Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 493

It was probably about the materials list, so Mila hurried to answer.

"Have the sketches been finalized?" Jade asked.

"Yeah, as soon as everything arrives, I can officially get started," Mila replied, stifling a yawn.

"Do you want me to assign a few seamstresses to help? Alençon lace takes ages, and handling it all alone might be too much."

"It's fine, I've got this." Mila hesitated, but ultimately declined with a smile. "I'm at my most energetic right now. Besides, this wedding dress is the biggest

commission I've ever taken, and the client gave me total creative freedom. I want to make it myself, start to finish."

There was a pause on the other end. Jade caught the meaning in her words and laughed softly. "Ambitious, aren't you?"

Mila chuckled in return.

"All right then," Jade continued, "I'll handle things with the royal family for now. The profit from this isn't important. If you can, submit your work to the CFDA. Mila, go win that award."

CFDA.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards-the Oscars of the fashion world-founded by the godmother of American fashion herself. It was one of the most prestigious honors a designer could receive, on par with Britain's BFA, and among the most anticipated events in the industry.

The money and resources that came with the prize were nice, but Mila wasn't lacking in those. What she needed was something else-recognition, proof that she truly belonged at the top.

could give

she

then winning this would make everything official-she wouldn't just be independent;

heart began

world's premier designers-was thinking far beyond her, and could see a future for Mila that was clearer and more ambitious than Mila dared to

Mila closed her eyes.

"All right," she said.

for it, and

was just calling to talk business, but after that, they chatted about everyday things for a while. Mila was practically falling asleep and about to suggest they both call it a

more thing-what's going on with you and that Johnnie

Who?

sleep-fogged brain creaked into gear, and within a couple seconds she was fully alert. Oh. The

of you-actually, he likes you. And

already talked to

wryly. Truth was, with everything else piling up lately, she'd completely forgotten about her and Johnnie's little act to delay the family's matchmaking mission. She hadn't realized he was putting on such a convincing performance covering for her so enthusiastically in front

after that gift exchange, they hadn't seen each

keeping up this farce just wasn't appealing anymore. She

wanted a little peace of

it's only going to get busier from here. Honestly, I really don't have the headspace for

interested," Jade cut her off, matter-of-fact. "You know how long I spent finding him?

many prospects had

a cold sweat coming