Rise of the Billionaire actress

It was finally the WBA Awards show.

People from various parts of the world expressed their excitement to see their favorite celebrities on the red carpet and eventually on the stage – hopefully with an award.

The World Best Acts award show was an event that was held once in four years. It was the most anticipated event of the entertainment world and year after year, people- celebrities and fans alike – worked towards being on the stage or being a part of the show.

The WBA’s was a prestigious event that was star-studded, well attended and publicized worldwide. Its stage was every star’s dream, and a WBA award was something remarkable to say the least.

For Deloise, she was lucky to be invited for such an event, a feat directly credited to her debut movie that managed to break records in its time, emerging as one of the best movies created at that time.

Deloise was seated in front of a mirror while they prepared her for the appearance. Doris was nowhere to be found, busy with ensuring everything went perfectly while the girls stayed back, helping out in every way possible.

“The road jam is real..” Anna said in a daunting tone, “If you are going to make it in time, you need to leave early. I knew it was a bad idea to prepare from home. Now we have an hour-long journey to the event that will take even longer with the traffic.”

Deloise was getting her face done so she couldn’t speak.

“She couldn’t be late even if she tried,” Amanda said in fleeting. “When she arrives, the last thing on anyone’s mind would be the time. I mean, have you seen her?”

Anna watched Deloise walk into her dress and get zipped up. It was a blue sequin dress with intricate designs embedded with droopy diamonds. Its transparent sleeves and crown shaped busts brought out a regal aura from her. Coupled with her hair up in a twisted ponytail, edges done to perfection, Deloise was a stunner.

“Good?” She asked, uncomfortably shifting her dress.

“Perfect.” Anna drew closer to her. “No one will be able to take their eyes off you, Loise.”

Amanda brought out her shoes, squatting before her. Deloise directed her feet into the shoes and in no time, she was set to go.

“Thank you so much.” she said, “All of you.” She added, shooting a grateful smile to the team set up for her. They turned a duck into a swan.

“It’s all you.” One of the beauticians said, “You make the job easy.”

Before she could muster up a reply, Doris showed up. “The car is here, we need to-” Her jaws dropped as she took in the sight of Deloise.

“Now that’s a reaction.” Amanda said and they all chuckled.

“You look amazing, Deloise.” Doris said and she smiled, muttering her thanks. “We need to leave, we’re late.”

*****

The red carpet was studded with celebrities of various kinds, each invited to witness the biggest night of the year. Actors, artists, influencers and other influential people from the creative business could be found in every corner; getting interviewed, having their photos taken, or making their way into the hall.

It was a beautiful night indeed. Aaron arrived with Elena at the tip of his arm, making a statement with their most anticipated entry. With the news circulating about his meeting with Deloise, they appeared a bit more clingy and doting on one another.

They were silently sending out a statement of their relationship in reply to the rumor making waves. When Ellen saw the pictures of his meeting with Deloise and Tony, she threw a hissy fit, reminding him of the contract he signed and the repercussions of his actions.

Recently more than ever, he found himself wishing to get out of the contract. Over the years, he hadn’t tried to leave because he didn’t feel the need to. He felt too lazy to hatch into the helm of things, but now, things were different.

He wasn’t sure why but he felt so.

Holding up a smug look, he walked the carpets with Elena, while camera flashes nearly blinded his eyes. An interviewer stopped them for questions but they were brief in their answers, heading out of the way for others to have their minutes of fame.

“Where are you going?” Ellen asked when he let go of her hand.

“Bathroom.” He said in a clipped tone, not liking the idea of being questioned.

“Don’t keep me waiting.” She said, walking into the hall with a smile, and greeting others as she went.

Aaron didn’t feel like using the bathroom. The last place he wanted to be was in there, feigning smiles and plastering a faux smile on his face while people got awarded.

It didn’t help that a certain person might come around. The last time, he didn’t get as little as a glance, and if he was being honest with himself, he wasn’t sure if he could handle that again.

“What are you doing loitering around, son?” A voice jolted him out of his reverie. It was Daniel Greenwood. “It’s been what? A few seconds in the industry and you are already tired?” His eyes squinted as he chuckled.

The sagging of the skin around his jaw spoke volumes of his age. “Didn’t expect to see you here.” Aaron replied, holding up a little but genuine smile. “You have enough awards to last you a lifetime.”

“I can’t help being good at my job, Aaron. Best believe, I’ll be turning up for more WBA’s for as long as I can.”

“Why do I get the feeling that’s going to be a long time?”

“Damn straight.” They stood by a window, watching the razz as more guessed arrived. “She’ll be here today.” He said, eyes fixed on the drama he’s seen enough times but never got used to it.

Aaron didn’t know what to say to that. Infact, there was nothing to say because the next second, he watched a black limousine park and a dazzling beauty walk out of it, accompanied by Doris. Transfixed, he watched her disappear into the crowd and inside the building, no doubt headed for the show.

“Beautiful isn’t she?” Daniel asked, finally looking at him, “Go after her. Don’t be stubborn and go after her.”

Aaron blanched, looking like a fish out of water. “I have to go.” He announced, and walked out of sight.

Aaron returned to the event. As soon as his eyes caught with Ellen, a scowl etched on her face, He couldn’t remember why he had to put up with her antics, but he proceeded to fill his seat beside hers.

“I said not to keep me waiting.” She said in a hushed tone, no doubt angry at him.

“Line in the bathroom.”

He lied effortlessly. She didn’t buy it but decided to revisit the matter at a much later time. Meanwhile, Deloise stepped into the hall and found her seat.

She knew she was nicely dressed but the excessive looks she got from people she recognized made her uncomfortable.

Noticing her discomfort, Doris covered her hand. “You’ll be fine.”

The show went on till her category was called, being part of the nominees for best Female lead, she wasn’t expecting to hear her name called. Apparently, so was the entire room because everything stilled for a solid five seconds before the hoots began.

She couldn’t believe it.

Dazed, she walked to the stage with no speech on hand, never expecting to win an award with her background as a retired and blacklisted actress. On getting to the stage, the world stilled, waiting to hear her speak.

“The last time I got on stage, I was retiring from the movie industry.” She started, then looked at the plaque given to her, “Who knew a retired actress with one movie role could become a WBA award holder.” she chuckled. “I dedicate this award to the people who didn’t give up on me. My manager, my friends, and most recently, the fans I didn’t realize I have. More than anyone, I dedicate it to myself, to the new person I am becoming as a signed actress under the DON management agency. Thank you so much.” She said and walked off the stage.

A resounding applause followed, unknown to them, the world went berserk with her announcement. Just like that, she re-entered the industry she walked away from; and best believe, some people weren’t pleased.

Beginning from Ellen who wore a frown, watching Aaron follow her till she returned to her seat. Those few minutes of Deloise on stage triggered a part of her she didn’t believe existed.

Aaron was still very much interested in her. Even a blind person could see it. After the show, Ellen hurried them out of the venue and into the car.

“What was that about?” she threw as the door closed,

“I should be asking you that.” came the cool reply of Aaron. “Whatever that was, let it be the last.”

Ellen laughed, “You should be glad I got you out when I did. You nearly blew it in there!”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” He asked, eyes ablaze.

“You were drooling over her, Aaron.” she pointed out, “I will not stand for any form of disrespect, not now, not ever.”

“Then we have an understanding.” He said to the driver, “Stop the car.”

“Keep moving.” Ellen ordered, “What’s gotten into you?” she hissed.C0pyright © 2024 Nôv)(elDrama.Org.

“I’m done with this.” his jaws tightened, “Whatever this is, I want out.”

“You’re nuts,” she scoffed, “You will do no such thing. I started this, and I sure as hell will be the one ending it.”

“Goodluck with that. Stop this car or I’ll get out.”

Ellen didn’t care. “Keep moving.”

Aaron threw the door open and in panic, the driver screeched to a stop.

“Mister!!!”

“Aaron!”

He got out of the car, feeling fresh air fill his lungs. “Have a nice life.” he said and shut the door. Immediately dialing up a cab.

“Get back here! Where are you off to?”

“I’m going to get her back.” He said and sprang to a sprint.

THE END.

*****————-*****

Author’s Note:

Thank you so much for reading through to the end! Thank you for giving Deloise’s story a chance too! I love and appreciate every single one of you!

Will there be a book 2? Maybe. Depends on popular opinion.

In the meantime , do check out my other book- One Night With Mr Braxton.

Also, be on the lookout for my next book. I promise it’s going to be better.

love, Precious.