{Grand Palais}

Every step felt like a victory lap, seven years of silence, of reinvention, of becoming more than what she'd been left with, it had all led to this moment.

The award was placed in her hand. The host smiled warmly, before leaving Thalia at the centre of the stage.

"Thank you," she began, her voice warm and steady. She dabbed corner of her eyes with a tissue, the bright lights glinting off the moisture there

"Wow...I don't even know where to start." A soft smile curved her lips.

The hall was utterly silent,pairs of eyes fixed on her. It wasn't her first time on a stage but tonight...