“Ray, that contract with Lancaster
Enterprises…it’s pretty important for Sterling,
even without the bankruptcy, right?”
“Uh, well…”
“So…” I smiled.
“Let’s sign it.”
On the day of the awards ceremony, Alex flew
with me to Seattle and drove me to the venue. I
fell asleep in the car. When I woke up, my left hand felt heavy. There was a ring on my ring finger.
Inside, several acquaintances came to chat. One of them looked at my dress in awe. “Oh my god, is that Andrew’s latest design? I thought there was only one!”
Before I could answer, a haughty voice cut in.
“Well, she is with someone rich now. Of course, her wardrobe’s upgraded.”
Sarah sauntered over, a wide, fake smile
plastered on her face. “But no matter how
fancy the clothes, a sparrow can’t become a
phoenix, right, Amy?”
People gathered around.
“Sarah, are you and Jason getting married
<
soon?”
“You’re the favorite for Best Supporting
Actress…”
Sarah answered their questions with a smile,
throwing me challenging glances.
It was all so…childish. I decided to ignore her. I
wasn’t going to let her ruin my night.
The ceremony began. Before the Best
Supporting Actress award was announced, the
camera panned across the five nominees. Sarah
maintained a composed, confident smile until
the presenter announced. “The winner for Best
Supporting Actress is…Amy Sterling!”
Her carefully maintained expression crumbled,
captured perfectly by the camera before it
could cut away.
Honestly, I was surprised too. I felt slightly
<
dazed as I stood on stage, accepting the award
from a veteran actress.
“Amy,” she said, shaking my hand, “I’ve seen
your work. You’ve played supporting roles, but
each one has been so vibrant. You’re a very
talented actress.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as I accepted the
award. I’d been acting for four years, and even
though I was leaving the industry, it felt
wonderful to receive this recognition, even if it
was a little late. So…hard work did pay off.
The ceremony continued. Everything went
smoothly until Jason, last year’s Best Actor
winner, came on stage to present the Best
Actor award. The host asked him how he felt
compared to last year.
He paused. “Last year…I forgot to thank
someone important.”
<
“Oh? And who might that be?” the host asked
with a smile.
He hesitated. “She’s been with me for a long
time, supporting me from the very beginning. I
haven’t properly introduced her to everyone…”
Murmurs rippled through the audience. The
camera quickly focused on Sarah, and little
hearts appeared around her on the screen.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate
her.”
“Congratulate her? Is it because you two
are…?”
“Because she also won an award today.”
The host’s eyes widened, his prepared remarks
forgotten. He stammered, “Oh! Well,
congratulations to her too!”
く
Sarah’s face froze again. This time, it was a
full–screen close–up, even more noticeable
than before. The audience buzzed with
whispers, and many people turned to look at
- me. The other female winners that night were
all in their fifties. The only other woman who fit
Jason’s description…was me.
I lingered after the ceremony, but Jason was
waiting for me by the parking garage exit.
“Amy.” His voice was hoarse.
I paused, then walked towards him. “Jason, you
don’t have to do this.”
He shook his head. “I owe you an apology.”
I sighed. “Breaking up amicably was my way of
preserving some dignity for both of us. If your
keep dwelling on the past, it becomes.
harassment.”
“But I can’t move on.” His eyes were red-
rimmed. “Amy, I really can’t…can you give me
another chance?”
“Amy.”
I turned. Alex was walking towards me, carrying
a woman’s coat. Each step was steady and
purposeful.
“Are you cold?” he asked, taking my hand and frowning. “Are your hands cold?”
“I’m fine. Have you been waiting long? Are you
tired?”
“I’m not tired. Put this on.” He draped the coat
over my shoulders, then turned to Jason, whose
face had hardened.
“Mr. Walker. What a coincidence. We meet
again.” He smiled, his tone almost apologetic.
“Excuse us. We have a celebration dinner for
<
Amy. We won’t keep you, Mr. Walker.”
Back in the car, I checked my phone. Jason’s
speech had sent my name trending again.
#JasonAmySecretCouple
#JasonSarahJustPR
#AmyAwardBecauseOfJason
A video of Sarah’s post–ceremony interview
was also going viral.
“This industry isn’t fair. I’ve come to terms with
that,” she said, her eyes brimming with tears.
“But no matter how unfairly I’m treated, I’ll stay.
true to myself and keep making good work for
everyone.”
“I don’t want to talk about my personal life,”
she choked out. “I have a clear conscience.”
<
Then I saw another hashtag rapidly climbing the
ranks.
#LancasterEnterprises
I clicked on it. Lancaster Enterprises‘ official
account had posted ten minutes earlier: “Our
boss lady is the best!” The attached photo was
of me accepting the award, the huge diamond
on my left hand sparkling under the lights.
I turned to Alex. “I thought you were a low-
profile company?”
He didn’t miss a beat. “Our employees are
celebrating their boss lady’s award. A simple.
post on the official account is hardly high-
profile.”
And that wasn’t all. Ray had also posted: “My
cictor is the host!” Thanks to him Starling
<
Corporation was trending too.
“Amy.” Alex stopped at a red light and turned
to me. “There are some things…it might be
best to address them now.”
I nodded.
“Need my help?”
I shook my head. “No, I’ve got this.”
I made a few calls. An hour later, the original
director of the TV show posted a long article.
detailing the casting controversy and his
subsequent firing. He included the original
casting videos and the initial cast list. Then,
videos of me being harassed on set surfaced.
I’d been willing to let things go, to preserve
everyone’s dignity. That was how I was raised,
