Chapter 37: Claire’s POV
I watch as Leo slowly undoes the wax seal on the envelope in front of a waiting audience and smiles as he reads the card.
“Today’s ‘New Best Designer of the Year‘ award goes to none other than Claire!” He looks directly at me with a smile. I hear applause growing around me and see everyone has turned to me. I make my way to the stage and am handed a medal along with a plaque showcasing my name. I smile as I begin my acceptance speech.
“Thank you to all of you here tonight for this nomination! I am forever grateful for the acknowledgement you’ve given me. I never thought this would be possible for me and I’d like to thank a few special people in my life as well. Leo, you believed in me and you’ve supported me throughout the resurface of my career and I’m thankful for you. And secondly, I’d like to thank my friend Jasmine for her endless support and healing hugs. I’m extremely grateful to you all tonight.” I stand back and turn to leave and watch as Leo continues to announce – smiling slightly more when making eye contact with me.
my
I sit down at our table and am greeted by other nominees who congratulate me and shake hand. The recognition was extraordinary and I was delighted to have been invited nonetheless nominated and accepted. I watch as Leo ends his announcements and makes his way towards me.
“Congratulations!” He says as he kisses my cheek once more and sits beside me.
“Thank you.” I say with a smile. I show him my plaque and medal.
“I’m so proud of you and I’m grateful to have been able to help you reach your goals.” He says as he puts his hand over mine.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without your help.” I saw as I gently place a kiss on his cheek. He looked shocked for a moment that I had given him any sort of affection. I then watch his face change into a look of wonder. Leo slowly takes my chin and places one small kiss on my lips and I feel a small spark fly. I smile back slowly.
My career has reached its peak and I got to celebrate my success alongside my ex–husband. It was one of the few positive things that’s happened to me these last few weeks. And yet, they outweighed the bad in this moment.
Leo and I make our way to leave and enter the town car as it arrives in front of the building. I see Leo’s phone ringing and see his confusion as he answers it on speaker.
“Mother?” He asks strictly.
“Leonardo, is it true Claire received the award for ‘Best New Designer of the Year‘?” He asks politely.
“She has. I have you on speaker and she is with me right now.” He says as he looks over to me with comforting eyes. He knew how much his family’s thoughts of me had affected me – even
Chapter 32 Claire e FOV
If he was too blind to do anything about it.
“Claire? Is that you?” I hear her ask.
“Yes. I’m here.” I say as I look at the phone.
“You’ve done mighty well with the time apart from my son, Claire and I believe a congratulations is in order. It is a honor to watch your success.” She says in a pompous but proud tone. The first nice thing ever said to me from Leo’s family.
“Thank you.” I was in shock to hear such a positive response from her.
“My pleasure. We hope to see you soon.” With that last statement, she hangs up. She’d never expressed any want or wishes to see me and it was shocking to hear a change of tone after so many years. I look over to Leo for clarity and he shrugs with a smile.
“This is your day.” He says as he smiles.
I smile back at Leo and rest my head on his shoulder as I become tired from all the ex items my of today. I only wake as Leo opens the car door and I see his home in view.
What are we doing here?” I ask, confused.
“Well it would be a shame for you to have won such an award and not been congratulated by Elena and I think she’d leave if I didn’t at least bring you to say hello.” He smiles slightly and watches as my smile grows. I had missed Elena terribly and I wanted nothing more than to see her.
I watch as Leo calls her on the phone and she appears in the doorway. Running to me with the biggest smile and I feel tears run down my face. Her congratulating me mattered more than
most.
“Ms. Claire, I’m so proud of you. I watch clips on television and you looked so beautiful!” She says as she looks at me and picks a lint from my dress.
I cry as I pull Elena in for a hug. Elena was the closest I had to a friend or family in Leo’s world and I missed her terribly.
She hugs me tightly and for a moment, I forget Leo is standing there. I pull back to smile at Elena and thank her.
“Thank you
for bringing her, Mr. Leo.” She says politely.
“I know how important it is for you to see her.” He says quietly. I smile at her as we say our goodbyes and wipe our tears.
Leo opens the car door for me and slides in beside me.
“Thank you. I missed her.” I say softly.
“I know and she’s missed you as well. Now let’s get you home.” He says as he gives the driver my address.
