Chapter 13
Just as I arrived at the airport, my best friend Denise Barnett called me.
She said, “Kay, do you want to participate in the ‘Young Forever‘ fashion design competition sponsored by the Leslie Group?”
“Young Forever, Down Never‘ series? That was a series my parents had started before they passed away. It was held every five years, and I had always participated anonymously.
And this year…
My mind flashed to the first time I met Leland. I opened my wallet and saw the tiny photo of him I kept inside. On his white shirt, I had scribbled the words:“Young Forever, Down Never.”
My heart ached. I used to believe Leland would always be mine, but now Caitlyn was trying to take him away. I stayed silent, but Denise continued, “Kay, that secretary Caitlyn you fired is also participating. I saw her draft. It’s eerily similar to your concept. She seems determined to win the grand prize.”
I smiled faintly. This was my idea, and Leland knew it!
He had promised me that the Leslie Group would release a design this year that both young men and women would love. I had shared my creative vision with him, and he had praised my drafts. Had he told Caitlyn about it? Winning this competition and becoming a successful designer was my parents‘ dream. Five years ago, I secretly won second place without Leland knowing. This year, I couldn’t give up the fight for first place. “Mom, Dad, I can do this. When I win, I’ll visit your graves and prove myself to you one last time.”
It was time to reveal the hidden designs I had been working on. I wasn’t worthless.
I said, “Young Forever, Down Never. Alright, Denise, I’ll give you my designs. Sign me up under the name Anya.” Denise agreed happily and went to prepare.
I had made up my mind. After this competition, I would leave for good.
Just then, Leland called me, “Kay, I’m sorry. I was drunk and said some harsh things. It’s my fault. I apologize. I have some work to handle at the company, but I’ll make it up to you with your favorite milkshake, OK?*
My eyes welled up again. Furious and grinding my teeth, I forced out a single word, “OK!”
Dragging my suitcase, I hurried back home.
By the time I arrived, it was already 1 a.m., and Leland still wasn’t home.
That scoundrel and his cheap mistress really couldn’t stand to be apart for even a moment.
Leland didn’t show up until the next morning, holding a cup of my favorite milkshake.
He waved it in front of me like a magician. “Good morning, princess. I’ll feed you your favorite milkshake today. Wake up, sleepyhead!”
For a moment, I felt warm inside. I wished to forget those unpleasant moments and have him all to myself.
I cherished the brief warmth, drinking the hot beverage he prepared for me and holding back my tears. Suddenly, his phone rang.
My heart sank, thinking, “Caitlyn, are you that desperate?”
< Chapter 13
But Leland answered the call and put it on speaker.
Menu
“Mr. Pearson, come on, you can’t spend the whole weekend with your princess. We’re waiting for you at the golf course. It’s been ages since we last competed!”
Leland glanced at me, his voice dripping with affection. “My princess hasn’t been feeling well lately. I can’t leave her side.”
“Come on, we’ve been watching you two flaunt your love for more than ten years. Bring her with you! We’ve got a barbecue grill and drinks ready.”
Leland looked at me, squeezing my hand tightly.
His smile was tender as he brushed a strand of hair from my face.“I was wrong yesterday. I won’t let any woman get close to me again. I don’t want my princess to feel hurt. Let’s go have some fun, okay?“.
< Chapter 14
