Chapter 295 He Didn’t Show Up
Aiken shook his head helplessly. “No one would’ve thought that I, the Best Actor, have to suffer this fate because of my father. To make matters worse, he orchestrated my downfall and ensured I fell hard on my face- Geez. It’s not easy being me.”
The Horizon Awards‘ award–giving ceremony was about to start. Celebrities and special guests filed into their seats under the staff’s guidance. Maia was one of the special guests, so her seat was in the front row and her celebrities‘ seats were in the third and fourth rows.
She saw Cedric’s name on a seat next to her and flinched. Did he arrange for this to happen? He just had to sit next to her… She could not explain it, but her lip curved involuntarily and a smile formed.
Lights swept all over the venue. The host went up to the stage, but there was still no sign of Cedric.
Was he not going to show up?
Maia took her phone out. She was about to send a text to him when she realized there were hundreds of texts in the trash. They were all texts from Cedric.
“It’s cold today. Don’t wear skirts.”
“It’s getting cold. Don’t eat anything cool.”
“There’s a thunderstorm forecast today. Are you afraid to be alone?”
“Do you need someone to keep you company? I could stay in the lobby if you don’t want me to stay in your place. I’ll keep you company through the door. Okay?”
“You can open your door if you’re scared.”
Maia’s hands froze from reading these texts. He was just like her in the past, working hard to preserve their relationship even if it was a one–sided effort. She felt a lump in her throat and pursed her lips. Tucking her phone into her purse, Maia swept her eyes across the venue, looking for him.
The Horizon Awards kicked off with a stage performance, but Cedric still had yet to show up. The seat next to her was left vacant. In fact, everyone there was looking forward to seeing his appearance. They were disappointed to see the opposite was true.
Maia’s heart was not into the show the entire time. She merely followed the crowd and clapped mechanically after the performances. She was in a trance until they started announcing the award winners.
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One of the staff came up to her and gave her an envelope.
“This envelope contains the name of the winner of the Best Actor, Ms. Maia. He’ll go on stage in three minutes. You’ll be presenting the award alone.”
“Am I doing it by myself?” Maia was stunned. There should have been two people presenting the award. That was how it was for the awards given out so far.
“Affirmative. Mr. Cedric didn’t show up, so you have to do it alone.”
So, it turned out he arranged for them to present the award together. Be that as it may, he did not show up tonight. He actually skipped the event.
Maia drew a deep breath, took the envelope, and headed backstage with the staff. She would present the Best Actor award once the current performance was over. The newly formed girl group, The Quest, was performing on stage.
Lowering her head, she looked at the delicate envelope in her hands. She just could not bring
herself to care about it. She had no idea what came over her. Cedric’s absence should have
made her happy. Otherwise, she would have felt awkward the entire time. Now, she could
enjoy the VIP seat and present the award all by herself.
Soon, The Quest’s performance was done.
“Now, let us announce the winner of Best Actor in The Horizon Awards this year! First, let us see the nominated actors and shows.”
The lights went out in the venue and the screen started to play the clips. Once it was finished, the host said excitedly, “Please welcome our special guest to the stage. She’s the CEO of Starlight Entertainment. She’ll be presenting the Best Actor award to the winner. Welcome,
Ms. Maia!”
Lights started flickering in the venue and the music started to kick in too. Maia appeared on stage, standing on a stage elevator. Her fitting silver gown caught the stage light and started gleaming with all sorts of colors. It was both elegant and aesthetically pleasing.
She walked over to the hosts and stood next to them. Then, she nodded and smiled at both of them. The male host smiled and said, “It’s my greatest honor to be standing next to the CEO of Starlight Entertainment!”
Then, the female host teased him, “You’ve been talking about Ms. Maia’s alluring appearance all night long. You finally got your wish! Here. I brought over a pen just for you. You can go ahead and ask for her autograph.” She proceeded to give him a pen.
With that, the entire venue burst into laughter.
“Where do you want me to sign?” Maia looked at the male host and asked in a smile. Regardless of her smile, there was still an air of distant elegance about her. This was simply
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“My friend here has given me a wonderful opportunity. I have to make good use of it! It’s just that she gave me a pen, but no paper. I think she wants me to use whatever’s here on stage!” He smiled and extended his palm, “I guess Ms. Maia can sign here. I swear I’ll never wash my hands again!”
The entire venue burst into laughter again. Maia proceeded to sign on his palm.
“Can you draw a little heart too?” The male host said timidly and put on a shy face in front of the audience.
“Sure.” Maia nodded and asked, “Do you want some well wishes?”
“Most certainly!” The male host said at once. Maia smiled and wrote something on his palm.
“The Horizon Awards brings forth the love of your life. Cherish it and hold it dear.”
The male host read it, laughed, and pointed his calm at the camera, “Here. Focus on my palm and let everyone see the well wishes Ms. Maia wrote for me!”
The entire venue burst into laughter once more.
Aiken was laughing hard in his seat. He made a somewhat exaggerated expression to the camera for the first time in his life. Then, he took the lead and clapped, giving Maia a thumbs-
in the process.
up
“Now, let’s announce the winner of The Horizon Awards‘ Best Actor.”
Maia had no intention to drag it out. She opened the envelope and said, “He’s an extremely talented actor and he has acted in various roles. Each one of them resonated with the deepest part of us. He’s taking home the Best Actor award this time as well. Please welcome the gem of the entertainment industry. Aiken Cantrell!”
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