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Chapter 3

The next morning, feeling somewhat better, I arrived at the design firm right on time.

Sarah, my creative director, held my resignation letter with mixed emotions when I told her about returning home for marriage.

“First my best jewelry designer leaves for marriage,” she sighed, shaking her head. “The studio won’t be the same without you.‘

Words failed me, so I hugged her instead, grateful for her mentorship over the years.

News of my departure spread quickly through the office. My colleagues insisted on throwing me a

farewell dinner.

I suggested the Italian restaurant Castro and I frequented partly because I didn’t know many others, but mostly because their seafood risotto was exceptional.

During dinner, I excused myself to the wash my hand, only to find Oriana touching up her makeup at the marble vanity.

“What a coincidence!” She smiled warmly at my reflection. “You know, Castro first brought me here during our college days. We’ve had so many special moments in this place since then.”

I returned a polite smile and turned to leave, seeing no reason for small talk between us.

Oriana wasn’t finished.

night – Castro always rinses the spicy sauce off your shrimp. Are you

“too” – made

always insisted on rinsing my

being protective. Now I realized he

who couldn’t handle

she tilted her head, studying my

Chapter 3

I

similar?”

felt

the pieces finally falling into place – I hadn’t been his love, I’d been her replacement.

colleagues‘ warmth slowly

I was beginning to push aside the unpleasant encounter, the door

doorway, his Armani suit slightly disheveled, his eyes scanning the

that moment of eye contact, I saw barely contained

cut through the chatter like ice.

him into the marble–lined hallway, I was utterly unprepared for what happened next. His hand connected with my cheek

never raised a hand to me.

Meeting my shocked gaze, he showed no remorse only fury. “You knew her ankle was injured. I

cheek burned where he’d struck

hallway. Her designer blouse was

water.

could defend myself, she collapsed dramatically to the floor. Castro shoved past me, rushing to gather her in his

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