chapter 9
1235 Words
The town hall courtyard buzzed with excitement. Cameras flashed from every direction as Vicky stepped outside, still shocked by everything that had happened that day. The moment the paparazzi spotted her, they rushed forward, surrounding her in a bright circle of lights and microphones.
The narrator’s voice could have described her perfectly: Vicky was overwhelmed—but genuinely happy.
One of the paparazzi leaned forward.
“Miss Vicky, please tell us… how do you feel today about what happened?”
Vicky took a slow breath. Her smile was warm, sincere.
“Well,” she began, “to be honest, I’m very happy. I never expected this to happen. First, I give all the glory to God. And secondly, to Mr. Honesty—he has been a great help, one of my strongest backbones. I truly appreciate him. Thank you… sincerely.”
The reporters murmured among themselves, impressed by her humility. One of them chuckled lightly and said:
“Well, it’s good to be in your world then.”
He smiled, and others joined him.
Surrounded by flashing cameras and cheerful faces, Vicky felt her heart swell. She had stepped out of the town hall as an ordinary woman, but the love and attention surrounding her made her feel like she had stepped into a new chapter of her life—one filled with gratitude, hope, and unexpected joy.
The evening news played softly in Evans’ dim apartment. He sat on the edge of his bed, phone in hand, scrolling aimlessly until a headline caught his eye.
He froze.
Vicky? That same quiet girl he never took seriously? His eyebrows rose as the reporter detailed her victory, showing clips of her surrounded by paparazzi, smiling brightly.
Evans sank back into his chair, stunned.
“She really did it,” he whispered. “She actually made it… and won the first prize.”
A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. Maybe I still have a chance with her, he thought, suddenly energized by the news.
The atmosphere in Vicky’s apartment was the complete opposite — loud, warm, and full of laughter. The room glowed from soft lights and the reflection of the golden trophy sitting proudly on the center table.
Sugar lifted her glass dramatically.
“Baby, you made it! I’m so, so happy for you!”
Vicky smiled, holding her trophy with both hands as though it might slip away if she let go.
“Thank you, love.”
Sophia grinned and nudged her.
“I’m proud of you, girl. You made it to the top two, you got your own apartment, and I just hope you won’t forget us now that you’re a superstar.”
Vicky rolled her eyes and tossed a pillow at her.
“Come on, girls. You know me better than that.”
Sugar leaned forward, playful curiosity lighting up her face.
“Alright then… tell us. What are you going to do with the trophy?”
Vicky sighed, tracing a finger along the shiny surface.
“To be honest… I’m giving it to Honesty. He deserves it more than I do.”
“What? No!” Sophia shouted. “You won it yourself!”
“But he helped me,” Vicky murmured. “He made me do it. I wouldn’t have reached this point without him.”
Sugar nodded gently.
“She’s right, Sophia. And you—” she pointed her glass at Vicky “—need to stop overthinking everything. Just breathe, enjoy the moment.”
Sophia exhaled, surrendering.
“Fine. So tell me then, when are you moving in here fully?”
“Next week,” Vicky replied with a shy smile. “The contract starts then.”
“Great!” Sophia clapped her hands. “So girl, let’s celebrate properly this weekend!”
Vicky laughed.
“Yes, dear.”
The three girls sat closer, the room filled with the warmth of friendship. Vicky leaned back into the couch, happiness glowing on her face.
Sugar smiled at her.
“Same here. I’m truly happy for you.”
In that moment — trophy in her lap, friends by her side, and a brand-new chapter ahead — Vicky felt a peace she had never known before.
Little did she know that somewhere across town, Evans was staring at the same news report, imagining his way back into her life.
Honesty sat quietly on his couch, scrolling through messages on his phone when a soft knock sounded at his door. He wasn’t expecting anyone. For a moment, he hesitated, then stood up and opened it.
Vicky stood there.
She held her trophy in her hands, almost nervously. Her eyes lifted to meet his.
“Hi, handsome,” she said with a shy smile.
Honesty blinked in surprise before stepping aside. “Hey… come in. How are you? I didn’t expect you.”
“I’m good,” Vicky replied, stepping inside. “I just… I came to see you.”
Honesty’s eyes dropped to the trophy in her hands. “Why are you carrying that?”
She swallowed. “I came here to give it to you.”
“To me?” His eyebrows rose. “Vicky, what happened?”
“Nothing happened. I just…” She looked at him sincerely. “You deserve it. You made me who I am today. And I’m so grateful.”
Honesty shook his head immediately. “Vicky, no. Thanking me is enough. I couldn’t ask for more. Please, just keep the trophy. I really appreciate what you did today, but it’s yours.”
She smiled softly. “Thank you once again.”
For a moment, the room went quiet. Honesty rubbed his hands together nervously.
“Listen,” he said finally. “I wanted to call you before you came, but—I didn’t know how to say this. I think… I should try my luck.”
Vicky’s expression softened. “Tell me. What is it?”
Honesty took a breath that trembled slightly. “Vicky… I’m in love with you.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
“Yes,” he continued, voice low but steady. “Ever since I met you, I haven’t been able to sleep. I think about you all the time. It was hard for me to admit, but… I needed to tell you how I feel today.”
Vicky stared at him, shocked but touched. “Why today?”
“Because,” he said, “I finally gathered enough courage. I didn’t want to lose the chance. I was scared that you would leave me behind… or forget me. Please, Vicky—accept me.”
His voice cracked slightly on the last words.
Vicky stepped closer, her eyes soft and warm. “Love… I’m in love with you too. I was waiting for you to make a move. But yes—I accept.”
Honesty released a breath he didn’t even know he was holding. He pulled her into a tight, emotional hug.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you too,” she laughed softly. “Now stop being dramatic and tell me—what are you up to today?”
Honesty pulled back, a playful smile breaking through his nerves.
“Well,” he said, “I think we’re having dinner together tonight.”
They both laughed, the tension melting instantly.
For the first time, everything between them felt easy, honest, and right.
- Writer
