SELENE WOODS

CHAPTER 10

I bit my lower lip , staring at the Professor with a guilty look.

Marrying Jason was solely my decision. So why was i...... Why was i heaping the blame on an innocent man.

"Thanks for giving me these, Prof. I really appreciate it." - I turned away, avoiding his gaze.

" Selene, i really want you to know this." - He spoke gently. "It doesn't matter to me what you decide to do about this, i'll always be right next to you. Supporting you through every thick and thin...... just let me know if you ever need my help and i'll be right here."

My eyes stung, teeth clenched tightly as i fought back the tears that threatened to fall. My lips parted for a moment, "Thanks,Prof." - I took a small break, forcing a shallow smile, "Since you've offered to help, i naturally wouldn't decline. I was wondering if you knew any entertainment agency i could sign up with during this period."

" Sure thing." - He gave a light hearted chuckled, his hands stroking his grey beard. " I know quite a few, i'll ask right away."

He paused, hissing softly. "Why do you suddenly want to join the entertainment industry?."

I lowered my eyes, staring at the thick stack of files before me with an unreadable expression. Then i smiled, squinting my eyes as the ends of my lips lifted in a slow curl - " There's been a sudden change in plans."

" Oh - oh!!, then i'll get on it right away." - The Professor gave a small smile and a knowing nod.

**********************************

I slapped down the file on the desk, rubbing the sore ache in my temples with a low groan.

It was just as the Professor had said - I flipped through the files once more, desperately searching for something.... anything of the sort. I sighed, collapsing in my couch; he was right......

These files were only pointers that proved my parents' car crash were more deliberate than a coincidental car crash. But they were not conclusive enough, no clues, confusing trails and no evidence - Just a bunch of aged,yellowed newspaper clippings, receipts and a trail that leads to nowhere.

I groaned, flipping the papers unto the coffee table in annoyance. This was the kind of thing that often got me pissed off to no ends - a trail that lead absolute nowhere.

Reclining on my sofa, i switched on the TV - trying desperately to hold my scrambled thoughts and possibly have an enjoyable afternoon.

The entertainment channel was on, and a popular show,X, was currently on air. I perked up my ears, eyes fixated on the screen as i watched the countless numbers of people seated in a hall. Basking in bright, colorful lights - very exquisite, and unnecessarily flashy.

I never had much interests in watching entertainment channels, but since i'd soon be going into the industry - I thought it best if i understood it a bit more.

It seemed to be an award - presenting show, something about the best actress of the year, alongside some minor nominations.

A female hostess appeared on stage, wearing a white sequin dress that dazzled like rainbows under the lights. She wore a warm smile, holding up a small placard in one hand and a mic in the other.

"Hello, everyone and welcome to the 15th edition of X!!" - She cheered loudly, arousing the applause of everyone present. " As every other year, we are dedicated to awarding the most excellent amongst our actors - ranging from new best comers to top - tier actors on our lists."

"I'm Shayna Taylor and as always i'm your lovely host of tonight's event." - She blew a kiss, grinning widely.

The crowd cheered once more, erupting in a frivolous applause.

I rolled my eyes, unable to keep up with the flashy looks and lights - What the hell happened to being demure?!. I dragged myself from the sofa, reaching for a glass of juice while mentally deciding to give them a fifteen minutes break.

I stood by, listening to the sounds coming from the television with a forlorn look. I had already lost track of time as i stared blankly at the wall....

"And now, for our final nominee...after rigorous deliberation by the committee. The winner of this year's best actress and queen of the entertainment industry is......"

I snapped out of it, rushing towards the sofa with a soft thump. I fixated my gaze on the screen, afraid that it would all be over if i blinked .

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome on stage....Miss Irina Williams!!." - The hostess announced.

The crowd cheered, applause ringing as i watched Irina walk up the aisle , a soft smile adorned on her soft features as she waved her hands gracefully. Her off- shouldered, red sequel dress sparkled under the lights. She looked absolutely stunning as the crowd adored her.

The female hostess handed over the golden plaque, passing the mic over to Irina for a vote of thanks.

Irina took the small mic, still wearing the same smile that i found pretentious. "Thanks everyone....for this." - She waved the trophy with a soft grin.

"First of all, i would like to thank my fans out there for always being with me and constantly supporting me throughout my acting career. Muah.....i love you so much.... Starlings!!. Then, I'll like to appreciate my manager and my fellow colleagues for being there and always advising me."

She smiled, basking in the light. " And last but not the least, I'd like to specially thank the love of my life for always being a strong pillar that i can lean on,for always having my back through thick and thin. And also, for doing everything within his powers to make sure that my career reached even greater heights."

" Everyone, please welcome my fiance - Jason Smith."

I furrowed my brows deeply......Fiance?!. Barely less than a month since i left and he's already hooked up with his mistress. I scoffed - how not so surprising, afterall, they're a jerk and bitch....a perfect match made in hell.

The both of them stood side by side, holding little Edward in their midst. A picture perfect family....What could possibly go wrong?.

I smirked, unsure if it was just my twisted fantasies - but i felt that my goal for revenge just got more exciting. Nothing was more captivating than ruining their perfect reputation, the higher they climbed....the harder the fall.

At the end, i'll be the one with the final laugh.

My phone rang, an unfamiliar number displayed on the screen. I frowned, not expecting any random calls as i wasn't the type to give out my contact details to strangers. But i still picked the call anyways.

"Hi, please are you by anyways, Miss Selene Woods?" - A feminine voice came from the other end, soft, polite and yet, straight to the point.

"Yes, i am she!!. How may i be of help to you?" - I replied in a wary tone.

"Great!!. My name is Anne Moreau, i'm a manager at Livelia entertainment and also a friend of the professor." - She introduced herself briefly, her tone filled with strict professionalism.

" Oh..." - I gasped.

"He informed me that you had an interest in being an actress and is currently in need of an agent." - She probed, her tone firm.

" Yes - i'm looking for one." - I replied affirmatively. " Did he also inform you about the fact that i'm a special case...?"- I added, patting my prosthetic leg.

" Yes,he did. That's why i called....i was wondering if we could meet up this evening - That's if you find it suitable enough."

I stared at the wall clock for a few seconds, pondering over Anne's proposal.

"Yeah, I've got nothing else on my schedule right now."- I gave a brief smile.

" Deal. Capium Cafe - 5pm this evening."