Chapter 11
280words
I glided down the red carpet in a golden haute couture gown, its three-meter train sweeping behind me in a perfect arc.
On my arm was my new partner.
A celebrated director with three Best Director Oscars to his name—thoughtful, humble, everything Daniel wasn't.
Camera flashes exploded around us.
Reporters thrust microphones forward.
"Alice, congratulations on your film's nomination!"
"Thank you."
"How would you define success?"
I paused thoughtfully.
"Success isn't measured by how high you climb. It's about having the strength to rise when you fall, and becoming more powerful in the process."
Cameras clicked in a frenzy.
I continued down the carpet.
Near the end of the carpet, I spotted Daniel. He stood at the edge of the press line in a cheap suit, holding a microphone for some C-list celebrity as a red carpet correspondent.
He saw me too.
Our eyes met briefly across the crowd.
I looked through him and continued walking.
My heels pressed into the plush carpet, leaving momentary impressions.
Daniel attempted to approach, but security smoothly intercepted him.
"I'm sorry, sir. You're not on the access list."
I swept past without acknowledgment.
Inside the theater, under the dazzling lights, my partner squeezed my hand. "Nervous?"
"No," I replied. "I'm just reflecting on how, two years ago, I never imagined I'd be here so soon—both as actress and producer."
The ceremony began.
The host announced the nominees.
My film was nominated for Best Picture.
I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes briefly.
My partner squeezed my hand.
"Tired?"
"No," I said softly. "I just feel like it's finally over."
"What's over?"
"A nightmare."
