CHAPTER ONE

CRYSTAL

The plane touched down in New York City after long hours of being drifted in the sky– the city where I'd never thought of coming back to, a place that held a story I never wanted to tell. I inhaled deeply, clenching my fist slightly as the hurt from the past came rushing into my heart as if it happened yesterday,it was a wound that was still fresh and didn't want to heal.

Ella,my manager sat near me, sorting out some work on her tablet while I just let my thoughts wander, ‘Did I make the right decision ? Will everything go well? Will I ever be free in the city that held me in bonds from my childhood?’ I exhaled, letting the tightness in my chest release.

“It's time, ma'am,”Ella said, breaking my thoughts. I nodded, grabbing my Jacket, ‘I got this,’ I noted mentally as I stepped down from the plane.

We got into our ride and drove straight to the hotel where I would get ready for the Aether award.

A few weeks ago, I got an email that I had been nominated for the Best Artist award 2025. The Aether award is celebrated for honoring different kinds of art by the likes of digital art, paintings, drawings. They pick artists who had the best art for the year all around the world and give them an award of recognition

I blinked my eyes repeatedly in unbelief as I stared at the mail. “Will you just keep staring and not say anything?” She asked,meeting my eyes.

I stepped away from her and went back to my half painted canvas to continue work, “Seriously? Are you going to miss this?”Ella asked, dropping her hands by sides.

I let out a deep breath, “I didn't say anything about missing the award,Ella. I.. It's not that I didn't want to but…” I paused, dropping my paint brush on my palate. “The award ceremony is taking place in London. You know how It feels to go back there,”I said,my brow furrowed with worry.

Ella closed the distance between us, “I understand you but you need to think about this, your artistry is getting recognition by the most popular and influential ceremony in the world. You can't let it pass you like this,you should go get what you deserve.” She encouraged me, sitting on the chair across the room.

“You know it's really hard to get nominated for the Big Aether Award, right?,”she said, dreamily.

‘She is actually right. I shouldn't let my past hold me back from getting the world wide recognition I deserve.’

“I guess you are thinking it over and while you do that I need you to put away that depressing look before I wipe it off your face,” she said, laughing, making the tension in the room disappear.

“Wow,wow, you seem to forget who the boss is here,Miss Clark” I said, feigning a serious tone but my expression said otherwise.

“Yes Ma'am,” she replied amidst a chuckle.

Back to the present,we soon got to the hotel and settled in,Ella didn't waste time as she already made arrangements for my clothes.

It's been three straight hours of picking out clothes that would fit the occasion.

Ella finally settled for a floor length purple gown with a fitted bodice and a non- symmetrical neckline,one shoulder draped in sheer organza that cascaded into a soft transparent sleeve.

My makeup was done and we were set for the award ceremony. I felt nervous as we rode,my heart wouldn't stop beating despite Ella's words of encouragement.

Our ride soon stopped in front of the award ceremony magnificent building which is sculpturally decorated.

As I stepped out of the vehicle the loud cheers from the crowd standing by both sides of the red carpet made my ear hurt as it got louder when someone from the crowd screamed my name, “It's Crystal,” I turned to the direction of the voice, waving my hand and smiling as I walked towards the entrance. “I love you,Crystal,” Another said as the cheers got louder.

In the building, Men and women dressed in classic clothes filled the room checking out the paintings hung on every part of the wall. Series of paintings were on display and I couldn't help but be drawn to a particular one, I just felt at peace by looking at the painting. The painting features a gentle sunrise over a misty lake, rendered in soft hues of peach lavender and pale blue. The still water reflects the sky creating a mirror - like calm.

“It symbolizes inner peace and renewal,” a masculine voice said, distracting my attention from the painting.

“Sorry?” I said, turning to see a set of piercing ocean blue eyes looking at me. His broad shoulders complimented his commanding presence,fair skin,neatly styled black hair and blue tailored suit which hugged his body.

He cleared his throat softly,“if I had a dollar everytime someone stared at me like that. I'd have one pound. What do you think about the painting?”

‘Shit,he caught me staring,’ I thought,diverting my eyes back to the painted canvas.

He stepped to my side as we both stared, “Peace….it exudes a calm serene,” I replied. “And it's warm too. How do you know what it stood for?”

His lips curled up in a smile, “I painted it,” he said. “I'm Jack Harrison,” he said, stretching his hands for a handshake.

“Crystal Morgan,” I replied, returning the handshake as a few others came to chat with us.We exchanged complimentary cards before entering the hall to sit at our different tables.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 25th Aether award ceremony,” the host announced as a round of applause echoed in the room. Everyone walked into the hall where seats were reserved for us.

The ceremony was opened with children artists who showcased their artistry, followed by music and other entertainment. Then it was time for the fans to vote for the best artist of the year.

My breath etched in my throat as my name was the names of the nominees shown on the wide screen. Nervously, I gulped down the glass of the campaign place in my front.

I closed my eyes for a while,“Calm down, Crystal. It doesn't matter if you didn't get to be the winner –’”

“Ladies and gentlemen the winner of the artistry award 2025 is…Crystal Morgan.”

‘Wait a minute. Did I just hear my name? No, I'm not the only one that goes by the name ,Crystal,’ I thought.

“Crystal Morgan, please come forward,” the host said as the limelight showed on me.

A round of applause echoed across the room as I walked to the stage to collect my award. Butterflies danced in my heart as I stood in front of the crowd with my award as I said a thank you to the host , everyone present and my fans.

The ceremony continued with other winners collecting their awards and the ceremony came to an end. I was on my way out of the building when I suddenly felt a pair of eyes on me like someone's eyes were on me.

The unsettling feeling in my gut didn't stop even as I stepped into the vehicle but I waved it off,‘I’m not the only one here so it's obvious a lot of people are looking at me.’

The ride home was smooth after Ella made me promise her that we would celebrate my win the next day.

I walked tiredly into the hotel building and stopped on my track when I had a feeling of being watched again but no one was in sight when I glanced. ‘I must be really tired’ I thought.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me or maybe I was just so stressed. I hurried inside my hotel room and landed on the sofa

I undressed and went to take a quick shower and laid on the bed when a text message notification alerted me.

My hands hovered on my phone screen, seeing that it was an unknown number. “It's nice seeing you in person,” the message read, followed by a picture of me at the award ceremony.

I smiled, looking at the picture, “It must be from a fan,” I muttered. I was still staring at the picture when another message entered.

I clicked on the message and saw another picture of me entering the hotel building, “What the hell?” I yelled as I yanked out of bed.

Another message entered “You look so beautiful in person, sweetheart,” the message said.

My eyes widened and my mouth parted slightly in-between gasp and scream as it hit me, “I wasn't being paranoid when I felt like I was being watched. Someone has been following me,”I thought aloud.