Chapter 2

1

"Lyra Sterling, do you really have to make things difficult for me today?"

My eyes fell on his hand, which was tightly interlaced with Maisie's. They were wearing the Eternal series rings.

I spent three months obsessing over those design sketches. I personally supervised the master jewelers as they carved every single detail.

I had fantasized a thousand times about Silas sliding that ring onto my finger.

He noticed my gaze and immediately let go of Maisie's hand.

"I just let her borrow it to fulfill her mother's wish. Can't you be a little more mature for once?"

Ten years ago, I turned down a full scholarship to Central Saint Martins for him.

Back then, Silas was a nobody. We shared a single, rusted sewing machine in a damp basement apartment.

I remember him holding my hand and whispering, "Once I win the big prize in Paris, I'll make you my wife."

It's been ten years.

To finish the showstopper for this collection, I didn't sleep for three days straight.

In the early hours of the third day, I nearly fainted at the workbench. The sewing machine needle went straight through my finger, staining the expensive fabric red.

Silas didn't even look at my wound. He just coldly said, "Redo it."

And now, here he is, wearing my wedding rings with someone else, telling me to be "mature."

Maisie walked over with a pathetic, tearful expression.

"Lyra, don't be mad at Silas. It's all my fault... my mother... she really doesn't have much time left."

Silas immediately pulled Maisie behind his back, shielding her from me. "See? You're scaring her. She's fragile."

Looking at him twisting the truth made me realize how blind I'd been. Every time I brought up marriage over the years, he had an excuse.

In the third year, he said we needed to stabilize the brand first.

In the fifth year, he said we needed to break into the international market.

In the eighth year, he said we needed to wait for an invitation to Paris Fashion Week.

Now he finally won, but he signed the marriage papers with another woman.

"There's no need for a divorce," I said, pulling my hand away from his reach. "I'd hate for his mother to see you two split and have her condition worsen. I can't take that kind of responsibility."

Silas blinked, looking relieved. "I knew you'd understand. Once this blows over, we can finally―"

"There is no 'we' anymore," I interrupted. "It took ten years, Silas, but I finally see you for who you are."

His face twisted. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"It means I'm done waiting for you. Get lost."