THE DAY
The Oscars, Hollywood's grandest night, brings together the most celebrated figures in film under one roof to honor cinematic excellence. Each year, the Academy Awards ceremony transforms the Dolby Theatre into a dazzling spectacle, where dreams meet destiny on the world's most glamorous red carpet. Stars from every corner of the industry gather, dressed to perfection, as fans, photographers, and reporters capture every detail of the unforgettable night.
This year was no different. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and excitement, as A-listers made their way down the iconic red carpet. Among them were Serena and Laurent, both arriving separately but unexpectedly crossing paths in a moment that drew the crowd's attention.
Serena was dressed in an elegant black gown with bold, white ruffles—a vintage-inspired masterpiece that radiated sophistication—while Laurent exuded effortless style in a monochromatic, oversized black suit. The flash of cameras ignited the scene as the two paused, an electric charge lingering in the air, making it clear that even amid Hollywood's brightest lights, some moments hold a deeper story.
They exchanged fleeting glances, their faces frozen in pleasant, camera-ready smiles. Neither wanted this, but with the flashing lights and onlookers, they were left with little choice but to walk together, the very picture of camaraderie—no matter how much of a forced act it was.
"Wow, just what I wanted," Serena murmured, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she glanced at Laurent. "To walk the red carpet with you."
Laurent laughed softly, keeping his face composed for the cameras. "Oh, come on. That's a bit unfair. I like being with you.." He glanced down at her with a mock expression of hurt.
Serena shot him a sidelong look, a smile barely gracing her lips. "Oh really? Are you falling for me now, Mr. Laurent Gray?"
Laurent chuckled, feigning innocence as he rolled his eyes. "Don't flatter yourself."
The banter continued as they strode forward, each quips a careful attempt to maintain their pride and disguise the unease simmering just beneath the surface. They were well aware of the press rumors that had already begun to circulate. Now, the whispers were even louder, and their presence together on the red carpet was practically adding fuel to the fire.
As they neared the interview area, Laurent caught sight of Vivien standing on the sidelines, smirking, her arms crossed and a thinly veiled look of disdain directed at them. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the sight of them together, her disapproval evident.
Before Serena could react, a reporter from the crowd yelled out, "Serena! Laurent! Is it true? Are you two really together?"
Laurent's gaze flickered toward Vivien and then back to the reporter, and suddenly an idea flashed in his mind.
Without thinking twice, he wrapped an arm around Serena's waist, pulling her closer.
He leaned in, flashing a mischievous grin at the cameras. "Oh, absolutely. We're very much together," he declared, his tone oozing mock sincerity.
Serena barely missed a beat, though her mind raced at the sudden gesture. The image and video of Elias drifted into her thoughts—rumors of him with Charli had flooded her mind recently, twisting her stomach. And her conversation with him last night only added the sting.
She fought to keep her expression neutral, though the memory nagged at her.
"Of course," she replied smoothly, tilting her head toward the microphone with a sarcastic smile. "A match made in... absolute boredom."
YOU ARE READING
The Lies We Tell Ourselves
RomanceBoth at the top of their game, Serena and Laurent are two of the biggest stars in the industry-and they can't stand each other. With matching egos, sky-high pride, and a long history of looking down on one another, the tension between them is well k...
