e bustling event's pandemonium, the gala's hum was like white

tle clink of champagne glasses. She grounded herself in the cool stone as she lean

of strain from tightening in her chest, her dress, which was mi

la provided the ideal setting for networking wi

ly had never felt more confined by the metropolis of Chicago, with all its flashing lights and tall skyscrapers. Here, in

Richard. Despite her best efforts to put the past behind her, she was unable to avoid him. No a

m, engaged in conversation with a group of powerful persons. He was standing straight, his sharp jawline set

always exuded power. She had falle

either. She hadn't quite realised the extent of the scars caused by the betrayal and the increasing se

heard a conversation going on nearby as she stood there, lost in her thoughts. Richard's accomplishments, his success with Wellington Enterpr

nwavering work ethic and how his commitment to business distinguished him from others

d. What a visionary. A stab of pain went through Lily's chest. It fe

hwhile? He had assured her years before that all he did was f

er because she had given up too much for him. Lily made herself turn aside,

ad established herself in the design industry. Although she was ple

he atmosphere like a razor, breaking her reverie. "Still as lost in your thoughts as I remember, Lily

surrounded her face like an ethereal halo, and her mischievous icy blue eyes shone. She was a

e she knew was imminent. Gabrielle approached slowly while maintaining eye contact with Lily. "Lily,

etested how the words lingered in the air, stinging her and serving

er smile, Gabrielle had a menacing look in her eyes. "Well, I'm not entirely sure. Richard remembers the importan

mpted to dispel the uneasiness that was beginning to creep up her back. She forced a grin as she said, "I think you've misunderstood." "But thank you for the...

la, replete with laughing and noise, suddenly felt like a silent battleground. After their brief, almost unpleasant encounter,

Lily. She had been his other half, his anchor, and his equal. His biggest failing in life had been losing her. Alth

d Richard was determined not to let this opportunity pass him by. He saw her standing close to the corner of the room, deep in meditation. His heart ached a

addition to the walls she had meticulously erected between them, he noticed the glimmer of familiarity. "Lily," he replied quietly, h

"What's on your mind?" Richard guided her away from the crowds of guests to a more peaceful area of the room. As they

ndertaken is the one I have. I need the design to be handled by someone I can trust. You're the greatest in the city, too." She could tell he meant what he was saying since it was genuine.

racing. It was the much-needed confirmation and the break she had been yearning for

te the fact that she felt like she was being dragged in all directions. Richard looked into her eyes and nodded. "I'm hop

with uncertainty and bewilderment, and she had no idea how long she had been gazing at the luminous skyline

ad said. This might make all the difference in your life. She only needed to hear that. It was her

n everything they had lost, could she possibly collaborate with him once more? She looked at her cell. Bernard'

words still ringing in her head, Lily closed her eyes. He was correct. She had made such

nclose her. She hesitated when Bernard's name came up on the screen once more. She was unsure about w

eopardise her tranquility for something that might not be worth a second opportunity. Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, she inhaled deepl