chapter 120 - won the contest

Stella

Blinding spotlights illuminated the stage as the booming voice announced "Stella Emerson!" My heart hammered and palms grew slick, clutching the gleaming medal identifying me as the winner.

This still felt surreal even crossing the expansive stage,sounds muted as though underwater except the mounting applause.

I can't believe I won.

I gripped the solid podium edge, anchoring unsteady knees while seeking Lawrence's beloved face in the blur of strange ones. His steady emerald gaze found mine first, crinkled by a proud smile meant for me alone.

Joyful tears pricked suddenly at that tender show of support - we two had climbed so far together, the lonely girl from shadows now lauded in this societal showcase built by his formidable influence.

But I remained simply his Stella undeserving of such accolades in my eyes.

Only Lawrence saw a fragile beatific soul disguised beneath plain flawed features; the rest judged too quickly.

My art came alive only because one man cherished the