Chapter 1118
Chapter 1118:
“You…” Annabel understood the moment she saw the roses, but she was too overwhelmed to find the words.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Rupert said with a smile as he turned to the audience. “Leo—also known as Annabel Hewitt—is my fiancée. I apologize for not being here for the competition until now, but I wanted to do something more important and more special for her today p>
Then he turned back to Annabel, dropped to one knee, and offered her the bouquet.
“Annabel, I know today is a special day for you, and this is something I planned a long time ago. We’ve been through so much together. I fell in love with you, and I’ve never once considered living without you. Now I want to ask you… Annabel, will you marry me p>
Annabel had expected him to do something memorable—especially since he was dressed so formally—but she never imagined he would propose.
She blinked, looking down at him as he stared up at her with open, earnest anticipation. Then her lips parted into a smile.
She didn’t like making her private life public, but she wasn’t afraid of creating something unforgettable with him. After all they had endured together, this moment felt deserved.
Annabel nodded, her voice soft but unwavering. “Yes p>
The crowd erupted into cheers, offering sincere congratulations. Cameras clicked nonstop as reporters captured the romantic proposal.
Rupert rose with a warm smile and wrapped Annabel in a tight embrace. A few seconds later, he released her, and they laced their fingers together, hand in hand. Holding the roses, Annabel bowed to the crowd.
Pain was never worth mentioning in front of happy people—especially when only one person was suffering. In that case, the pain could swell without limit, just like Susan’s rage in that moment.
Panic had struck the instant Susan heard she had been disqualified. Just as she forced herself to steady her breathing, she watched Annabel step onto the stage to accept the prize. Susan ground her teeth, staring at her with pure resentment. She was convinced the trophy should have been hers.
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“Leo, you set me up,” she muttered.
By the time Annabel and Rupert left the venue together, it was already six in the evening. As they headed toward the parking lot, Susan appeared out of nowhere and glared at Annabel with venom.
“Leo—no, Annabel! Why did you frame me? That trophy you’re holding belongs to me p>
Her voice grew shrill and uncontrollable, twisting her once-pretty face into something fierce and ugly. Passersby slowed to watch the scene unfold. Rupert’s expression hardened as he stepped forward instinctively, shielding Annabel with one arm.
Annabel frowned, disgust rising in her chest. She hadn’t expected Susan’s obsession to drive her into illegal acts.
She tugged lightly at Rupert’s sleeve, signaling him not to worry. Then she stepped forward, narrowed her eyes at Susan, and said, “You’re the one who tried to set me up, Susan. We’re both designers. If you had competed fairly, I would have considered you a worthy opponent. But what you’ve done has made me lose all respect for you. And just so you know, plagiarizing someone else’s work is illegal in France p>