Quirky Actress Is A Murderer

FOUR

Lara POV

Dazzling lights shine bright, alongside the flash of cameras as I strutted through the red carpets with the crowds screaming and cheering out my name. I waved my hand, thankful for all that had come to witness tonight's event. This was sure to be the best night of my life.

"Lara over here!" One of the photographers shouted, seeking my attention. I turned to him, offering my best pose.

"Lara, as much as everyone is rooting for you to win best actress of the year, if you weren't on the line up of nominees, who would be your best pick to win?" A reporter asked from Next Level Magazine, and I recall how they always write stupid articles that push my rivalry with Annalise.

I flashed her a smile before I responded, "Obviously I will choose me, because there is no one like me."

"The question is—" the reporter tried to correct, but I quickly cut her off with a laugh. "But of course if I really have to choose someone for a win, then definitely it will have to be Annalise; she is such a phenomenal actress who has been in the industry quite longer than I have," I said, still maintaining my smile.

Everyone seemed stunned with my response, as they all quite seem to acknowledge my act of fairness and offering credits where it is due.

I offered a couple more poses before I joined the cruise ship where the award night was to take place. I head over to my dressing room to have my first change for the evening as there was a knock on the door.

I was immediately excited, knowing who had come to see me. It was Jackson, my boyfriend and hopefully fiance to be. I can't wait for the day that he pops the question.

"Jackson!" I screamed as soon as I set my eyes on him as I rushed to him tightly, as it has been a while since we last saw each other. "I knew you would come."

"I know I said I was busy and couldn't make it, but as luck could have it, my family is having a large family dinner. I thought to sneak out and say congratulations," Jackson said as he kissed my forehead. He offered a large bouquet of flowers.

"Oh Jackson, this is so sweet of you." I collected it as I added, "Actually, the award night is yet to commence; they are still onboarding as it is, but I am grateful; this should give me a moral boost." I thanked him.

"Anything for you, babe," He kissed the back of my palms, which gave me a tingling sensation. Every one of his sweet gestures gets me so excited for more from him.

"Do you say your family is on the cruise?" I asked to confirm for myself as I pass the bouquet to Nia to help me keep it.

"They are; it is a delicate matter. I don't want to bore you. I will try and sneak out again if I can," Jackson promised.

"I have missed you so much. After tonight we should go over to the hotel and..." I tried to suggest our future plans, but Jackson didn't let me finish as he turned it down. "I know I have to try to be with you, but my family is gathering; I am running late. Good luck," he said hurriedly off. I didn't even get to give him a final hug.

Nevertheless, I looked at myself in the mirror as I exhaled out, pleased with how things eventually turned out. Who would have thought that three years ago, of pure determination and hard work, I would be standing here? Old me would have laughed and told me to stop dreaming as this will never happen.

"I need to take a toilet break; besides, have anybody seen Jennifer? She was supposed to be right by my side; I really need her more than ever," I thought to myself as I scanned the room.

I walked to the restroom all by myself as I entered one of the stalls to relieve myself. As shabby as it will sound, I heard some ladies discussing me. "From what I heard, it seems like she won't be taking it again this year," one of them said.

"Who is that?" The other reacted

"Lara Benson, almighty Raven," the first one mocked with a laugh, "You see what money can bring you to but can't give you; I can't wait to see her face when Annalise gets mentioned for the fifth time as best actress; she is the only deserving one on the nomination list; the others barely even did well this entire year."

"I thought Lara's movie was a box office hit; she also had a lot of successful projects this year; trust me, they are both deserving," the second one countered.

"Well, I kind of agree, but you can't measure up one good year with the ones Annalise has," the first one argued back.

"Annalise has won it four times; it won't be bad to have a new face on there besides who said Lara's career is going to fall off; imagine her winning it today; her career is sure to shoot to the sky, trust me," the second one reasoned.

"Whatever, I still don't like Lara; everyone who has worked with her has come out to say she is difficult to deal with." The first one retorted. I had enough of the conversation as I flushed the toilet and came right out.

"Hello ladies," I greeted with a smile as I washed my hand in the sink before pulling out a paper towel to dry them off. That same moment, Annalise came out also from one of the stalls. I was stunned to see her as I heard she wasn't at the red carpet today.

The ladies quickly ran out of the restroom. I took a good look at Annalise and noticed that we were both wearing the same dress from the stylist, along with the same purse. The only difference about our look was that I was a lot more beautiful and didn't look stressed out like Annalise did.

Annalise forced out a smile; her face looked pale and lips chapped. She dropped her purse on the sink before pouring water on her face and then wiping her face with a paper towel. "You shouldn't listen to them. I heard what you said about me to the reporters. Thank you," Annalise said weakly as she struggled to stand. I grabbed to hold her arm for support.

She managed to regain balance for that short while that I held her, 'You look sick; we should go to the clinic." I offered to help her out even though the award night was a few seconds from starting.

"No, I am fine, silly me. I shouldn't have taken those medicines; I didn't know it would make this drowsy. I will probably go ahead and take a rest in my waiting room. Anyway, I want to wish you more future years ahead; you are indeed the future."

"Why are you speaking as though you are quitting your career to start a family?" I asked admissibly, as I didn't expect her next reaction from her. "Shh, don't tell anyone but today." Annalise showed off her diamond crested ring to me on her finger as she chuckled, "I am getting married to the love of my life, Jackson Monroe."

My face fell instantly, and all my happiness for her quickly faded. That was my boyfriend she was talking about so happily; that was the diamond ring that should be mine on her fingers. It made no sense.

"It was a surprise actually; this is the best gift than any award, so good luck tonight; you deserve it," Annalise wished me before she left the restroom with a smile on her face. I forced a smile back, trying to hide the betrayal and hurt I felt inside.

I couldn't tell her; it wasn't as if the rest of the country didn't know I was dating someone that too, someone of higher society. It is not her fault that scumbag was playing both of us for a fool, but I was heartbroken; it should have been me instead. Tonight was supposed to be my night, but why do I feel so numb? I have to confront him, no matter what happens.

★★★★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★★★

The following morning I was awakened with a sharp headache, lacking any further memory from last night. Two purses—I believe one belongs to me and the other is for Annalise; she left it on the sink—and then there was an award in my arms that read, 'Best Actress of the Year, Annalise Bezos.'

What the f**k!?

I freaked out as my phone began buzzing, which was underneath my body as I was lying on it. My eyes were still blurry as I tried to read out the caller, "Ma-manager—" I picked up quickly with the most lazy hello as I yawned, looking over at the unexplainable things I had with me.

"Lara!" I jerked immediately as Isaiah yelled over the phone, bringing me to full alert.

"What!" I yelled back at him as I struggled to get out of the chair.

"Where are you right now?" Isaiah asked.

From his tone, I was beginning to worry if I was in the wrong place considering belongings in my possession. I looked around my surroundings as I confirmed, "Home. I can't explain what is going on, but it seems Annalise did later win Actress of the Year, and I so happen to be with it."

"I will explain later, but right now, you have to get out of there; I will drive to the front of the building; the reporters are after you right now."

"What? Why?"

"Annalise is dead, Lara, and you are being blamed for it!"

"Annalise is dead?"