Chapter 444 - 440: Double Nomination

"AHHH—"

An excited shriek from Yuna echoed through the closed lounge, so high-pitched it threatened to tear the roof off.

But Lily Sterling was completely stunned.

’She was nominated?’

Two supporting actresses from *Heavenly Destiny as Phoenix* were nominated!

"Lily, you were nominated! You were nominated for Best Supporting Actress for your very first show!"

Yuna was overcome with excitement, hugging Lily while laughing and crying. Finn, standing to the side, was also visibly moved. They all knew Lily would win a major award someday.

But they never imagined a nomination would come so soon!

It took Lily a moment to come to her senses, but then she smiled. She was excited—incredibly excited—but she didn’t cry. Instead, her entire body felt full, overflowing with joy.

Her phone started buzzing with one message after another.

Sister: "My baby sister, you’re amazing! Congrats on the nomination! Mom, Ethan, and I will come visit you on set during the National Day holiday!"

Mom: "Congratulations to my darling daughter on your successful nomination! Just being nominated is an affirmation of your talent. Mom is so proud of you! /rose emoji/ /hug emoji/"

Younger Brother: "You’re a rockstar, Sis! Congrats! The nomination is just the first step. I know you can win it!"

Yuri Tucker: "Congratulations, Lily! I knew you could do it!"

Andrew Sutton: "Congratulations, Lily! Even though I didn’t get nominated for supporting actor, seeing you get in is a comfort. After all, we had the most scenes together. I’m proud to have worked with you. Hope you win!"

There were also messages from her college roommates, her university professors, her aunt, cousins, and more...

Even Suzanne Sawyer sent her a one-word message: "Congrats!"

Almost everyone in her life had been watching today’s nomination announcement and sent their congratulations the moment the news broke.

Connie was even faster. The second the nominations were announced, she was already using her resources to arrange for gowns and jewelry from major luxury and haute couture brands. She wanted Lily Sterling to dazzle on the red carpet at the awards ceremony early next year.

The internet was also in an uproar.

The dual supporting actress nominations for *Heavenly Destiny as Phoenix* blew up the trending topics.

The fact that Lily Sterling was nominated for her debut role also shot up the charts.

The fan club team that Jared Keaton had assembled was also ready to spring into action. Although Lily disliked excessive promotion, the official fan club would still post on X to build momentum for such crucial news.

For the sake of traffic, marketing accounts began publishing articles in droves. Some tried to stir up conflict, while others tore down rivals to build her up. But this was just the state of the internet today, and Lily didn’t care.

Just as Lily and her team were basking in the joy of the Best Supporting Actress nomination, her name was called out once again from the tablet, which was still playing the livestream.

"The nominees for Best Newcomer at the 30th Golden Magpie Awards are..."

"For her role as Flora in *Heavenly Destiny as Phoenix*, Lily Sterling!"

"For their role in *Blue Stream*..."

Hearing her name, Lily froze again. Yuna and Finn were also stunned.

Connie had only told her she’d been submitted for Best Supporting Actress. Everyone had forgotten about the Best Newcomer award—an award that, for any actor, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

She was nominated!

"Lily, a double nomination! *Heavenly Destiny as Phoenix* got two supporting actress nominations, and you personally got two nominations!"

Yuna’s eyes sparkled. She felt like Lily was positively glowing at that moment.

Her phone exploded with messages again. The X topic "Lily Sterling Double Nomination Best Supporting Actress Best Newcomer" quickly shot to the top of the trending list.

But at that moment, Lily felt like she was in a dream.

She couldn’t hear a word Yuna and Finn were saying anymore. All she could do was giggle foolishly, and as she laughed, tears started to fall.

They were tears of joy, tears for a dream that had just become reality.

That afternoon, flowers began arriving at her lounge from the film crew. The director sent a beautiful bouquet of preserved flowers on behalf of the entire production.

Heather, Jett Hughes, and other actors she had worked with also had their assistants send flowers.

Even Susan Mason came in person, holding a bouquet, to congratulate Lily.

Ever since their encounter outside George Lowe’s room, Lily’s feelings toward Susan Mason had shifted slightly. But on set, everything was business as usual, and she acted as if she knew nothing.

"Congratulations, Lily. I’m so happy for you."

Lily accepted the flowers and thanked her with a smile, but then she heard Susan say, "I hope you win the award, raise your status, and become more and more famous."

She kept her eyes on Lily as she spoke. Her gaze was resigned yet sincere, filled with infinite blessings for Lily.

She genuinely hoped Lily would become more famous and that her career would flourish. Only then could she have some say in this industry run by money, without having to bow down for things and jobs she didn’t like, and without losing herself to get what she wanted.

"Today is my last scene. I hope we get the chance to work together again in the future," Susan said, her eyes turning red with reluctance to leave.

By unspoken agreement, neither of them brought up what happened that day again. They both knew exactly what had transpired.

"Susan, have you lined up your next show?" Lily asked with concern.

A small smile touched Susan Mason’s lips as she nodded. "It’s already been decided. Mr. Lowe recommended me to another director for a secondary female lead role."

She was remarkably composed when she mentioned his name, showing no shame. It was one of the few effective methods available to her.

And as it turned out, it was indeed very effective.

She had finally landed the role with the most screen time in her entire career.

Lily looked at her and, after a moment, returned her smile. Heather’s words still echoed in her ears.

"If a good role comes up in the future, I’ll do my best to recommend you," Lily said, giving Susan Mason a gentle hug. "I hope you feel it was all worth it. And I hope you keep looking forward."

Lily’s gesture made Susan’s body tremble slightly. Her eyes widened in astonishment, filled with disbelief.

’She thought... Lily would find her disgusting.’

Unable to hold back her tears any longer, Susan Mason nodded, choking back sobs. "I will. Everything will get better and better."

After Susan left, Lily’s turbulent emotions finally began to settle.

Yuna, still reveling in the joy of Lily’s double nomination, came forward excitedly and suggested, "Lily, should we celebrate tonight?"

Lily looked at her and saw that Finn was looking on with anticipation as well.

This summer had been exceptionally hot. The scorching sun and poor appetites had left both of them tanner and thinner.

Lily smiled and nodded. "Okay. We’ll have a big dinner tonight. Finn, go book a nice restaurant. I want to invite Heather and her team to join us."

On set, Heather was the person she was closest to, and even Heather’s team was especially kind to her.

So, when it came to celebrating, her first thought was to include Heather.

Finn replied excitedly, "No problem! I’m on it!"