agreement. "Besides, we didn't do much. We just told the organizers how much potential you have. You earned this."

I stood frozen, feeling like I'd been hit by a truck.

Of course. Who else but Caleb and Silas could manipulate an awards show like this?

They said they only said a few words, but the organizers weren't stupid. They knew whose side the two most powerful men in the industry were on.

They knew how much I had sacrificed for my career.

The scars from stunt work and my chronic stomach issues from skipping meals were proof of my dedication.

And they just gave my hard-earned victory away like it was a cheap gift for her.

Caleb and Silas finally noticed me standing there.

They exchanged a look, and for a split second, they looked guilty.

Caleb stepped forward first. "Elara, listen. Delilah is trying to get into Director Lee's new film. She really needed this trophy to boost her profile…"

Silas chimed in, "Yeah, Elara. You know how hard she's had it. Just let her have this one."

I clenched my fists so hard my knuckles turned white. "And you think it was easy for me?"

"You of all people know what I've been through," I whispered.

Guilt flickered on their faces again, but then Delilah started to cry.

She covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking. "I'm sorry, Elara. It's all my fault. I'll go tell them to give the award back to you right now…"

The guilt on Caleb's face vanished instantly. His voice turned ice-cold. "Stop it, Elara. Stop being so dramatic. You have so much already, why do you have to take this from her?"

"Apologize to her right now!"

They were the ones who stole from me, and they wanted an apology.

I almost laughed at the sheer absurdity of it.

I wasn't the type to just sit there and take it. I turned on my heel and walked away.

As I left, I heard Silas's voice behind me.

The man who had been my mentor and best friend was now rubbing Delilah's back.

"Don't listen to her," Silas said softly. "You didn't do anything wrong. You deserve this."