Billionaire Status And All, You’re Still You

Aria’s POV

It’s been a few hours since the evening sun cast long shadows on ground. The air is thick with anticipation, as the plush pile of red stretches across the entrance of The Starlight Symphony Hall where this year’s International Film Awards will be held.

The atmosphere is a symmetry of controlled chaos and dazzling glamour. The lights ignite in rapid bursts momentarily turning night back into day. The hum of excited chatter from the gathered crowd, a mix of dedicated fans and curious onlookers who swell to a roar which each new arrival.

Luxurious cars with tinted windows pull up one after another, each carrying some of the most popular celebrities in the country who are dressed to perfection embodying a harmonious blend of exquisite tailoring, thoughtful styling, an innate understanding of the occasion and their personal flair.

The reporters and journalists act like they’ve been injected with chicken blood as the shove their microphones carrying their network logos at the stars as they try to grasp information on their latest project, their outfit and their expectations for the evening.

Some reply using witty remarks while others other gracious smiles and waves their expressions carefully curated.

A hush fell over the excited crowd.

Whispers turned to gasps and jaws dropped as I disembarked from the car. I know I look magnificent. My royal blue dress was a statement in itself.

The design for my dress was a sophisticated one shoulder design which highlighted my pale skin and collarbone, the key feature of my dress was the dramatic thigh high slit on the left leg that revealed glimpses of my long legs and silver heels. My copper hair was arranged in a messy low bun with wisps making me look endearing.

The finishing touch to my outfit were the sapphire earrings that highlighted my silvery grey eyes. I wear the dress with an unapologetic confidence that matched its audacious hue.

I glided down the red carpet like the queen I know I am, offering smiles and striking poses at the perfect moment.

After a while I got to the end of the carpet where the reporters were eagerly waiting to pounce on me like hungry wolves.

“Aria, you look stunning, who are you wearing tonight?” A reporter asked.

“How long did it take you to get ready?” Another reporter asked

“How does it feel to be here tonight?”

“Your movie Ghostfall was nominated tonight, how confident are you about your win?”

Aria flashed her iconic smile.

“Well, thank you for the compliment. Tonight I’m wearing a dress from Celine. It took us about 3 hours to complete my hair and makeup. I feel excited to be here you know, everything feels so exhilarating. We all worked hard to make Ghostfall and we have a lot of confidence in our work but at the end of the day it’s up to the judges to decide.” I reply eloquently.

“You’ve worked hard this year, all the movies you starred in are been nominated and you’ve been nominated best actress from your role in Ghostfall, how did you do it?” A reporter asked.

“What can I say, years of hard work and perseverance.I also want to thank my fans out there, they are source of motivation and their love and support serves as a source of endless fuel for me. I love you guys so much”. I flash a smile to show my gratitude and gracefully proceeds to enter the venue.

After my interview, I proceeded to enter the venue and found my assigned seat which was alongside the cast of Ghostfall which I was nominated best actress. I exchanged pleasantries with them while we waited for the ceremony to start.

A few moments later the event kicks off when a voice amplified by the sound system is heard. Then the light dims thereby drawing everyone’s attention to the stage. The charismatic host appears on the stage offering everyone a warm welcome setting the tone for the night ahead.

As the event commences and the various categories are being announced a hush falls over the audience. Nominees are introduced, their accomplishments highlighted and short video clips of their nominated works are shown. The tension is so thick as the envelopes are opened and the winners for various categories were being called out.

Burst of applause erupts as the winners make their way towards the stage to accept their awards and give a heartfelt speech.

Flashes from cameras bouncing across the vast gold-trimmed hall. A glittering sea of A-list celebrities, producers, directors, and the world’s media are watching, breath held, as the presenter opens the envelope.

“And the award for Best Actress goes to… Aria Monroe!” The presenter announces smiling brightly

The crowds erupts.

I sit frozen for half a second — dark eyes wide, my lips parted in a delicate gasp. I quickly place a graceful hand over my mouth, blinking as though making sure this is really happening.

My co-star beside me squeezes my arm, whispering, “Go! Go, Aria!”

I rise smoothly, my royal blue dress seemed to absorb the light under the spotlights, my tall, poised figure the picture of elegance. Applause rains down as I makes my way to the stage, cameras zooming in on my composed but slightly teary face.

At the podium, the golden statue gleaming in my hands, I take a slow breath, gathering myself.

“Wow… thank you. I truly didn’t expect this tonight. I want to thank the Academy, the incredible cast and crew, and our brilliant director who trusted me with this role.” I say into the mic with a steady but soft voice.

“This film was a story about resilience and quiet strength themes that I hold deeply in my own life. Every step of this journey has been a reminder that hard work, not where you come from, defines who you are.” I continue.

I glanced down slightly, eyes misting. For a moment, the world watching might wonder what sits behind those words — the family I never mentioned publicly, the legacy I have carefully kept hidden.

“To everyone out there chasing their dream — keep going. Don’t let the world decide your worth. Thank you so much.” I continue with a faint smile.

She gives a graceful, slight bow, clutching the award. The audience is on their feet, the applause thunderous, camera bulbs flashing nonstop. As I steps offstage, a quiet, private exhale escapes me — not just the triumph of the award, but the triumph of standing fully on my own, under MY OWN NAME.

As the night draws to a close, it could easily be said I was the biggest winner of the night. The movies I starred in were nominated in five categories and we won four of them. I can’t wipe the grin off my face, I’ve finally taken a step unto the international stage and I did it all by myself. After the last award is handed out, the last performance of the night begins as a hush falls over the audience while the popular singer Lois performs a ballad.

After the performance, the host returns to the stage to offer their thanks towards the performers, the nominees and to the fans watching.

As the event comes to an end and the lights come on celebrities hug and congratulate each other, agents mingled with manager but I want nothing more than to just go home and I do exactly that.

I turn towards the director to over my goodbye.

“Director Smith, I had a pleasant time working on this movie with you all and I’m glad our hardworking paid off” I say offering him a polite smile.

“I think you deserve most of the credit, I don’t think there would have been a better person to play your role, you brought the character to life. I hope there would be more opportunities for us to work together again?” He replies sounding hopeful

“I hope so too.Thank you director,have a pleasant evening” I say offering him another smile before taking my leave.

I arrive outside the venue where I find my ride waiting for me.

The moment I get in the car I feel my cell phone vibrating, I check who’s calling and find out it’s my manager/bestfriend, then I answer

“Congratulations, Aria” she says.

I know she’s smiling.She has always been one of my biggest supporters.

“Thank you, words can’t begin to express how I feel right now, I still feel bummed that you aren’t here though” I reply.

“I feel the same way but everything is just crazy with the company trying to make me take on new artist” She replies sounding apologetic.

“I know but you are going to make it up to me, right?” I ask her

“Of course I will, we need to celebrate you deserve it. Anyways I gotta go, have fun.” She says

“Bye.” I reply then hang up

“Where to miss?” The driver asks

“Home” I reply sounding worn out.

By the time I get home I feel exhausted and all I wanted was a warm bath and so I go for it.

While I’m in the bath, I think back and reminisce past events and remember why I keep pushing myself.