The Most Hated Villainess of The Entertainment Industry

Gem-Ma

Chapter 1 Award

"And the Best Actress award goes to... Serena Vale," the host of the Award Ceremony echoed.

Serena, seated among the guests, couldn't believe her ears. For the first time in her seven-year career, she had won an award-and not just any award, but Best Actress. The people beside her urged her to go up as the entire audience erupted in applause. The camera fixed on her captured her reaction on the big screen and during the live stream. Fans behind their screens flooded the chat with congratulatory messages. They knew the struggles she'd faced to reach this point. She hadn't taken any shortcuts or resorted to underhanded methods-this recognition was pure merit.

Serena staggered to the stage, still in shock and riding a wave of elation. She had been invited only because she was nominated for her latest film, which she hadn't pinned much hope on. She never imagined it would earn her an award-let alone this one. She was thrilled. She wore a royal blue off-the-shoulder gown with black heels. Her accessories were minimal. Her long, silky black hair flowed freely, swaying gently as she walked. Reaching the stage, she exchanged a nod with the host, beaming. The host handed her the golden figurine as photographers fired off a barrage of flashes, as if afraid to miss the moment.

The host offered the microphone, and Serena took it gladly. Her emotions played openly across her face.

"Hello everyone," she began with a radiant smile, her beauty captivating both the live audience and viewers online. Her bright eyes sparkled with joy. "Okay. Seven years. Seven years, guys. I was starting to think the universe had me on a 'just happy to be nominated' plan forever. But look-I'm actually up here holding one of these things! I didn't even prepare a speech because, let's be honest, I didn't think I was winning. But here we are, and I have about 60 seconds before they start playing me off, so let's do this."

Laughter echoed through the hall. Someone even complimented her sense of humor.

"First, to the cast and crew of this incredible film-who knew, right? We all walked into this thinking, 'Well, at least it'll be a fun experience.' And now here we are, proving that miracles happen and that sometimes, the little film you least expect will break through. To my director, Peter Jones, thank you for believing in me, even when I doubted myself. To my co-stars, thank you for making every scene feel like magic-even the ones where I had to ugly cry for five hours straight."

By now, she was already sniffling from the overwhelming emotion. When she mentioned Peter's name, the camera cut to him, showing a proud smile-like that of a father.

"To my manager, my assistants, my team-you've put up with my existential crises, my 3 a.m. 'Do you think I'm actually good at this?' texts, and the occasional dramatic 'Maybe I should become a florist' meltdowns. This award belongs to you as much as it does to me."

She sniffled again and continued.

"And finally, to every actor out there who feels like they're stuck in a loop of 'almost, but not quite'-don't give up. If it took me seven years to get here, then trust me, your moment is coming too. And when it does? Make sure to enjoy every second of it. I know I will. Thank you so much!" she shouted, raising the award high and wiping her tears.

The entire venue thundered with applause and laughter as she stepped down from the stage. She returned to her seat amid the cheers and the host's final remarks on her speech. She was still beaming as she sat down. She looked toward the director's section and gave him a joyful nod. I've finally been recognized. What could go bad?

The event continued with more awards being given out. Serena clapped at the right times and made sure to pose well for the cameras. Eventually, she started to feel tired. Her thoughts drifted to her bed and the unfinished novel on her nightstand. The Starlet's Path to Fame had pulled her in deeply-it felt like she was living in the protagonist's shoes.

Finally, the event wrapped up and group photos were taken. Serena headed toward her nanny van, where her manager, Ms. Howell, and her assistants, Becky and Claire, were waiting. The two assistants rushed in for a hug the moment she got close enough-far from the reporters' cameras. Ms. Howell, standing in the background, scolded the girls playfully like a mother, unable to hide her happiness.

"Becky, Claire, let her breathe. She must be exhausted."

"Ms. Howell, let them be. I'm honored to get a hug from them," Serena said happily, still wrapped in their arms.

After what felt like forever, they finally let her go.

"Miss Serena , I'm so proud of you. You finally did it. I could dance right now," Becky said.

Claire nodded vigorously beside her, as if worried Serena wouldn't believe it.

Serena laughed at their adorable antics and gently pinched both their cheeks. "Of course I know you're proud of me. You two were the ones who convinced me to take the role, remember? You'll get a bonus from me."

The girls shrieked with delight, their faces glowing with excitement at the mention of a bonus.

Serena looked at Ms. Howell, who still wore that warm, motherly smile.

"Ms. Howell, you don't know how grateful I am," she said.

Ms. Howell beamed even brighter.