Chapter 5

"Good luck," I said.

Molly left with a satisfied smile. I set down my pencil and walked over to the window.

The stars outside were shining extra bright tonight, and for once, my thoughts felt as clear as the night sky.

The next day at work, I went straight to Spencer's office.

"Spencer, I heard Professor Mendez is coming to our city for a lecture next week. I'd like to apply to be his temporary assistant," I said, handing over my resume and portfolio.

Jefferson was Graham's mentor, and he was a big name in the architecture world.

Back in my previous life, I'd met him a few times thanks to Graham, and he genuinely admired my design concepts.

Spencer flipped through my portfolio, nodding along. "Not bad at all. You've got some real creativity here. I actually know Professor Mendez pretty well—I can put in a good word for you."

"Thank you, Mr. Barnes!" I said, genuinely grateful.

As I walked out of his office, I felt more fired up than ever.

All those opportunities I gave up for Graham in my previous life? I was going to reclaim every single one of them this time around.

A week later, I was backstage at the city library's lecture hall, helping Jefferson get ready for his talk.

"Chelsea, right?" Jefferson looked at me with a warm smile. "Spencer mentioned you—said you've got a really unique take on architectural space."

"You're too kind, Professor Mendez. I still have a lot to learn," I replied modestly.

Before the lecture started, I spotted Graham and Molly in the audience.

They were sitting in the front row, Graham whispering something to Molly, but she looked totally checked out.

After the lecture, Graham brought Molly backstage.

"Professor Mendez!" he greeted warmly, but when he saw me, he froze. "Chelsea? What are you doing here?"

"Chelsea's my temporary assistant," Professor Mendez said with a smile. "Graham, you know her?"

Graham's expression was complicated. "Yeah, we... used to be friends."

Molly stood behind him, eyeing me warily.

"Professor Mendez, this is Molly, my... girlfriend," Graham said, introducing her. "She's got a real passion for architecture."

Molly quickly stepped forward with a sweet smile. "Professor Mendez, it's such an honor to finally meet you! Graham's always telling me you're the biggest name in architecture around here."

Jefferson nodded politely, then turned to me. "Chelsea, that lighting concept you brought up for the cultural center really caught my attention. Let's chat more about it later."

I saw a flicker of surprise in Graham's eyes, and Molly looked like she'd just bitten into a lemon.

"Chelsea's not exactly an expert in architecture. I'm afraid she might just waste your time, Professor Mendez," Graham suddenly cut in.

I raised an eyebrow, but before I could say a word, Jefferson just laughed. "Graham, you've got it all wrong. Chelsea's got a sharp mind and some pretty impressive ideas."

Graham's face turned downright stormy.

In my previous life, he always thought I was just average at design. He was convinced he was the real genius between us.

But honestly, I only ever held back so he could stand out.

"You're too kind, Professor Mendez. I still have a lot to learn from Mr. Santana," I said, purposely calling Graham by his formal title to keep things distant.

Jefferson looked at me, then at Graham, seemed to get the hint, and quickly steered the conversation elsewhere.

As we were leaving, Graham lagged behind and leaned in, whispering, "Chelsea, did you do this on purpose? Are you trying to get close to Professor Mendez?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "You think everyone's as calculating as you?"

He was speechless, a flash of irritation in his eyes.

Molly glanced back and urged, "Graham, hurry up!"

I chuckled softly as I watched them leave.

The deadline for the state cultural center project was fast approaching, and I was throwing myself into the design work with everything I had.

Every day, I was either at the design firm, spending hours at the library digging up research, or out in the field scoping out the site.

Whenever I got home, Molly couldn't stop talking about her so-called romantic dates with Graham.

"Graham took me to meet his colleagues, and everyone said we made a great couple!" Molly said proudly at the dinner table. "He even told me that when he finishes this project, he'll take me to meet his parents."

Mom beamed. "That's wonderful! Graham's a good guy, and his family's great too. You better not let him slip away."

I just kept my head down and ate, not saying a word.

"Chelsea, how's your project coming along?" Molly suddenly turned to me, her tone full of smugness. "Graham says this competition is brutal—tons of top architects are in it. Newbies like you don't really stand a chance."

I set down my fork and replied calmly, "That's none of your concern."

Mom frowned at me. "Chelsea, don't be so hung up on your job. Girls shouldn't be too career-driven, you know? Just look at Molly—she's already landed herself a great guy."

I just smiled and said nothing. Funny thing was, I used to believe that too in my last life. And we all knew how that ended.