Chapter 2

2.

I took a taxi home and dragged myself through the front door.

The house was huge and decorated in a modern, minimalist style.

Maya loved it. I later found out Nate was the one who actually liked this style.

I opened my suitcase and started throwing things in.

Clothes, shoes, essentials... but after ten minutes, I realized I didn't have much.

Most of the suitcase was still empty.

I had lived here for five years, but I owned almost nothing.

I was just a ghost in Maya's world.

Back when I graduated, I was full of fire and landed a job at a top firm in the city.

But the senior designers were bullies who stole every idea I had.

I took the abuse until I couldn't take it anymore.

One night, I got wasted and ended up under Maya's window.

"Why did you drink so much?" she had asked, looking worried.

I threw up, but she didn't look away or judge me.

I cried like a child in her arms, venting all my frustrations.

"Why do they get to steal my soul just because I'm new?"

She looked at me with such tenderness then.

"That's enough. That company doesn't deserve you. I'm starting my own firm. You'll be my head designer."

In that moment, she was my savior.

I fell for her hard, even though I knew about Nate.

He was her first love, separated by distance when he went abroad.

I thought I could win her over with time and devotion.

We dated, we married, and I thought we were happy.

I never thought she would betray me by letting that same man rob me of my work.

I took one last look at the house and walked out for good.

I checked into a hotel suite and crashed onto the bed.

For the first time in years, I slept without nightmares.

No Maya. No Nate. Just peace.

I woke up at noon the next day feeling refreshed.

Since the firm started, I had done everything―designs, clients, logistics.

Maya didn't know the first thing about fashion; she just demanded results.

I decided to relax for a few days before making my next move.

The night of the gala finally arrived.

I wore a perfectly tailored black suit and slicked back my hair.

I was going to show up as the best version of myself.

I wanted to see exactly how Maya planned to hand my trophy to that loser.

At the hotel entrance, I saw them. Maya was clinging to Nate's arm.

Nate was wearing a flashy black and gold suit. He froze when he saw me.

Maya was in a stunning red dress, looking beautiful and cold.

"What are you doing here?" she hissed, not hiding her hate.

I walked right past them. "I'm here for my award, obviously."

"You have no right. The entry belongs to the firm, and the firm's name is on the win."

I stopped and turned around. "You know what I hate most, Maya."

"You keeps pushing my face into the dirt and expect me to smile. You think I'm a doormat?"

Maya gritted her teeth.

"If it wasn't for me, you'd still be drawing sketches for pennies. You owe me everything."

She tried to pull me away from the entrance. "Nate is about to go on stage. Don't embarrass us."

I shook her off. "Get your hands off me. I'm not letting this go. It's my work."

Suddenly, a sharp pain hit the back of my head.

Everything went black.

Before I lost consciousness, I saw Maya holding a heavy stone from the garden decor.

"I'm sorry... I'll make it up to you, but the glory belongs to Nate tonight..."

I woke up with blood matted in my hair and staining my collar.

A security guard was leaning over me. "Sir, are you okay? Should I call an ambulance?"

I shook my head and forced myself up.

I didn't have time to explain. I stumbled into the ballroom.

Nate was already on stage, holding my trophy.

His smile was sickening.

"I never thought I'd win such an honor. This means everything to me..."

Maya rushed over and tried to grab my arm, but I pushed her away.

"Stop this madness! Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough?"

"I want a divorce, Maya," I said, my voice like ice.

I pulled out the papers I had prepared and slammed them into her hand. "Sign it."

"Fine! You think I'm scared?" Maya sneered.

She signed them without even looking. "Now, get the hell out."

I ignored her and looked at the stage.

A reporter was asking Nate, "What was the inspiration for the White Bloom collection?"

Nate searched for words, looking like an idiot. "It... came to me in a dream."

I stepped forward and spoke loudly.

"The inspiration was the gardenia flower in midsummer! Pure, passionate, but with a hint of bitterness."

The room went silent as everyone turned to look at me.

I walked straight toward the stage.

"Caleb! Stop right now!" Maya tried to reach for me again.