Chosen By My Mate's Father-in-law novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Dressed to Impress

It was the day of the award ceremony, an important day for me. I planned to arrive at the hall as early as possible. But Mindie had different opinions.

“You’re seriously wearing that?” Mindie asked, flopping onto her bed and popping a piece of gum into her mouth.

I looked down at my outfit—a plain cream blouse tucked into a black skirt. It looked safe and simple, something formal enough for an award ceremony. “What’s wrong with it?”

Mindie raised a brow. “Nothing, if it was just for class. But this is the award ceremony. People are gonna pull out all the stops.”

I frowned, smoothing my skirt. “It’s just a school event, Mindie. I’m not trying to win a fashion contest.”

She smirked. “Maybe you’re not. But trust me, half the girls are.”

I paused mid-brush as I tied my hair back. “Why?”

Mindie grinned, almost like she was enjoying dragging it out. “Because Gareth Laken’s coming.”

I blinked. “Wait,... what?”

“Yep. Heard it from someone in the student union. He’s actually showing up this year.”

My heart gave a weird little lurch. “But he never comes.”

Mindie shrugged. “First time for everything. Maybe he’s making an exception.”

I gave a little smile but shook my head. “It’s not that deep. It’s just a ceremony, and I’m not a guest of honor or anything.”

“Still," she said, eyeing my outfit. “You sure you don’t want to change?”

I glanced down at my outfit, simple, neat, not too flashy. “Nope. This is fine. I’m not trying to impress anyone. Gareth’s probably not even going to notice I’m there.”

Mindie raised her brow but didn’t push it.

We headed out to her car, Mindie chatting the whole way while I sat quietly, mentally preparing myself.

When we pulled into the university lot, I almost choked.

Girls were stepping out of sleek cars wearing glittering ball gowns, their makeup professionally done, hair twisted into elaborate styles. These are girls that men like Gareth looked at. It looked less like a prize ceremony and more like the entrance to some celebrity gala.

“What the hell?” I muttered.

Mindie burst out laughing. “Told you.”

“They look like they’re walking a red carpet!”

“They’re hoping to catch Gareth’s attention.”

I stared, feeling even more awkward in my plain skirt and secondhand shoes. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

“Nope.” Mindie chuckled. “But you’re the one getting the award. That’s what matters.”

I tried to nod, but my stomach twisted. I tugged nervously at the hem of my skirt.

“You’re acting like I already won,” I muttered, glancing sideways at her. “What if I don’t?”

Mindie rolled her eyes and gave me a gentle squeeze. “Please. You’ve been killing it all year. If anyone deserves it, it’s you.”

I bit my lip. “Yeah, but... Clarissa’s parents basically funded half the new building. And William’s family practically owns half the city. They’re gonna pick someone like them.”

“Listen to me, Jas. You’re smart, you’re hardworking, and you earned it. They can’t buy everything.” She retorted.

I stared at her for a moment, then gave a small smile. Mindie always had this way of making me feel like I wasn’t completely crazy for hoping.

“Thanks,” I said quietly.

She winked. “Don’t thank me yet. Thank me after you’re holding that big, shiny certificate.”

I laughed a little, my nerves easing just a bit.

Still, somewhere deep down, a different worry gnawed at me. I couldn’t help wondering... freeωebnovēl.c૦m

‘Was Gareth really coming?

‘And if he did—

‘Would he even see me?’

“Can we go already?” I sighed, grabbing my small bag. “Before I get the urge to fake a stomach ache and turn back.”

Mindie grabbed her phone and opened the car door. “If you chicken out, I swear I’ll drag you in there screaming.”

“Threat noted.”

By the time we pushed through the crowd toward the arena doors, the noise was growing louder with every step. I gripped the strap of my bag tightly, feeling ridiculously out of place among the sparkly gowns and sharp suits.

And then—

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