Abandoned by All I Took It All Back novel Chapter 183

Two weeks later, the day of the awards ceremony arrived.

Janina was six months pregnant.

She ran into her university mentor, Professor Merrick, backstage.

"Professor Merrick, it's good to see you!"

Janina approached him warmly.

She had always been grateful to him. He was the one who had discovered her talent. Without him, she would never have been able to compete in that international competition abroad.

Professor Merrick was delighted to see his former star student. His gaze softened as it rested on her slightly rounded belly.

His usually stern face broke into a rare, gentle smile.

"Janina, congratulations. You're going to be a mother," Professor Merrick said, his voice warmer than usual.

"Your talent shouldn't be wasted. I knew that if you entered, you'd be the champion," he added, unable to hide his admiration.

Professor Merrick knew about Janina's divorce, but as a mentor, he felt it wasn't his place to pry into her personal life.

The best he could do was offer his blessings.

The competition had spanned nearly four months, from the preliminary rounds to the finals, a sign of its high standards.

She must be in dire need of money to be competing while pregnant, he thought.

Janina had no idea so many thoughts had crossed his mind in just a few seconds.

She was taking this competition very seriously. Many international designers were participating, and Professor Merrick's words clearly implied that the championship was hers.

Although the ceremony was in the afternoon, the results had been decided that morning.

Replies came in quickly.

Maggie: [OMG! I knew our Nina was the best! I wish I could get away, I'd fly over right now to see you get your award!]

Melody: [Ahhh! I just saw this during a break on set! Nina, you're amazing! We have to celebrate properly after I wrap this short series!]

Wendy: [Congrats, Nina! I'm... ugh, dealing with a ton of family drama. Your good news is the first thing that's made me smile today.]

Janina knew her three best friends were all busy.

Maggie was handling a major project and working overtime every day.

After the whole Yates Gisborne scandal, Melody Leigh's career had taken off. She was getting more roles, and several directors had approached her for lead parts in short dramas. Her schedule was packed for the next month.

Wendy Clifford was having a rough time. Her parents were in the hospital, and her disobedient brother had racked up a massive gambling debt.