Unrequited Love

The Winner Of The Competition

“Are you going out looking like that?” Cassy asked when she saw her the following morning.

“What do you mean? You go out dressed like this all the time?” Mia shot back glaring at her.

“I’m Cassandra Milton and you’re Amelia Metcalfe! Major difference.” Cassy replied rolling her eyes.

“Well I’m changing my style! From now on this is how I’m dressing.” Mia said firmly. Cassy stepped closer and placed the back of her hand on Mia’s forehead then on her own.

“Your temperature seems fine. What could be causing-“

“Knock it off!” Mia snapped at her.

“Really Mia what’s up? This is so unlike you? Did someone make fun of you or the way you dress? Trust me they’re just jealous! You’re the best dressed girl on this campus!” Cassy asked looking concerned.

“Why would I care what others say or think about me?” Mia sneered looking at her.

“My thoughts exactly. I just .. anyways you’re still strikingly good looking even under-dressed like this.” Cassy said and Mia knew she was genuinely praising her. She gave Cassy a smile before heading out.

Mia headed out, she needed to buy new clothes. She was determined to change her image. She walked towards her rather blinding pink car and shook her head. Maybe this colour is too much. She’d have to talk to Jason about getting a new car, one less flashy. Mia got in her car and drove off to the mall. After spending hours shopping she came back looking dejected.

“I’ve never seen a female with a limitless black credit card coming back looking like that after a shopping spree!!” Cassy said tossing her a chilled bottle of her ‘imported mineral water’

“Ha-Ha funny!” Mia sighed heavily. “It was a disaster. I couldn’t find the right clothes. Everything looks ..” She thought for a second. “Everything looks stylish..”

“Maybe if I understood why you’re doing this I’d be able to help out. Amelia Metcalfe you’re gorgeous and have the best fashion sense ever why are you trying-“

“Never mind I’ll figure it out myself.” Mia said waving her off. “I’m tired I need to rest.”

She dragged herself towards her bedroom leaving Cassy’s mind buzzing with a million questions.

“Rich girl problems!” Cassy rolled her eyes. She suddenly remembers a package that came earlier for Mia. Mia reaoised it was the gift Jason had given her, she forgot it in his car last night. A Cartier diamond necklace. Later she received a message from Jason, he invited to dine with home that Friday.

Today they were hosting the business competition and Mia was excited. She had worked on her proposal for so long and only submitted it when she thought it looked good. She was feeling really confident about it and hoped she would win, she wanted Jason to be proud of her.

The students were seated and the judges were seated at a table facing them. Mia was happy to see Jason there but little did she know he was also a judge in the competition and he was also a sponsor for the competition.

“Before we announce the results for this years freshman business competition we would like to disqualify someone. Miss Amelia Metcalfe since your family and company sponsored the competition we here regret to inform you your entry has been disqualified.” The were murmuring among the students.

“Silence! Miss Metcalfe your entry was one of the best we received you could have won the competition but the rules clearly state since your father is one of the judges ..”

Mia felt her heartbreak into a million pieces but when she Zoeys smug face she wasn’t going to give the sense of satisfaction. She lifted her chin and forced a smile nodding at the emcee.

“Now moving on with the results of the completion:” the emcee opened an envelope he was holding and started reading the names of the winners.

“At number 3 we have Rosa Montgomery and she has won a year’s tuition fee fully paid as well as her residence.” A deafening applause followed. “And at number 2 we have Zoey Hawke and she has won two years of fully paid tuition.” Another deafening applause followed and Zoeys smug triumphant look. “And finally this years business freshman winner is Lucas Miller and he has won ..”

Mia stopped listening. How could she had not read the rules of the competition! She felt hurt and humiliated that she got disqualified in front of everybody like that.

“Princess are you ready to go?” Jason’s gentle voice brought her of her trance.

“Huh? Go where?” She asked as her dad led her to the car.

“We’re treating the participants to dinner and as one of the sponsors you need to attend. Weren’t you listening?” Jason looked at her and saw the sad look on her face. “Hey princess don’t be sad you didn’t win, that was a killer proposal if it weren’t for you being a sponsor and me the judge you would have won. Daddy is very proud of you. I knew you had in you but you surpassed my expectations.” Jason pulled her into a tight hug and Mia sobbed into his chest. “Daddy will give you your own reward okay? You don’t really need the scholarships right?”

Mia nodded her eyes red as she looked up at him. Jason wiped off her tears and gave her another hug.

“Is mom’s company also sponsoring the competition?” She asked.

“It’s your company now, you’re the company’s representative.” Jason informed her. “So what do want as your reward princess?” Mia’s face perked up.

“Two things, first I want you to stop calling me princess!” Jason laughed and she glared hard at him. “Secondly I want a new car. I’m so over pink I want something that screams business class and maturity.” Jason nodded and gave her a proud father’s look.

They arrived at the restaurant and Jason walked her into the restaurant where others were already waiting for them. The restaurant had organized a long table to fit all of them and Jason and Mia's spots were reserved.

“Great Mr Metcalfe is here, “ the business faculty dean said chuckling softly. “Would you like to say a few words to the students.” Jason smiled nodding politely.

“Students you’ve all performed outstanding that’s why you’re all here. The business world is very competitive and competion can sometimes can bring out the worse in people .. but don’t lose yourselves trying to win. Play fair and hard to reach your dreams and remember to always stay true to who you are.” A round of applause followed and Jason sat down.