The Billionaire Husband's Betrayal by Nancii Agosto

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.

of the building. I

He asks

for ‘Best New Designer of

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

32 Claire

blind to do

I hear

I say as I

is a honor to watch your success.” She says in a pompous but proud tone.

you.” I was in shock to hear such a positive response

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

your day.” He says as he

ex items my of today. I only

we doing here?”

such an award and not been congratulated by Elena and I think she’d leave if I didn’t at least bring

with the biggest smile and

most.

on television and you looked so beautiful!” She says as