Chapter 2

After I finished unpacking, Charles Evans called.

He said the last fashion show was a huge success and invited me to the after-party.

I knew this was his way of offering me the lead designer position for the next major collection.

I'd been working on these designs for three years.

I was surprised Charles found out so quickly. He was sharp.

Then Charles sent over a 2025 Spring Couture Gown. The gesture showed how badly he wanted me on board.

"The gown is made for you, and I'm waiting. All the top fashion investors want to finally meet the star designer. Come on, do me a favor," Charles said.

I looked at the invitation and scanned the guest list.

Simon and Sophia's names jumped out at me.

But then—

"How did Shawn Harper end up on this list?"

"That's why I need you to come! I don't know why he's so interested in my after-party, but his agent says he wants to work together next season. Annie, the designs have to be yours!"

"But I haven't decided who I want to work with yet."

"Leave it to me. I'll coordinate the runway and the promotional visuals together."

Charles sounded excited. "I've got it all planned out. Now that you're getting divorced, you should come out as yourself. With your reputation as a top designer and Shawn's celebrity power, this season will blow everyone away!"

My thoughts were all over the place.

It made no sense that Shawn had come specifically for me, given that he didn't know I was a designer.

I gave a wry smile. "Alright, I'll be there on time."

"Annie! I love you! I'm sending a car right now and the stylist's coming—just relax, I've got everything covered!"

The party was on the top floor of Metro City's fanciest hotel.

Charles pointed to a group in the center of the room. Simon was among them.

"See those bigwigs? Every single one made serious money off last season's show. Honestly, I don't know how you do it—you always create designs that blow up. They all say you've got magic hands," Charles gushed.

"Want to say hi?" he asked.

I shook my head. "No thanks."

Just then, Sophia spotted Charles and walked over with a champagne glass, her silver dress shimmering. "Mr. Evans, you're the MVP this season. Here's to you!"

I quickly turned away to avoid meeting her.

After yesterday, Charles must have figured out what kind of person Sophia really was.

"I'm allergic to alcohol," Charles said sharply.

Sophia's expression tightened. She seemed confused—she'd seen him drinking at the fashion show, so this felt weird.

Still, she tried to recover. Looking awkward, she grabbed juice from a waiter. "Then you drink juice and I'll have champagne, but I have to toast you."

Charles didn't take the juice. He raised an eyebrow. "If it's from you, I'm allergic to that too."

Sophia bit her lip, tears forming. "Mr. Evans, do you have a problem with me? Is it the stuff online? That publicity actually brought way more attention to our show this season."

"I don't need dirty publicity stunts. And Ms. Young, you've been pretty cozy with Mr. Jennings—don't act like you don't know he's married!"

Sophia's face went ghostly pale.

Simon and I had always kept our marriage private. Whenever rumors started, Simon would shut them down fast.

Unless someone was close to him, they wouldn't know he was married.

But Sophia definitely knew.

Back then, Simon had married me just to make Sophia jealous.

However, he didn't get the reaction he was hoping for.

Instead, I got a generous wedding gift—and a message from Sophia.

The text said: [Ms. Quinn, please keep your husband under control and tell him to stop contacting me. You two are married, so let's just live our separate lives.]

I didn't show Simon that text, hoping to spare his feelings.

Sophia clutched her glass, her lips trembling. She couldn't seem to find words. Her mind was probably spinning.

She glanced my way, almost by accident.

When she saw me, her jaw dropped. "What are you doing here?"