The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 190

The host’s voice had barely faded when an unusual wave of murmuring broke out among the audience.

Designers whispered amongst themselves, completely taken aback by the revelation And this particular woman, Ms. Clarkson, had actually clinched the championship?

The host himself seemed surprised, pausing momentarily before continuing, “From what I hear, she’s a newcomer to the design world. No, rather, she’s the dark horse of our design industry, and remarkably claims the highest honor a designer could attain. Now, let’s invite Ms. Clarkson onto the stage to receive her trophy.”

Though no one had heard of Ms. Clarkson before, they sincerely applauded the victor.

Amidst the roaring applause, the champion of the contest, Ms. Clarkson, gracefully made her way to the stage.

Ms. Clarkson appeared slightly shy as she joined the host on stage, seeming somewhat

uneasy.

The host, a veteran of many such events, noticed the awkwardness and immediately lightened the mood with a genial grin. He gallantly bowed to Ms. Clarkson. “My lady, are you from Neptune?”

Ms. Clarkson blinked in surprise. “Neptune?”

“Indeed, for why else would your eyes hold such intoxicating constellations?” The host joked.

Ms. Clarkson chuckled.

the host continued, seeing the mood had lightened. “Ms. Clarkson, although you’re a newcomer

referred to the piece on display

other designers on stage fell silent, and their eyes

crystal crown.

encrusted with amethysts, but it didn’t resemble the traditional British crowns one might have expected. Instead, it was a

recognized the design. “Is that a phoenix crown?

adorned with colorful crystals. The depiction

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dinner invitation?” The host gentlemanly asked, once again bending down in

can’t, I have

in. The host looked down to see a tall, blond, blue–eyed man standing confidently at the front of

face was full of adoration as he said, “This enchanting lady already has plans with me. So, David, you might

Callum. He and Callum were old friends, but he had never known Callum to

guess I shouldn’t intrude,” David said, taking Ms. Clarkson’s hand and gently kissing it. “Beautiful lady, if you ever change your mind, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Whether it’s a sunny day or a stormy night, just one call, and

at David’s words but held a newfound respect for Ms. Clarkson standing on stage. Their respect wasn’t just for the crown she designed, but for her connection with

all of London. Even the Queen had to tread carefully around

the crowd’s thoughts, Ms. Clarkson happily accepted her trophy and exited the stage. Callum quickly approached, taking out a silk handkerchief and wiping the spot on Ms. Clarkson’s hand where David

Clarkson whispered, fearing

wipe her hand, “Dear, you’re having dinner with me later. I can’t have you

teasing, and playfully punched him. “Stop

seemed satisfied with his cleaning, and nonchalantly tossed his handkerchief aside, He draped

others had gone, David also stepped down from the