"I don't know," Luke says, his brow furrowing. "There's just something off with that guy. He'sdestroyed, Cassie. I could read him in seconds."
I wait for Luke to say more, wondering what he means.
"I know it because I was once like that," he says. "It's like you're dead but alive. The difference was that I still had hope. This guy, he barely has it."
Luke's frown grows deeper as he speaks, watching as Cal strides back toward his seat.
I'm about to ask Luke more about that matter when the MCs' next words startle me. They're announcing the winner of the Best Song of the Year.
"And the Best Song of the Year goes to..."
I shift my full attention to the stage, my heart beating like a drum in my chest.
"‘Winter Escape,’ by Cassie Castillo."
My jaw drops. My heart feels like bursting out of my chest. Did I hear it right?
Did I just win the award?
All the eyes in the hall are turned to me. The audience stand ups and claps. Luke's proud smile creeps on his lips as he helps me stand up, while here I am, starstruck.
The sound of the audience clapping and cheering for me is stillfilling my ears. I stare at Luke, whose eyes are glistening with tears, a soft smile still tugging at his lips as he stares at me lovingly.
Oh, God. Is he crying?
I'm too shocked to even cry. But staring at Luke in the midst of this amazing moment makes it even more surreal.
Before we know it, we pull each other into a hard kiss, displaying our affection to the people around us. I feel like I could kiss him forever, but I have to deliver my speech, and so I pull away from him, breathless.
My legs are shaking when I head to the stage. I take the trophy, walk toward the mic, and take a deep breath.
"I..." I can't even form any words. "I still can't believe that I won. This is such an honor for me. I never thought that my song, ‘Winter Escape,’ would be able to reach people's hearts. It means a lot to me. Thank you. Thank you very much."
A tear finally slides down from the corner of my eye, and I wipe it away.
My speech goes on to thank the people dear to me, and I know the first person that I want to mention.
"I'd like to thank my husband, Luke," I say with all my heart, and he stares at me like he's the proudest man in the world. "My rock. My everything. Thank you for staying by my side through thick and thin. Thank you for being my home."
More tears threaten to fall from my eyes. I want to mention Aiden too, but that's not possible because we've made a deal to not expose him.
"I'd also like to thank my inner circle, who has given me continuous support and helped me reach this point," I say. "Oscar, I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. Peter. Paul. Mike. You guys are the most amazing people. Thank you for always believing in me."
Then I start mentioning other people from my record label, but of course, I can't mention all.
"And last but not least, I'd like to thank my wonderful fans," Isay, feeling more grateful with every second passing by. "You guys haven't given up on me. You will always be a part of me. I love you all so, so much."
The MC thanks me for the speech, and the audience gives me another big round of applause. I stride back to my seat with the trophy in my hand—I can't wait to be with Luke again even though I just left him for a few minutes.
When I arrive, he pulls meinto a tight hug.
40
________
CASSIE
When the event ends, a lot of people are talking about attending the after-party, but I don't think that Luke and I will join it.
