The Prize By Julie Garwood Novels & Stories

Jules grinned and said, "Don't act humble, Ms. Evans. The trophy's right here." "That's right." Cheryl's eyes were sparkling. "How long were you planning on keeping us in the dark, Caroline? The Rosebow Contest is the biggest competition in the field. It's a great honor to even get shortlisted. It's amazing that you won the prize." The door to Caroline's office was open, and many people walked past. Thus, lots of them heard the news and stopped at the door. "Did I hear it correctly? Did Ms. Evans really win a prize in the Rosebow Contest? How did she place?"

Mira and Almera pressed each other’s hands as they sat nervously. “Please come to the center and receive your well-deserved prize from his royal highness and speak a few words to tell us what this moment feels like.” “I will start from the winner of the fifth prize.” “Number 66- Lady Donwoth.” Lady Donwoth was around the same age as Almera. She was the best friend of Lady Soren. She raised her eyebrows as she threw a smug smile at Almera and walked to the front to receive her prize award which was 100 gold nuggets. She waved theatrically with a fake smile at the audience as she received her prize.

“And it was hard to pick a winner. We have a special prize this time around, a special honorable mention for most creative. That one goes to... Lorelei Tucker and Bryce Wilson for ‘True Love Brings the Angel!’” One of the other judges, Pastor Jake, held up a certificate, and Lorelei bounded over to get it, shouting and jumping as if she’d won the grand prize. Memory cheered along with her, clapping for both of them as her dad followed along behind his granddaughter, smiling but not nearly as energetic as Lorelei was. So long as no one asked the girl about the scene while she was near the megaphone, Memory was good. “Did she win the award for the scene or for the title? ‘Cause that’s some cre

"The grand prize this evening goes to a designer whose collection demonstrated not only technical excellence but a genuine and fully realized point of view. Every piece told a story and every story was consistent. The collection felt inevitable, which is the highest thing you can say about a body of work." Mindy's breathing had gone very shallow. "The winner of this year's City Fashion Collective Grand Prize…” She paused again, leting the suspense build in the air. “This year’s City fashion Collective Grand prize goes to… Miss Mindy Laurent." The room erupted with shouts and applause. Mindy made a sound that was somewhere between a scream and a sob, then her hands flew to her face and she s

"That's because my family and I have won, while you have lost. Mommy said, even though we won a game, we shouldn't be arrogant. We need to sympathize with those who lost. That's why I usually share the prizes I get with other friends." "Yes, Summer won the singing competition at the camp yesterday. She got a very delicious macaroni, but she shared it with me. Even though my voice is terrible to hear. I even came in last place!" River helped to convince Kendrick. The man was pensive. He observed the big box that Summer was tapping. For some reason, his curiosity arose. "What do you want to give me?" "A special prize!" Summer answered lightly. "Actually, I was confused about what prize I could

Yet they tossed out their baseless judgments so freely. Ben was anything but someone who succeeded without effort. If anything, his achievements had come at a great personal cost, and yet they often went unrecognized. She turned to Tim, her gaze steady. “Mr. Smith, I believe it’s time to determine the prize winner, don’t you?” The implication was clear. Ben had joined late, but given the scores, his victory was undisputed. Tim smiled agreeably. “Of course. The prize belongs to—” “Hold on, Mr. Smith,” interrupted a smooth, familiar voice. “Aren’t we rushing things a little?”

"Jaclyn, open your eyes wide and look! Who is lying on that bed? Who is that woman you said deserved to die?! How could you not know your own mother is allergic to lobster after all these years?! That's the woman who raised you, the one who pulled every string and used every connection to open an entire hospital just so you could be a doctor and run it as director!" Jaclyn was about to argue back, but then her gaze suddenly fell on the wrist sticking out from beneath the white sheet. On that wrist was an exquisite emerald bracelet. It was her parents' symbol of their love, and Richard gave it to Leona on their wedding day. There was no way Jaclyn could mistake it! In an instant, it felt like

the judge continued, “the winner of this year’s International Jewelry Design Award-” Ryan’s fingers tightened around mine. Time stopped. “-Celeste Sinclair of Rosemary Atelier.” It took me a full two seconds to breathe. Then the ballroom erupted into applause so loud it vibrated through the floor and up my legs. Rachel gasped and hugged me tightly. Ryan stood first, pulling me up with him, his pride radiating so fiercely it cut through every insecurity, every fear. I covered my mouth with one hand. My vision blurred. I turned, instinctively, toward Crown Luxe’s table.

"Congratulations to Alison Wendell for winning first place in the competition. Alison, please come onstage to receive your award." Her winning design filled the massive screen. The CEO of a prestigious luxury brand, now standing on stage, would present the award. Alison stood, her heart pounding, and walked up to the stage. She raised the trophy high. Bathed in light, she seemed to glow. "I want to thank the judges for their recognition," she said. "And someone else, someone I wish could be here today. I hope he can hear me. Also, I've decided to donate all of the prize money to the Global Foundation for Blind Children. I hope more kids will have the chance to see the world again."

Some prizes were worth the patience required to win them properly. And Alex Coleman, I was increasingly certain, was worth changing all the rules for.