A Love Story in a Minor Key ~ Felix Agreste

11. a familiar face

The lights slowly turned back on, illuminating the ballroom in a tinted yellow color. Chatters began to rise as the camera's shut down, servers began collecting empty plates and refilling glasses. It was the last intermission of the night, which meant the awards were coming to an end. But not before models Fiona Lawrence and Adrien Agreste got to present the highly anticipated award of the night.

"Miss Lawrence. 5 minutes until your on."

Fiona fiddled with her dress backstage as a crew member scurried past her. It was extremely packed and hectic as the tech crew made final adjustments and crew members got into their position. Then there was the backstage camera that shot the celebrities entering and exiting the stage for that glamorous moment.

"I'm feeling super nervous now, I just drank like 4 water cups I might need to pee soon."

Adrien nervously joked as he sat down next to Fiona, handing her a water cup. Fiona looked down at the cup and shook her head.

"Is that water?"

Adrien's eyebrow narrowed as he took the cup and set it on the ground. Fiona couldn't bother to react, she was so lost in her mind that she hadn't realized what she said. Adrien cupped her hands into his and blew into them, startling her.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

Adrien rubbed his hands in between hers, warming her nervous hands. Fiona's lips curved upwards as she looked down at the gesture. He would do that when they were together to ease her nerves, she always thought it was silly but it genuinely helped.

"Thanks, Adrien."

She leaned in and kissed his cheek, causing him to smile widely and wrap an arm around her. She leaned into his chest, remembering the familiar feeling they once shared.

"It's time."

Sierra and Nathalie came in, pulling them up and ushering them towards the front. They both made final touch-ups to the models before heading to their marks backstage.

"Here goes nothing!"

Fiona let out as she was handed a gold engraved envelope
and followed Adrien onto the grand stage.

"Please welcome to the stage. Adrien Agreste and Fiona Aubrey Lawrence!"

The old timely speaker called out as the pair made their way onto the microphone laid in the middle. Crowds were cheering everywhere, the audience was in awe of the beautiful models. They waved and smiled at the camera as the bright spotlights engulfed their vision temporarily.

"Thank you everyone for being here. We are gathered here tonight to honor the best of the best here in France. Although some have come to great lengths to be here tonight, sometimes the best is hidden right here in Paris."

Adrien smiled widely at the camera, unable to see the audience's reactions due to the spotlight. Fiona kept a smile on her face as she waited for her cue to speak.

"We are honored and stoked to be able to present the Grand Executive Awards to none other than..."

A drum roll could be heard from the pit, the room went quiet as Fiona slowly opened the envelope and smiled. But instead of revealing the name, the world around her stopped spinning, freezing her into place.

No. It can't be.

Fiona's smile would fade away as she quavered to get words out. She felt like someone took the air from her and was waving it around, torturing her as she tried to gasp for air. It was hopeless, no words would come out and tears were forming in her eyes as she gripped harder on the envelope. It had only been a brief moment but to Fiona, it felt like a thousand years had passed by. Adrien finally peeked over, still with a giant smile on his face, relaying the name to the audience.