˚°｡☆*.✧∘˚°｡✩Not going as expected.
After silently taunting the designers in the program. The organizer started to announce the award so slowly it was enough to make their power lips bleed out of nervousness.
Maybel she was calm right from the start and was also tensed up, why wouldn't she? She isn't after what all other people want, all she wants is a double victory, all she wants is to destroy Mariam Percey to a state where she would never be able to rise.
Who is she to appear out of nowhere and snatch her
stars.
Henry noticed her uneasiness and placed his palm on her head then patted her gently. She looked up and smiled. "Thank you."
His efforts were calming but it had no good effect, instead it was only making her more anxious. If she doesn't get this award, there is a chance Henry would go back to Mariam since she would have no befitting title.
She spared a glance at Mariam who was sitting not too far away, she could sense that burning defeat coming from her making her smirk deep down.
Now she's rest assured the award would definitely be hers again this time. Double league is one of a kind, she'll let the whole world know that she is exceptional.
Naomi opened a bottle of water and offered it to Mariam who wasn't even paying attention to her offer but the lips of the man on stage, curious of whose name was to come out next.
Mariam could feel her palms sweating as he stepped down from the stage. Her uneasiness leveled up, soon, the announcement she had been waiting for would be made.
Naomi also tensed up, she had been assisting Mariam all these while and knew fully well her works already reached its maximum just in two years. It was time to reap the fruit of her labour.
Maybel hugged Henry's arms tight, she didn't intend to make him see this anxious side of her but she couldn't hold it in anymore. Henry planted a kiss on her hair but it had no impact on her worries.
Gabriella glanced at K.K Bee and smirked. She knew both of them stood no chance in this so she hadn't been anticipating much but with K.K Bee's level of pride, she would still aim for the spot she couldn't reach, not this year at least.
"And finally, to the legend of the year, we have Layla Black! our topmost top Fashion legend is back from the resting phase!" Of every word he uttered, loud claps and screams resounded round the room.
Layla Black! Not even any one of them! Why was she here, no one even knew about her presence all this while. Thought she was diagnosed with amnesia, is she fine now? Is she healed already? So fast!
Layla Black, a perfect description for the phrase epitome of beauty, her golden sand skin glowed neatly and it fits perfectly with the brown flimsy dress she wore with matching golden six inches platform pump heels. She wore light makeup, barely visible but it still gave her a stand out beauty for the night.
She walked gracefully like the model she was and went forth to get her award, each of her steps echoed pride. She had no look of surprise or happiness on her face. She looked so neutral like she wasn't about to receive something huge which annoyed some of her colleagues greatly.
Just like the other two, she was given the award, a well sculptured golden structure with a dress imprinted on it, took multiple pictures and so many people shook hands with her, side hugs and kisses.
She left no word of appreciation or dedication before climbing down the stage. Two men in black joined her as she walked out of the hall, not having any plans of spending a minute in there again.
If only Maybel's head were an oven, she would have been puffing smokes right through her openings. Mariam was also shocked, all of a sudden, the award landed up in another person's hand. Someone they didn't expect to come back.
Only one thing was still keeping them composed which was the fact that the award got into none of their hands, it would have been a great slander to the other who hadn't.
"It isn't over yet, there's still two more awards to go, I'm sure your name will still appear." Nemah consoled her when he noticed her sour look. He barely knew what was going on.
Mariam simply nodded absentmindedly. She felt like breaking down again. Once AGAIN! AGAIN!! and AGAIN!!!, she lost. Not only did she lose Henry today but also, she lost the designer's award. How humiliating.
There was a thirty minute break, during this period. Models would have to get ready for their upcoming showcase. This was the only opportunity to receive the last three points for whoever wants to grab it.
All these months, she had been working so hard to grab the seven points as a model. Although she didn't know what point she had she knew it wasn't like cause she had made steady rise since the beginning of the year.
As Mariam stood up, she turned directly to face Henry pecking Maybel's face as she stood up. Her heart dropped again, why did she turn to face such a scene. Maybel sent a pleasing smirk.
Her gaze met with Henry's. There was a small smile on his lips, she eyed him before walking away. Naomi accompanied Mariam to her dressing room. Unfortunately Mariam was sharing the same dressing room with Maybel.
"Boss, you need to smile. Your expression is ruining everything and you know that's where the key point lies. " Naomi mumbled wisely not wanting to hit Mariam's nerve.
"Hmph! Only people who have lesser things to worry about would smile." Mabel spoke, shooting the two a victory smile.
Mariam who had planned from the start to stay quiet couldn't anymore. Her flare which was supposed to be directed to Naomi switched to Maybel.
"Dirty victory isn't worth being proud of Maybel Storms. You are being a low leveled British slave who knows nothing but to act cunning and try to steal the Queen's position." Mariam slammed cold. " Rest assured, I'm not worrying about you or your newly found boyfriend. I have better things to think about." This time around she gave a weak smile.
Maybel scoffed arrogantly before saying proudly. " I hope so." She walked slowly towards Mariam and whispered into her ear. " We'll see who the winner is this time around at least there's no surprise Layla Black, M.a.r.i.a.m. P.e.r.c.e.y." she said so slowly it made someone nearby get annoyed to the brim.
"Ma'ams, the show is about to start." A young lady informed us before taking her leave.
The two glared at each other for a while before turning to leave. Naomi let out a sigh of relief. Good thing the two are now separated.
In no time the show began and some were eliminated in the first few rounds. Changing dresses and adding expressions to match the theme all giving healthy vibes. At this moment, everyone with something to worry about kept it somewhere just to make it out if this successfully but a particular person couldn't which was indirectly motivating and inspiring another person.
On the other hand, the judges were noting the points down. This was an important time where everyone had to be focused just so the award wouldn't go into the wrong hands. After all, it was heading towards the end of the year already and their Beauty Queen must be elected as well.
The participants who qualified for the top three were announced and called up to the stage. There wasn't enough time to change so the three announced participants were only able to wear the dress of the last theme. "A summer bride"
"The top three who qualified for the awards are!" When the MC said this, everyone tensed up. K.K bee looked so expectant, her name should be called, she was so full of herself.
So many of them made silent prayers in their heads refusing to close their eyes as they found it as an insult to themselves. As time passed by the names were announced and these particular people had disappointed looks on their faces.
Finally, the Main coordinator of the day picked up the booklet and began to announce the judges final results. And once again, the award was taken from the least.
"The bronze award goes to Miss Percey!" Immediately he announced that, Maybel's lip broke into a huge smile that could easily be misquoted as a congratulatory smile. Applause filled the hall. "Miss Percey, congratulations on your win today." he congratulated her
Mariam faked a smile and accepted the hand shake. A lady came forward and presented the award to her then wore a slash for her.
Not much attention was spared on her as the silver prizes winner was announced. "The silver award goes to...."
Just a name and the final golden winner, queen beauty of the year would be announced. "Goes to Zendaya Brown! Miss Brown, congratulations on your win today."
The young lady had a blissful smile on her face.
Even before Maybel could be announced as the Golden Prize Winner, Henry Williams already stood up and walked up to the stage.
The award was handed over to him to be presented to her. Mariam felt like an abyss was suddenly shifted into her body. She turned to face another direction. She couldn't wait to get off the stage and find a lone time for herself where she would be able to let everything out and comfort herself in her own way.