Chapter 1: The tragic dim of the shining star
"And the best actress award goes to..." the man on the stage paused, and scanned the stars occupying the seats before him. Everyone held their breaths, anticipation brimming in their eyes, waiting patiently for the announcement of the best actress of the year in this prestigious gathering of stars.
"Heaven Liu!!"
A round of applause exploded in the venue as soon as the man announced the name of who won the award. Some of the audience turned their heads in Heaven Liu's direction, a rising star who had been making headlines in the past months.
Heaven Liu, the woman sitting at the far back, covered her lips in surprise. Her heart was racing, overwhelmed by this win. Her phoenix eyes shone beautifully as a layer of tears instantly coated her eyes.
Heaven looked around her, only to see people in the industry clapping for her. The host continued to speak his piece while the screen showed the film Heaven starred.
'This is...'Heaven mustered her courage to stand despite the overwhelming feeling that had filled her chest. The applause continued while she marched to the stage to receive the award.
Heaven was a rookie star in the entertainment industry. She competed against veteran actresses who have been in the industry for decades. Therefore, being nominated in the same category as them was already an honor. Who would have thought she would win?
"Congratulations, Miss Heaven," the host congratulated her with a big smile, handing her the acrylic trophy with her name embossed in gold before giving the stage to her.
Standing in the middle of the stage with the spotlight on her, her beauty stood out. Everyone could tell she looked overwhelmed, but a woman who came from simple origins like her, bearing such a reaction, melted so many hearts.
"I..." her lips quivered and her voice cracked. "I want to thank everyone who believed in me and congratulations to those who also got nominated. I felt honored with this nomination and putting me in the same category as those I look up to and idolize, I am truly thankful."
The crowd smiled at her, especially those who lost the category. Although most of the nominated candidates were established artists, they accepted the fact that they lost to a rookie without any bitterness.