Abby

The stage lights feel even more blinding now from the tears in my eyes. A

makeup artist darts around, dabbing my face with powder to cover the streaks

from crying. In more ways than one, I’m glad this hell is almost over; right now,

I’m just looking forward to getting this damn makeup off.

Finally, the director counts down from three, and it feels as though we’ve done

this a million times before. The crowd cheers, the music plays, the announcer

struts across the stage. And me? I’m standing here like a statue, my smile just

as fake as my manicured eyelashes.

Enter title…

Daniel stands next to me, shoulder to shoulder, and I can feel the hatred

emanating off of him. He stands tall and proud, the perfect picture of arrogance.

He doesn’t say a word to me, because he doesn’t need to. He already said

everything he needed to say earlier. He got his digs in, made his sharp words

stab me to my core. There’s no point now.

I can sense the satisfaction coursing through his veins as he stands beside me,

the realization that he won—not just in the competition, but in life—washing over

both of us. In just a few minutes, he’ll get exactly what he wants. Not only a

trophy, but to beat a woman down to nothing.

The announcer turns to Daniel first, his voice echoing across the studio. “Daniel,

you’ve shown immense skill throughout this competition. As we come to a close,

how are you feeling about your performance?”

Daniel’s lips twist into a smile that doesn’t even come close to reaching his

eyes.

he says without skipping a beat. “The true winner

a lovable personality…” he sneers

me. “He will be

gleam

creeps up into my cheeks as the crowd applauds.

to me, his eyes meeting mine. “Abby, you’ve become a favorite

this competition. Tell us, what has

the sea of faces

fewer signs with my name now

hole in my

little girl in the third row with her chef’s hat

and bright as ever, and she still holds

hand, a grin

can feel the lump in my throat,

even if I don’t

I’m here for her.

I start, my voice surprisingly

As a female chef

show that we—” I pause, my heart

toe

the air tasting thick. “And maybe, just

others. That future

our voices—are not only recognized,

also respected.”

ripple through the crowd, a murmur of acknowledgment, of

the sound of anticipation as everyone

results.

voice then cuts

is…” His eyes flick to the judges as

of his

catches. Logan’s eyes lock onto mine, his expression an

doesn’t even blink.

world seems to tilt for what feels like the millionth time

now looks

my eyes for the briefest of

her head inclining toward me in

trick

I can’t look at Daniel, can’t afford to

the little girl in the crowd,

strength from her

winner is…” The pause hangs for what feels like an eternity before

it out for dramatic effect.

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