The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Chapter 20: Part II | Oscars

"I want to thank my team, my manager, and, most importantly, my partner," he continued, his tone softening, a hint of vulnerability breaking through. "For always being there, no matter what."

The audience was immediately abuzz with curiosity.

Who is his partner?

Some looked around the theater, scanning for a possible glimpse of the person behind the heartfelt words.

The applause grew louder as Laurent returned to his seat, the trophy now firmly in his hand. 

He settled back into his chair with a self-satisfied smirk, clearly reveling in the moment. His gaze briefly flickered toward Serena, a glint of pride in his eyes, though something deeper lingered there.

Tonight, he had been victorious—and unlike last year's ceremony, the Rising Celebrity award hadn't gone to her. It had been a quiet point of tension between them, a small but meaningful victory in his eyes, one that tasted sweeter with each passing second.

Serena, however, seemed unmoved by it, her polite applause for him more out of courtesy than genuine excitement. Laurent's victory was her loss, but it was nothing compared to the larger battles they both fought in their careers.

Then came the moment for the Best Actor category. Serena, one of the presenters, took the stage alongside her co-host, Rebecca.

Rebecca started with a grin, "Ladies and gentlemen, the Best Actor category is always packed with incredible talent. This year, the nominees are a remarkable mix of seasoned performers and fresh faces who've truly captivated us on screen."

Serena picked up from there, her voice smooth as she read the names from the screen, "First up, we have Damon Price for his raw and powerful role in City of Shadows."

Rebecca continued, "Then there's Adrian Rivera in The Last Frontier."

Serena's tone shifted, a touch of pride sneaking in as she read the next name. "Laurent Gray, for his intense performance in Swallow the Bullet." Her eyes glanced briefly toward the audience, where Laurent sat with a faint smile.

Rebecca added, "And lastly, Mason Lee for his heartfelt role in Echoes of Tomorrow."

Rebecca turned back to Serena, flashing a knowing grin. "Quite a lineup, right?"

Serena smiled, looking out at the audience with a hint of excitement in her voice. "Absolutely. These performances have all brought something unique to the screen. But only one can take home the award tonight."

Rebecca held out the envelope, and Serena took it, carefully tearing it open with an air of suspense. She glanced at the name inside, her face thoughtful for a brief moment before she spoke, drawing out the moment.

Rebecca started with a grin, "You know, Serena, I hear this year's competition for Best Actor was... intense. Especially the winner."

Serena caught the shift on the teleprompter, her amusement barely concealed as she read the new lines. "Oh, I think I know who it is. Let me guess, must be someone who's associated with me? The person behind almost every week's article" She raised an eyebrow, her gaze briefly scanning the audience, hinting at Laurent without mentioning his name.

Rebecca, catching on, laughed and added, "Well, let's not keep them waiting any longer. Shall we see who won?"

Serena nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye as she tore open the envelope.