Chapter 11
I was thrilled to receive the email from JW Group’s Architecture Department. I had always been passionate about architecture and the opportunity to participate in their annual competition was a dream come true. I quickly downloaded the form, filled it out offline and submitted it along with the required documents before the deadline. I was nervous but excited as I waited to hear back from them.
Days passed by and I hadn’t listened to them. I had almost given up hope when I received an email inviting me to present my design to the selected judges at the JW Group’s headquarters. I was over the moon with excitement. This was my chance to prove myself that I was more than just a housewife and I could help James financially.
I spent the next few days perfecting my design and preparing for the presentation.
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James was supportive and encouraging and I could tell that he was proud of me. Finally, the day of the presentation arrived. I was sitting in the waiting room. I picked up a magazine and began reading it to divert my mind from competition. Just then I saw Belle walking in. She was chatting with one of the judges, laughing and smiling like they were old friends.
I raised an eyebrow, wondering what she was up to. She then handed him a folder. He nodded and smiled at her. The judge left. Just then Belle‘ s phone rang. She picked up the call before saying proudly,
“It’s done! Now, I’ll be working in JW groups. I will be closer to James since he works here.”
Belle’s words left me in a daze. James worked in JW groups and I had no idea about it. I only realized now that I never asked him where he worked. No wonder, he knew the manager of JW groups. I couldn’t understand what the person on the other side said as Belle replied, “So what if
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I’m going to marry Jayden? He doesn’t have even ten percent of James‘ charm. Did you not see how all the girls wanted him at the Charity Auction and were looking at my sister in envy? I don’t want to lose to my sister. I’ll have both men for me. You just wait and watch. Soon I’ll seduce James. and make him mine like Jayden.”
I felt a surge of anger and disappointment. It was clear that Belle was trying to use her connections to get selected for the competition and she was doing everything to get closer to James. I immediately stood up, feeling like I should do something. But then I hesitated. What could I do, really? Accuse Belle of cheating? It would just look like I was putting allegations against her because I was possessive of my husband. Besides, I didn’t want to stoop to her level. I was confident in my own abilities, and I knew that I had a good chance of winning the competition fair and square and most importantly, I had faith in James. He must not be like Jayden.
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So I sat back down and ignored Belle’s antics. I focused on my own preparation, going over my design and presentation in my head. When the judges called my name, I stood up and walked confidently into the presentation room. I didn’t let Belle’s cheating bother me. I was going to win this competition on my own merit, and I was going to do it with integrity.
When I finished, the judges smiled and nodded at me before saying.“Thank you, Claire.That was an excellent presentation.”
I smiled and thanked them, feeling proud of myself. I knew that I had done my best and that was all that mattered. As I walked out of the presentation room, I saw Belle waiting for me. She looked angry and frustrated. She had just realized that I also participated in the competition and I could tell that she was burning with jealousy.
But I just smiled at her and walked away. I didn’t need to stoop to her level. I was going to win this competition and I was
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going to do it with class.
When I came out, I found James in black suit, talking with the manager of the JW groups. He was looking breathtakingly handsome under the sun. His gaze fell on me. He hesitated for a moment and then waved at the manager to leave. I found it very appealing that even the manager of the department was quite obedient to him. He then walked up to me and asked gently,
“How was your presentation? Feeling hungry? Let’s go for lunch!”
“What kind of relationship do you have with the manager, James? He looked quite. friendly with you.” I couldn’t help asking as I didn’t like the fact I knew very little about my husband.
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