¡WRECK THE HOLLS!

CHAPTER TWO

Noelle groaned and purred as she stretched her perfectly shaped body on the bed. The sun from the now opened curtains by the maids shone in her eyes.

"What time is it." She snapped, making the maid jump.

"9am Miss," the maid replies. "Your mother and Mr Everard are downstairs, requesting your presence," the maid quickly said, scurrying out the room.

Noelle yawned, grabbed her phone, posted a morning pic on her social, and made her way downstairs.

Noelle was physically perfect, her skin was flawless, and she didn't need filters to look pretty. She was endowed in her perfect hourglass shape and tanned skin, She was the envy of her generation.

"There she is! My superstar! My money-making mogul of a celebrity!" Christos Everard, Noelle's manager since she was 14 years old, praised as he watched Noelle strut down the stairs, in her usual authoritative, 'all eyes on me' manner.

"It's nine in the f*****g morning on a Saturday. It better be mind blowing mogul worthy news Chris!" Noelle grumbled, her eyes still foggy from sleep and getting used to the morning sunlight.

"Oh my dramatic darling! Always in character..." her mother cooed.

"....A Cinderella story won you best actress of the year! Everyone can't stop talking about your character, Samantha Evans!" Her mother screeched in joy.

"No s**t! Are you really serious?!" Noelle asked excitedly, hercgaze shifting between her mother and her manager.

"Ohhh you better believe it sweet cheeks. You deserve it my ball of talent. You money making machinery." Christos praised, laughing heartily. "Mary, the invitation." Christos beckons, as Mary hands Noelle the honorary invite.

Dear Noelle Hollsbury,

It is our utmost honour to invite you to receive the prestigious 'GOLDEN STAR' award for Best Actress in a movie, in recognition of your outstanding performance in 'LIKE A CINDERELLA STORY'.

Your remarkable talent, dedication, and passion for your craft have captivated audiences worldwide, and we are thrilled to celebrate your achievement.

The award ceremony will take place on the 10th at 8:30 pm at the luxurious Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills California. A red-carpet reception will precede the ceremony, and a VIP after party will follow.

We would be delighted if you could join us to receive this well-deserved recognition.

Please RSVP by 7th December,2024, to confirm your attendance.

Congratulations once again on your remarkable achievement!

Sincerely,

THE STARLIGHT AWARDS FOUNDATION

PRESIDENT AND CEO

ISABELLA ROSSINI.

"Oh My Effing Gawsh!! Isabella Rosinni wrote and signed specially to me!" Noelle shrieked, twirling like a fairytale princess, the bobby pins holding her hair up, flinging in different directions, and her heavy brunette hair falling on her shoulders, enhancing her beauty.

"So we got an RSVP?" Christos asked for confirmation.

"Of course we got an RSVP! Mary send the email!" She jumped in excitement, handing Mary the tablet.

"SHOPPING SPREE!! BOOKING A CHANEL SESSION NOW! SCHEDULED IN AN HOUR." Noelle texted her group, who all replied with thumbs up and happy faces, signalling they'll be there.

########

"You look beautiful, Miss," Mary awed, as Noelle in her red, Christmas themed majestic evening gown, strolled down the stairs, looking like a princess out of a fairytale. Her hair was let loose on her shoulders, adorned with Christmas like ornaments.

"I don't just look beautiful, Mary...." Noelle started, staring Mary down in disdain for the common, inferior, imbecillic compliment. "....I look majestic." She smirked almost evily, her eyes full with pride and arrogance as she walked out the door a d into her ride, her driver closing the door behind her.

##########

"There's Isabella Rosinni." Christos whispered in Noelle's ear, and her eyes lit up.

With focus and catlike movements, Noelle made a beeline for Rosini.

"Isabella Rosinni, I got your email, I was beyond honoured. It's such a dream come true for me." Noelle batted her lashes, summoning the best version of herself.

"Yes, of course, how can I not recognise GenZ's very own queen." Isabella smiled, taking Noelle's hand in for a firm handshake.

"Did you enjoy the carpet?" Isabella smiled accommodatingly. "It was lovely." Noelle replied.

"Enjoy the party. That is your specialty, after all." Isabella curtly smiled, excusing herself.

#######

The Award announcements began, and names were called up to the podium, and speeches were made, tears of joy were spilled, and many heartfelt reactions were given.

"Now.....to the award of tonight...." Isabella Rosinni, host and ceo of THE STARLIGHT AWARDS FOUNDATION started. "....the last but definitely not the least. The one we've all....especially the GenZ's, have been anticipating. Actress of the year, California's very own, GenZ queen and entertainment mogul and heiress, Noelle Hollsbury!!!" Isabella called on stage, over the microphone. The entire audience erupted in applause and a standing ovation as Noelle majestically strutted onto the stage, her manager, Christos, right beside her.

The cheers subsided, and Noelle was handed a microphone for her success speech.

"Evening everyone, I'm sure you're all honoured to be here in my presence." She started a d the crowd chuckled at her joke. "But.... what you all don't know is I'm just as honoured if not more..." She spoke with confidence and conviction.

Suddenly and out of nowhere, a gunshot was heard.

GUNSHOT!?

Noelle thought as she froze in place, watching a single bullet fly past her head, barely missing her.

The entire event, already at an unease, as security direct the crowd and Noelle's bodyguards escort her safely off the stage, her award in hand.

#####

"What in the hell just happened?" Noelle asked, her mind still spiralling from the shocking event as the bodyguards attempted to open her car door.

"I'm working in it...." Christos replied, taking out his phone to dial and walking out, making some calls.

Noelle sighed, her head banging, still recovering the shock. When another gunshot was heard, the bullet was flying straight for Noelle.

Noelle's feet, rooted to the ground in fear, watched as the bullet closed in, her life and shallow vain existence flashing before her eyes. She closed her eyes on instinct, awaiting the pain.

IT NEVER CAME.

Confused, she opened her eyes, looking up at her bodyguard.

"James....it's James ryyyy?" She purred. "Steven ma'am," He replied with a thick British accent.

"Ahem.... Steven, off me this instant." She spat, mocking his accent.

The guard nodded, helping Noelle up as she huffed, storming into the car as the bodyguards safely transported her home.

##########

"Two shootings in one night! And on an important night in my baby's career!" Her mother cried hysterically, hugging Noelle, who was wailing and sobbing.

"I didn't even get to attend the after party." Noelle cried, sniffling.

"Christos! My baby's having a mental breakdown, and you're on your phone?!" Her mother frowned, and Noelle wiped her tears, matching her mother's expression.

"Well....forgive me for ranting and threatening to sue Rosinni's security detail for almost killing my money-making mogul machine!" Christos sarcastically rolled his eyes, walking away, shouting and cursing into his phone.

"I heard what happened!" Noelle's father, in his fancy suit, barged in. "Steven and Christos have a lot of explaining to do!" Her father huffed, placing a sweet but empty kiss on his daughter's forehead.

"Who'd wanna do this?" Noelle sniffled hysterically. "The bullet was meant for me, mum.... twice... I was so....why....." She started sobbing....again.

"I have the perfect idea. We call off the midnight after party...for my baby's safety. Look, she's shaken to the bone." Her mother coos, cuddling Noelle and running her hands softly through her brunette hair.

"What? CALL OFFMY MIDNIGHT AFTER PARTY?!" Noelle screamed, jumping out of her mother's arms in shock. "Not happening. If I cancel this, I'd rather just die!!!!" She gagged, dramatically chocking herself.

"Honey, it's for your safety." Her mother tried to reason. "Nahhhh....I'll be safer after a sick party. Besides, it's the mansion, not some public event centre. We'll double up security and everything."

She reasoned, her mother sighing in disagreement.

"Mooom...." She purred. "...if I don't do this, it could blur my image and affect my following. I don't want to create pity-party followers, " She whined.

"The girl does have a valid point." Christos supported. "Fine!!" Her parents agreed, Noelle shrieked in excitement, giggling a thank you.

#######

Noelle's Award, largely shown, placed in a glass shelf in the middle of the large hall, as guests troop in, gawking at the mansion and the award.

"Noelle! You've done it again, my sweet money-making mogul!" Christos hailed as he hugged her, congratulating her on a perfect party.

"Noelle your award is beautiful" Everyone congratulated and she replied with a cocky "I know it is."

Feeling safe, Noelle clunk's her glass, gathering the crowd's attention as she starts her speech, all camera's and social media's on her.

Taking a deep breath, about to start, the shattering of glass is heard as the window breaks into a million pieces, a single bullet flying swiftly through, grazing Noelle's left arm, barely missing her chest.

The party is in disarray as everyone hysterically gasps and runs for safety, Noelle breathing heavily at the sight of her bleeding left hand.

"Help....somebody. ......anybody. .....hel...." She quivers as she gets nauseous, passing out just before the bodyguards, take her to the hospital, away from the disarrayed scene.