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The dazzling shine of the silver sequins on my dress was reflected in the mirror in the couple's bedroom. The luxurious limousine, elegantly parked outside my house, was waiting for me to take me to the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. At the age of 21, I found myself nominated for a prestigious Hollywood Film Academy Award, being recognized as the best supporting actress. At this pivotal moment in my career, I was shining like the brightest star in the vast sky of the film industry.

However, behind this dream, a dark and deteriorated reality was hidden, revealing itself between the curtains and cameras.

Even after being elegantly dressed, I chose to abandon the dazzling glitter ensemble. I stripped off my sumptuous jewelry and dress, taking advantage of the fact that Jack, my partner, and talented actor, had already gone to the ceremony before me. I was quick to follow through on my meticulously planned escape plan. I slid the prepared suitcase from under the bed, changed my look by adopting a straight black wig, and collected the falsified documents obtained on the underground market for the trip. I went down to the car, adopting Lily's new identity and leaving behind the name Sara Jim. In less than half an hour, I was already in the international airport hangar, ready to board the chartered plane. The driver hired exclusively for this route was rewarded to disappear, keeping my actions in absolute secrecy.

The private plane took off an hour after I left Los Angeles airport. I anticipated that Jack would only notice my absence when he noticed that my face was not among those indicated. Our relationship was kept strictly secret, thus escaping the uncomfortable lenses of the paparazzi that disturb the lives of celebrities. On the plane, I toasted with champagne and, at the same time, cried over the difficult decision I made. Leaving him was not simple, but at that time it was the only viable solution. Today, 15 years after I left, my heart still flutters wildly when I remember those intense moments.

*Chapter 1- Lily*

Amid the tranquility of the cafeteria at the main hospital in Cannes, I was trying to relax after undergoing a six-hour surgery. Little Béatrice, just four years old, had been the victim of a serious accident and I had fought hard to save her. My body ached under the surgical lights, and the smell of formaldehyde permeated my lab coat. I was so tired that I didn't notice the place filling up within a few minutes, while someone turned on the TV. My thoughts were focused on the salad and the juice, my stomach growled with hunger, after more than eight hours without eating anything.

At that moment, Candance entered, as always relaxed.

“Lily, Lilly. Are you well? Wow, Lily, you look like a mess! How was the case?” She asked, standing next to me, looking around the room, placing a coffee in my hands. I told her about the challenges of surgery.

“Are you really okay?”  He asked with concern.

“Yes I am. Why? What crowd is this at the cafeteria?”

“Friend, what world do you live in? Today is the opening day of the Cannes Film Festival. The city is teeming with magnificent artists.”  I smiled nervously, as there was no point in thinking about festivities at that moment.

“I left home without eating and when I arrived, there was already a rush here at the hospital, I finished a surgery that lasted almost six hours. The child is only four years old and wants me to remember the Cannes Film Festival, Candance?”

“What a bad mood this is! The child is alive, thanks to you, doctor.”

Immediately, I noticed the rudeness in my voice when I spoke to her. Candance, after mumbling an appropriate response, bit the sandwich harder than usual, still standing next to me. This indicated his dissatisfaction.

“I apologize” I said, stroking his hand, “and sit with me. I'm tired, and you know how I feel after surgery, especially when it involves a child.”

“You don't need to say sorry. You are stressed. Just focus on work. Lily, how long has it been since you had fun with a man? What's wrong with watching famous actors walk the red carpet? You need to relax, woman. In life, not everything is work. There is life beyond this hospital. Have you ever stopped to think about it?”

“Okay, okay. So I suggest we enjoy the glow of the red carpet.”

I looked at the television that Candance and half the hospital were watching… The room was full of ecstatic women. That was when on TV I saw the image of Jack Alton, my old love from the past, who had just arrived and was walking down the main corridor. My heart skipped a beat when I recognized him after so long.

“Beautiful, isn't it, Lily?” Questioned my friend, observing my eyes fixed on the screen. My eyes were stuck there, unable to look away. He was older, but still stunning. His wide smile brought back memories of how he used to smile at me, especially on busy mornings when they were both involved in recording, writing, and media.

I blinked quickly, trying to escape Candance's question.

“I do not know him. You know it's rare for me to watch movies, series and things like that.”

“I'll ask again, friend. In what world do you live in?”

“I live in the world of work, which I love, by the way. And occasionally some kind of relationship and lots of reading. You know how much I like reading.”

“But, tell me, even so, looking at the television now. He is incredible! Can you imagine if I met him in person?” Candance sighed, almost as if in a daydream.

“Do you think you would live in a fairy tale?”  I replied seriously, but with a mischievous smile. “Like Cinderella. You would be the Cinderella, and he would be the rich, charming and handsome prince.”

She let out a laugh.

“No, I would just take a photo.”

He also smiles. She had this gift; Even though she was serious and, at times, frowning, Candance always managed to make me smile. I looked back at the screen, and now my eyes were fixed on the images of him alone, in increasingly stunning poses.

“Lily, you're not falling in love with Jack, are you? Don't take your eyes off the screen. Look at all the women in the cafeteria. It's a tough competition.” She joked.

I thought quickly and decided it was time to leave. I stood up and kissed the tall woman on the cheek, with light hair, green eyes and skin as clear as snow.

“Enjoy your actor’s vision. I need to rest and go home to sleep.”

“ I'll come by so we can go work together.”