1 A Scandal
As the host announced the winner of the prestigious award, the room erupted with a deafening applause.
"And the award goes to Kayla Claire," the host declared, and all eyes turned to the young actress. Kayla gracefully stood up, exuding confidence and poise.
She wore a stunning pink long gown that hugged her curves, with a sleeveless design and a daring neckline that revealed a glimpse of her cleavage. Her brown hair was styled in soft waves, cascading down her back in a mesmerizing manner.
As she stood on the stage, the echoes of the roaring crowd slowly faded away, and the only sound left was the thumping of her heart. She gazed at the golden trophy that was waiting for her, with her name intricately embroidered on it. Her hands reached out to collect the award, and as she held it in her hands, a feeling of immense pride swelled up inside her.
The trophy was a symbol of her hard work, dedication, and passion for acting, and it was an honor to receive the "best actress" award. It was something she was proud of.
She found herself scanning the room for her fiancé, but he was nowhere to be found. Even her best friend, who was always there to cheer her on, seemed to be absent.
Taking a deep breath, Kayla was about to deliver her acceptance speech when the crowd's attention was suddenly diverted to the projector behind her. Everyone's eyes were fixated on the screen, and she couldn't help but wonder what was going on.
Kayla's heart dropped as she turned around and caught a glimpse of an intimate picture between her and her manager. In shock, she stumbled back and turned towards the audience, feeling as though her entire world was collapsing around her. Her mind was reeling from this sudden revelation.
"I-it's not true," she whispered under her breath, hoping some one would hear.
Devastated, she ran out of the room and headed straight for the restroom. But as she made her way down the hallway, she overheard something that made her stop dead in her tracks.
"Jayson, stop," a soft, teasing voice whispered. It was a voice that Kayla knew all too well - her best friend Anna's voice.
"What if Kayla sees us?" Anna continued, causing Kayla's head to spin even faster. Her mind was racing, and everything seemed to be spinning out of control.
Kayla felt like she was on the verge of a complete breakdown as she tried to process what was happening.
Jayson's lips were pressed against Anna's neck sucking, and licking as he muttered, "To hell with Kayla."
Anna quipped back as she managed to reply, "Isn't that what you said before you proposed to her?"
He paused and looked up at Anna, pulling her close that his breath caressed her face. "Don't be silly," he said as he gazed down to her lips.
Jayson was never keen on marrying Kayla, but his mother had persuaded him to go through with it.
"I'm sorry," he said, noticing Anna's rosy cheeks, but she just shrugged it off.
"The news is part of the plan to stop the wedding," he said to comfort Anna.
"I talked to the director and he will change you to the female lead for 'take me to hell'." He said.
Kayla was in tears, having not expected her fiancé to be the source of the news that was spreading like wildfire not only that he was planning to give Anna her best friend the role which was meant for her. She was left reeling from what had happened at the event earlier and now this shouldn't be happening. He had being there to support her most of the time and she felt loved but right now she felt anger, pain and betrayal surging through her.
What if it wasn't them? Kayla thought.
Kayla's trembling hand grasped the door handle and pushed it open ever so slightly, as if afraid of what lay beyond. She knew deep down that what she was about to see would hurt her, but she couldn't resist the urge to know the truth.
As soon as she saw them, her heart stopped. Her fiancé and her best friend were locked in a passionate embrace, oblivious to her presence. They heard her gasp and turned to face her, guilt etched on Anna's face.
"Kayla, I can explain," Anna stammered, but Kayla was too shocked to respond.
Jayson's voice cut through the silence. "Let's break off the marriage," he said, his eyes never leaving Anna's.
Kayla's eyes filled with tears. She couldn't believe that the man she had loved for four years, who had promised to cherish and protect her, was willing to throw it all away for her best friend.
Despite the pain, she managed a bitter chuckle. "Do you really think you have the right to end the marriage?" she asked, her voice quivering with anger and hurt. She wasn't going to show how hurt she is in front of them. Never!
Jayson stood in disbelief, his mouth slightly agape as he tried to process Kayla's audacity. She stood before him, her expression smug, as if she was certain of what was to come next.
With a raised eyebrow, she let out a sigh and said, "What I am trying to say is, I should be the one to say that. I would prefer to even marry the devil than marry you.."
"Wha-" Jayson interrupted by Kayla before he could speak anymore..
She interrupted him, her voice now raised in anger. "Yes, let's break up, you panty!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.
"You dirty slut," he shouted at Kayla and this made Anna flinch.
In a fit of rage, Jayson was struck with a slap to the face. Caught off guard, he held his cheek in shock.
"That's for calling me a slut," she seethed, slapping him again. "And that's for breaking up with me."
A third slap followed, accompanied by her words, "And that's for deceiving me." A bright red mark was left on his left cheek.
With a swift motion, she took off her engagement ring and hurled it at him with all her might.
Kayla glanced one last time at Anna, her best friend of fourteen years, who stood behind Jayson with a look of guilt and shock. They had been close friends since childhood and Kayla trusted her with all her heart. But seeing what had transpired, Kayla felt her heart shatter into a million pieces.
As she walked out, her legs trembling and weak, she couldn't help but blame herself for trusting her best friend and ex-fiance. They had been planning their dream wedding for months, and now it all felt like a distant memory.
Barely able to stand, she was bombarded by a swarm of flashing lights and clamoring reporters as she stepped outside.
The press was determined to get a story out of her, shouting questions and trying to provoke a reaction. One of them boldly asked, "Is it true that you had an affair with your manager, despite being engaged to Mr. Collins?" Kayla's blood boiled at the mention of his name but she kept her composure.
"Is it true that you won't be able to continue your role in 'Take Me to Hell' because of this scandal?" another reporter pressed, causing Kayla to feel a wave of grief. All her hard work and dedication in perfecting each line now seemed pointless.
Her manager appeared and quickly escorted her out with the help of her bodyguard, but not without the prying eyes of the press following them.
As they drove in silence down the long stretch of highway, surrounded by the cheerful songs of birds, Kayla suddenly spoke up. "Stop the car, I need to be alone."
Her manager had no choice but to pull over. Kayla stepped out of the car and made her way down the bridge, her mind lost and wandering.
As she walked aimlessly, the full moon illuminated her path, casting a magical glow over the water waves that danced below. The cool breeze caressed her skin as she took in the serene surroundings.
The moon appeared so beautiful and flawless, it was almost as if it was put there just for her. Kayla continued her journey, walking down the sandy beach, lost in her own thoughts.
What did I do wrong? Was I not enough for him? Why Anna? Why didn't she tell me all along?
Tears cascaded down Kayla's face as she thought about her shattered dreams of fame and her ex fiance, the love of her life, who had betrayed her. It was weird for her calling him her ex-fiance because she thought she had a future with him but not anymore.
The pain of being deceived by the two people she trusted the most was excruciating, and it cut deep into her soul. All she wanted was a happy home, a fulfilling career and getting married to her fiance but it seems like those dreams were far too big.
She cried until her tears ran dry, but her heart still felt numb and empty. Suddenly, she heard footsteps that sounded inhuman, and she thought she was hallucinating. But then, a shadow loomed over her, growing larger and larger.
When she turned around, she saw a creature that resembled a man but was more like a beast. Its dirty teeth licked its lips, and its sharp claws looked like they could slice through anything. Two horns protruded from its head, making it look even more menacing.
Kayla's heart pounded in terror, and she couldn't move. She knew that this beast was dangerous and that she wasn't ready to die. But the beast kept moving closer and closer, and Kayla felt like she was trapped in a nightmare.
Her heart was pounding in her chest as she realized that she had nowhere to run and no one to help her. Now, she regret leaving her manager.
In a desperate attempt, she screamed at the top of her voice, but the world seemed to be silent, and no one came to her rescue.
"Help!"
The only escape she could see was the vast sea, which could either be her salvation or her doom. She had no choice but to take the plunge and dive into the unknown waters.
The tension was palpable as she struggled to keep her head above water. She was drowning deep into the water. She knew she couldn't swim yet she had taken such a dangerous step.
In a moment of despair "If truly there is a guardian angel please come and save me" She prayed silently.
*******
She pried her eye open and hissed in pain. She realised she was laying on a bed.
"Who had come to save her"
"where was she?" Those were the question she asked herself.
