“And I really hope you get to focus on what truly matters.”…~ Alyssa ~“I didn’t expect you to be married so young,” Ashley commented at the festive dinner later. The grand hall had now been converted into a dining banquet, with an array of mouth watering cuisines on display.“I didn’t think I would either,” I replied, and she nodded, not asking any more questions. It was as if she sensed my hesitance to continue the conversation. The banquet was followed by a get to know each other session. I remained seated while others, including Ashley, mingled with the other winners. I had just pulled out my phone when a voice brought me out of my thoughts. Looking up, I was stunned to find one of the judges already seated in front of me, and smiling.“Is it Miss Stewart or Mrs Stewart?” I felt warm, knowing someone finally detected the difference. “It’s Mrs Hook.” For some reason, I felt my little secret was safe with him. Though I hadn’t anticipated the shock that would corrode his face
“And I hope you know that your mindset is everything, as it not only shapes the way you think, act and show up in the world. But your outcomes, too.”….~ Alyssa ~The interviews and getting to know one other sessions soon began. I noticed that everyone present somehow regarded me as more important than the other. And it gave me this sense of weirdness… I know I should be overwhelmed with a sense of superiority and pride at being chosen above the others. But I wasn’t. I believed everyone deserved to be seen, loved and cared about for who they were… and not the accolades, titles or awards they have garnered.I listened attentively as the organizers of the meetup introduced themselves and gave us a brief intro into what today’s program would be all about.Then, the winners began to step on stage to introduce themselves, starting from the third runner-up. I was impressed at how impartial the competition was. The winners were not only chosen from Europe, but also from Africa and Asia, so
“And I really hope that when you are dressing up, you do it for yourself, not to impress others or be noticed by them.”…~ Alyssa ~I didn’t believe it… I just didn’t. It didn’t feel so real to me until I was in the Grand Palais, one of the most beautiful museums in Paris, with reporters trooping around. There were other people around, all dressed in expensive dresses. But instead of dressing to the nineties, as might have been expected of me, I decided to deck up in what suited me best.“You’re Alyssa Stewart, aren’t you?” A young lady about my age approached me. She wore an off-shouldered purple crop top and baggy pants. The smile on her face was beautiful and inviting.“Yes, I am.”“Oh wow… You look more beautiful in person.” I chuckled at her words. I have always known technology didn’t do much justice to people’s physical beauty. But I didn’t think that would apply to me until now. “Thank you.”“I’m Ashley Brownie.”“The first runner up?”“Yup.” She replied proudly. “Your p
“I wonder if anyone asks the question, ‘What’s the point?’ As often as I do.”….~ Austin ~I shifted to the side, as I often do before my eyes fully open… but unexpectedly… my side wasn’t bare as my body clashed with another .With a beating heart and pounding head, my eyes snapped open, and I was stunned to find Alyssa beside me. I watched her figure, buried under the sheets, as memories of what had happened yesterday flooded my head. I hadn’t anticipated that my body would react so much as it did to hers. But it did. I looked down on myself and let out a relieved sigh when I realized that I was fully clothed in my pajamas. I just didn’t want to think of what would have happened otherwise. But then, how had we gotten here from the sitting room? The last thing I remembered was her moaning into my lips, and I blanked out. “Austin?” Her hoarse voice, which was filled with urgency, interrupted my thoughts. “Hi.” I greeted, bringing my gaze to face her. She was rubbing her eyes now, a
“I hope you find motivation from within when you desperately need one.”….~ Austin ~Prince Callum’s appearance spelled trouble the second he stepped into our compartment. He wasn’t supposed to be here, on a general plane. His family owned several private jets who he could use to transport himself anywhere at his will. So why was he here?We hadn’t expected peanut pie to be served on the plane. And when it was, we hadn’t thought much of it until Keren lay in my arms, crouched in pain, and I was immediately hit with the feeling of irresponsibility. How could I have overlooked that simple fact?Callum was one of those guys who, on the surface, had a clean slate but whose reality might often be far from what it looks. And just the knowing that he’d got eyes for Alyssa made me uncomfortable, and now, knowing that he’d just saved my daughter’s life made it feel like we’d just been trapped in a web. The sinister smile, hanging on his lips when he went off to his seat, made me feel like… m
“And when it feels like your efforts are not being matched with your desired success. I hope you always remember your why.”… ~ Alyssa ~I’ve heard somewhere that hospital walls have heard so many prayers than a church auditorium. This, I believe to be true. But in the case of the airport, I’d say, it had heard so many goodbyes and hosted so many reunions than a marriage license bureau. Our packing was light, and since Keren insisted on carrying a suitcase too. I had packed some of her undies in a smaller suitcase whilst her other suitcase was held by Austin, who carried two suitcases instead of one. As we sat in the boarding area, waiting for our plane to arrive. I couldn’t help but wonder about how much my life had changed in a few months. The last time I booked a ticket. I had aimed to spend a few weeks on a houseboat in Seattle. But that didn’t happen and I ended up being kidnapped and shipped to Singapore, where I was almost forced to marry Prince Callum.Speaking of Prince