Trophy

In Europe, Country S...

Seven years ago... 

Sydney heaved a deep breath trying to abide with the occurrence of the event, a twitch on her face she lowered her head to take a look at her cell phone just to catch a glimpse of the time. 

Her head raised with a grunt, she really couldn't take it anymore. 

She stood up from the seat and then managed to pass through the rolls of seats so she could move out of the auditorium. 

She hauled her phone to make a call to Penelope as she waited a while for the call to get answered, a jovial tone she heard. 

"Hey, how is the occasion going?" 

"Oh really? You're asking me that? Pene, I told you in the first place that I didn't want to come here but you forced me to. " 

" What are you saying, Sydney? Is it an award for crying out sake, many directors pray to attend such an event and you're complaining about your privilege?"

Sydney rolled her eyes as she lessened her head, cautious with each step she made with her heels she held the hem of her gown walking steadily but then she bumped into someone. 

" Of course, ahh! " She wailed out as she responded to the pain, she reached for her forehead but in the process, her phone fell to the ground. 

"I'm so sorry," she heard a masculine voice say. 

"No, no, is my fault," she claimed, still having her head lowered, she massaged the bumped area. 

"I should have watched where I was heading—" her words went on hiatus once her head came into full view, memorised by the guy who approached to give her her phone. 

She was struck, her lips slightly open, and she bit her bottom lip timidly. 

"I believe I should be the one; besides, here's your phone," the man said steadily as he handed back the device. 

She fluttered her eyes, her hand accepted on their own terms, but she could not help but be smitten by the fellow's countenance. 

Who was this guy? 

She looked into his silver eyes, a milky-skinned creature with a calm expression. 

He looked dapper in a green-black tuxedo, making it obvious that his stylist took a while to figure out how to make the outfit work for the occasion. 

His attire, combined with a sense of sovereignty and eloquence, created a hot air that shattered her innocence. 

She gulped her saliva, her heart pondering as she scrutinized each aspect of him. 

His black dyed hair was perfectly combed into an all-back, but as she dazedly looked into his eyes, she could not help but notice that his style and stance made him appear like a handsome demon digging into her soul with dwelling eyes. 

"Did I interrupt your call?" The man inquired as she shook her head. 

"No, no, I will get going now," she muttered, suddenly terrified. 

She had never felt this way before, so what was this new feeling? 

She did not want to touch her cheeks, but they seemed to turn hot red. 

Her breathing became uneven. 

 She left with a slight grin as she concluded the phone conversation and was about to depart, but she was halted by the guy's comments, which caused her to turn and gasp. 

"Wait, are you Sydney Mia?" The guy questioned Sydney, who produced a pout before nodding.

How did he know who she was?

"Yes, why?" She stated, her right brow was wrinkled, as the man surprisingly smiled. 

"Oh my goodness, this feels like a dream come true. I have been a huge admirer of you my entire life," the guy exclaimed eagerly. 

This unexpected surprise caught her off guard. 

Yes, it appears she had forgotten her identity.

"Oh, really? I assumed people merely stared at their television screens, shrieked when they encountered any of the characters, and never gave the directors a second thought." 

"What are you saying? Is the director that brings the works to life, so either way, you have your accolades." The guy mentioned creating a pleasant atmosphere with Sydney. 

She blushed; he knew how to flatter people. 

"I am sure you are intrigued about me. Hi, my name is Nicholas Jordan," he said, extending his hand for a handshake. 

She bent her head to look at his heavy, enormous hand and then took it. 

"Nice to meet you, my biggest admirer," she responded with a smile. 

"Well, I do not think it is necessary for me to introduce myself because you already know who I am," Sydney said, causing the two to giggle. 

They reminisced about the occasion in silence as they spoke with their eyes. 

Sydney noticed Jordan was aching to say something she was about to ask, but it did not take him long to speak up. 

"I realise this seems unpleasant, and it compromises your privacy, but I overheard what you said on the phone before we bumped into one another. I do not mean to interrupt, but why would a director like you be less interested in the event of the year?" 

Sydney stared at him for a long, unsure if she could trust him. 

"If you do not want to say anything, I understand—" 

"I do not mind if you want to know, because the event is the same every year, it gets old. I go to this award event expecting to come home with numerous prizes, take pictures, and interact with people, and that usually happens, but now it is simply the same thing every year."

"Oh," Jordan acknowledged, but then raised his hand to scratch his hair again. 

He was obviously nervous about what he was going to say. 

"Well, I was nominated for one of the categories, and since you mentioned being bored, I would want to ask if you might come with me. At the very least, if I win, I will be glad you were there with me, Miss Sydney." 

Sydney's expression made his heart thump slightly as he hoped she would respond. 

She gave him a neutral stare for a bit before laughing. 

Was the request ridiculous? 

He began to wonder if he had made a mistake. 

" I apologize for the laughs, but if you insist, okay. At the very least, I am interested in seeing if you will beat me. After all, I have been nominated in a variety of categories, your one category may be biassed against me. I suppose I will set some expectations then." 

"Oh my," Jordan murmured, fanning himself with his palms. 

Sydney seems astonished by his behavior. 

"What happened?" she questioned thoughtfully. 

"Well, Sydney Mia responded to my request, therefore I'm very excited about this.

Sydney stretched her lips in response to his caricature. 

"I am so sorry—" he said trying to be posed. 

"I get, do not worry," she remarked, laughing. 

She could not imagine such a guy would have such a silly attitude. 

After a few moments, it returned to square one: the moment of stillness. 

"So, I guess we should leave now," Sydney stated. 

"Yeah, after you," he answered, creating some room for Sydney to walk. 

When they took their seats in the auditorium, Sydney looked down at her phone, her attention drawn away by the vibration. 

It was a notification. 

She peered through the damaged screen to check the notification; it was a message from Pene. 

"Why did you abruptly end the call? Don't tell me you're coming home." 

"I am sorry, girl, but I changed my mind, and I think I will stay."

Sydney texted. 

"What? You did not want to a while ago; what made you change your mind now?" 

"Well, let us say something different than what has happened in the last years, a change has finally occurred," she concluded the text as she tucked her phone in her purse. 

"I would like to inquire if you are not offended; I have always had it in my head while watching your movies." 

Jordan leaned towards her as he muttered, causing Sydney to turn slightly before meeting his stare, which she quickly deflected. 

"About what?" She stammered. 

"Well, "metric bond," when I watched the movie, I was attracted by the words of the male and female leads. I just want to know how you were able to incorporate that sentiment from the literature into the theatre; what was your magic? 

"Oh, That—" She was ready to continue speaking when Jordan's name was called out. 

The award presenters named him as the category winner. 

"And the winner is our next director, Jordan Nicholas, "troubled at heart," one of the co-speakers said into the standing microphone, as the other co-speakers clutched the prize. 

Sydney was taken aback because she had not expected it. 

She turned to face him. 

"I am sure I was also nominated in that category, right?" She voiced. 

Jordan gave her a sneaky smirk before standing up. 

"I think it is your good luck charm," he said as he approached the platform. 

"Oh my," Sydney said, unable to believe the turn of events. She raised her hand to cover her mouth. 

This guy took her trophy.