In My Desperate Time novel Chapter 201

The audience burst out in laughter.

I am unable to laugh.

I know that Frances is referring to me.

But in his announcement, he seems to suggest that he is so handsome that someone will become distracted. How shameless is that!

I glare at Frances and ignore him and lower my head to continue with my design.

The sightseeing these few days gave me some inspiration. The purpose of love is companionship.

That is why I want to design cufflinks.

Cufflinks must be the most intimate accessory for men.

As I start to sketch the outlines, Frances’ face becomes clearer in my mind.

The cufflinks are circular with black as a base color and sparkling starlight on the surface.

I draw a white Datura stramonium in the middle.

This flower represents hopeless love, like my love for Frances. Even if it is hopeless, even if it is unattainable, I want to use all the means to remain by his side.

These cufflinks are designed for Frances from me but he will never know that.

It takes me two hours to complete the draft but it seems to take my entire life’s strength. In the end, a teardrop trickle down my cheek as I place down the pencil.

I quickly wipe off the tear as I raise my head and see that Frances is looking at me.

Did he see me when I cried just now?

“Okay, time is up. Everyone please put down your pencils.”

Someone comes to collect the drawings and give it to the judges.

In order to prevent bias from the judges, the names are covered. I am exceedingly nervous as the judges are deliberating the designs.

All the participants are very accomplished and I’m not sure if I am able to get into the finals.

About half an hour later, the deliberations are complete and the six drafts are given to the host.

The host takes the drawings and removes the first label.

The first piece to enter the finals is a brooch. It is a local French designer Monica, who apparently is an acquaintance of Donny.

The second and the third items are all very impressive. My confidence starts to waiver.

The fourth is a watch designed by Nicole. The watch is very elegant with a ‘D’ character in the center. I’m sure it is the initials for Donny’s name. Needless for me to say how deeply Nicole feels for Donny.

The fifth item still isn’t mine. I start to become even more nervous.

Oh no, looks like I don’t have the chance to enter into the finals. All my dreams are dependent on this final step.

“Next, we’ll announce the final item to enter the finals. It is a design from a budding designer from China, Jane Noyes.”

I am stunned when I hear my name.

I look slowly towards the drawing that the host is holding and when I realize that it is my cufflinks design, I jump to my feet in excitement.

It is really my design! I am in the finals!

Whitney frowns when she hears that I am in the finals. Her gaze also turned cold. I become flustered and wonder if she is thinking of ways to influence my competition.

The finals is on tomorrow night. I leave the competition area and return to the hotel. Laying on the bed, I start to feel that the entire situation is so surreal.

It is so unexpected that I can enter the finals.

I am so excited that I can’t fall asleep and is about to ask Nicole if she wants to go out for supper.

Nicole rejects me for reasons of being on a diet. I am guessing that must be her excuse as she is feeling down.

I can only go on my own.

As I exit the hotel, Francis suddenly shouts, “Be careful!”