Chapter 14: Error In Judgment

"So, you're a fashion designer now?" Sharon teased Lily.

"Well, not yet exactly. The audition was a month ago and the judges have to spend at least five weeks analyzing and examining our work in order to choose the five best," Lily informed.

"How exactly was the audition carried out?" Sharon inquired.

"Oh, it was so exciting, Sharon," Lily went to sit beside her, held her hands, and began to tell her everything.

"There were twenty of us there. We were put in a room filled with fabrics and embroidery and sewing machines. The judges gave us two hours to choose whatever fabrics we wanted and design an original piece, on the spot."

"Really? You all must have been under a lot of pressure?" Sharon said.

"Indeed we were, or at least I know I was. I was so nervous but I pushed on and I made my piece. We were told that the five best designers would be chosen to work in Paris alongside the newest and hottest fashion sensation, Coco Chanel in Moulins inside the most illustrious fashion house; Paul Pioret.

"She's the best designer in France and there have been rumours about her starting her own company and if those rumours are to be believed, I want to be a part of it. I do not doubt in my mind that she's the future of fashion," Lily explained.

"My gosh, Lily, all that sounds so exciting," Sharon added.

"Yes, it is, Sharon. I just hope the judges pick me,"

"Well, they'd be fools if they don't because you are by far the most amazing and talented person I know,"

"I've been dying from the wait. The chosen five will have letters of acceptance sent to them within the week and I've been checking my mailbox every day since the audition," Lily said.

"I am certain you'll get the opportunity," Sharon said.

"I really hope so. But enough about me, what's going on with you? What have you been up to? Tell me, tell me everything," Lily asked excitedly.

"Well, nothing as fancy as fashion. I'm a professional painter. After I finished university, I went back to painting full-time. It's my passion and I know it's what I was born to do so I went for it," Sharon said.

"How much are your paintings worth?"Lily asked.

"A lot actually. Hundreds of thousands of dollars. Addicus really gave me a platform for recognition and it's been great so far,"

Lily couldn't help but ask her friend how life with Addicus had been since her adoption.

"And how has he been with you?"

"Well, he was great. He's given me everything that I could possibly have needed or wanted. He's taken good care of me and for a long time, I felt really comfortable with him," Sharon said with indignation.

"Was?" Lily asked, already assessing that things were no longer the way they used to be.

"He's changed. He...likes me!"

"What do you mean he likes you?" Lily was unsure.

"He likes me. The way a man likes a woman. He wants to have a relationship with me. Not just any relationship, but marriage," she said.

"He asked you to marry him?" Lily was so surprised.

"Well, I wouldn't say ask, more like, demanded. But yes, he wants to marry me."

"Isn't that like...illegal? Isn't he technically your father by law? He did adopt you and take you in as his child, right?" Lily asked.

"Well, according to him. He didn't adopt me to be his child. He specifically stated in the adoption papers that he'd be responsible for me and take care of me but it didn't mention anything about me being his child or taking his last name. That means, by law, I can be married to him but I'm not sure that I want to," Sharon admitted.

"Why not?" Lily asked. "Is he old grey, and disgusting?"

"No. He's quite handsome actually. He's in his early-fifties and he still looks very young for his age,"

"Is he violent or abusive?"

"No, he's never been. He's always been kind and sweet,"

"Is he divorced?"

"No, he's never been married. Doesn't even have any children,"

"Are you already in love with someone else?"

"What? No! I've never even kissed a man. Well, except Addicus,"

Lily gasped in astonishment.

"You kissed him?"

"Well, he kissed me. I wasn't expecting it but he did," Sharon answered.

"Well then, what's the problem? Why haven't you said yes? Is it the age gap?"

"No, it's not that either. I...I just don't know,"

"Well, it sounds to me like he loves you so why not give him a chance? I know it's a bit weird but I think you should accept," Lily advised.

"You do?"

"Yes, I do. I think you'll be happy and content with him. He has never given you a reason to fear or hate him and he's never been married before which means he's serious about you and wants to spend what remains of his life with you," Lily said.

Sharon quickly thought about it and realized that her friend was right.

"Thank you, Lily. I think you're right. I think I should accept his proposal,"

"You don't have to thank me. You're more than just a friend to me. You're my sister and all I want is to see you happy after all you've gone through,"

They hugged each other again and they planned to meet up tomorrow.

**On her way back home, Sharon was feeling a lot better. All of her doubts about Addicus' proposal were clear now. She would say yes to him and give herself a chance to love him like he claimed to love her.**

She got to the mansion, stepped out of the car and went straight to his office to tell him about her decision.

Addicus was in a meeting with his attorney, Jacobos Winston. They were discussing his business and the little complications they were facing.

Sharon walked up to his door and as she was about to knock, she heard Addicus say a name.

**William Thompson** - Her father's name.

*Why was he talking about her father?* She wondered so she decided to find out by eavesdropping on his conversation.

**A decision that forever changed her entire life.