(Fshback)

  “Robyn,” a middle-aged woman called out from the seat beside her. “When will you let me meet this boyfriend of yours? I’ll be ho with you, I don’t like you dating some white boy. I o see if he’s good enough for you.”

  Rihanna rolled her eyes but didn’t look away from the road as she drove her new Audi R8. “I don’t think anyone will ever be good enough for you, Mama. And why do you have a problem with his race when Dad wasn’t fully bck either?”

  “He was bough for me,” she said seriously. “Listen, baby girl, and listen carefully. It’s not about race; it’s always about culture. This boy grew up with serious wealth, but we didn’t. His nationality, upbringing, family, and of course, race, is all different from you. No matter what he does or says, there will always be a divide between you two because of that. I know you’re a very good singer, and one day you may even surpass him, but that cultural difference will always be there.”

  Rihanna stayed silent for a few moments, shaking her head slightly. The older oke again before she could ter the argument.

  “I know you’re stubborn and won’t back down. That’s why I o meet this Troy fel to make sure he’s good for you.”

  “He is, Ma,” Rihanna lied smoothly, as she had been doing with many people retly. “Would anyone else give me a car like this? And before you ask, he even promised to pay my portion of the taxes on it.”

  Rihanna’s mother, Monica, was an atant. If she found out Rihan bankrupt because of a gifted car, there would be o the lectures.

  “That’s... nice of him,” Monica admitted relutly before her tourned suspicious. “But that’s something I’ve noticed about these rich folks. I’ve done bookkeeping for some very wealthy people, and otern always sticks out: whenever a man gifts his woman something expe’s usually to cover up something bad—a cheating sdal or something simir.”

  “Troy’s not like that, Mama,” Rihanna said hotly. The unspoken truth was that they weren’t even dating for real, so it wouldn’t teically be cheating if he was with anirl.

  “Every man is like that, child,” Monica replied gently. “It doesn’t help that you’re here in California while he’s in Britain. Long-distaionships almost never work out the way you want them to. If you’re serious about this guy—really serious—do something about it.”

  Rihanna g her mother briefly before fog ba the road. “What exactly do you mean?”

  “Either move to Londet him to e here. Permaly.”

  That was impossible. Troy had [Harry Potter] to shoot, and Rihanna was legally bound to Jay-Z for five more albums, one of which was set to release in April. She could talk to Jay-Z about it, but she loved her career too much to jeopardize it by moving to London. Besides, she had no other es there. She khat if she asked, Troy could help her build her career in London, but she didn’t want to rely on him for that.

  “If you ’t do that,” Monica tinued, “then be mentally ready for the day he cheats on you. Because he will. I know that.”

  (Fshbad)

  That versation with her mother still echoed in Rihanna’s mind whenever she thought about her newly defined retionship with Troy. Deep down, she knew her mother was right: if they stayed tis apart, there was a high ce Troy would cheat on her one day. So, she decided to do something she’d only ever read about in gossip magazines—a one-sided opeionship.

  One-sided, because most men wouldn’t tolerate their girlfriend being with someone else. Rihanna, however, didn’t mind if Troy was with other women while they were apart, as long as he remaiionally loyal and didn’t brag to her about her quests. She had proposed it for one simple reason—there was no one else in the world like Troy. He checked every box anyone could want in a boyfriend.

  And it was only for a few years. Once [Harry Potter] ed up, she was fident Troy would want to move to Los Angeles and live with her.

  But all of that was a distant future. Tonight, her focus was on the event right in front of her. She felt stunning in her champagne-colored, floor-length el gown. The low-cut dress, with intricate embroidery that looked like it belonged in a museum, was the kind of piece reserved for top models and A-list actresses. Rihanna had the honor of wearing it tonight because she was Troy’s date for the Oscars. And since he was the one nominee almost guarao win, it made sehat they’d want his date dressed in something exceptional.

  The only lingering doubt in her mind was whether she should have been the oo apany him to such a prestigious event.

  As soon as they stepped out of the car, camera fshes bombarded her, almost blinding in their iy. Rihanna bliwice, steeling herself to maintain posure. Meanwhile, Troy appeared pletely at ease, waving charismatically to fans, exging handshakes and hugs, all while making sure Rihanna was close at his side.

  “Hey,” he said warmly, taking her hand in his. “Ready to head in?”

  He looked effortlessly handsome in a simple yet elegant navy-blue tuxedo with a bck bow tie and matg dress shoes. Every major fashion brand had tried to dress him tonight, eager to associate their h an actor poised to accept at least one Oscar. But Troy had surprised everyone by choosing a tux from an unknown London tailor who valued anonymity over fame.

  “Are you sure I should’ve e tonight, Troy?” Rihanna asked, her happy smile never wavering uhe relentless gaze of photographers.

  “What are you talking about?” he asked with an easy grin. “If I don’t bring my girlfriend to the Oscars, who else am I going t?”

  “I don’t know,” she teased. “Maybe your mother? Even Leonardo DiCapris his mom as his date.”

  “She’s my father’s date,” Troy reminded her. “Remember, he’s also nomionight for produg [The Perks of Being a Wallflower].”

  “Remind me again, why was he nominated for the film?” Rihanna asked curiously. “I thought you produced it on your own.”

  “I delegated a lot of produ work to him,” Troy expined. “Well, to Tobias as well. Since I’m a minor, I needed an adult to stand in as a co-producer, so I chose Dad. It’s just a teicality.”

  “What about Evan?” Rihanna asked.

  “He’s here too,” Troy replied. “Just not sitting with me. Eais two guest invites for family and friends, but if you write to the Academy, they’ll give you two more, which is the limit. So, Dad and I both got fuest seats each.”

  “Who else did you invite?” she asked, curiosity piqued. “Iher five seats, I mean.”

  “You’ll find out soon enough,” Troy replied with a mischievous smile. “At least some of them. Dad invited a few friends of his as well that you won’t reize.” Then he lead her down the red carpet. Ahead, Gee ey stood speaking with a reporter, his eyes now drifting toward them.

  Rihanna was such a huge fan that she struggled to keep herself posed. Her knees felt weak, but Troy’s firm grip on her arm grounded her.

  “Hey, Gee,” Troy greeted the older man casually, shaking his hand. “Man, I watched your two films this year, and you were incredible in both. I’m sure you’re taking home the ag award tonight.”

  “Not the other ones as well?” Gee quipped, fshing a cocky grin. “If we’re predig each other’s wins, I’d bet you’re nabbi inal Song.”

  Rihanna, though a fan, fought the urge to roll her eyes at the me joke.

  Troy ig, smoothly shifting the versation. “Allow me to introduce my girlfriend, Rihanna.”

  “Hi,” Rihanna said curtly, trying to hide her nervousness. “I’m a big fan, Mr. ey.”

  “Gee,” he corrected with a warm smile, before bending forward to take her hand in his. He kissed her knuckles lightly. “You’re a lucky man,” he said to Troy as he straightened but didn’t release her hand, “to have such a beauty by your side.”

  “Of course I am,” Troy said, his tone making it sound like a universal truth. He gently pulled Rihanna closer, f ey to let go of her hand.

  Rihanna gnced up at Troy and caught the possessive glint in his eyes. It was uedly intoxig. Without thinking, she lowered her hand aly squeezed Troy’s ass. Troy didn’t flinch, but the way his smile widened, she knew he’d gotten the message that she liked this behavior of his.

  ey chuckled and offered them both a nod. “Well, I think I should head i was nice meeting you, Troy, Rihanna.”

  He turned and walked away.

  “So, Troy,” the reporter, who had remained mostly quiet until now, said eagerly, “how do you feel about your win for Best inal Song tonight?”

  Troy turo her with his signature grin. “I’ve had a few weeks to process the idea, so it doesn’t feel like much of a surprise anymore. I’m sure most of the other nominees will feel that way too.”

  “What about the other categories you’re nominated in tonight?” she asked.

  “I’m not winning anything else tonight,” Troy said jokingly. “I mean, if I saw a teeher thah two Oscars already under his belt, even I wouldn’t vote for him.” The three shared a ugh before Troy tinued, “Jokes aside, I’m humbled to even be nominated. If we win, that’ll just be further aowledgment from our peers, and we’d be hoo have it.”

  Before any more questions could be directed at them, Troy smoothly guided Rihanna ihe Kodak Theatre.

  “Troy! Rihanna!” a familiar female voice called out as they stepped in. The speaker was Emily—better known to the audience as Emma Stone.

  “Hi, Emily,” Troy said, releasing Rihanna’s arm to give Emily a warm, gentle hug. “Gd you could make it.”

  “Of course! How could I not?” she replied pyfully before turning to hug Rihanna. “Thank you for inviting me, by the way. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be seeing the Oscars in person.”

  Troy ined his head modestly. “Mark my words, one day you’ll win one of these if you keep up the amazing work you’ve been doing.”

  Before she could respond, another voice joined in.

  “Hey, guys!” Emma Watsoed, arriving with Jamie Bell and Evan Spader in tow.

  As the group grew, Rihanna quickly pieced together who the uests were. Emma and Jamie were clearly two of Troy’s additional invitees, along with Emily and Evan. It seemed strahat Troy would invite his ex-girlfriend to su event, but the realization dawned on her: [The Perks of Being a Wallflower] was nominated for several awards, includi Picture. Emma Watson was likely invited by the studio, and Troy had probably extended his invitation to Jamie to round out the ‘Golden Trio’.

  Her theory was further supported when Jonathan Groff joihe gathering. Since he wasn’t particurly close to Troy, Rihanna reasoned he must have been anuest of the studio.

  “Let’s head to our seats,” Troy announced after a few moments of versation. “The show’s about to start, and believe me, you don’t want to lose your spot to those seat fillers they employ.”

  As the others filed toward their assigned seats in the middle and back rows, Troy and Rihanna were escorted toward the front, where the A-listers were seated. Troy’s spot was in the very first row, which made sense—he was undeniably an A-lister, unlike his teenage friends. Emma Watson was the closest to that status but hadn’t yet proven herself outside films where Troy held the lead role.

  Everywhere Rihanna looked, she saw Hollywood royalty: Meryl Streep, Jake Gyllenhaal, Reese Witherspoon, Charlize Theron, Steven Spielberg, and so many more. These were the absolute elite, and Rihanna was acutely aware of just how surreal this moment was.

  “Hey, do ynize me?” a voice called out to Troy.

  He turned immediately and broke into a wide smile at the sight of Michelle Williams standing nearby with a handsome man at her side—Heath Ledger.

  “Michelle!” Troy excimed, standing up and embrag her warmly. “I ’t believe it’s been so long.”

  “It is so good to see you too, Troy,” Michelle said with a warm smile. “I ’t believe you’ve grown up so much. You even have a girlfriend now.”

  “This is Rihanna,” Troy introduced her smoothly. “Rihanna, this is Michelle Williams. She pyed my sister in my very first film, [Sex Education].”

  Michelle smiled warmly, holding onto her partner’s arm. “And this is my partner, Heath.”

  Troy extended a hand to Heath. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I just love everything you do.”

  “You do?” Heath asked, raising an eyebrow with a hint of skepticism.

  “Yes,” Troy said with gehusiasm. “[10 Things I Hate About You], [Monster’s Ball], [Ned Kelly], and now even [Brokeback Mountain]—I’ve seen all your work. Holy, I’m baffled you haven’t won an Oscar already.”

  Heath chuckled modestly. “You ftter me too much. I’m not that good.”

  “Yes, you’re better,” Troy said early. “Say, Michelle, Heath, if you guys are ever in London, e stay at my pce for some time. You even bring your daughter. I would love it.”

  “We would love that too,” Michelle replied for the both of them.

  “Ladies alemen!” boomed a voice from the speakers before the versation could tinue. “Please take your seats; the ceremony is about to begin.”

  Troy asked Michelle, “Where are you two seated?”

  “Right beside you two,” Michelle replied, pointing to the seats with their name cards attached. With that, the four took their respective seats.

  Rihanna grasped Troy’s haedly as everyone quieted down. Moments ter, a short clip pyed about the difficulty of finding a host for the Oscars. The humor fell ft, leaving the audience’s reas lukewarm.

  Then Jo, the host, took the stage and unched into his monologue.

  “Thank you, everyone. I’m so excited to be here,” Stewart began. “Ladies, gentlemen, Felicity.”

  The audieed in ughter at the jab at Felicity Huffman, who had portrayed a transgender in [Transamerica].

  As Stewart tinued his jokes, the crowd ughed sporadically. He riffed on politics, movies, and even piracy.

  “To the people involved in piracy, don’t do it. Just look at these faces, these i people. Look at them!”

  The camera panned directly to Troy and Rihanna. Without missing a beat, Troy pulled a wide-eyed, mo expression as if he might burst into tears at any moment. Rihanna struggled to keep her ughter in check at his theatrics.

  “Look what you’ve done!” Stewart tinued. “There are women here who barely afford enough gown to cover their breasts.”

  Rihan a jolt of flustered embarrassment as the camera lingered on her, highlighting her plunging nee. Just as she was starting to feel unfortable, the camera shifted to Michelle Williams, saving her from the moment.

  “There are some really big stars here tonight,” Stewart tinued. “The man himself, Mr. Gee ey—triple nominee for writing, ag, and direg.”

  The crowd erupted in polite appuse.

  “And then there’s Troy Armitage,” Stewart said, turning his gaze directly to Troy before tinuing, “Nominated a total of six times tonight in four different categories: ag, produg, musid song. If we add all of Troy’s nominations and wins together, it would be greater than the number of years Troy went to school.”

  Troy ughed heartily at the pyful jab about his education, which was true because Troy had finished his schooling when he was very young.

  “It’s the first time since 1969 that a single person is guarao walk away with an Oscar before the ceremony even took pce,” Stewart added, his toh teasing and reverent.

  This time, the appuse was thunderous as the audience fully grasped the historic significe of the moment. Troy responded with a gracious bow of his head toward Stewart, silently thanking him, before the host moved on with his monologue.

  The best part about Jo’s monologue was that it never veered into cruelty. All his jokes were lighthearted, harmless fun, which the audience clearly appreciated. No one was singled out in an unfortable way, and the atmosphere remained celebratory.

  Whe ed up his segment, the show transitioo the first award of the night: Best Supp Actor.

  As Nicole Kidman stepped gracefully onto the stage, Troy leaned closer to Rihanna and whispered, “Gee ey.”

  True to his predi, Nicole read out the same name moments ter.

  Rihanna’s longtime crush asded the stage to accept his award, delivering a smug speech. He began by refereng his title as the “sexiest man alive” in 1997 and then pivoted to a tongue-in-cheek boast about how the Academy and Hollywood were perfectly in tuh the real world and calling them out of touch was false.

  By the time he finished, Rihanna leaned closer to Troy and murmured, “I’ll be ho with you, I used to have a crush on him, but after today, I ’t help but think he’s an asshat.”

  Troy chuckled softly, shaking his head. “That’s why they say, ‘don’t meet your heroes.’”

  ___________________________________

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