So, now Susan had been disqualified from the competition for plagiarizing a famous designer’s work and it seemed like everyone was just here to watch her embarrassment. After the judge announced this, he turned around and walked back towards the stage with everyone following him, leaving only Susan behind.
She couldn’t believe what she was seeing as she stared at the vintage red European-style dress in the display case. The once gorgeous and vibrant color now hung there mockingly silent.
[Is this really how I lose?]
The designers returned to the stage where it was clear that Leo was going to be crowned champion since Susan had been stripped of her eligibility. As expected, seconds later, the judge climbed onto the stage and announced, “I declare Leo as this year’s design competition champion!”
Everyone applauded in agreement with no surprises there. However, when they heard that a representative from Leo’s studio would come up on stage to receive his award instead of him personally coming up himself, Camille did not step forward.
When she caught sight of the judge’s gaze on her though, she shook her head gracefully while smiling, “I don’t have to receive the award on behalf of him anymore today because Leo is already here!”
“What? Leo is here?” The designers who heard this sentence all showed expressions of surprise or joy; some looked confused while others were ecstatic but most were simply skeptical.
Everyone knew that Leo was a design god who never actually appeared at competitions even if he participated in them multiple times before winning awards without showing his face. So when someone from his studio claimed that he was present today… was it true?
Camille smirked triumphantly then slightly turned sideways allowing Jane behind her into view. Everyone followed their gaze as Jane smiled too then slowly walked forward, causing people blocking their path to move aside gradually creating an open path for them both.
Even judges were surprised upon hearing about Leo being present at today’s event but seeing a young girl with black hair and eyes walking out from among everyone made them even more astonished.
Designers who previously speculated about what kind of person Leo could be revealed themselves through their expressions, either admiring or disbelieving, but clearly more people fell into latter category than former one.
Jane’s appearance was almost shocking to the entire audience. The reporters exchanged glances and, of course, did not miss this great opportunity to capture the mysterious designer on camera. The sound of shutters clicking echoed throughout the room as they captured Jane’s figure.
No one could believe that after Susan, a designer who even outshone her in winning awards year after year turned out to be a young girl who looked like she had just turned twenty.
Jane gracefully walked up to the stage under everyone’s gaze. The chairman of the judges saw her coming and regained his composure, hiding his surprise with a smile as he handed Jane her trophy.
With a slight bow and a smile on her face, Jane took the trophy with both hands and spoke into the microphone, “Hello everyone, I am Leo.”
The name Leo was familiar to many people in the design circle and among journalists. After Jane finished speaking there was a momentary pause before thunderous applause erupted from below.
Especially those among the audience who came specifically for Leo were thrilled beyond belief that their idol had actually shown up today, only to find out that Leo was actually a woman!
After waiting for applause to die down, Jane continued, “I am very happy to participate in this international design competition again today. I am honored to receive this award which is my first time appearing before you all. In future I will make sure that ‘Leo’ is no longer synonymous with mystery.”
Her words were straightforward and honest which only served as fuel for more applause from below. Journalists who had been taking pictures non-stop didn’t miss this golden opportunity when they stood up one by one asking questions about design concepts or why she decided it was time for her debut.
Jane politely answered each question without any hint of discomfort or hesitation in her speech.
Just when she thought it was time for her exit holding onto her trophy, Patrick suddenly appeared at door shouting, “Wait!”
Everyone turned their heads towards him, including Jane herself who looked surprised at seeing him slowly walking towards them holding onto an enormous bouquet of roses.
She remembered Patrick telling herself earlier he wouldn’t be able to come today so what…?
As soon as she saw him holding flowers, tears welled up in Jane’s eyes unexpectedly…
Patrick smiled as he walked towards her, nodding his head at Jane when he reached the stage. “Sorry I’m a little late, had to prepare these flowers for you,” he said.
“You, what are you – ” Jane’s gaze fell on the roses in Patrick’s hand and she had a suspicion of what was happening but couldn’t find the words.
“Everyone,” Patrick smiled and turned to face the audience. “Leo designer, Miss Jane is my fiancee. I apologize for coming to watch her competition so late but today, I want to do something more important for her.”
He turned back towards Jane and got down on one knee with a bouquet of roses in his hand. “Jane, I know today is an important day for you and this plan has been on my mind for a long time now. We’ve been through so much together since we first met and I never planned on being apart from you… Now, Jane, will you marry me?”
Jane was stunned by Patrick’s proposal; she knew that he might do something like this given how dressed up he was but didn’t expect it at this moment.
She blinked several times before looking down at him with a smile forming on her lips as their eyes met.
Although she didn’t like being ostentatious, for the sake of Patrick and the possibility of experiencing something grand together in the future, after going through so much, what did she have to fear?
Jane nodded, gently but resolutely uttering three words, “I am willing.”
The audience below erupted into cheers, whether it was in excitement, encouragement, or genuine blessings. People just loved a good spectacle. As for the journalists, they wouldn’t miss this opportunity. Shutters clicked away, capturing numerous shots of the scene and close-ups.
At Jane’s words, Patrick’s face lit up with joy. He stood up, gave Jane a firm and warm hug, releasing her after five or six seconds. The two held hands, Jane still cradling the bouquet of roses, and bowed to the audience below.