Chapter 196 Three Years Later
Three years later...
A female designer stole the spotlight at the triennial International Architecture Design Competition.
At the award ceremony, she wore a stunning gown that highlighted her curves. Her innocent face with delicate features contrasted sharply with her sexy body. Sitting in the front row, she smiled like a goddess.
"And now, the award for Best Newcomer. Please welcome our presenter, Trevor Butler."
As the host spoke, all eyes turned to the screen displaying the nominees.
Lauren watched the screen with a cool gaze. Over the past three years, she had learned a lot from Joseph and put in her own hard work. She was confident she could win an award at this international competition.
Seeing her work make it to the finals, Lauren raised an eyebrow, eager to see who would win.
"And now, the winner of this year's Best Newcomer Award!" Trevor announced excitedly. "Jane! Congratulations!" As Trevor finished, everyone looked around for Jane. It was Lauren's new name.
Lauren stood up with a smile and gracefully walked onto the stage. On this shining stage, she saw the dawn of her future.
She was no longer a mediocre woman, no longer someone who panicked in the face of difficulties. Over these three years, she had achieved her dreams.
"Thank you." Lauren smiled gently and nodded at the presenter.
Trevor looked at Lauren, surprised at how young she was.
The audience was intrigued by Lauren. They knew nothing else about her except her name.
Lauren was a star at this international architecture competition. She stood out and won two awards, drawing envy and attention from countless people.
They were curious about her and wondered why they had never heard of her. in the architecture industry heard of such before.
Lauren, who won the Best Newcomer Award and the Most Creative Award, skipped the press interviews. She smiled and declined everyone, then mysteriously got into a car and left the ceremony.
"I'm exhausted!" Lauren finally relaxed in Ethan's car.
Ethan smiled. "You went to receive an award, not to do hard labor. How can you be this tired?"
Lauren sighed. "I don't like these kinds of events. I had to keep my head high and my chest out the whole time. In such formal occasions, I even had to keep my breathing steady."
"Miss Walker, you won two awards today. Can't you act a bit more like an excellent designer?" Ethan teased.
"Don't I look like a designer?" Lauren's eyes widened in mock anger.
Ethan knew admitting fault was the best choice. "You are indeed a designer!" he laughed.
"That's more like it. But I really gained a lot today. I owe it all to my teacher and you. These two awards mean a lot. They give me immense courage to continue on the path of architecture design," Lauren said firmly.
"Today's achievements are all because of your hard work, Lauren. But yeah, Mr. Borgia has been really nice to you. He's put in a lot of effort over these three years. You should repay him someday," Ethan said.
"Yes, Ethan, I won't forget your kindness either. You gave me this opportunity. Otherwise, I might still be struggling to make ends meet somewhere," Lauren said seriously, looking at Ethan.
Ethan slowed down the car and glanced at Lauren through the rearview mirror. "It's what I should do."
Lauren didn't know how to respond. Should she say something? Or pretend she didn't hear? Luckily, her phone rang at that moment.
It was Kimberly, who had watched the award ceremony live at home. She couldn't contain her joy and quickly called Lauren.
After ending the call, Lauren smiled. "Ethan, my mom has arranged a celebration party, and my teacher will be there too. Come back with me."
Ethan smiled and nodded. Over the past three years, he had seen Lauren almost every day. He was part of her entire life, yet he felt a sense of not fitting in. Was it an illusion? Or was it real? Ethan didn't dare to think too much about it.
"By the way, I have a bottle of authentic Bordeaux wine in the trunk. Let's use it to celebrate your big win today," Ethan said excitedly.
Turns out he had prepared in advance.
"You're something else. You must have known I'd win today," Lauren said with a smile.
"Of course! You're Lauren, a student of Joseph Borgia. Winning two awards in a global competition shows you're a genius in architecture," Ethan said sincerely.
"Calling me a genius? Don't joke with me," Lauren said.
As they chatted and laughed, they arrived at Lauren's home in Pariz.
Lauren's home was in town, very close to Joseph's house, which Ethan had arranged for her.
Lauren got out of the car, and a four-year-old child gripped her leg before she could enter the yard.
"Mom, why are you so late? I'm hungry!" Matthew looked up with big eyes and said in a soft voice, making Lauren's heart melt.
She patted Matthew's fluffy hair and said gently, "I'm sorry, Matthew. I'm late."
"It's okay. I forgive you," Matthew said playfully.
"Matthew," Ethan called out with a smile. Seeing Ethan get out of the car, Matthew became even happier.
"Uncle Ethan, I missed you," Matthew said.
"You missed the toys and snacks, right?" Ethan teased.
Matthew instantly looked to Ethan, signaling him not to tell Lauren. If not, he couldn't ask for snacks openly or eat two portions.
Lauren noticed something and pretended to be angry. "Matthew, did you ask Ethan to buy you snacks again? How many times have I told you, you can't eat too many snacks, and you still secretly ask Ethan for them."
Before Lauren could finish, Matthew was already gone. He and Ethan had sneaked into the house, not wanting to hear Lauren's lecture.
