Chapter 36: Claire’s POV
Chapter 36: Claire’s POV
After a successful day of work, | head back hto Jasmine’s, excited to get ready for my very first nomination
tonight. The cab ride went by quickly. | go inside to find Jasmine smiling atfrom the kitchen.
“Leo toldthe news! Congratulations, babes!” She comes from the kitchen wide open arms. A Jas hug adorned
with a smile was just what the doctor ordered. | extend my arms and laugh slightly as we hug.
“Thank you! | didn’t think this would ever happen forand it wouldn't have, if | didn’t have your help.”
“That was all you!” Jas says as she pulls back.
“Yeah but if you didn’t letstay here - | would've never been able to focus on work or even start working in
my field.” It was true. Had Jas not invitedto stay with her, | would've never been able to have focused on
making use of my career. A token of my success was owed to her support.
“Nonsense! But someone did leave a surprise for you on your bed and I'm sure you need to start getting ready.”
She smiles as | look confused.
| decide to see for myself what was left in my room. It was a beautiful box, wrapped in a bow with a hand written
note.
‘I hope you'll accept this gift. A special occasion for a very special woman. I'll see you at 8P.M. Love, Leonardo.’ |
tear up as | read the card. Leo had dismissedfor so many years and to see the recognition and prioritization |
longed for - | was overwhelmed with gratitude and laced with sadness all over again.
| slowly open the box to reveal a beautifully long gown. It’s silk with a beautiful open-back lacing. | admire it as |
run my fingers along the fabric. | decide to get ready and try on the dress last. The moment I slid on the dress, |
felt like royalty. The fabric felt like clouds against my skin and | stand in the mirror - admiring it in all its beauty.
Leo had done an amazing job. | hear the doorbell ring and hear Jas opening the door for Leo. | look at my phone -
8P.M just as he promised.
| walk out slowly and keep my head low. | was flattered that he actually cand that made
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“No. No. No. you cannot dip your head down in a dress like that!” | hear Jas say and she tips
my
chin up and smiles at me. | smile back shyly and she givesa quick hug before descending upstairs. Once she
leaves, | look over at Leo who is standing firm in his position with a smile. He wore a very nice suit and a tie that
accented my dress perfectly,
“You look beautiful, Claire.” He says as he holds his hand out for me.
“Thank you! | saw the note you'd written for me? | say as | take his hand and allow him to
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Chapter 36: Claire’s POV
leadto the town car.
“Are you nervous?” He asks once we are on the way.
“I never thought this would be something that would happen to me. | feel like it's a honor to have been
nominated.” | say quietly as | recount how much | had gone through to get here.
“You always thought outside the box and were so innovative. It was only a matter of tuntil someone
recognized your brilliance.” He says as he puts his hand on my leg. The way his warm touch felt against my leg
remindedof how much | had missed from my marriage.
| watch out the window as we arrive
at the event and see the amount of
photographers We soaighn
shots ofihs Romihees nd socialites.
| Vualt for Leo as he opens the door
and holds out his hand for me. He
slowly escortsto the door as they
take pictures. He handled the ordeal
with poise, feeling proud to lead me
in.
As we enter, | am crowded by a
number of nominees and
professional gurus — Egan
and expregging neil p asure in
meeting me. They hadn't even
noticed the man in which my arm
was intwined with. Leo stood there
smiling and looking over atever
so often to ensure my safety. The
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“You're the center of attention tonight. Including mine.” He says as he bringsa glass of champagne. He holds
his glass higher for a cheers.
“To your success, your dreams and your happiness. I'm proud of you, Claire. And | love you.” He says this as he
looks directly into my eyes.
“Thank you. None of this would've been possible without your help. | owe my success to you. | say as we cheers.
Leo then gently leans over and places a kiss on my cheek.
Just as we find our seats, Leo tells
will be back shortly. | watch as Leo
aches stage|foldive His Speech
ahd Rote Row handshe looks.
His posture, his smile and the eye
contact he had reserved forafter
every few words. | watch as he
announced the winner of the award
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