Chapter 19
Three years was enough time for the dust to settle on many things.
Emily had long since carved a place for herself in the design world, her name becoming a much- respected one.
Her studio had more than doubled in size. Her designs, which combined classical sensibilities with contemporary thought, repeatedly appeared at the top international exhibitions and won countless awards.
She was no longer dependent on anyone else. She was her own person, the designer, Emily Jamison.
Her life was a peaceful one, filled with contentment. She didn’t rush into marriage. Instead, she savored the rhythm of a life entirely under her own control.
Emily and Spencer had a steady, comfortable relationship. They were collaborators in work and confidants in life. His respect, understanding, and patient companionship enabled her to feel a sense of peace and security like never before.
She didn’t feel the need to hurry into taking the next step with him. Instead, she wanted to enjoy this state of being independent yet deeply connected to another as well.
Her gaze was now bright and resolute. Time had healed the wounds of her past, transforming them into a source of strength and confidence. She radiated a gentle yet dazzling presence.
All eyes were on Loweton that night, where the annual International Design Awards were being held. It was the most prestigious award ceremony for designers.
Emily was the overwhelming favorite for Designer of the Year. She appeared at the ceremony in a gray gown she’d designed herself after getting inspired by a classical painting.
As she stepped gracefully into the venue, all of the cameras turned to her. With every move and
smile, she exuded charm and confidence.
Meanwhile, in a remote village in a corner of the Freye continent, the evening air was still scorching hot. The land here was arid and barren, with the spark of color coming from the flag
raised over the newly built elementary school.
In a shabby but clean office, Andrew had just finished a video call with the foundation’s engineers to discuss a new water source exploration project.
He wore a simple white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. His forearms, tanned by the sun, were still toned and strong, though they were now marked by the subtle hardships of a life away from the luxuries he once enjoyed.
He closed his laptop and reached for an old–fashioned radio on his desk. The internet signal here was spotty at best, so the radio proved to be far more reliable.
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After he fiddled with the dial for a while, the crackling static finally gave way to a scratchy broadcast from an international news report.
The host’s excitement was palpable as he announced the results of the awards ceremony over at Loweton.
“And the winner of this year’s Designer of the Year award, the most acclaimed award at the International Design Awards, is… Emily Jamison from Carthonia! Let’s all give her a warm round of applause!”
Due to the poor radio signal, the applause and music stuttered in and out, but Emily’s name came through crystal clear.
Andrew’s hand froze on the dial. He stayed motionless in the position, looking like a statue as he listened to everything.
After a long while, he slowly pulled his fingers away and leaned back against the crude wooden
chair.
Outside the window, the vast sky stretched endlessly. The stars hung so low that they almost seemed within reach. In the darkness, no one could see his face.
Andrew was the only one who knew just how painfully his heart ached when he heard Emily’s name. The overwhelming surge of pain and bitterness almost drowned him.
But soon, the pain dissipated, replaced by an even deeper sense of calm that was filled with an unending sense of regret.
