The Game (Wagered Hearts Series, #3)(62)

We made it to the auditorium and were being ushered to our seats. The place was filling up quickly. Once the show finally started, I felt this calm suddenly come over me. I looked over to my side to see Rob sitting there, our hands interlocked, and knew no matter what happened, I was already a winner. This was what was important.

Being with Rob made me feel a wholeness and peace that I never got from any role or award before. Even if I didn't win, there would be other roles, other nominations and other chances. But if there weren't, so what? Those things didn't seem to matter to me as much anymore.

I'd finally learned that life was more than just work, and my career didn't define me. What defined me was how I lived my life and right now, I felt like I was finally living for the first time.

"It's time," Rob whispered in my ear as they were getting ready to call the nominations for Best Actress. They showed a clip of each actress in their roles. Finally, it was time. The envelope was flipped open.

"And the Oscar goes to...Emilia Holliday."

I felt that sensation where all the background noise just faded away and all I could hear was my heart beating in my chest, surprisingly a slow and steady beat. Not erratic at all. I was pulled up from my seat, and Rob wrapped his arms around me before giving me a kiss on the lips.

"You did it baby!" I saw him mouth.

Just like that, the sound came rushing back and I could hear the thunderous applause and cheers as I made my way to the stage. I was handed the golden statue, surprised by how hefty it felt, and also given the envelope with my name.

Looking out at the sea of people, I saw they were all still standing and I got a little overwhelmed. I recalled the past few months and the long hard road to get to this moment in time. I was about to get choked up until my eyes landed on Rob. He stood there beaming up at me with such love and pride on his face. I cleared my throat and locked eyes with the only person in the room that mattered.

"Thank you for giving me this award. It's always been my dream, since I was a little girl, to be here on this stage accepting this award right now. There are several people who have helped me get here and they know who they are. They never turned their back on me when things got rough, and for that I will always be grateful. I would also like to thank a special person in my life. Through all the roles I've played or will ever play, my most coveted one will be as your wife. Thank you for being there. I love you."