The Cooking Contest

"And the winner of this cooking competition is none other than… Lila Manchester!" The anchor's voice rang out in the large hall full of expectant and ready people.

The spectators broke out in a large uproar. While some were indeed happy that their endeared and beloved Lila and her team had won the cooking contest, others were murmuring , unable to comprehend the fact that a young newcomer like Lila could actually win a contest that many other popular and talented chefs were competing for.

Many conversations were going on in the audience, while some only had positive comments, others were downright negative.

"She deserves it," said an old man in the crowd. "Her dedication and passion for cooking are inspiring. She's a true artist in the kitchen."

Another woman turned to her daughter and said, "You know, sweetie, chef Lila's success is not just about her cooking skills. It's about her perseverance and hard work. She's a great role model for young people like you."

A young lady was fawning over her as she recorded a live video, "This is beauty with brains fans. Chef Lila is a true icon in the culinary world. I don't know about you, but I aspire to be like her, to combine my passion for cooking with my creativity and flair."

However, not everyone was pleased with Lila's win. Some netizens took to social media to express their skepticism, suggesting that Lila's beauty and charm had won over the judges rather than her cooking skills.

But others quickly came to Lila's defense, pointing out her impressive culinary credentials and the hard work she had put into her craft.

"Lila's win is well-deserved," said one commenter. "She's a talented chef who has worked tirelessly to hone her skills. Her beauty is just an added bonus."

Another commenter added, "It's sad that people are still doubting Lila's abilities based on her appearance. She's proven herself to be a skilled chef, and her win is just proof of her hard work and dedication."

The conversation shifted from speculation and negativity to a celebration of Lila's achievements and a discussion of the importance of hard work, dedication, and passion in achieving success.

The chef of the hour, Lila was standing in a total daze, unable to believe that she was truly the winner of the biggest cooking competition in Texas, America.

Lila stood in stunned silence, her eyes fixed on the anchor's lips as if trying to convince herself that the words she had heard were real. "And the winner of the Gifted Hands cooking contest is none other than... Lila!"

Danielle's pinch jolted her back to reality. "Come on, Lila! This is real!" Danielle exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement.

Lila's gaze shifted to her team of five, who were cheering and hugging each other. She beamed with pride, her heart swelling with joy. "We did it!" she whispered more to herself than anyone else, her voice barely audible over the din.

Danielle of course understood the reason for her surprise, she quickly pulled on Lila to join the team's celebration, they enveloped her in a group hug, showering her with congratulations and praise. "You deserve it, Lila! You're the best!" "We're so proud of you!" "You've made us all shine!" came their congratulations from different angles.

The anchor's voice cut through the commotion. "Our lovely winner, Lila, would like to say a few words to our audience."

Lila's eyes widened in reluctance as Danielle nudged her forward. "Go, girl! Make us proud!" she whispered, pushing Lila towards the microphone held out to her.

Lila's hands trembled, her eyes beginning to water while she blinked it back, as she approached the podium. "Wow... just... wow," she began, her voice shaking. "I... I don't know what to say. This is surreal."

Axel, the CEO of the Roberts group, stepped forward with a warm smile as he shook her hand warmly. "Lila, your talent and dedication have earned you this moment. Congratulations!"

As he presented her with the glass award, Lila passed the microphone back to the anchor as she received the glass award with both hands afraid it would break, her eyes welling up with tears. "Thank you... thank you so much. This means everything to me."

The anchor's voice brought her back to the moment. "So would you please share with us, how do you feel about being our champion, Lila?" he asked, his microphone extended.

Lila beamed a radiant smile glancing at her teammates who cheered her on, some of them getting emotional. "Anyone in this position would feel happy and elated! I'm over the moon!"

But the anchor probed further, a gentle smile on his face. "Would you like to say something to our spectators, Chef Lila?"

Lila's gaze locked onto the camera. "Thank you to everyone who watched the contest here in this hall and those watching from home. Your support means the world to me." Her voice cracked, the tears she had tried to keep at bay now forcing its way out as she continued. "This award is dedicated to my late mom, Elizabeth. She inspired me to pursue my passion until her passing. I wish she were here to see this moment."

The crowd became a little silent for a while before they resumed, murmuring in sympathy, some genuinely moved by her words while others thought she was seeking sympathy.

Undeterred, Lila smiled through her tears. "Special thanks to my soul sister, Danielle, and my amazing team members, Cora, Kelvin, Jeniffer, Cassandra and Layla. It would be a sin not to mention you all because the truth is while I might have been the face of the team, your support, patience, and encouragement have been invaluable in this victory. I love you all!"

As she dropped the microphone and returned to her team, all of them emotional as they engaged in a group hug, the anchor's voice filled the hall once more. "What a wonderful speech from our Award-winning chef, Chef Lila! She's not only talented but also gorgeous – a true wife material!"

The audience chuckled, and the anchor concluded, "Now that's a wrap for the seventh edition of The Gifted Hands. Congratulations again, Chef Lila! To our other contestants, there's always next year. Until we meet again, I'm Jackson Green."

****

Backstage, the team swarmed around Lila, showering her with praise. "Our team leader is so humble and kind, I can't believe she mentioned us in her speech!" Cora gushed, happiness evident on her face as she gently pushed back Lila's hair.

Kelvin, the only male in the team, grinned at Cora's action, winking at Lila. "And she's taking us on vacation with her after she receives her prize! We're so lucky to have her as our leader."

“I am?” Lila asked, surprised because she never mentioned it.

“Yes you are now,”Kelvin asserted, playfully staring at her trying to pass a message with his eyes.

Lila burst out in laughter, understanding Kelvin's hidden request, “Sure I'll do just that, You'll have your holiday. You guys are the best team ever of course! I'm so grateful for your support and hard work."

Her eyes glistened with tears in no time as she reminisced on how she had gotten to her current point, running her finger slowly through the glass award.

Danielle's voice snapped her out of her daze. "Lila, are you with us? We were discussing dinner plans."

Lila looked around, confused for a second. "Oh, sorry... what did I miss?"

Danielle smiled sweetly, grabbing Lila's hands with both hers as she explained patiently. "I was thinking maybe we should treat everyone to dinner. What do you think?"

The team looked at her expectantly, and Lila nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! What time works for everyone?"

"8 pm," Cassandra spoke, her voice soft but firm. It was surprising though because she barely spoke and she was certainly not the enthusiastic type.

"Agreed!" Jennifer chimed in immediately, turning to give her a toothy grin.

"Great! See you all then at 8 pm at Ninfa's on Navigation!" Lila exclaimed, as the team erupted in cheers and jubilation.

“Guys please let's pack up. The earlier we leave here, the earlier our dinner party holds,” Danielle said, leaving the team as they scrambled to gather their belongings.

“Hey Lila, can I see you privately… outside.” Danielle asked but technically she was basically telling me what to do because she soon whisked me out the door, pulling my hand as I clutched my award tightly.

"Danielle, slow down! I'm not sure how much more of this I can take," Lila laughed, trying to pull her hand free.

"Sorry, sorry! I'm just so excited! We're finally going to celebrate!" Danielle exclaimed, barely slowing her pace.

Lila had only turn behind her for a second and when she turned to look straight on, she collided with a tall figure who was just coming from inside the office and had no expected to clash into anyone.

Ouch!

"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Lila apologized, as the man caught her by the elbow to steady her, Danielle letting go of her hand as she realized who it was.

"It's okay, I'm fine," Axel replied, his deep voice calm and collected. "But you might want to slow down on where you're going… next time."

Lila smiled sheepishly hugging the award to her chest while Axel merely glanced at the award and then back at her face. "I know, I'm just a bit… distracted."

“I have work to do, congratulations once again,” he said, turning to go with his assistant behind him.

Danielle immediately pulled her along once again and she followed, unaware that her mother's bracelet had now latched onto Axel's suit.