The lights were blinding, but Sarah Chen stood tall on the stage, her heart beating wildly inside her chest. The crowd was on their feet, clapping, cheering, and flashing their phone cameras as if the stars had come down to celebrate with her.
"And the award for Best Song of the Year goes to…" the presenter paused for dramatic effect. "Sarah Chen!"
The room exploded in applause.
Sarah's hands flew to her mouth in shock. She stood up slowly from her front-row seat, her golden dress sparkling under the lights as if it knew this moment was made for her. With trembling hands, she walked up the steps to the stage, every step feeling like a dream.
The presenter smiled and handed her the shining trophy. It was heavier than she expected.
"Wow," she breathed into the microphone, blinking back tears. "I—I don't even know what to say. Thank you so much. This… this means everything to me."
The crowd cheered louder.
"To my fans," she said, voice steadying. "Thank you for always believing in me. You made this happen. I share this award with all of you. And to my team, thank you for standing by me through every high and low."
She paused for a moment, swallowing the lump in her throat.
"To my father, who never really believed singing was a real career… I hope you're watching tonight. I hope I've made you proud."
The applause echoed again, softer now, and more emotional.
"And Daniel," she added, her smile widening. "I can't wait to celebrate this with you."
Sarah clutched the trophy to her chest as she walked off the stage. The applause followed her all the way backstage, where people swarmed her, staff, fellow singers, and managers all offering congratulations. She signed several documents, took more photos, and shook dozens of hands. But the only person she really wanted to see tonight wasn't here.
Daniel, her fiance.
He had told her he couldn't make it, something about a last-minute business meeting he couldn't cancel. She had understood, of course. Daniel was always busy. Being a successful businessman meant long hours and late nights.
But tonight… tonight she wished he had come. She hadn't expected this win, but she was more than happy to share it with him. If only he had come.
Still, she smiled to herself. He had promised to meet her at his house after the ceremony. She would surprise him. She already imagined how it would go. She'd walk in, holding the trophy high, and he'd be proud. He'd hug her, kiss her, tell her she deserved it more than anyone else. Just like he always said.
She couldn't wait.
Her manager opened the door to her waiting Bentley.
"Want me to come with you?" he asked with a small smile, seeing the excitement on her face.
"No," she said, still beaming. "I want to surprise him. Thanks, though."
Her manager, Antonio Billie, a Filipino man, nodded in return and stepped aside.
She stepped into the sleek black Bentley, and the driver began the quiet ride through the radiant city. She watched the night pass by in a blur, her heart filled with joy. Today was the best day of her life. Everything felt perfect.
.
.
.
.
.
The gate to Daniel's house opened without question. Sarah smiled at the guards and stepped out of the car, still holding her award close like a prized memory. The house looked peaceful, the lights warmly gleaming through the windows.
She walked up the marble steps and quietly opened the door to the house since she saw his car parked outside. "Daniel?" she called softly.
But no answer.
She stepped inside fully and closed the door gently behind her. "I have something to show you," she said with a wide smile, her heels tapping lightly on the floor as she moved further in.
The house was silent.
She was halfway up the stairs when she heard something. It sounded like laughter. A low, feminine giggle.
Sarah froze. She narrowed her gaze in confusion. Why was there a woman's voice here?
Then came Daniel's voice.
She crept up the rest of the stairs, her breath catching in her throat with every step. The door to the master bedroom was slightly ajar, and light spilled into the hallway.
Sarah slowly pushed it open, and what she saw had her world collapsing.
There they were, Daniel, shirtless, tangled in bedsheets with her step-sister, Hannah. Her trophy slipped from her fingers, clattering loudly to the floor.
Daniel flinched and Hannah shrieked, grabbing the sheet.
"Sarah?" Daniel stared at her like a ghost had walked in.
"What is this?" Sarah's voice was barely a whisper.
Hannah slowly got up from the bed, her eyes harsh and unbothered. "Exactly what it looks like."
Sarah turned to Daniel, tears already forming. "You're cheating on me? With my sister?!"
"Step-sister," Hannah said with a smirk, tilting her chin. "Let's not be dramatic."
"Dramatic? You're sleeping with my fiancé!"
Daniel stood up, running a hand through his hair. "Look, Sarah, don't act so innocent. You've been too busy chasing awards and fans. You forgot how to be a real woman."
Sarah's face went pale at those words. Did he just say that to her? "Excuse me?"
Daniel snorted and continued as his eyes found the trophy on the ground, "You think this trophy means something? You've been nothing but a selfish brat who only cares about the spotlight. Maybe if you spent half that energy on this relationship—"
"Are you serious right now?" Her voice cracked as she took a step back. "You're lying to me. For how long?"
Hannah rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Stop with the tears. It's pathetic."
Sarah turned to her. "Hannah!"
"Well, you're clearly not good enough," Hannah sneered. "Besides, Daniel was mine before he was ever yours. You just got in the way."
"You're disgusting," Sarah hissed.
Daniel shrugged, slipping into a fresh shirt. "You know what? Maybe this is for the best. You and I… we were never really going to last."
Sarah's hands trembled. "I gave you everything. I loved you."
"Love isn't enough," he said coldly. "And since you're a big star now, how about we tell the world what you're really like behind closed doors?"
Sarah blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"I'll post everything," Daniel said with a smirk. "All the texts, your breakdowns, your clingy messages, I might twist it all. Let's see how your fans feel when they realize you're not the perfect little angel you pretend to be."
"You wouldn't—"
"Try me," he cut in sharply. "One click and you're done. No sympathy. Just another almost fallen celebrity."
Sarah stared at him, stunned and silent.
"I was going to marry you," she pointed out. "I trusted you…"
Daniel walked past her without a second glance. "Trust is for fools."
She turned to Hannah one last time. "You'll regret this, Hannah."
"No," Hannah replied with a cruel smile, standing up from the bed naked. "You will regret stealing from me, Sarah Chen."