Linford left the office soon after looking through Cristelle’s information. He came to the park, trying to get some fresh air. However, a ball suddenly flew over and hit his shoulder when he entered the park.
Linford looked at the familiar small boy, frowning a bit, “You again?” His voice even sounded a bit amused.
Cody didn’t seem very happy as he noticed this man was the one he had met in the strip mall that day, “You again?”
“What? You’re not glad to see me?” Linford arched an eyebrow.
“Why should I be?” Cody asked. He didn’t like when people talked about how he looked like someone. It was rude.
“Is this how you apologize after hitting me with that ball?” Linford frowned.
“I’ve already apologized,” Cody rolled his eyes, carried his ball in his hands, and walked away.
Linford only thought the kid was interesting. He was not truly mad. So he shrugged and walked away as well.
When Cristelle returned with the hotdogs, she saw Cody was sitting alone on the bench. “What happened, sweetie? Where are the other kids?” Cristelle asked.
Cody rubbed his eyes and said, “They’ve left. Mom, I’m tired.”
“Let’s go back as well, then. I bought you and your sister some hotdogs. Do you want to have pizza tonight?” Cristelle suggested.
Cody loved pizza. He did a little dance and cheered a little.
Cristelle laughed and held his little hand, leading her babies out of the park.
****
Cristelle used the two days break to stay at home with her babies and make the dress for the competition.
Needlework never bothered Cristelle because she was a skilled seamstress. She picked the right material and then started the tailoring soon. The kids were as good as always. They never bothered her when she was working. Candace sat quietly with Cody watching cartoons on the couch.
It took Cristelle two weeks to complete the dress. However, the outcome was quite satisfying.
“Mommy is going to work. Be good, both of you,” Cristelle left for work, as usual, that morning.
Cody waved his little palms in the air as he cheered, “Mommy! Go! Go! You’ll definitely win this!”
Candace didn’t know what her brother was talking about, but she nodded heavily and gave Cristelle a kiss.
Cristelle laughed, “I’ll do my best! Thank you, sweeties.”
The competition began, and five designs were chosen for the finals. Luckily, Cristelle was one of them.
On the day of the last round, Cody made breakfast for Cristelle again, and the boy even picked a beautiful one for his mom. Cristelle was surprised, “What you’re doing, sweetie? I’ll wear the same as yesterday. You don’t need to worry about that.”
Cody shook his head and replied, “No, Mommy must be the most beautiful one on the stage today.”
Cristelle smiled at her boy. How could she be so lucky to have such two cute angels in her life?
She put on what Cody picked and did a simple makeup. When she looked into the mirror, she almost couldn’t recognize herself.
“Okay, I’m gonna go. Cody, the social worker, is gonna be here soon. You and your sister need to be very good today, okay? Don’t bring the lady any trouble.”
Cody nodded heavily, “Of course. You don’t need to worry about us, Mommy. We will be good.”
Cristelle took the subway to the office, and it suddenly started to snow.
The memories of five years ago suddenly came back. She remembered she was desperate that night, pounding on the Barnett’s door like a madwoman. Mrs. Barnett had even pushed her away. She would never forget the pain.
After that, she even started to grow a bit traumatized by snowy weather.
Cristelle shook her head as if she could cast those bad memories away that way. Things have changed, and everything is surely getting better. Worrying about too many things on a big day like this would be stupid.
Holding her chin up, Cristelle stepped into the snow and walked toward her company building.
The fashion competition held by the Daicom Corporation was the most famous competition in this country. Each time, celebrities, industry leaders, and the media would come to the company and celebrate the event with other employees.
The judges’ panel included Team A leader Fritzi, the famous Paris designer Elle, and the renowned Italian designer, Kim. This year, the major editor of Style, Mike Miller, also attended.
This event was a rare chance for everyone with a fashion dream in the industry. No one wanted to miss out, so the hall was almost crowded.
During the final competition, the competitors would pick the models to wear their designs and walk the runway. After the show, the competitors would be given a couple of minutes to explain their designs and concepts.
Cristelle was the last one in order, while Izzy was right ahead of her. Cristelle cheered for Izzy when it was Izzy’s turn, “Izzy, don’t be nervous. You got this!”
Izzy was already jealous of her beautiful look today, but she forced out a smile anyway, “Thank you, Cristelle. I wish you good luck as well.”
Izzy turned around and walked onto the stage, knowing Cristelle would stand zero chance after she made her presentation.
Izzy’s design was both creative and elegant. It mesmerized the judges, and attained the highest score easily.
Cristelle hugged her happily backstage when she returned, “How was it? Did it go well?”
Izzy looked into her eyes and let out a cold smirk, barely bothering to hide the contempt in her eyes anymore, “Not bad, I guess.”
The change in Izzy’s tone made Cristelle frown. She didn’t know what had happened. When Izzy made her presentation, Cristelle had been backstage all the time and preparing hers. She took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage. Now it was finally her turn. Cristelle took a deep breath and stepped on the stage.
Cristelle did a simple makeup before she left her house this morning. And she changed into a dress with a bolder cut compared with her usual outfit.
Most men in the hall couldn’t look away as Cristelle showed up on the stage. Linford’s eyes fell on Cristelle’s beautiful face, and he felt his breath hitch a bit. Cristelle looked so stunning today, and that stunning look made her look even more familiar to him somehow.