Chapter 238
Antonio stayed out of my hair for a few days after that, and I wasn’t complaining. I enjoyed the quiet.
I threw myself into the design contest, using any spare moment to draw up ideas.
Once I submitted my designs for the semi–finals, I waited.
Five days later, I found out I’d made it to the finals.
To celebrate, I had Linda and a few colleagues over for a meal.
As I was getting the food ready, Tyler showed up at the door.
He handed me a box as soon as I opened it. “I bought these from a fancy restaurant, all your favorites.”
“I’ve said it a thousand times. I don’t want them.
“Don’t bother trying to win me over,” I said.
Tyler’s smile was a little forced. “Grace, is there anything that can make you forgive me?”
“I’m moving on, and you should too,” I replied.
Tyler went silent for a moment and then asked, “Will you be back for Mom’s remembrance next month?
“I feel bad I missed it two years ago.”
I thought back to the call I’d made to Tyler that day.
Chapter 218
He chose to stay with Michelle and her mom, watching their pet have its litter, instead of being with my mom on her remembrance day.
But it was fine. I was there for my mom.
No matter where I ended up, I would always honor her memory.
I wasn’t about to miss this year’s memorial.
I shook my head. “Save your apologies. You should be saying that to Mom.”
Tyler apologized again, his head hanging low as he walked away.
Linda sauntered over, her hand coming to rest on my shoulder. “One of your pursuers, huh?”
“No, just an old acquaintance,” I said.
Picking up on my vibe, Linda didn’t dig deeper but switched gears to the next steps in the competition.
Chatting about the competition quickly cheered me up.
I put the past’s heavy weight behind me.
On the big day, there I was in the crowd, dressed in a black dress.
Tyler sat among the spectators, looking sharp in his suit.
Antonio? No sign of him.
When the host announced my name, the whole place went still for a beat.
The silence was broken by a round of applause that filled the air.
I rose to my feet with the spotlight on me, made my way to the stage, and
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grasped the prize that should have been mine two yours back.
I showed my gratitude to my team, gave a nod to Linda’s support, and dedicated my win to my mom watching from above.
I didn’t mention Tyler at all.
As I stepped off the stage, Tyler hurried towards me. “Grace, Antonio’s been knifed by Michelle. You might go to see him.”
“Is he dead?” I asked.
Tyler shook his head. “Nope, but he hurts badly”
“I am not a doctor. Going to see him won’t fix a thing.” I refused..
Looking all gloomy, Tyler just stood there and didn’t say a word for ages