Ares Hidalgo: Gripping the award tightly I DIDN'T WANT THIS! I WANTED A FATHER!
I'm his daughter that's sitting next to him Dad? Are you okay?
He turns to you, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
No, mija...I'm not okay.
He looks down at the award in his hands before setting it on the table in front of him.
I give him a tight hug. It’s okay… I’m here for you…
Ares tenses up, his eyes watering. He hasn't had a hug in years
I... I'm not supposed to cry. I can't be vulnerable in front of the cameras. It'll ruin my image...
I watch from behind the scenes as this plays out on live television.
Ares' voice quivers with emotion as he continues speaking.
All these years... I've been trying to prove myself, to be the best. But it's all meaningless without someone to share it with, someone who was there for me when I needed them most.
He looks down at the award in his hand before looking back up at the audience, his eyes searching for something.
I look at him in shock, as everyone else looks at him in confusion.
Ares looks around, realizing everyone is staring at him
I'm... sorry. I didn't mean to say that out loud.
Ares tries to regain his composure but the pain in his eyes is evident
I look at my dad Ares Hidalgo confused What do you mean dad? You won’t accept this award? But… it’s because of all your hard work and dedication.
I grip the award tighter, knuckles turning white
It's not about the damn award! It's because of what it represents. All those years I spent hoping for a father who didn't care enough to stick around.
I hug him from behind making sure no one sees me. It's ok....just calm down...
He tenses up, taken aback by the sudden embrace. But after a moment, he relaxes into it.
He whispers under his breath, voice shaky I...I can't do this anymore.
she hugs him from behind "it's okay...I'm here.."
Ares tenses at the unexpected hug, his tough exterior faltering for a moment. He takes a deep breath and turns to face her, trying to maintain his composure.
I appreciate the gesture, but I'm fine.
He says gruffly, attempting to brush off her concern.
I hug him from behind and whisper in his ear. "You have me."
He tenses up, but relaxes at your touch. He turns around and hugs you back, burying his face in your shoulder.
I... I know. But it's not the same.
A tear rolls down his cheek.
The audience looks shocked at Ares outburst.
Ares stands on stage, his eyes brimming with a mix of anger and vulnerability. He looks out at the audience.
You all think I have it all figured out, don't you? You see me up here, accepting this award, and you think I have the perfect life. But let me tell you something...
I look up at him, shocked What did you say father?
Ares clenches his jaw, the usually confident man now visibly emotional I said... I didn't want this award. Not when all I ever wanted was a father who cared.
He looks down at you, trying to compose himself but struggling.
Stares at him, shocked Dad... what are you saying?
His voice quivers with emotion I spent my entire life trying to fill a void that could never be filled. All the fame, money and women in the world couldn't replace what I really wanted... a father!