1 Chapter 1

February 2016

Jonas Knight did his best not to fidget as he stared at the stage a few feet in front of him while continuing to smile, fully conscious of the fact that there were plenty of cameras everywhere in the studio. One of the cameras might zoom in on him anytime throughout the evening, and he had to display an elated expression on his face even if he was a nervous wreck deep inside. After all, he was one of the nominees for Best Actor of the Year at the Purple Unicorn Award, which was one of the most prestigious events for those involved in the movie industry in Chestan.

It was the first time he was nominated in that category alongside four other actors. However, his competitors had already won that award at least once in the past years, and all four of them were veteran actors who were well-respected in the industry. Regardless, Jonas believed he had a high chance of bagging the award, considering his starring role in the most successful movie in the previous year. His anxiety shot through the roof when it was nearing the end of the evening, and the host of the show announced that it was time to give away the award for Best Actor of the Year before calling out the actor and actress who would be reading out the names of the nominees that year.

“Good evening, everyone,” Amber Lee, a veteran actress in the movie industry, greeted the audience with a huge grin on her face.

“Good evening,” Marco Hart, also an actor with a long and illustrious career in the industry, said while waving toward everybody.

Amber turned toward Marco before pointing at the purple envelope in his hand. “My dear Marco, do you still remember what it felt like when you were nominated for this award, and you had to remain seated as calmly as possible while the people on stage rambled incessantly?”

“Oh, yes, Amber. Of course! On all three occasions, it felt as if they would never shut up. I kept praying and wishing they would just put me out of my misery already.”

“Indeed! I might have only received the honors twice in my career…” Amber trailed off while winking at the audience, and everybody, including Jonas, snickered immediately upon seeing that. She bowed her head before clearing her throat slightly. “Anyway, since we’re now in possession of the result, should we drag it out a little? Just to prolong the torture of the poor nominees.”

Jonas groaned under his breath. Some of the people around him were less than discreet about their reactions, though, and he had to stifle his amusement. Meanwhile, Marco was chuckling loudly on stage.

“I think that will be mean-spirited of us. We both know how the nominees must be feeling right now.”

Amber beamed. “Oh, all right. Let’s get this over with. Shall we?”

“Yes!” someone from the audience exclaimed in a rather exuberant manner, prompting everyone else to burst out laughing.

After that, Jonas had to refrain from squirming in his seat while short clips from five different movies played on the massive screens on either side of the stage, and he was strangely embarrassed when he noticed his face in the final clip. He had been in the industry for years, and he had been nominated for other awards in the past. He had no idea why he was suddenly so shy that evening. He was relieved when the clip was finally finished. Then he watched as Marco waved the envelope in a teasing manner high up in the air.

“Are you all ready for the result?”

This time around, several people were extremely enthusiastic in their responses. Both Amber and Marco chuckled instantly. After that, Amber assisted Marco in opening the seal on the envelope.

“I have long and sharp fingernails, and they come in handy when I have to deal with something like this,” Amber explained while smiling widely. “All right! Finally! Marco, will you do us the honor, please?”

“Indeed I will,” Marco replied as he pulled out a slip of purple-color paper from the envelope. “The winner of the Best Actor of the Year award is in my hand, ladies and gentlemen.”

“Come on!” Jonas muttered under his breath as he stared at Marco while clenching his fists on his lap. “Just get it over with already.”

All around him, inside the enormous studio where the event was being held, there was hardly any sound at all. Everybody seemed to be anticipating the result, as well. Jonas’s heart beat faster and harder with every single passing second. He had spent many sleepless nights, waiting for this very occasion to arrive. In fact, he had been unable to rest properly the previous evening, and he had been apprehensive throughout the day earlier as he prepared for the event. Now, it was finally time to reveal the result of the nomination.