IN LOVE WITH THE DEVIL

Fiona "The award for Best Actress of the Year is..." The MC paused as suspenseful music filled the hall. The ballroom fell into complete silence. Everyone held their breath in anticipation. Cameras swept across the nominees as photographers positioned themselves from every angle, ready to capture the winning moment. The lights dimmed while the crystal chandeliers bathed the ballroom in a warm golden glow. I held my breath, my fingers tightening around the edge of the tablecloth beneath me, forcing myself to maintain a calm expression. Around me, the other nominees looked composed, trying to play it cool, but I knew they were just as nervous as I was. "Is... Miss... Fiona Harrison!" the MC announced. The spotlight landed directly on me. A quiet sigh of relief escaped my lips, and a smile slowly spread across my face. For a moment, I thought I'd misheard. I blinked several times. It felt like a dream. Excitement and disbelief bubbled inside me. I rose to my feet, my heart hammering against my chest as the entire ballroom erupted into applause. Tears stung my eyes. As I walked toward the stage and the audience cheered for me, years of hard work came crashing over me all at once. I wanted to laugh. Cry. And scream at the same time. For the first time in years, I felt like I truly belonged. I gave a slight bow to the award presenter and then to the audience. I felt... special. The golden trophy felt heavy in my hands. I still couldn't believe it. I shook hands with the presenter as cameras flashed around us. All those years of auditions, rejections, and 3 a.m. rehearsals had finally meant something. This was it. My world. The place where I belonged. Today was the happiest day of my life. "Miss Fiona, would you give us a brief speech about your success? Maybe I could learn a thing or two," the MC joked, sending the audience into laughter. I smiled as I accepted the microphone. "Good evening, everyone. I'm deeply overwhelmed by this award. Although I was nominated, I never expected to win. First, I'd like to thank the award organisers, the directors, producers, my fellow cast members, the crew, my fans, and everyone who believed in me. I'm truly grateful. "I didn't become successful overnight. Before the fame came countless rejections, endless auditions, and three a.m. rehearsals. Every sacrifice has its reward. "I've dreamed of winning this award since I was fourteen, and I'm grateful that dream has finally come true. "One thing I always tell myself is to keep pushing and never give up. So, to everyone chasing a dream, believe in yourself. "I dedicate this award to all of you, and I hope this marks just the beginning of my journey. "Thank you." I smiled and bowed slightly. The audience erupted into applause. After spending over an hour greeting colleagues and posing for photographs, I finally made it home. Exhaustion settled into my bones. All I wanted was a hot shower and my bed. The moment I stepped out of the car, the guards and house staff greeted me with warm smiles and congratulations. They had obviously watched the ceremony. Pride swelled in my chest. "Congratulations, Miss," the butler said with a smile. "Thank you." I glanced around the living room. "Where are my parents?" I asked. "They're upstairs in their bedroom. Would you like me to prepare something for you?" he asked. I shook my head. "No, thank you. I'm not hungry." Unable to contain my excitement, I hurried upstairs. My heels clicked against the polished marble as I made my way down the hallway. Dad had missed the ceremony because of what he called "pressing issues," and Mom probably hadn't seen the news yet. I couldn't wait to surprise them. Just as I approached their bedroom... I heard voices. "You can't be serious, Glen!" Mom shouted, her voice trembling with emotion. "She's our only daughter. You can't marry her off to a man she barely knows." My steps came to an abrupt halt. My heart slammed painfully against my ribs. I froze outside their bedroom door. "Brian Tyler is a good man," my father replied calmly, as though he were discussing the weather. "He's respected. Powerful. Wealthy enough to protect both her and this family. Fiona isn't a child anymore. She's a grown woman." I staggered back, clutching the golden trophy tightly against my chest. Brian Tyler. The billionaire. The man everyone called The Devil. Every magazine praised his looks. Every woman seemed to dream of him. I wasn't one of them. I'd spent years making sure our paths never crossed. The man who should never find out what happened that night. Was this... Some kind of revenge? "That's not my point," Mom cut in, her voice breaking. "She doesn't love him." Dad let out a humourless laugh. "What is love?" His words cut through me like a blade. "They'll learn to love each other after they're married. Money is what matters." He paused before adding, "I'm doing this for the family." A gasp escaped my lips before I could stop it. I couldn't believe my father had just said those words. The room fell silent. It seemed they'd heard me. The bedroom door swung open. Mom froze the moment she saw me. The color drained from her face. "Fiona..." Her voice cracked. "My dear... I'm so sorry." She took a hesitant step toward me. Instinctively, I stepped back. The hurt that flashed across her face was impossible to miss.