Chapter 28
Cameron felt like he’d been thrown into an icy abyss.
Yeah, he wasn’t exactly husband–of–the–year material. If Nellie didn’t reach out, he wouldn’t bother either. Around her, he had this natural air of superiority.
He stumbled away from the federal building, catching snippets of people mocking him inside. “What a jerk. How could his wife ever love such a heartless guy?”
Cameron’s heart skipped a beat, guilt washing over him for the first time. He had let Nellie down.
“Nellie, I’m sorry.”
“Where are you?”
Life’s ups and downs aren’t always shared.
Meanwhile, over in Milan, Nellie was riding a wave of happiness. That day, her mentor called her into the office with some exciting
news.
“Nathalie, I’ve entered you into the 24th Global Fashion Festival’s New Talent Competition. Get ready. I believe you can achieve great things.”
Nellie felt a rush of excitement. This competition wasn’t just any event. It was a chance to catch the eye of fashion moguls. Winning could mean getting mentored by Jasmine, the shining star of the fashion world.
Jasmine was a trailblazer in luxury fashion, having founded a global brand and achieving massive success. She was one of the top ten influential women globally and a philanthropist to boot.
Nellie had crossed paths with her once, but that was a memory she’d rather not revisit.
Back then, as Cameron’s official girlfriend, she tagged along to a grand banquet. Because of Cameron’s cold indifference, she hadn’t prepared a proper gown, making her the laughingstock among the high–society crowd.
People whispered behind her back, calling her nothing more than Cameron’s loyal pet.
She might have been born into humble beginnings, but she had her pride. She went to Cameron, asking for a bit more money to buy a decent dress.
And what did Cameron say?
He shot her a dismissive look and said, “Nellie, stop being so vain, will you?”
Nellie was stunned. All she wanted was a respectable dress, and he accused her of vanity.
When he showered Greta with endless jewels, limited edition bags, and designer outfits, why didn’t he call her vain?
She didn’t argue and just stumbled out of Cameron’s room. That night, she cried herself to sleep in the lounge.
In her sadness, she thought that maybe one’s birth really does decide their whole life.
In her darkest moment, Jasmine appeared, lifting her tear–streaked face. She praised Nellie’s natural grace and supermodel looks. Jasmine even gifted her a piece of jewelry so exquisite it could rival the Queen’s crown called Solitary Moon. It was the most precious thing Nellie had ever received.
Before leaving, Jasmine gently advised her, “Remember, Nellie, every girl is her own queen. You must learn to love yourself.”
Jasmine was Nellie’s guiding star. It was just a shame it took her so long to see the light.
“Nellie?” Her mentor’s voice snapped her back to reality. “What are you daydreaming about? Did you catch what I said?”
Nellie shook herself from her thoughts. “Yes, sir, I’ll give it my all.”
Her mentor smiled warmly. “If you hit a rough patch, remember, I’m here to help.”
“Thank you, sir.”
