#1225 - The Focal Point

Eddie Redmayne's smile was stiff, caught off guard by an unexpectedly uncomfortable question on the Oscars red carpet. It was difficult for any young actor to maintain composure in the face of such a pointed provocation.

Yet, Eddie managed to control his emotions, offering a polite smile and responding, "Renly Hall is an excellent actor. I believe he can deliver a wonderful performance on every stage."

The reporter had just asked, "Why do you think Renly rejected the film version of Les Miserables and chose the theatrical version? Does this suggest something about him?" The sarcasm and implied mockery were hard to miss.

However, Eddie's dignified answer didn't deter the reporter. Instead, the question continued: "Who do you think was more suited for the role of Marius, you or Renly?"

Eddie took a deep breath, his actions betraying his rising frustration. He felt the emotional swell building, but after a moment of suppression, he finally let out a sneer. "Well, I'm not sure. I just focus on doing my job. But, in the end, it was me who played Marius. So, I suppose that says something."

Renly. That name had been echoing in Eddie's mind since the Les Miserables audition, like an incessant refrain. To Eddie, Renly was nothing more than a spectacle — a newcomer who had made a name for himself through hype and attention.

Despite Renly's strong audition performance, Eddie felt the media's obsession with him was excessive. The constant praise, the relentless focus, seemed ridiculous. Here was an actor barely out of his twenties, suddenly being compared to legends like Daniel Day-Lewis — it was absurd.

The truth, Eddie believed, was that Renly's success had little to do with his talent. Instead, it was all about manipulation and hype. He was the orchestrator behind the media circus, playing the role of the victim to perfection. Eddie couldn't help but feel resentful, frustrated by the way the industry had turned into a circus of inflated egos and false narratives.

Eddie raised his chin, making his stance clear. His words, thick with sarcasm, barely concealed the disdain he felt. He could sense the stir among the reporters, the excitement building, but he also wondered whether he'd crossed a line. Would his words damage his image?

Then, a subtle sound reached his ears. A buzz, like a distant rumble, slowly growing in intensity. The reporters around him shifted, their attention gradually moving towards the front of the red carpet. At first, only a handful of journalists were focused on the action. But soon, the number swelled, and Eddie was stunned as the crowd surged forward.

Even the ABC TV crew, initially interviewing Irfan Khan and Suraj Sharma, quickly wrapped up and shifted their attention. All eyes were now focused on the new arrival.

This was the moment Eddie had been waiting for, but now, it was slipping away. As his moment of glory evaporated, Eddie understood fully what it meant to be in the spotlight — but, damn it, this moment was supposed to be his!

His agent had made sure there were no other big-name stars for a special window of time, allowing Eddie to capture the attention of the media and the audience. He was supposed to be the focus.

Yet, as he turned his head, there it was. The man who had stolen it all. Renly.

Renly walked down the carpet with an effortless elegance that cut through the crowd. Instead of a classic black suit, Renly wore a navy blue and black plaid ensemble, his shirt topped with a small black stand-up collar. The choice was bold and luxurious, yet understated — a striking contrast to the sea of red and buzz surrounding the event.

Renly's golden-brown hair, slightly longer than usual, was combed back into place, complementing his well-defined features. His light brown eyes sparkled as the flashes of cameras surrounded him, casting a golden glow.

Damn it. Damn it! Damn it!

Eddie's fists clenched, his arm muscles straining against his shirt. He could feel his teeth grinding as he muttered under his breath, "Renly Hall!"

Once again, Renly had stolen the spotlight. He always had a way of overshadowing others — using manipulation and tactics to elevate his image. Eddie couldn't understand how the media continued to elevate him, even as he seemed to hide behind a mask of humility.

Eddie felt his frustration bubble over, and in an impulsive outburst, he shouted, "I hate him!" His voice, though, was swallowed by the roar of the crowd. His words fell on deaf ears, drowned out by the excitement around him. The reporters, already distracted by Renly, no longer even seemed to notice Eddie standing there, seething in frustration.

"Renly Hall is a jumping clown!" Eddie shouted again, but his voice was muffled by the cacophony of cheers. No one heard him.

Eddie's words were nothing more than a whisper in the storm. His anger, his resentment, all felt pointless in the face of Renly's unyielding rise.

The reporters shifted, some glancing briefly at Eddie before quickly turning back to Renly. Eddie couldn't take it anymore. He refused to stand there, humiliated and ignored. He refused to watch Renly bask in his moment of glory.

With one last, bitter look at Renly, Eddie turned away, striding towards the entrance of the Dolby Theater. He wouldn't allow himself to be reduced to a pitiful figure, chasing after fleeting scraps of attention.

As Eddie walked away, a few fans called out to him, but he ignored them. He didn't need their pity. Whatever was his would come to him, in due time.

So, with his back straight, Eddie walked away, leaving the cheers and flashes of the red carpet behind.

Meanwhile, Renly, still standing at the beginning of the red carpet, hesitated for a moment before smiling at the crowd. He waved at the fans, causing an eruption of cheers and applause. His simple gesture set the crowd alight, pushing the energy to an even higher level.

The flashes of cameras dimmed in comparison to the overwhelming response from the fans. It was as if Renly was at the center of the world, bathed in the glow of his moment — a brief illusion of having everything.

But, as always, illusions are fleeting.