Chapter 28
When Riley left, she refused any farewell.[]
Nathaniel gave her his property in Switzerland and arranged to deposit money into her account monthly.
He couldn’t give her the role of partner, but he would provide everything a father or brother could.[]
Scarlett only learned of Riley’s departure a day later.]]
She received a text message from Riley’s international number:
[Thank you for looking after Nate these past days. The exhibition starts today–I’m sorry I can’t be there to see it. I hope you’ll continue to watch over both the exhibition and him. Thank you.]]]
Scarlett paused, sighing deeply. While she deeply sympathized with Riley’s situation, she couldn’t truly understand it.[]
The tragedy had trapped not only Nathaniel but Riley as well.[]
As an outsider, Scarlett couldn’t insert herself into this without justification. She could only wish Riley well in finding her own path forward.[]
Three days later, the exhibition opening ceremony arrived.[]
Despite whatever complications existed between her and Nathaniel, Scarlett still eagerly anticipated this exhibition.[]
Her dream jewelry showcase–the exhibition she had wanted to create but never could.
Looking at the exhibition’s theme, Scarlett suddenly felt a flash of recognition, as if she’d heard the name somewhere before, but couldn’t quite place it.[]
She pressed her lips together and entered the hall to check for any overlooked details before the opening. As soon as she stepped inside, all the lights in the exhibition hall illuminated.[]
Various colored gems refracted light onto the walls, as if she had entered a dreamlike, kaleidoscopic realm.]
Scarlett stood transfixed, staring at the largest display stand where a blue sapphire ring rested quietly in a velvet box.[]
She found herself walking toward it, examining it closely. The ring followed a design she had once created, but sadly never had time to complete due to her illness.
Scarlett stared at it, mesmerized. Behind her came steady footsteps.
Her heart seemed to skip a beat as Nathaniel’s gentle voice sounded in her ear: “Nine years ago, you told me that no matter who created all your designs, you would put on a wedding dress and marry them. Now I’ve made every piece from your design book. Will you… come back to me?“]
Scarlett froze. A sealed memory seemed to crack open slightly.[]
That was just after graduation, when she’d gone around with her portfolio being rejected everywhere. Returning home, she had vented to Nathaniel, who had simply smiled at her comment without saying anything. She never imagined he would carry those words in his heart for so many years.[]
The multicolored light seemed to block her throat. She opened her mouth but couldn’t make a sound.
Nathaniel continued, “The company was created for you. You said you wanted an amusement park that would stay open 24 hours just for you–I bought one. You said you wanted a theater where anyone could perform whatever they wanted–that’s possible now too. Everything you ever wished for, I can make it happen. So will you come back to me?]]
The ache in Scarletrs chest spread to her nose: She clenched her hand and said softly, “Mr. Blackwell, you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
She turned to face Nathaniel directly, forcing a smile. “I’m Willow Hart. The person in your heart died three years ago. Why do all this for a replacement?{}
She maintained her smile, but Nathaniel’s gaze remained deep and steady]
Then be curved his lips slightly, though his eyes seemed to be weeping. I wouldn’t mistake you 1
He reached out, his cool fingertips tracing her jewline as he whispered, I wouldn’t mistake you f
Schiet, from the first moment I saw you, I knew it was you who had returned.
Chapter 28
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