My actor boyfriend publicly announced his girlfriend, and it wasn't me.

My family was in turmoil.

The other woman rallied her fans against me online? Blocked and banned!

Fans labeled me a shameless homewrecker who mooches off others? I'll see them in court!

People in the industry gossiped, saying I was clinging to power and got burned? Let’s show them who’s really in control!

==============================

At the awards ceremony, Lucian Webb, freshly crowned Best Actor, passionately thanked a host of people.

"Standing here today, the person I'm most grateful for is my girlfriend."

"Over the years, she has silently supported me, lifted me during my darkest times, and marshaled all her resources to help me rise."

"This award belongs to us both, and I hope she can stand here beside me."

Lucian looked intently in my direction.

The spotlight followed his gaze, lighting me up.

Caught off guard, I flashed a small smile and started toward the stage.

Simultaneously, Goldie beside me stood up.

"Norah Vasquez, sorry, but today’s star isn’t you—"

She smugly threw the remark my way, confidently striding onto the stage.

I froze, instinctively glancing at Lucian on stage.

They exchanged affectionate glances, like a couple deeply in love.

Lucian eagerly stepped down, lifting Goldie into his arms and carrying her back up.

The audience erupted in applause.

However, the moment of me standing up was captured perfectly.

The internet was in an uproar.

#NorahVasquezGatecrash

#NorahVasquezOtherWoman

#BestActorSnubsNorahVasquez

...

Well, trending so quickly—I wonder who’s behind it.

I turned off my phone, keeping a blank expression as I focused on the stage.

Lucian seemed to sense my stare, his eyes darting away.

But seeing them so joyful, I almost felt reluctant to spoil it.

I let out a cold laugh and fired off a quick message.

As the event neared its end, the host appeared a tad uneasy.

Composing himself and straightening his cue cards, he promptly adjusted his stance.

"And now, for the final segment of the awards ceremony, let’s have our sponsors present a special award."

The host’s announcement sent a wave of intrigue through the crowd.

Everyone buzzed about who would present this award and who would receive it.

Lucian and Goldie were about to step down when the host intercepted them.

The host regarded them with a mix of apprehension and beads of sweat on his brow.

"Please hold on. This next award is for both of you..."

Lucian and Goldie froze, eyeing the host suspiciously but halting in their tracks.

I rose leisurely, the spotlight now on me.

The room erupted, insults flying from all sides.

I walked onto the stage unfazed.

Grabbing the mic from the host, I shot Lucian a knowing smile. "I'm very grateful to the organizers for giving me the chance to present a special award to you both."

"Norah Vasquez, what are you doing? Get off the stage!"

Lucian’s demeanor shifted drastically, his voice shaky and flustered.

Ignoring him, I connected my phone to the giant screen.

"Today's special award is called the Phoenix Award, and the winners are Mr. Lucian Webb and Goldie."

"Before presenting, let’s watch a short video clip."

I played a video of Lucian and me on a recent trip.

Throughout the footage, it was clear to anyone watching that Lucian was the one making advances.

The video was shot just last weekend, a mere three days ago.

Lucian was furious.

The audience was equally stunned.

"Norah Vasquez, enough!"

Goldie snatched my phone away and suddenly, it lay shattered on the floor, yet the large screen continued to display footage. Both Goldie and Lucian looked alarmed.

In just moments, the video began spreading rapidly online, inundated with comments. I approached Goldie with a smile. "Don't forget to cover the cost of the phone, a modest $1,000 should suffice."

Goldie, livid, snapped back, "Norah, you're out of your mind!"

Ignoring her, I headed outside. A group wielding rotten eggs and wilted lettuce hesitated when they noticed me, retreating slightly.

I thought, wow, they really pulled out all the stops for these peculiar props. If it weren't for what just happened, I'd be heading home today smelling of this mess. Thankfully, I dodged that disaster and felt pretty upbeat.

But my good mood soon evaporated. By evening, the trending topics had exploded again. Initially, I assumed it was just the morning's drama escalating further. But to my surprise, the audacity continued.

Lucian claimed, "The video is merely a cut from a previous project. Miss Vasquez should separate reality from fiction."

Goldie chimed in, "Our relationship is solid. If a certain drama queen focused her acting on set, she'd be soaring."

Their brazen insinuations had backup from directors, screenwriters, and crew members. Suddenly, I was caught in a crossfire of criticism.

I shook my head in disbelief and decided to confront Lucian. When he opened the door, he was visibly startled, with a guilty glimmer in his eyes. "What are you doing here?"

I slapped him, my anger flaring. "If I hadn’t come, should I just drown in their sea of lies?"

"Are you crazy?" Lucian's calm broke, frustration seeping through his voice.

I laughed. Under Lucian's bewildered gaze, I unleashed a left hook followed by a swift kick, channeling my inner martial artist.

Holding up my phone, I provoked, "Is the previous video really an outtake? Does anyone usually name outtakes?"

"Who genuinely buys that sorry excuse? They must be fools."

Lucian sounded defeated. "Fools are convenient. As soon as I say something, those fans believe it, logic be damned. My word reigns!"

"Think I could get you blacklisted?"

I flinched, pretending fear. "Oh no, I'm so frightened."

"Please don't blacklist me. If I get blacklisted, I'll really have no future."

My mock act left Lucian simmering silently. I brandished my phone at him and stated plainly, "If you don't want to ruin your reputation, you should behave. Tired of playing this endless acting role yet?"

"No wonder you snagged an award. Two-timing me all these years without me catching on—a real talent."

I turned to leave, not lingering a moment longer. As I opened the door, Goldie was there. She glared daggers at me and slammed the door shut with a resounding "bang."

Before I could walk away, I heard Lucian’s pitiful tones, playing the victim. I couldn't help but laugh. They're not even trying to hide their fabrications, are they? And there were still people nearby to hear it!

Goldie, clearly swayed by Lucian’s words and seeing him bruised, seemed genuinely concerned. She tried to comfort Lucian, saying, "Don’t worry, Lucian. I won’t let Norah off the hook!"