Until I found you

part 25 "first glimpse"

A girl walked up onto the stage to receive the award. Everyone was eagerly watching her. She was dressed in a long black gown.
A gentleman came forward and announced:

— The real owner of Stranger Talk did not want to reveal their face or identity. So, someone very close to them, a member of their family, has come among us to receive the award on their behalf. We would like to hand over the award to her.

Saying this, the gentleman handed the award to the girl.

— I had requested the owner of Stranger Talk several times to finally reveal their identity this time. But they refused, believing it would interfere with their work. They want to keep working from the shadows. I didn’t push further. I am a member of their family. You could say we are family to each other. Today I may be standing in front of you holding this award, but the person who truly deserves it is also present here—only they don’t wish to be seen. They've sent a message for all of you, those who know and appreciate their work. I will now read that message.

With that, Erica unfolded a paper in her hand and began to read:

"First of all, sending lots and lots of love to everyone. This award means so much to me. If I could receive it myself in front of you all, it would feel even better. But I don’t want this award to cause any disruption in my work. I could reveal my identity if I wanted to, but the people who confide in me may no longer feel safe doing so. I don't know how much good I've truly done, but when I help people rediscover their reasons to smile, it makes me immensely happy. Today, my sister received this award on my behalf. Maybe, someday, I will reveal who I am. But that time hasn’t come yet. There's still a lot of work to do. Sending all my love—stay with me like this, stay well."

As soon as the reading ended, the crowd erupted in applause. Truly, those who want to stand by society don’t need fame or publicity. While some of us fail to clean society even while being in the spotlight, others manage to bring change from the shadows.

Erica stepped down from the stage.

The excitement Zayn had felt before attending this event now felt oddly faded. He had thought he’d see that person today. But where was she? She didn’t even show up.

A strange melancholy filled his heart. Why do people who remain hidden create such intense curiosity in us?

— Wait, didn’t they say the real owner of Stranger Talk is here today, just not on stage? If I go toward the green room… might I get a glimpse of them? But would that be right?? (Zayn)

As the thought crossed his mind, Zayn rushed straight toward the green room without hesitation.

Seeing security guards patrolling, he tried to stay hidden and sneak around. Quietly and cautiously.

From his hiding spot, Zayn saw Erica—the one who had just received the award—walking in that direction.

— That’s her! The one who just took the prize. So that means she’s going to meet that person now? (Zayn)

He saw Erica enter a room. Zayn slowly walked up to stand outside it.

He saw her talking to someone. It was a woman. She had a mass of curly brown hair and wore a white dress. But her back was turned, so Zayn couldn’t see her face. He tried to listen in on the conversation happening inside.

— I still can't believe, Erii, that I actually won this prize.
— If you do good work, the reward will come—today, tomorrow, or the day after! (Erica)
— But  when you read the letter and I saw the crowd’s cheer, I couldn’t believe it! So many people came just to see me?
— This is only the beginning. You’ll see much more success ahead. But next time, I won’t let you stay hidden like this! (Erica)

— I can’t see her face… but she feels strangely familiar. (Zayn thought to himself)

— Who are you? What are you doing here? (a guard said to Zayn)

Startled, Zayn said,
— No... actually… (Zayn)

But before he could say another word, the guard dragged him away.

Hearing the commotion outside, Erica came to the door and saw the guard escorting someone away.

— What happened? What was the shouting about outside? (Erica)

— I don’t know. The guard was dragging someone away. Someone must’ve entered the green room without permission. (Daisy)

Daisy began to fiddle with the award.

— Maybe someone came hoping to see you. (Erica)

Before Daisy could respond, the gentleman who had been coordinating with her earlier arrived.

— Madam, I salute you for working without revealing yourself. In today’s world, it's rare to find someone who truly tries to ease others' suffering. (Gentleman)

— Mr. Roy, don’t say that. What little I do is just to keep myself happy. If I can help someone out of their sorrow, I feel joy myself. That joy is enough for me. As for publicity—I already said, when the time is right, I will reveal myself. But not now. (Daisy)

— May you go far, my child. That is my blessing. (Mr. Roy)

— With the kind of work she’s doing, everyone’s blessings will bring her even more success. (Erica, smiling and placing a hand on her shoulder)

— We’ve arranged some snacks for you. Please take them. (Mr. Roy)

Once Mr. Roy left, Daisysaid:

— Eri you take these with you. I’ll wait in the cab outside. If someone sees me with you, it might become a problem. (Daisy)

— How long will you keep running like this?? (Erica)

— Until I’m ready to stand before society and work openly. Now come on. (Daisy)

Saying that, she left.

Outside, Daisy was calling their booked cab when a familiar, beloved voice called out:

— Daisy?

She turned around like lightning and saw Zayn standing there, looking at her in astonishment.

— Daisy,you're here?? (Zayn)

Daisy couldn’t speak. The words tangled in her throat.

— What happened?? Tell me? What are you doing here?? (Zayn)

— Actually, I came with a friend who was attending the event, that’s all! (Daisy said, forcing a smile)

Just then, she saw Erica walking toward her—and a chill ran down her spine.

To be continued...
—Written by: Porna
(What will happen next? Will Zayn find out who Daisy really is? And then what? To find out, stay tuned! Let me know how you liked this part, and vote for more stories!, follow my insta account @auronix for more updates)