Under Her Mercy

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Expensive cars took turns as they dropped their passengers by the entrance of High Tides five star hotel, where a big event is going to take place tonight.

Different news platforms have already settled their reporters to take pictures and interviews for tomorrow's hot news after the event. Even the paparazzi and other independent news platforms came, but they are only allowed to take pictures by the entrance.

Celebrities of the whole Seaphonia country's entertainment industries were invited tonight to the award show. All dressed and dolled up to the nine and each trying to show off how good their fashion designers were.

From dresses, shoes, handbags and pouches, heels, highly known suits and boots, hairstyles and makeup, everything was just so magical tonight.

Cameras clicked and light flashed nonstop, as the celebrities and famous people took turns to walk by the red carpet, some stood at the backdrop celebrity background to take pictures and short interviews.

Meanwhile, a black sedan raced along the highway. Inside was a well dressed driver and a lady by the passenger's seat, at the back seat was a beautiful lady busy talking to a phone.

"Grandma, have you taken your medicine?" She asked, blowing her nails, her sharp brown eyes painted with smokey eyeshadow. She smiled with her red glossed lips upon what the other end answered her.

"Ah yes stop worrying I'm almost there, just don't switch channel old woman" she said and laughed the next moment by her grandma's reply.

"I'm guessing Viv would be there already, she is always on time you know how aunt is serious with her" she said, her smile faltering a bit by mentioning the two people.

The lady at the front mouthed her 'We're here' so she would stop talking to her phone. She was her manager, Willow.

She nodded "Um … Grandma, I gotta go now, bye I love you mwah!'' She hang up and looked at the time on the screen before placing her phone inside her black purse.

She was on the long cue of cars which were heading by the entrance. "Sis, I assure you are going back home with an award tonight," said her driver, a boy in his twenties just like her. Willow was much older then the two of them by four years.

She flashed him a smile, her eyebrows raised up, "You think so?"She said. "Of course! You'll see! You deserve it" replied the boy excitedly making Willow smile and nod in agreement.

She didn't say a word and just smiled while her eyes looked outside the mirror, she could see how the entrance was crowded with the reporters. She sighed preparing herself from their endless questions and flashing lights.

No matter how long she has been in the industry or how much fame she has acquired so far, she would still never get used to that part of being a celebrity.

Back at the entrance, A reporter who wore a black shirt with some gold Eagle logo at the back and his name tag at front, namely 'Rizzy Black' was busy making his news.

"We're here at High Tides, a five star hotel! To witness a 23rd Seaphonia's Artist Award of the year 2022! We can see the great awakening from the Celebrities, they are all looking so extra that my eyes could go blind with their charm tonight!" He paused laughing dramatically before continuing.

"Dear viewer, yes you, back at home! I would like to give you some news. I heard the celebrities are going to spend the night at High Tides Hotel tonight offered by the Minister of arts and sports,wow! this has never happened before!" He said, waving off his face, motioning hotness.

The crowd cheered at the arrival of the Goddess of the industry. Willow opened the car door for her, a slander leg with a silver heel stepped out first before her whole figure got out of the sedan.

She wore a cream backless split thigh dress, which had a cowl neck criss cross tied, showing off her blessed figure. Her curly hairs cascaded on her back, and adorned with hair pins on the front.

She smiled widely, waving her hand and blowing kisses everywhere. She was indeed a Goddess in a human form.

"You guys I guess the Goddess is here! Let's see what she would bless our eyes with tonight!" Said reporter Rizzy Black and ran to the side.

The reporters swarming around her taking pictures like there was no tomorrow. There is a saying that if she is posted on your news then it would have thousands of viewers who are her fan base.

"Avy! Avy! Avy!" The crowd sang her name like an anthem, some offered her a bouquet of flowers.

"Avyanna please turn over here!" "Avy, a pose please!" "Avy can I have a picture please?!" "Avy can I have an autograph?"

The crowd and reporters were going insane at her presence. She was an icon loved by everyone.

Avyanna walked down the red carpet gracefully, turning to take pictures from different angles, she handed the bouquet in her hands to her manager and interacted with the reporters for a while.

"Avyanna, you look so beautiful tonight as always, may the viewers know who dressed you up tonight?" Asked one of the many reporters.

"It's my personal designer, Angela, she is magic!" She said with a genuine smile on her face, Angela has been working for her for years and she has nothing but the best pieces for her.

"Mrs Avy, I heard you will be casting as a female lead role in the upcoming project of Director Shaolin. What do you wanna say to your fans? It is such a big opportunity since the film will be casting a lot of big stars." Asked reporter Rizzy Black, he somehow fought his way with her fellow reporters until he got to where Avyanna was.

Avyanna Lark looked down at his name tag before facing him to answer his question. "Mr. Black, what can I say, I feel honoured and very blessed to be able to have a lead role and working with director Shaolin for a second time. My fans should wait for good news of course like always and I love them so much, bye" she said excitedly, a smile never leaving her face. She was indeed honoured to have the role.

"Avy one more question please!" "Just a last question ma'am!" "We heard you have a boyfriend now, is it true?" "May we know who the special someone is, Avy?" "Why didn't you come with Viviane?" The last question made her want to roll her eyes but she still maintained her business look and signaled Willow that it was time to leave.

Her manager led her to the backdrop background, shielding her from the reporters. This should've been her bodyguard's job but since the man died from terminal illness a month ago, Avyanna hasn't taken a new one.

She took some pictures and finally made her way to the venue, on her way there she ran into her cousin, Viviane.

The girl wasn't bad looking but nowhere near her in everything, goodlooks, fame, fan base, and success.

"Avy," said Viviane who wore an extravagant black midi dress with a high slit, a face net covering a side of her face looking like a villain with her very red lips. Is it Halloween yet? Said Avy internally, Viv wore full black from head to toe.

"Not bad,you look good tonight dear cousin, at least there won't be an embarrassment for our family tonight" added Viv with a smile that Avy could tell how fake it was.

Avy smiled back and scanned her from head to toes, her smile became even wider "Not bad yourself Viv, oh and Grandma said you took her jewellery without her permission, are you still doing that? tsk tsk tsk" She said looking at the sparkling necklace around her neck.

It was an heirloom of their family, which is owned by their grandmother for now. Only she can decide who to give it to before she dies. It was a beautiful silver necklace with real diamond stones, it was triangular in shape.

Viviane's nose flared, her hands clenching at her sides as her deadly eyes stared at her. Avyanna waved at her "See you later, dear cousin" she then walked away with her manager.

Viviane closed her eyes, taking a deep breath "Let's see if you're going to smile tomorrow with that stupid mouth of yours" she said, her lips curling up on one side. "Is everything settled, Julia?" She asked her manager who had the same personality as hers.

"Yes ma'am, the man is already here and just waits for our call" replied Julia as they walked into the event hall. Viviane's smile broadened, her heart laced with bad intentions for Avyanna. She would make her pay for humiliating her tonight.

The event began, the celebrities were all settled to their seats at the frontier of the stage, while the fans were seated a bit far behind them. The stage was technologically designed with neon lights, a big screen which showed every action on the stage.

The show started with a band of male celebrities performing to their singles, and then a female band group. Then came some nominations, the winners going up to the stage to pick up their awards in music categories.

Until the moment everyone was waiting for, especially Avy's fans who were cheering and calling out for her name even before the announcement was made.

She was competing with three other female celebrities who are also A-listers, just like her. Nominated for best female actress of the year 2022.

The host announced the names of those who were nominated for the category, making everyone hold their breath when it was the time to announce the winner.

Avyanna held onto her manager's hand nervously and crossed her fingers on the other one. Willow rubbed her hand even though she was nervous too.

"The best female actress of the year 2022, and the award goes to ……" hearts were drumming and time froze as they impatiently waited for the announcer to say it already "The Goddess, Avyanna Lark! Many congratulations Avy!" Crowd cheered while her colleagues clapped for her.

She gasped upon hearing her name, tears of happiness trailing down her cheeks. Willow hugged her and helped to wipe her tears without ruining her makeup. She then stood up after taking a deep breath and turned around thanking everyone by joining her hands together and a mesmerising smile gracing her lips.

Avyanna headed to the stage, since her dress had no tail so Willow didn't have to escort her. "This would be your third award in the same category Mrs. Lark, congratulations!" Said the announcer as he extended his hand to help her up on the stage. "Thank you" she uttered.

Avyanna received her award and said her speech, thanking everyone for their support and love. She was then asked to sing before closing the show for the night.

Being a good singer she sang her own song which was a hit on billboard for a month.

She was blessed with both acting and singing skills making Viviane even more jealous of her.

They never got along since they were younger and Avy never let her walk over her. She fought back not letting her succeed in treating her badly just because she lived in their home.

The award show finally ended and now the celebrities headed to the after party to celebrate the night with their directors and producers. The party was luxurious, there was a buffet for those who felt like eating and also several drinks.

Avyanna had received a lot of praise from her colleagues until she was tired of them and decided to seclude herself to the balcony to get some air. Being the big star came with such price, although she truly appreciates them, she still feels tired at times.

Her manager had left her and went to attend to some important matters over the phone which probably have to be hers. She stood there gazing at the stars which were covering the night sky so beautifully.

"I miss you mom and dad" she said, heaving a sigh, if only they were here to witness her success and progress for a girl who was shy of doing everything when she was a little one.

Standing there she felt like some eyes were on her, so she turned distinctively and there, back inside was a man in a royal blue suit. She couldn't tell why, but those black eyes of his were like a depth of hell.

She couldn't even see him clearly to know who he was but she could see his eyes glued to her direction through the glass doors.

The wind blew behind her making her shiver and hugged herself, feeling a sense of fear rising in her heart and when she raised her eyes to the man again, he was gone like he was never there before.

"Who was that?" She said, rubbing her hands.