CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Anthony Melthow

THE NIGHT WHEN — A Leap to the Stars — the movie Josie starred in — was nominated for an Oscar, she was nominated for best actress, running as the underdog of the night exactly against Camille Nuova, the favourite, who was dressed dazzlingly in a Yves Saint-Laurent set with Swarovski crystals.

All the major specialized media were saying that it was impossible to miss this year for his performance compared to the great stars of the past.

JOSIE WAS UNABLE TO sleep for three days in a row from anxiety and on the night of the awards, everything went as planned, for her the important thing was to be among the best, however, the big surprise was in the male category of best actor:

Anthony Melthow.

Anthony gave Josie a kiss, buttoned his blazer and elegantly walked up the stage stairs, received an award from a previously awarded actor, held up the statuette, smiled at the audience and said:

— For many — began his speech — this is the moment of glory, many seek tirelessly for it, but few conquer it, this is not all, because I could not win this award alone, I would be nothing without this person, Josie McMillan, the most beautiful woman in the audience.

The audience vibrated with emotion.

Anthony took the microphone off the stand and went to the front row and knelt in front of Josie, took out a box and opened it.

— Josie — he continued — you completely changed my life, from the first moment I knew that loving you would be everything to me, will you marry me?

Josie was speechless, she looked at Mark who was smiling beside her and winked at him, nodding her head as if saying:

Go deep, babe... if you play...

— Of course, Tony — she said, then hugged him.

Anthony carried her in his arms as she lifted the trophy as if she'd won the soccer World Cup.

For many, that was without a doubt the best award ceremony that ever had, to say the least, the most creative and surprising.

By irony of fate, or not, who won in the female category was the most obvious and unsurprising choice, Camille Nuova, for her performance in — The Tears of an Angel — and who won with the best soundtrack was Mark Conely.

All the cameras were on Josie and even Mark did an impromptu violin solo breaking all the protocol of the event, but the organizer, predicting a sideshow and covers of all the news as the best Oscars awards party of all time, left that particular little show of that trio that was enchanting the whole world with their talent.

Josie was very emotional and almost couldn't say "yes", even though she knew she was saying "yes" to the wrong person, as she was always in doubt about who she loved more, Anthony or Mark, but now it was too late.

THAT NIGHT, when Josie and Anthony arrived at her apartment, there were numerous squad cars parked in front of her building.

— What happened, sir? — Anthony spoke.

— Is that Mrs. Josie McMillan?

She nodded.

— I'm sorry to have bad news, but Miss Nadja Komanenkko was found dead in her apartment, the forensics said it was suicide, we are still trying to gather more information, however, we need you to accompany us to the police station.

— Of course, sir.

That was the last thing on his mind.