The Belated Bride: Becoming My Own Muse Chapter 26

The Belated Bride: Becoming My Own Muse Chapter 26

For the finale, the model walked out wearing Belated.

Every spotlight in the house fell on the dress.

The repaired silver thread on the back caught the light and flashed once.

It looked like a fracture. And it looked like a new beginning.

Someone in the audience whispered, “It’s so beautiful.”

I stood in the wings and watched it move, step by step, toward the center of the stage.

I suddenly remembered three years ago, when I sat on the steps outside the City Clerk’s Office in that three-hundred-dollar white dress.

Back then, I had wanted so badly to be loved.

To be held by the hand with sincerity. To be introduced openly, proudly. To be kept constantly in someone’s heart.

I still want to be loved.

But I will never again trade away pieces of myself to earn it.

After the show, the orders exploded.

Ashford Group’s promotional contract was extended on the spot.

Several major fashion publications rushed to schedule interviews.

Bianca was escorted out by her PR team. Word came that multiple brand endorsement deals had terminated their contracts overnight.

Eleanor called me twice. I didn’t pick up.

Christian sent a message.

[ The show was a huge success. ]

A long pause. Then, a second message.

[ I’m sorry. ]

I looked at the screen. I didn’t reply.

Some apologies aren’t worthless.

They just arrive too late to buy back what was already gone.

At ten that night, the after-party ended.

I stepped out of the hotel. Snow was still falling.

Grant stood at the bottom of the steps and handed a black umbrella to me.

“Let me give you a ride?”

I looked at him.

“Mr. Ashford. Have you forgotten I drove myself here?”

“I haven’t forgotten.”

He said, “Just thought I’d ask.”

I took the umbrella.

“Then walk me to the parking garage.”

He smiled and walked beside me.

The snow landed softly on the umbrella. The sound was very light.

Neither of us rushed to fill the silence.

Halfway there, he suddenly asked, “Next Monday. Do you need me to go with you?”

I shook my head.

“A divorce… that’s something I need to do on my own.”

He nodded.

“Alright.”

No persuading. No deciding for me.

He just returned the choice to my hands.

I stopped walking.

“Grant.”

He looked at me.

I said, “That money from three years ago. I’ve been meaning to pay you back.”