Chapter 71

KIMBERLY’S POV Around me, the world dissolved into a haze of whispers, gasps, and the low drone of camera shutters snapping quickly one after other. The weight of a thousand eyes gazed upon me; their quiet admiration spoke louder than words could ever uttered. Next, The dam collapsed. A cycle of thunderous cheers swept around the hall, a tsunami crashing over me. The muffled voice of skepticism, the surprise gasps, and the frantic reporter chatter combined to create one frenzied shock symphony. Still, I gasped in surprise. It wasn't the clapping that had me paralyzed. It was dawning on me that, for the first time in my life, they were not merely seeing me. They were recognizing me. From the crowd somebody gasped, "Who did this? This is not simply another competition piece; this is art! “ Another voice full of confidence said, "It has to be Miss k's work. ” I steadied my heart rate, exhaled slowly as the unavoidable moment approached. Clear and strong, the voice of the host resounded fr