Page 88 of Sexted By a Stranger
After Lennox left, I continued handling documents while Sheila read magazines on the sofa. She got up to refill my tea, and we exchanged a glance before returning to our respective tasks.
Late at night, I closed the final document. Sheila had fallen asleep on the sofa. The magazine had slipped to the carpet, and she was curled sideways on the sofa, breathing evenly.
I walked over and carried her back to the bedroom. She hummed softly in my arms but didn't wake. I laid her down, tucked her in, then lay beside her, my arm encircling her waist. Her back pressed against my chest, her heartbeat gradually syncing with mine, her hair's fragrance seeping into my heart with each breath.
Chapter 28
Sheila
"The thorn elements on the necklace need modification." I pointed to the lines on the piece. "The curve here is too rounded—it lacks power. The ends need to be drawn tighter to make the lines more decisive."
George slowly moved his magnifying glass, carefully examining the area I'd indicated.
"Well," he mused, "indeed, this would better capture the Rebirth symbolism. But after the changes, the requirements for metal shaping and setting techniques will be much higher." He looked up. "Are you sure the structure around the main stone can handle it?"
"I've calculated it," I grabbed the blueprint, circling an area with my pencil. "The thorn base can be slightly thickened, the prongs designed more delicately, and we'll use high-strength platinum alloy for the material."
George bent his head again, taking up calipers to measure several key distances and angles on the blueprint. His brow furrowed in concentration.
"Structurally feasible. But the craftsmanship won't be easy."
"That's why I need you to handle the finishing, George."
"Understood." George's expression grew serious. "I'll refine the blueprints further."
I leaned in to work alongside George when the studio door suddenly swung open. Luca's tall figure appeared in the doorway.
"Quitting time, designer." He walked straight toward me, his hand settling on my waist. "Williams says you've been working overtime."
"I still want to adjust the cutting angle of the main stone…" I tried to negotiate.
"No." His tone brooked no argument, though his embrace remained gentle. "Your health and the baby's come first. Continue tomorrow."
George immediately took the hint, packing up his tools. "Sheila, Mr. Bellomo's right. Health comes first."
On the drive back to the estate, I reclined in the passenger seat, fingers tracing over the design sketches.
"Still thinking about details?" Luca covered my hand with his.
I turned my palm to intertwine our fingers. "Harper Hopkins is one of the judges. Last year, she eliminated a designer because their metal structure calculations were off by 0.3 millimeters."
Luca chuckled. "That 'Millimeter Lady'? When she sees how the thorns around the main stone will refract different light with the wearer's movement, I bet her calipers will hit the floor."
I couldn't help but laugh.
Luca always knew how to dissolve my anxiety.
"Sheila," his voice was steady, "this piece carries your soul—that unique depth and vitality is the most powerful impact of all. The judges will see it."
"You're right." I exhaled, my heart settling with certainty. "Competition ultimately comes down to skill. And I'm confident."
Three weeks flew by in intense refinement and anticipation. Finally, the glittering awards night at the New York Arts Center arrived.
"The winner of this year's design competition gold award is—" the host deliberately drew out the suspense, "Sheila Stella's 'Rebirth & Guardianship' collection. Let's give a round of applause to this incredibly talented designer."
Thunderous applause filled the hall as I took a deep breath and climbed the steps. This was the recognition I'd earned—the glory won through countless sleepless nights.
I stood before the display platform where my entire collection was magnified and projected on the backdrop screen. Gasps of admiration rippled through the audience.
