CHAPTER 3

AVA POV.

Five years later.

"The world's best fashion designer now goes to Miss Ava Collins!"

Five years of hard work had led to this moment. Now it was time to get the award.

As the announcer called my name, I got up from my seat slowly, smoothing out the red dress I was wearing.

The dress fit my body well, like a second skin. It was shaped like a mermaid, tight on top and flowing on the bottom. I was nervous but excited as I walked up to get my prize.

I stepped onto the stage in a daze, blinking against the spotlight that shone right in my face.

Hands slapped together over and over, making a resounding noise that got louder with each step I took toward the announcer.

I couldn't believe that one day such a large number of people would be cheering for me!

When I reached the podium, my eyes swept over the filled rows of seats.

I saw friends, as well as others who had competed against me.

Famous people from my field of work were also there. In total, there were over 500 pairs of hands clapping for me from all the filled seats.

Tears stung my eyes as I saw so many people there to celebrate my accomplishment.

The announcer smiled warmly and placed the gleaming trophy in my hands, which I reached out to accept.

The award plaque felt cold against my skin as I held it up high for everyone to see.

After working so hard for so many years, I was proud that my dream had come true.

As the clapping and cheers got louder all around me, I felt a tear roll down my face.

It left a warm, wet trail on my skin as it slid down my cheek. I smiled broadly through my watery gaze.

Gripping the plaque tightly, I gripped the microphone. "Thank you all for this honor." My voice cracked over the microphone. "I never dreamed when I started..." I trailed off, swallowing a sob.

I must admit, I never envisioned myself winning this. Despite working hard for it, the competition was fierce.

After a brief speech, I started walking down the stage.

My eyes scanned the auditorium as I paused, spotting my mentor, Mrs. Kugler, in the front row. Setting down the award, I hurried over to embrace her.

"Congratulations, my dear," Mrs. Kulger said warmly, opening her arms wide.

"I couldn't have done it without you," I murmured into her soft gray hair. I fell into the embrace, breathing in the familiar scent of jasmine.

Pulling back, I saw some of my smudged makeup had gotten onto her shirt. I laughed through my tears and used my fingers to wipe them off.

The weak and good-for-nothing Omega was now the best fashion designer in the world!

Mrs. Kulger's next words stole my breath. "You won't be working in this city anymore, my child. I've secured you a transfer to New York City, where a lot of wealthy socialites and top fashion designers are already expressing their interest in you. Some are even ready to sponsor you." She explained, cupping my cheeks.

"You see, I'm so proud of you because I know it isn't easy to be a single mother, juggling work and taking care of your children." She praised me, but for a moment, I couldn't help feeling sad for myself.

"I'm so proud of all you've achieved, despite the challenges life has thrown at you," she continued, her eyes shining with maternal love.

After my marriage ended, I was devastated and had almost no money left. But I was strong and decided not to stay down.

I used the little money I had saved from my allowance to travel out of the city and enroll myself in further studies on fashion design.

I signed up for classes at the top fashion school in town, wanting to learn from the best.

That's where I met my mentor, Mrs. Kulger. Right away, Mrs. Kulger saw my natural skills and how hard I worked to improve.

When Mrs. Kulger learned about my situation, she offered me significant financial assistance.

In return, I worked incredibly hard to repay her and make her proud of me. I succeeded in achieving that.

In just four years, I became the most sought-after fashion designer in Nero's city, with a large number of clients and students to coach.

I am grateful to the Moon Goddess and Mrs. Kulger for helping me accomplish this.

I said, "Thank you, Mrs. Kulger. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here."

As she placed her hands on my shoulders, I stepped back from the hug.

She looked at me earnestly and said, "Promise me one thing, Ava:

No matter what happens in life, don't let anyone destroy what you have built for yourself. This will be your last day in this city."

I nodded seriously and vowed to take her advice seriously.

It was her advice that led me to where I am now. Mrs. Kulger, who had experienced many things in her almost seventy years, felt like a mother to me.

As the event ended, I bid farewell to Mrs. Kulger. My car pulled over onto the sidewalk.

My driver, Elias, opened the door quickly with a smile.

When I sat down in the soft leather seats, I scrolled through the messages flooding my phone.

Students from all around the world said congratulations.

Some even sent me gifts to say thank you for teaching them.

One student sent drawings of her new clothing designs, which were inspired by the class I taught. I felt proud and happy about how much the students had learned.

The drive home passed in a blur. Before I knew it, Elias pulled into the circular drive of my waterfront manor.

As the twenty-foot iron gates parted silently, I saw the gatekeeper bow respectfully and wave in response.

Making my way inside, I opened the tall double doors and entered the grand entrance hall. The smell of lavender welcomed me from the sitting room.

I looked around at my accomplishments. Comparing this to where I started from, this luxurious house was a stark contrast.

"Welcome, mum!!!"

As soon as the doors shut, the voices of my twins echoed from the living room.

Kendall and Kenny ran over, wrapping their arms around my thighs in a hug. I smiled down at their beaming faces as all my worries went away.

I looked at my maid, Jane, as she bowed her head and smiled. She curtsied respectfully from the balcony above. "Congratulations, madam."

"Congratulations! We saw you on the television, Mom!" Kenny said, bouncing on his toes.

"You were crying like a baby when they called your name." Kendall giggled, and I couldn't help but join in their laughter.

Jane descended the stairs, a bouquet of roses in her hands. "Here's a small token for your victory," she said, smiling gently.

I accepted the flowers, inhaling their sweet scent. I put the flowers down, opened my arms, and gave Jane a big hug.

"I also got your text that you will be leaving this city, so I packed all your belongings with the kids'," Jane said, her eyes locked onto mine.

"And yours?" Interrupting her, I interjected with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

In response, Jane's eyes widened in astonishment. "I am coming with you!" she exclaimed as I nodded my head.

"Why not?" I muttered as I could see the happiness in her eyes. Then she bowed her head and rushed upstairs, and I assumed she was going to her room to pack her things.

I sighed and kneeled in front of Kendall and Kenny.

As I looked at my twins, I felt a familiar ache. Every time I gazed at Kenny, it was like I was looking at Mark because he was a copy and paste of him.

I couldn't hate my son because of that, right?

None of my kids even looked like me. At least Kendall was a mixture of both of us with some traces of my features, and they have the power of an alpha.

"You guys are ready for the flight, right?" I asked in a calm voice. They nodded in unison.

"Mum, I think New York City was your real hometown, right?" Kendall asked perceptively. I slightly nodded, wondering how they knew about it.

"That means we are going to see Daddy!" Kenny beamed joyfully. It then hit me with the realization that I'm getting transferred to the city where Mark is.

I looked at how happy my kids were. Kenny was the most stubborn, and he had been disturbing me about who his father was.

I gazed at them sadly. "I have been telling you both that your dad is dead, okay?" I emphasized seeking their attention. "He's gone, far away from you. But don't worry, mommy is here for you."

Observing Kenny's expression, it was evident that he didn't believe me. He let out a sigh and walked away, while Kendall tenderly placed her hands on my cheeks and planted a kiss on them.

"We will never abandon you, Mommy. Don't be scared, okay?" Kendall reassured me, her voice filled with love. I nodded, a smile gracing my face.

Despite Infinity Fashion World's company being located in the same city as Moonfall Pack, he would never discover the existence of my children.