Rewriting My Heart's Fate

I didn't accept his offer right away. Instead, I asked, "Mr. Grayson, you aren't solely interested in my work. Am I right?"

Ethan looked a little surprised by how straightforward I was, but he regained his composure very soon. "That's right. Your designs are outstanding, but you've caught my attention." At that moment, I felt as though he could see right through me.

He continued, "You're talented and determined. You're tenacious and resilient. I appreciate that."

I never thought he'd say that about me, and I didn't know how to respond.

"Thank you," I told him. "Pardon my abruptness, but I think things aren't that simple. It's so sudden that you want us to collaborate."

"Oh?" Ethan lifted an eyebrow. "What do you think I have in mind then?"

I took a deep breath, mustering my courage. "You suddenly showed goodwill. Was it because of... our past?"

My cheeks burned when I posed the question. Our past wasn't particularly pleasant, after all.

close to you under the guise of a collaboration?" Ethan

making my cheek burn even more. He was

I asked to collaborate with you. You don't need to be

now. We have our own lives to lead, don't

words. I was beyond the pain and regret I once felt, so I shouldn't be overthinking it. Why should I assume that he still

case, I happily

offer, I said, pretending to be calm and unperturbed. "I have a condition, though. It'll be just_ business between us. You can't take

nothing but business between the two of us. I won't do anything out of bounds. Does that ease your

worried about anymore since he gave his word. As impulsive as he was, he was

you," he said, extending a hand to

hesitate.

wouldn't become the Evelyn of the past who followed his every order. I wanted to start all over with a new identity, one of which was as a confident and independent designer.