The Demon King Forbidden Bride

Chapter 22

I came to a halt wondering if I’m hearing things, “Miss Audrey, we made it.” Addison tugged the hem of my blouse which snapped me out of my daze. I couldn't believe what was going on. Everyone was gazing at me with an unknown expression. I breathed heavily and strode to the other two who were also called to the podium. There was applause from the audience while I was walking to the podium.

“We’re glad that you all found out time to join our trade, for those that didn’t make it to the finalist you can try again next time.” The blonde guy uttered and motioned to the two other designers to step forward, he handed them bronze and a silver medal. “Congratulations once more, you can meet the manager in a month to get your signed Cheque” they bowed curtly and walked down the podium.

“Please step forward Miss Audrey.” That was the name I used, I didn’t add my last name because I don’t want people to doubt my ability or think that I made it through because of my last name. I beamed, rubbed my palm together, and approached the blonde guy.

“Congratulations Miss Audrey, you’re the champion of the fair, and you’ve earned yourself a trophy and a gold medal. What do you have to say to the audience?” I glared at him in amazement and chuckled awkwardly. I turned to the crowd who were eagerly waiting to hear me speak.

“Thanks to every one of you that bought my outfit, at first I just wanted to create a name for myself and also gain customers for my store. I’d never believe that a newbie like me would make it, I’m just so happy to have earned a name for my brand, that has been my dream and I’ve strived hard to make this happen. However, I know that other brands put in a lot of effort, so I’d like to wish you all success and also thanks to my customers I’m really glad” I let out my heartfelt speech, and everyone applauded me.

“Such a naive girl” I heard the blonde guy say with a chuckle. I rolled my eyes and ignored the remark. I don’t want anything to ruin my happy mood. The other guy with black hair gave me the trophy and a gold medal, while the paparazzi captured the moment. I bet this would make a headline.

“You should be at the Astor Enterprises for your contract signing for the billboard by next month” I nodded as we exchanged a handshake.

“Ma’am” Addison ran up to me and embraced, “congratulations Miss Audrey, you made it” I smiled and pulled her out of my embrace and clasped her hands. “Don’t say that, it’s a congratulation to both of us, without your assistance I wouldn’t be able to make it. Although you’re my worker, you supported me throughout the process. So we made it” I asserted and caressed her hair, she giggled and snuggled up in my arms. The event soon came to an end and it was particularly time to head back to my store as it was getting late. Addison and I packed up our things, hailed a cab, and went back to the store.

“You can head back home Addison, it’s late already.”

“I’m fine Miss Audrey, I’ll stay back and help” she insisted, I let out a deep sigh. “Your grandma is alone and she would need to see you tomorrow. Remember, your wage would be increased for a great job” she gratefully thanked, grabbed her bag, and left. I sighed deeply and sat down on a seat in front of my working table. I scrolled through my cell phone but couldn’t find a text from Charlotte. “Does it mean that she didn’t really hear me in the morning?” I massaged my temple and blamed myself for not going to her room to convey the message. “And Andrew, he promised to take a day off and come celebrate with me for joining the fair, he even promised to stay with me throughout the sale. But he didn’t show up, I wonder if something came up? But he should have let me know rather than make me wait for him in vain. This is annoying” I hissed and stood up from the seat, I unpacked the luggage and placed my trophy and the medal on the table. “I’ll continue with the rest tomorrow” I muttered and left after grabbing my purse from the table, I locked the store and strolled to the road where I hailed a cab.

Meanwhile, back at home. Charlotte got a call from Andrew telling her that he had an emergency and would arrive in two hours. She groaned and threw her out home on the sofa. “Stupid!” She mumbled and walked to the wine cabinet, she picked a glass, poured a bottle of wine into it, and walked to the terrace.

“Audrey must be waiting for me. She may think that I’m a pushover, that she can show off her plans in front of me.” Charlotte scoffed and sat on the sun lounger, “she can continue to wait.” She huffed and gulped down her drink. Andrew as the supervisor of the textiles company has to stay back and see that the new products that came in were complete and had no damage. He was already growing impatient with how slow the worker was in bringing in the products. The cab pulled over in front of my apartment, I made my p*****t and headed towards the elevator. I clicked on the last floor. “Ding” the elevator stopped and unlocked, I strode happily to my door as I couldn’t wait to relay the news of my wins to Charlotte, I typed in the keywords and the door swung open.

“Charlotte!” I called and dropped my purse on the sofa. She flinched hearing a voice in the house calling out to her, she beamed and thought that it might be Andrew and ambled downstairs.

“Finally, you’re here” she uttered but suddenly stopped, the smile on her face disappeared. I gazed at her confused, why was she acting weird? Was the only thought that popped up in my mind.

“What! Are you expecting someone else?” Inquired with both hands on my waist. She chuckled awkwardly and strode down the stairs.

“Not really, I’m glad you’re back. But why are you back so late?” I sighed deeply and sat down on the sofa.

“You mean you don’t know?”

“Know what! Did anything happen?” It seems she didn’t hear me in the morning. I notified her about the trade fair that happened today.

“Omg, Audrey. I wasn’t aware it was today. I could join you” she asserted while berating herself.