My Only Star

Star had lost count of how many times she had called her manager, but each attempt was met with the same agonizing silence. She needed to talk to her. She had to. She simply couldn't accept that her contract with CBF Network had been abruptly canceled—just like that. Was she not human? Didn't she have the right to make mistakes? Why couldn't they just suspend her instead of instantly pulling the plug on all her ongoing projects? Tears welled in her eyes as she tried her manager's number once more. Still, no answer. Desperate, Star decided to reach out to a fellow artist—a close friend who was bound to know the whereabouts of their manager, Ms. M. By some stroke of mercy, her friend picked up on the first few rings. "Girl, please... you have to help me," Star pleaded, her voice trembling with choked-back tears. "Do you know where Ms. M is right now? Is she at the studio?" "I'm so sorry, Star..." her friend replied, her tone dripping with sympathy. "They strictly forbade us from giving you any information regarding Ms. M." "Please, just this once," Star begged, clinging to a sliver of hope. Silence stretched over the line. "I won't tell anyone you gave it to me, I promise!" Star blurted out, breaking the heavy quiet. A long, heavy sigh echoed from the speaker. "Alright," her friend finally yielded. "But you can't let Ms. M find out I told you, or I'm dead meat." "Yes! I swear!" "She’s at the Grand Hotel right now for a photoshoot. You can try to catch her there." "Thank you so much, Candy! I owe you big time." "Forget about it. Just hurry before she leaves so you can catch her in time." "Okay, okay! Thanks again," Star said before hanging up. Both she and Candy were talents in the industry. Candy was discovered through social media and career is steadily rising. While Star auditioned and was chosen as one of the contestants for a reality show, where her career started three years ago. The two become friends and worked together in one or two projects. But Star's career seemed to be crashing down before it had even taken off. ----- She flagged down a taxi in a flurry of panic. Of all days for luck to turn against her, her car had broken down and was currently stranded at the service center. Fortunately, it didn't take long before a cab pulled over, and she scrambled inside. As the vehicle merged into the flow of traffic, her thoughts began to drift back in time. *“I’m sorry, Star, but Madam Cruz gave strict orders to terminate and cancel your contract.”* That was the devastating blow that had greeted her one fine morning. She couldn't bring herself to accept it. *“Is this because of the controversy I’m currently embroiled in, Ms. M?”* *“You know as well as I do that the person you crossed path with is the granddaughter of the company owner,” her manager replied, a heavy sigh in her voice. “How could we possibly win against them?”* *“Ms. M, I’m begging you, please… let me speak with Madam Cruz. I know I made a mistake, and I’ll do whatever they want—just please don’t let everything I’ve worked so hard for vanish like this. Please.”* *“You know how difficult Madam Cruz is to deal with, child. She rarely agrees to hear anyone out, even if we request a formal appointment.”* *“What if I issue a public apology? I’ll take full responsibility for everything—just don’t let them cancel my contract, Ms. M!”* Tears welled up in Star’s eyes once more at the memory. A sudden shift in movement snapped her back to reality. She glanced out the window and realized they had already arrived at the hotel. Quickly handing over the fare, she thanked the driver and rushed straight through the entrance. It was a prestigious five-star establishment; even the sheer scale and opulence of the lobby were enough to take one's breath away. *Where on earth do I find her manager in a place like this?* she wondered. Deciding her best option was to ask, she approached the front desk. “Hi! I’m Hanna Monteverde,” she began. "But most called me Star", her tone urgent yet polite. “I’d like to inquire if Ms. Michele Milano—or Ms. M—is currently here? She’s one of the talent managers from CBF Network," she added. “Let me check our system for you, ma’am. Just a moment,” the receptionist replied politely. “Thank you.” “Ah, yes. She checked in just a short while ago. However, that is the only information I am permitted to share.” “Do you happen to know where today's photo shoot or taping is taking place on the property?” “Oh, it looks like there’s an ongoing photoshoot down by the beachfront.” “Can I head down there even if I haven't checked in as a guest?” “Oh, I’m afraid not, ma’am! Access to the beach requires a guest pass since that area is strictly exclusive.” “Is that so?” Hanna paused, biting her lip. “Fine. Please book me a room then—just whatever is cheapest.” “Right away!” “Just for a one-day stay, alright?” The receptionist winced slightly. “Ah, I’m so sorry, ma’am, but we are almost fully booked today. The only room available right now is a Deluxe Suite.” “I’ll take it,” Hanna said without hesitation, terrified someone else might snatch it. “Before I lose it.” “Understood, ma’am.” Moments later, keycard in hand, she finally had full access to step past the lobby and navigate the luxury hotel grounds. Star spotted a large crowd gathered in the distance, by the sea shore. The photoshoot was still in full swing, and everyone on set was busy with their own tasks. Crew members hurried from one place to another, cameras flashed, and voices blended into the lively atmosphere. A few people stood off to the side simply watching the scene unfold. Star assumed they were fans of the celebrity currently headlining the shoot, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite star. For a moment, she found herself staring at the set a little longer than intended. Somewhere deep in her heart, she wished she could experience something like that again. To stand under the bright lights, hear the cameras clicking endlessly, and be the center of everyone's attention. But that dream felt distant now. The truth was hard to ignore. Her star was fading. Pushing the thought aside, Star drew a quiet breath and forced herself back to reality. There was no point dwelling on what she had lost. With that, she resumed her search for her manager, weaving through the busy crowd as she looked around. At last, she found Ms. M. The manager was standing behind the camera beside the director, both of them intently watching the ongoing shoot. Their attention remained fixed on the monitor as they reviewed each shot, occasionally exchanging comments and instructions with the crew. Relief washed over Star the moment she spotted her. Not wanting to waste another second, she quickly made her way through the bustling set. She slipped past staff members carrying equipment and assistants rushing about with their tasks, her eyes never leaving her manager. The closer she got, the faster her steps became. "Ms. M!" she called out, hoping to catch the woman's attention above the noise of the production. There was something she needed to discuss, and after spending precious minutes searching through the crowded venue, she was determined not to lose sight of her manager again. The manager and several crew members turned at the sound of her voice. “There you are,” Star said with a small sigh of relief. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” The moment Ms. M saw her, a frown immediately formed on the manager’s face. “Star?” Ms. M replied, visibly surprised. “What are you doing here?” “I wanted to talk to you,” Star said. “Do you have a minute?” Ms. M briefly glanced at the ongoing photoshoot before turning back to her. “If this is about your contract again, there’s really nothing more I can do, Star. I’m truly sorry.” Star stepped closer and looked as though she was about to drop to her knees. The older woman quickly grabbed her arm before she could. “What are you doing?” Ms. M hissed, startled. “You’re making a scene!" “If I have to kneel and beg, then I will,” Star said, her voice trembling with desperation. “I don’t care who’s watching.” “Star!” Ms. M lowered her voice. “I already told you. Madam Cruz personally canceled your contract. She owns this network, and she has every right to do so. Besides, your three-year contract with CBF Network would have expired in a few months anyway. It just happened sooner than expected.” “I know that, Ms. M,” Star replied. “But all I want is a chance to explain my side. I want to tell her what really happened between Faith and me. Our argument got blown out of proportion. I never meant for any of it to happen.” She paused, frustration flashing across her face. “And how was I supposed to know Faith was Madam Cruz’s granddaughter? If I had known, things would have been different. I feel like I’ve been judged without anyone even hearing my side.” Ms. M let out a weary sigh. “I know, Star. But sometimes you need to stop being so combative, especially online. You respond to every single hater and troll that comes after you. And look where it got you.” Star lowered her head. She couldn’t argue with that. Her manager was right. She had never been the type to stay silent. Every malicious comment, every insulting post, every baseless rumor seemed to get under her skin. She always felt compelled to fight back. The trouble was that the internet never ran out of people willing to provoke her. Some of them acted as though they knew every detail of her life, inventing ridiculous stories and presenting them as facts. Most of it was nonsense, yet she still allowed herself to get dragged into endless arguments. “Ms. M,” she said after a moment, her voice softer this time, “could you at least arrange a meeting for me with Madam Cruz? Just an appointment. That’s all I’m asking.” The manager stared at her for several seconds. “You know I’m supposed to follow protocol,” Star continued. “I can't just go directly to the network owner. You're my talent manager. I have to go through you first before speaking to anyone higher up.” Ms. M nodded slowly. “You’re right.” Hope immediately flickered in Star’s eyes. The older woman glanced toward the set before speaking again. “Fine. Wait for me. After the shoot is over, we’ll sit down and discuss it.” For the first time that day, a genuine smile appeared on Star’s face. “At least” she thought, “there’s still a chance.” It wasn’t a promise. There was no guarantee she would ever get to speak with Madam Cruz. There was no guarantee she could save her career. But if nothing else, she could tell herself that she had done everything she possibly could. She would exhaust every option, knock on every door, and fight until there was truly nothing left to fight for. Only then would she accept defeat. And even that seemed unlikely. Because one word had never existed in Star’s vocabulary. Surrender. No matter how many setbacks came her way, she would keep fighting for the career she loved. After all, stars didn't simply vanish. Sometimes, they just needed the chance to shine again.