Bella:
Five Years Later
"And the award for Best Model of the Year goes to..."
The host paused deliberately, letting the silence stretch across the magnificent Grand Palais.
A wave of anticipation swept through the ballroom. Hundreds of guests sat dressed in glittering designer gowns and tailored tuxedos, their eyes fixed on the brightly lit stage.
Cameras floated from one table to another while reporters whispered excitedly into their microphones, broadcasting the ceremony live to millions of viewers around the world.
My heart pounded so violently that I could hear it in my ears.
I drew in a slow breath, trying to calm myself, but it was impossible. My palms had become damp, and I quietly rubbed them together beneath the table, praying no one noticed how nervous I was.
This award.
