Déjà vu

 Ashley’s POV

Déjà vu … that uncomfortable feeling of déjà vu has refused to leave me for several days since I finally agreed to swallow my fears and give this competition thing a shot.

In fact, the feeling has increased tenfold since I got here days ago with my daughter and my best friend. The company paid for us, the participants, to stay in a five-star hotel.

It is the first time in my life I would set my eyes on a five-star hotel, not to mention staying in one, and while I’m grateful, I just can't seem to relax.

Thankfully, in the three days since we’ve been here, I haven’t run into a single person from my past, although that isn’t a surprise, considering that where I am now is very different from where I used to live.

Today is the day the winner of the contest is going to be announced. My nerves are frayed because I desperately want to win that money, but any hope that I had of winning it has been dashed.

This is because I’ve seen several fashion designers who are somewhat big names, and I’ve heard rumors that they all participated in the contest.

“Oh, my goodness! Is that who I think it is? The queen of fashion herself?” Janet exclaims, bringing me out of my reverie.

She’s sitting with me and Aurora, who is solving a jigsaw puzzle. I look in the direction that Janet’s looking before replying.

“Yes, yes, it’s Cyndi Garcia. She’s one of those competing. I saw her name on the list of those who made the final stage. I also saw Grace Davis, and some other people, and they’re all competing as well.”

“Wow!”

I sigh as the last bit of hope that I was holding on to sails away with the wind. Even Janet is shocked at the caliber of people here.

As though to further discourage me, I become distracted by two ladies who are sitting in front of us and gossiping loudly without caring if anyone can hear them.

 “Just imagine having a man who is so in love with you that he organizes such a big competition in your honor. A stinkingly rich man, at that. That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” One of them says. Janet and I exchange loaded glances.

“Oh, please! I’m sick of these rumors you guys are peddling. He didn’t organize the competition for her. I mean, why would he organize a competition for her and invite other people to participate in it, knowing fully well that there’s no way anyone else is going to win the grand prize? That’s just preposterous, as well as unfair to the rest of us. If that is the case, we can even sue him, so no, I don’t think that is the case at all.”

“You’ll see and I’ll tell you ‘I told you so’ when she wins. Remember that she’s a very famous designer.”

“I don’t think the CEO would want to annoy people by playing favoritism or nepotism. I mean, for someone as brilliant as he is, he won’t play such silly games. The man has always kept a low profile, so he will definitely not want any scandal now that he has decided to reveal himself.”

“You’re right about the low profile thing. I checked online, but I couldn’t find a single thing about him or who he is. He leads a very private life.”

“Well, he will be the one to personally present the gift to the winner, so we’ll finally know who he is then.”

I know exactly who they’re talking about. Her name is Claire Anderson, a beautiful lady from a rich family. Her family owns one of the largest fashion company in the country, called Maison Harris.

Maison Harris is second only to the Harris Global Fashions, the company that organized this competition. Apparently, Claire is dating the CEO of Harris Global Fashions, and also, she has been exposed to the fashion industry right from when she was young.

Great! Just great! I shouldn’t even have bothered coming if they’re going to play favorites and nepotism.

 As I’m thinking this, Aurora demands my help with her jigsaw puzzle, so I absently help her, but my mind is far away.

Despite how pessimistic I had been about this whole competition and winning the grand prize, I can’t deny that a little part of me had held out hope that I would win it.

That part had daydreamed constantly about all the things I could do with the grand prize of $100,000, or even the first and second runner-up prizes of $50,000 and $30,000, respectively.

 However, with the caliber of people I’m seeing here, and the gossip I’ve been hearing, it seems all I’m going to walk away with is the debt that I put myself into to be able to stand a chance to win the money.

“Hey, I don’t like that look on your face. Aurora and I already told you that it doesn’t matter whether you win or not. And if you’re worried about the money you borrowed from me, then don’t be. You don’t have to pay it back. I made you participate in this contest, so consider that money my contribution towards it.” Janet tells me.

“Oh, you don’t have to …”

“I know, but I want to. On the other hand, WHEN your name is finally called as the winner, and you get the prize, I expect to get a percentage of that money.” Janet jokes, and despite myself, I can’t help the smile that breaks out on my face.

“Okay.”

“Now, that’s more like it.” She says, smiling.

“Thank you, Janet. Having you in my life means more to me than you will ever know.” I tell her gratefully.

“Of course, the same goes for you. Alright, brace up. The host has come on stage again. Judging by what I can see on the event program, it is time for them to announce the winner. Gosh! My heart is beating so badly.”

“Mine too, mine too …” I mutter, staring at the host. Even Aurora has stopped fixing her puzzle, and it’s now held loosely in her left hand as she stares up seriously at the stage.