Chapter 13 - THE WOMAN WHO CHOSE HERSELF
Six months later, Laurel received an unexpected invitation.
The Chicago Hospitality Leadership Awards wanted to honor her for innovation in event management.
She stared at the email.
Then called June.
“Are you sitting down?”
June laughed.
“Should I be?”
Laurel smiled.
“I've been nominated.”
June screamed.
Laurel laughed.
Then cried.
For years, Preston had made her feel that her work was small.
That her ambitions were ordinary.
That her achievements were insignificant beside his.
Now the industry she'd devoted her life to was recognizing her.
Not because of Elias.
Not because of Northline.
Because of what she'd built.
On the night of the ceremony, Laurel wore a deep emerald gown.
Elias stood beside her.
He looked at her.
“You're beautiful.”
She smiled.
“Thank you.”
He leaned closer.
“And brilliant.”
She laughed.
“Careful. You're making me arrogant.”
He smiled.
“Good.”
When Laurel's name was announced, the room erupted.
She walked onto the stage.
Accepted the award.
And looked out at the audience.
Elias stood applauding.
June was crying.
Several members of her team cheered.
Laurel took a breath.
Then spoke.
“For a long time, I believed success meant proving someone else wrong.”
The room quieted.
She smiled.
“But I've learned something.”
She looked toward her team.
“Success is building a life you don't need anyone's permission to love.”
May you like
The applause was thunderous.
And Laurel knew she meant every word.
