Life had always pulled me away from my passion for design—family came first, and I was fine with that. But at 60, I decided to chase it again, entering a contest with a project built from my son Max’s old flower drawings. Making the finals felt like a win already.
I shared the news with Max over dinner, and he grinned. “Mom, that’s huge! You sure you’re up for it?” I laughed off my jitters, and he dragged me shopping for a killer outfit, hinting he needed a ring for his girlfriend too.
Shopping together was a blast—me for my big day, him for a proposal. I was overjoyed imagining his future while I geared up to present my mix of Max’s sketches and trendy design twists.
The competition was in a fancy office filled with young talent. I caught a snide look from a woman with bright hair, but I brushed it off. My turn came, and I showed off my work—floral patterns tied to my son’s past—and the crowd seemed to love it.
Then the chic director stepped up. She complimented the projects but paused on me. “Ellen, your designs are great,” she said with a smirk, “but this field thrives on youth.” A few giggles stung as she passed me over for the win.
I was still reeling the next day when Max brought his fiancée, Sophie, to dinner. My jaw dropped—she was the director. “Ellen, so nice to meet you!” she gushed, all smiles, pretending nothing had happened.
I stayed cool for Max’s sake. He asked about the contest, and I said, “Still waiting to hear,” staring Sophie down. Alone, she muttered, “Say nothing, and I’ll hook you up.” I agreed—if she’d treat me right.
Dinner was smooth, but I wasn’t shocked when my project disappeared from my desk later. At their engagement bash, Sophie flaunted “her” success—my stolen work. Max spotted it, saying, “Mom, that’s yours, right?”
I confirmed it. “She mocked me, then swiped it,” I told him. Sophie floundered, claiming she’d share credit later, but Max snapped, “You betrayed my mom—and me. It’s over.” She bolted, humiliated.
Max and I grabbed cake and hit the park, laughing like kids. The job slipped away, but I held my head high. With Max by my side, I’d won what mattered most.
