Playing the Villainess, He Fell for Me

Thunderous applause swept through the audience. At its center, Joanna Kennedy felt completely stunned, getting to her feet in a daze with a gentle tug from the celebrity beside her.

’It’s really me.’

Joanna Kennedy had overestimated herself. She thought she would be calm, but in reality, her eyes began to sting.

’So, I really did crave this recognition after all.’

After being treated unfairly for so long, she had convinced herself not to care about these so-called awards. But deep down, who doesn’t want to shine in their chosen field?

A spotlight cut through the darkness, illuminating the path before her. Joanna Kennedy walked into its beam and headed for the stage.

The applause was relentless. Joanna Kennedy accepted the trophy with both hands and offered a polite "thank you."

She was beautiful, her large, almond-shaped eyes clear and bright. She stood behind the microphone, looking out at the audience as she prepared to give her acceptance speech, when suddenly, her gaze froze and her breath caught in her throat.

............

In the second-to-last row, bathed in the dim light, sat a man in a simple white casual shirt. His features were refined, his eyes deep and intense, and the shadows cast his profile into sharp relief.

In that instant, he seemed separate from everyone else. The world around him blurred, and Joanna Kennedy could only see his quiet, dark eyes.

She could hear her own heart, beating with such clear, powerful thumps.

Joanna Kennedy took a deep breath, blinking back the tears that threatened to well up. She adjusted the microphone, her voice filled with sincerity. "I’m so grateful to the judges and to everyone who has always supported me. This award isn’t just for me—it’s for everyone who loves me."

Joanna Kennedy took a step back and bowed deeply. "Thank you."

’Being an actor is different from being a top-tier celebrity,’ she thought.

’Before, I didn’t have a choice. Now I do, and I’ve already made some headway.’

The trophy in her hands felt cool and heavy, but her heart was on fire.

Amidst a fresh wave of applause, Joanna Kennedy walked off the stage.

Back in her seat, she fought the urge to turn around. The minutes seemed to drag on even more slowly than when she had been waiting for the winner to be announced.

’Simon Lockwood actually came to the awards ceremony? Didn’t he say he was busy with work?’

’When did he get here? How long has he been watching? Did he come just for me?’

When the ceremony finally ended, she rushed to leave. Afraid of drawing attention, she forced herself to act calm and moved with the crowd.

Suddenly, someone was standing beside her. "Jojo, congratulations," a voice said.

Joanna Kennedy turned her head to see Wendy Campbell, who was also holding a trophy. Joanna smiled. "Congratulations to you, too. Best Supporting Actress is a huge deal."

The girl’s unguarded, genuinely happy expression was radiant, completely unaware of what had been stolen from her.

Wendy Campbell stared at her, an almost imperceptible flash of disdain in the depths of her eyes. Her face, however, feigned a hint of bashfulness. "Thanks."

A black Maybach was parked quietly under a plane tree at the corner.

Joanna Kennedy got out of Julie’s car and slipped into the black Maybach.

The moment she settled into her seat, a handsome face loomed over her, pressing down.

Simon Lockwood’s hand cupped the nape of her neck, his grip firm but gentle, while his other arm easily wrapped around her slender waist.

He’d been wanting to do this ever since he saw her shining on that stage.

Joanna Kennedy tilted her small face up, her red lips parted as she accepted the man’s hot, wet kiss.

She was starting to lose her breath and gave him a weak push, but he only pressed her closer.

She felt his large, dry, hot hand travel up her calf. A subtle, electric tingle followed in its wake, making her head spin. She tried to pull back, her protest coming out as a muffled, "Simon... Mmmph..."

Displeased with her retreat, he gave her plump, moist lip a light, punishing bite.

Just when Joanna Kennedy thought she might pass out, he finally pulled back slightly, slowly licking her red, swollen lips.

It took Joanna a moment to catch her breath. Nestled in his arms, she gasped for air, her face flushed. She pulled his hand out from under her dress and chided angrily, "We’re in public! Behave yourself!"

"Public? Crowd?" Simon Lockwood’s voice was husky. "Where? I don’t see anyone."

"In your head," Joanna said with a straight face.

The warm, soft feeling still seemed to linger on his fingertips. Simon Lockwood unconsciously rubbed the pad of his thumb against his forefinger. After a long moment, he finally pulled away from her and said coolly, "Fasten your seatbelt."

He had reverted to his usual aloof, untouchable CEO persona, as if he wasn’t the one who’d just been all over her. Joanna Kennedy pouted dramatically. "I won’t."

She declared righteously, "I’m too weak. You do it for me."

"Are you sure?" Simon Lockwood’s eyes narrowed.

Some people are just asking for trouble.

Joanna Kennedy nodded, oblivious.

The next second, he leaned over her again. Under the pretext of fastening her seatbelt, he pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her soundly.

When it was over, Joanna Kennedy shut down, stunned by her own stupidity.

She slumped listlessly in the passenger seat, refusing to move.

The car drove straight back to the villa. Once in the living room, Joanna Kennedy carefully placed the trophy on a table. Simon Lockwood sat down across from her. "You like it that much?"

"Mhm!" Joanna Kennedy nodded, her eyes sparkling.

The coldness in Simon Lockwood’s expression softened. "There will be many more in the future."

Joanna Kennedy hadn’t eaten dinner yet. Simon Lockwood ladled a bowl of rich, aromatic fish soup and set it in front of her. "Eat first."

The first sip of the savory, creamy white fish soup was pure bliss. Joanna Kennedy let out a happy sigh and complained in a low voice, "You have no idea. On set, it’s just boxed lunches every day."

Simon Lockwood frowned. "You don’t like it? I can cook and have someone deliver it to the set."

"No," Joanna said. Although she was tempted, she shook her head sensibly. "You’re so busy with work, and cooking is exhausting."

Simon Lockwood wanted to say it wasn’t.

Joanna continued, "Besides, I don’t want special treatment. Everyone else eats the same thing."

Her face was already small, and not eating well lately had made her lose even more weight. Her cheeks felt like they had no flesh on them at all. Simon Lockwood pressed his lips together and asked, "How much longer until you’re done filming?"

"My part should be done in about a week..." Joanna Kennedy then recalled something and complained, "It’s all that male lead’s fault. He’s in the hospital, so now I have to wait for him. I still have one more scene with him!"

’Damn it!’ The more Joanna thought about it, the angrier she got.

’It’s all Owen Jennings’ fault. He’s the reason my wrap date is getting pushed back.’

Lost in her own thoughts, she didn’t see the man’s brow suddenly furrow or the stiff, unnatural look on his face.

Simon Lockwood was reminded of the 99+ notifications he’d received, all tagging him and demanding he do something about Owen Jennings’s fan club. He sneered inwardly.

When Joanna looked up, the man’s expression was as impassive as ever. He asked nonchalantly, "Owen Jennings?"

Joanna was surprised. "How do you know his name?"

"I saw it was trending," Simon Lockwood said coolly.

Joanna: "............"

"COUGH, COUGH..." A mouthful of fish soup nearly choked her. Joanna Kennedy forced a smile and asked tentatively, "What trending topic?"

But Simon Lockwood didn’t reply. He simply stood up and headed upstairs.

Joanna: "..............."