Simulated Love (2024)

Chapter 23 Continued...

The auditorium buzzed with anticipation. There were so many good games that had been presented that night, but there was only one winner who got to take it all.

I stood by Chase, holding his sweaty hands as the host stepped to the podium.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the host announced, "the votes are in and I have a winner in this envelope. But before I reveal the winners. I would like to start off by letting everyone know that making a game within three weeks is not easy work but you all did it and did a damn good job at it. I hope to see all of these projects finished and ready to play soon. Let's all give a round of applause for the contestants here."

The crowd clapped for us. All except Dean. Seeing his sour expression tickled me.

"And now is time to reveal the winner of this year's Global Game X competition," the host said before neatly opening the envelope. "And the winning game is...Heart's Aligned by Elijah and Chase winning fans and judges votes!"

The screen flickered, revealing our game. The applause erupted, drowning out any thought I could possibly have had.

Chase's eyes shot open as he looked at me. "We did it."

I was too fucking stunned to speak, but the accolades didn't stop there. The judges shared that we had won best graphics, best soundtrack, and best overall game.

My parents cheered. Chase's Aunt waved her VIP pass like a victory flag while his cousin jumped up and down.

The judges stood, clapping with smiles on all their once stern faces.

The trophy in my hands felt heavy, but Chase's hug felt heavier as he threw his entire body into mine as we hugged tightly. 

After the standing ovation, we went back to the lounge. Everyone congratulated me and Chase on winning. Chase earned a lot of new fans of his own as he was praised for his amazing work.

Maggie called me screaming in my ear.

"Congratulations! Oh my fucking god! Y'all ate that shit up! I was screaming at the TV, crying! Come home quick so we can celebrate!"

I was smiling so hard my cheeks were hurting. "Thank you so much and I will be there soon. Don't start partying without me."

"Period! Dean can suck a fat one."

"Speaking of the devil," I said.

Dean approached me with his beet red face. "That wasn't what I asked for. How selfish could you be? I give you a huge opportunity and ask for one thing and you couldn't even do that for me."

"Nope, because I quit. Good luck with the popularity without me and Maggie."

"Mwuah, flop company," Maggie said through the phone.

Dean couldn't say anything, so instead, he stormed off.

Once we all left from the lounge, we met up with our family who congratulated us. While Chase spoke with his family, I spoke with mine.

"That was such a good first episode," my dad said. "Everything about it was perfect. The people sitting next to me was talking about how they wanted to play next." My dad laughed. "They weren't very happy with the judge's route with friends to lover."

"I was confused about why she chose that trope too when enemies to lover is the obvious choice."

My momma hugged me. "You did so good. I'm so proud of you," she said.

That was probably better than hearing the host announce my victory.

"You and Chase are so talented. I'm sorry for not being more supportive."

"It's okay. All that matters is that you're here now."

"We have to go get some dinner. It'll be on us and invite Chase and his family."

"Sounds good to me."

I walked over to Chase who was having a conversation with his family.

"Hey, Chase. Would you and your family like to join us for dinner? My parents said they'll pay for us."

Chase looked back at his Aunt, and cousin. They both nodded with smiles. Then he turned to me with his cute ass smile. "Of course." He leaned in closer to me. "Any time I get to spend with you, I'll take it."

His cuteness was so annoying. It was so easy for him to make me smile like a fucking idiot.