Award Ceremony

The morning sun spilled through the windows of the Collin household, casting a golden glow across the breakfast table. The warm scent of freshly brewed coffee and pancakes filled the air. Today was no ordinary day—it was the day of the award ceremony where Harry was nominated for Best Young Actor.

Harry sat quietly, nibbling on a pancake, his thoughts already drifting to the evening ahead. Despite his usual calm demeanor, excitement fluttered in his chest like a bird trying to take flight.

"You look a little nervous," Sarah said, sliding a glass of orange juice toward him.

"I'm not nervous," Harry replied quickly, but the rhythmic tapping of his fingers against the table told another story. "…Okay, maybe a little."

Anthony chuckled from behind the newspaper. "Nervous? You? Kid, you stole the spotlight in that movie—you've got this in the bag!"

Harry smiled faintly, shaking his head. "It's not about winning. Just being nominated feels… surreal."

Sarah reached across the table, squeezing his hand gently. "No matter what happens tonight, we're already so proud of you."

"You're gonna win," Anthony declared, folding his newspaper with a flourish. "I've already told everyone at the office to watch the ceremony."

Harry's eyes widened. "Dad, you didn't."

"I did," Anthony said with a wide grin. "And I'll be cheering the loudest when they call your name."

Sarah laughed softly. "I even caught him practicing a victory speech in front of the mirror this morning."

"Hey!" Anthony protested, though the pink creeping up his ears gave him away.

Their laughter filled the kitchen, and for a moment, the nerves in Harry's stomach eased. Whatever happened tonight, he had his family by his side.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Harry spent the afternoon reading through a script for an upcoming movie shooting while Sarah fussed over his suit, making sure every detail was perfect.

By evening, the sky was awash with hues of pink and gold as they set out for the ceremony. In the backseat of the car, Harry gazed out at the city lights as they flickered like stars against the darkening sky.

"You okay?" Sarah asked softly, adjusting the cuff of his tailored black suit.

Harry nodded, offering a small smile. "Just… thinking about how much has changed in a few months."

Sarah brushed a stray curl from his forehead. "And this is only the beginning, sweetheart."

As the car slowed near the grand venue, the distant hum of the crowd swelled into a roar. Paparazzi flashes burst like fireworks outside the red carpet entrance.

"Alright," Anthony said, parking the car. "Showtime, kid."

Stepping onto the red carpet felt like stepping into a dream. Cameras flashed, journalists called out, and fans cheered from behind velvet ropes.

Harry walked between his parents, their steady presence keeping him grounded as he smiled and waved politely. He answered the reporters' questions with a quiet confidence, though his heart pounded in his chest.

Inside the glittering venue, chandeliers cast a warm, golden light over rows of plush velvet seats. Celebrities mingled and exchanged greetings, their laughter and conversation filling the air.

"Harry, over here!" a familiar voice called.

It was Angelina, waving eagerly. Ryan and Ava Smith stood beside her, already seated. Harry led his parents over, exchanging warm greetings.

"You nervous?" Angelina whispered as he settled beside her.

"A little," Harry admitted. "But… I'm ready."

The ceremony unfolded with dazzling performances and emotional speeches. As each award was announced, Harry clapped politely for the winners. But with every passing moment, the knot in his stomach tightened.

Finally, the presenter stepped up to the podium, a golden envelope in hand.

"And now," the presenter said with a smile, "the award for Best Young Actor. This year's nominees delivered breathtaking performances that captured hearts around the world."

Harry's picture flashed on the screen alongside the other nominees. His heart pounded in his chest, loud enough that he barely heard the presenter reading the names.

"And the winner is…" The presenter paused, sliding the card from the envelope. "Harry Collin, for The Forgotten King!"

For a heartbeat, the world seemed to freeze. Then, the room erupted in applause.

"You did it!" Sarah gasped, tears shimmering in her eyes.

Anthony let out a whoop, clapping so hard it echoed through the hall. "That's my boy!"

Harry sat frozen in disbelief before rising to his feet. As he made his way toward the stage, the applause swelled around him—a wave of sound and light. Each step felt unreal, like he was walking through a dream.

The trophy was heavier than he expected as he took it in his hands, its golden surface glinting under the lights.

He took a steadying breath and stepped up to the microphone.

"Wow… I—I didn't expect this," Harry began, his voice clear but soft. "First, I want to thank the amazing cast and crew of The Forgotten King, especially Director Lucian for believing in me. To Mr. Ryan Smith for giving me this opportunity, and to my family…" His gaze softened as it found his parents in the crowd. "Mom, Dad—this is for you. Thank you for supporting me every step of the way."

A fresh wave of applause crashed over him as he walked off the stage, his heart still racing.

Back in his seat, Sarah pulled him into a warm embrace, her tears damp against his cheek. Anthony, still beaming with pride, patted his shoulder firmly.

"You were amazing up there," Angelina whispered beside him.

Harry smiled, a quiet warmth blooming inside. "Thanks… I still can't believe it."

As the ceremony continued, Harry leaned back in his seat, the golden trophy gleaming beside him. It felt surreal—he had come back in time, reborn with nine different bodies and a mysterious system—and now, he was holding a Best Young Actor award that felt like a promise of everything yet to come.

In his past life, such moments had seemed distant—impossible dreams overshadowed by ordinary struggles. But now, with the system's power and the unique advantage of his shared consciousness, he was no longer bound by the limits of a single life. This award wasn't just a symbol of his talent—it was proof that he could shape destiny itself.

He glanced at his family—his mother's proud tears, his father's wide grin—and felt a deep warmth swell in his chest. In this life, he wouldn't waste a single opportunity.

With the weight of the trophy in his hands and the love of his family by his side, Harry knew one thing for certain.

This was only the beginning.