When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese and Zacharias) novel Chapter 713

Jonathan didn't hand over the trophy immediately.

He held the trophy steady between them, leaned slightly forward, and moved the microphone closer to enhance the moment.

"First things first, congratulations to our champion. Three rounds, three wins. You were amazing out there."

His soft and steady voice resonated throughout the venue, radiating a calm authority that quieted the crowd and captivated them.

No one imagined someone so polished and reserved could sound so easygoing and playful. When he echoed the host, calling Anneliese "our champion," laughter rippled through the crowd. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted, gentle and sweet, tinged with surprising intimacy.

Online, the livestream burst into chaos. Screenshots flashed across timelines, comments poured in, and fans flooded the chat with capital letters.

When Jonathan finished, he turned to her. A blush spread across Anneliese's cheeks as she avoided his teasing eyes, sending him a subtle look that clearly meant "enough."

Only then did he finally offer her the trophy. As she reached for it, they both leaned in, their hands meeting. His fingers brushed hers, and he bent close enough to whisper in her ear, "Congratulations, honey. I'm proud of you."

A shiver ran up her spine as warmth spread from her cheeks and flowed down her neck.

Jonathan quickly withdrew, creating space immediately upon noticing her flustered response.

After stepping off the stage, Anneliese's phone kept buzzing with nonstop notifications. Alexander and several senior colleagues called in quick succession, their voices enthusiastic and praise-filled.

Alexander sounded especially pleased. He laughed loudly and remarked, "I knew you had it in you. That last solution was sharp. You opened a new angle on fixed-route optimization—something I hadn't even thought of. We'll tear it apart properly once you're back in the lab."

Anneliese laughed, nodded, and exchanged a few more words. When she raised her eyes, Jonathan stood waiting at the far end.

Jonathan headed toward her the instant he saw her. Anneliese smiled, finished her last congratulatory call from George, and tucked her phone out of sight.

"Tired?" he asked softly, as though the rest of the world had fallen quiet.

He smoothly took the trophy from her hands and replaced it with a bouquet of midnight velvet-colored roses.

"Flower?" She leaned in, inhaling their scent, her eyes rising to meet his with a smile.

Only after that did she regain her composure. She embraced him around the waist and leaned into his chest. Her voice became softer and warmer. "Thanks for the trophy. That old regret... It's gone now."

Jonathan puzzled. Then he understood.

Earlier that day, Anneliese encountered the dean of the College of Aerospace. She recalled missing Jonathan during the scholarship ceremony years ago—an unresolved, faint ache she could never fully let go of. Now, that moment replayed, but this time he was standing right here.

A sensation pulled at his chest as he gazed down at her, warmth shining in his eyes.

Of course, he understood. If that regret still mattered, it was because she had cared deeply about who he was at that time, too.

He smoothed a hand over her hair. "We just got lucky. Fate lined things up so I could see you like this—right at your brightest. So don't hang on to the past anymore, okay?"

Anneliese raised her head and looked into his eyes, quiet and resolute. "It's not that you saw a better version of me. Being with you is what made me better."

Jonathan smiled, the distance in his expression gone. "Same."