"Probably just wanted to show up for the selfie moment—first time at a BIG event like this," one of the girls sneered. "Just ‘cause you're sitting here doesn’t mean you’re famous. And it sure as hell doesn’t mean you’re gonna WIN anything."
Their sharp laughter pierced through the air, names unsaid but their meaning painfully clear. They didn’t have to say "Emily"—they might as well have.
Though their voices faded as they moved away, what they said lingered and drew curious glances from nearby attendees.
“Who were they talking about?” someone whispered.
“I think that girl up front, sitting by herself.”
“I don’t know who she is, but wow—she’s got such presence.”
Admiration or ridicule, it didn’t matter—the spotlight, for better or worse, had passed briefly over Emily. From a distance, her figure remained upright and composed, her focus never leaving the stage.
The ambient music faded as the MC walked onstage under the lights. He opened with a welcome speech introducing the background,
