I stared at him in shock. He knew I had spent more than six months to prepare for this competition. I had sketched, revised even scrapped and started over to create the perfect submission.
All my friends said I was practically guaranteed to win this year.
"Shane, it’s okay! Don’t blame, Clara. Just take it as me being clumsy ... Ah!"
She struggled to get up but then she clutched her ankle in pain as she winced.
Shane immediately checked her injury and without hesitation, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her out of the hall in princess style. He was completely oblivious to the shocked gazes around them.
When I met my father’s gaze, I saw nothing but disappointment and anger in his eyes.
"Get out! Before my banquet starts, just get out! You’re an embarrassment!"
With that, he left as he wrapped onto my stepmother, who had just arrived.
Utterly defeated, I reached up to touch my swollen cheek and felt a slight dampness. It seemed her sharp nails had cut my skin.
I left the banquet and took a taxi to the hospital. On the way, I received a message from a friend. He was one of the judges for the competition.
"Samantha, what is going on? Shane had just called and withdrew your reward!" he asked.
I turned off my phone and closed my eyes in exhaustion.
Right at the entrance of the hospital building, I bumped into a doctor from the obstetrician and gynecologist department. He asked, "Miss Jenkins, what brings you to the hospital? Are you feeling unwell?"
I shook my head, trying to smile, but the motion pulled at the cut on my cheek.
You need to take care of yourself because you have a weak body. No stress, no late nights, okay?" he advised.
Just then, a commotion erupted nearby. I looked up and saw Shane anxiously dragging an emergency doctor over to check on Clara.
"I understand," I muttered.
“Where's the father? I still have some precautions to explain to him!” he inquired.
I instinctively touched my lower abdomen and glanced toward Shane, who was holding Clara so tenderly. A bitter smile curled my lips and I said hesitantly, "The child had no father. I'll give birth to it alone."
The doctor looked momentarily surprised but softened his tone. "Your health is fragile and the pregnancy is unstable. You must be careful."
"Doctor, I’ve already contacted the hospital at the Trifecta Country and arranged to deliver there. I’m leaving tomorrow."