Chapter 160: Justin Timberlake

The Grammy Awards ceremony began, and Martin, attending for the first time, quickly became the night's biggest winner.

His album Martin 2.0 triumphed over Eminem's The Marshall Mathers LP to claim the coveted "Album of the Year" award. Later, the same album earned the "Best Pop Album" honor, presented to Martin by none other than the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson—a moment brimming with symbolic legacy.

Martin also snagged the "Best Male Pop Vocalist" award for his work on Martin 2.0.

Meanwhile, Eminem didn't leave empty-handed, taking home three awards: "Best Rap Album," "Best Rap Performance," and "Best Rap Song."

Country superstar Faith Hill shone brightly, winning "Best Country Album" for her hit record. Her single Breathe also earned the "Best Country Vocal Performance" award. Additionally, her duet with husband Tim McGraw earned them the accolade for "Best Country Collaboration."

Though Britney Spears didn't win any awards that evening, her spirits remained high as she chatted animatedly with Martin.

In the back row, Justin Timberlake sat with reddened eyes. He couldn't believe Britney was ignoring him because of this kid!

As the night unfolded and awards were handed out one after another, Justin Timberlake took to the stage—not to receive or present an award, but to perform his new single It's Gonna Be Me. His team had fought hard to secure this performance slot.

But instead of starting his song, Justin did something audacious: he publicly confessed his love for Britney.

"Tonight, on this stage, I want to say something to someone very special. Britney, we've known each other for a long time, starting as just good friends. But now, I've realized I don't want to be just friends anymore. I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?"

The entire venue fell silent. Then came an uproar—whistles, laughter, and even some boos. A few people shouted, "Say yes!" or "Go for it!"

Britney, clearly caught off guard, was mortified.

She had already turned Justin down long ago—why was he putting her on the spot now? And with Martin sitting right beside her, what if this caused a misunderstanding?

Martin noticed her discomfort and sighed. He leaned in, asking quietly, "Do you like him?"

Britney shook her head firmly. "No, I don't. I rejected him a long time ago."

"Got it. Let me handle this."

Straightening his jacket, Martin stood and called out, "Justin, Britney doesn't feel the same. You'd better start your performance!"

Justin's decision to confess had been fueled by jealousy after witnessing the warm interaction between Britney and Martin earlier. But hearing Martin reject him on Britney's behalf only stoked his anger further.

Justin grabbed his microphone and yelled, "Who do you think you are, Martin? What gives you the right to speak for Britney?"

Martin raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised, but quickly pieced it together: Justin was acting out of pure jealousy.

Inwardly amused, Martin decided he wouldn't hold back. After all, in his memories, Justin wasn't the best partner to Britney, and some of her later struggles could be partly traced to him.

Turning to the event's host, Jon Stewart, Martin politely asked, "May I borrow your microphone?"

Jon, initially caught off guard, heard the director's urgent instructions through his earpiece: "Give it to him—quickly!"

Jon handed over the mic, and Martin addressed Justin with a calm but cutting tone:

"I don't know why you thought this was the best way to express your feelings, but as far as I know, Britney rejected you a long time ago."

"Do you think a public confession like this will change her mind? Or are you hoping she'll reject you again in front of everyone, so you can play the victim and gain sympathy? Either way, this is manipulative, not love."

Martin's composed and eloquent remarks contrasted starkly with Justin's outburst, shifting public opinion in Martin's favor. The audience grew quiet, hanging on his every word.

He continued, "You claim to love Britney, but putting her in this awkward position shows otherwise. This isn't love—it's selfishness."

"If you really cared about her, you wouldn't humiliate her in front of the world."

Then, with a small shrug, Martin added, "As for why I stood up for her? Simple—I don't like seeing people act like you just did."

His words struck a chord with many in the audience and viewers at home, especially those who had experienced similar awkward public confessions. They felt Martin had spoken for them, and the atmosphere shifted in his favor.

The cheers and boos quieted, leaving Justin standing awkwardly on stage.

Desperate to regain control, Justin blurted into the microphone, "Britney, is this because of him? What's your relationship with this guy? Is he the reason you rejected me?"

The crowd murmured in disbelief, many raising eyebrows. Martin was only 14 years old—surely there couldn't be anything between him and Britney?

Martin chuckled softly and replied in his usual composed tone, "For the record, Britney and I have only met twice, including tonight. She's a friend of a friend—now my friend, too."

He smirked playfully. "Is Britney falling for me? Who wouldn't? I mean, I'm Martin."

The audience burst into laughter. Even Britney couldn't help but giggle, looking at Martin with newfound admiration.

Martin added, "Of course, we haven't done anything. Though I admit, I'm a little disappointed."

Another wave of laughter rippled through the crowd. The tension melted away, and Martin's charm defused the situation completely.

Returning to a serious note, he concluded, "The real issue here, Justin, is that Britney said no. She's made herself clear, yet you're still pushing. Be a gentleman and let it go, okay?"

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧