Chapter 270
Rebecca’s POV
:
ผล
That evening, I sat in the book–lined study of our home, Ella nursing contentedly at my breast while I explained my encounter with Adrian to Dominic. The warm glow of the desk lamp cast soft shadows across his face as he listened, his expression guarded.
‘Adrian Lane,” he repeated, his brow furrowing slightly. “The professor who was interested in you before Lucas was born? ! remember
him.”
I nodded, watching him carefully. “I swear I don’t feel anything about him. Nothing happened between me and him. But you always quarrel with me because of him.”
“He left after he saw you were pregnant,” Dominic continued, his tone measured. “Does he still have feelings for you?”
I sighed, adjusting Ella as she finished nursing. “I was honest with him. I think there’s still something there on his side, but he was respectful about it. He knows I’m happily married with children.”
Dominic was silent for a moment, processing. I could feel his protective instincts through our bond, but also his desire to trust me.
“And this project he’s offering,” he finally said. “It’s strictly professional?”
“Completely,” I assured him. “It’s a sustainable fashion collection for a major exhibition. It could be an incredible opportunity for my portfolio and career.”
Dominic watched as I gently burped Ella, his expression softening at the sight of our daughter. After a moment, he came to sit beside me on the leather sofa, reaching out to stroke Ella’s downy hair.
“I trust you, Rebecca,” he said quietly. “And I trust in our bond and our family. If this is something you want to pursue, I won’t stand in your way because of jealousy or insecurity.”
Relief washed through me. “It would mean working with him several times a week for the next few months.”
Dominic nodded, his blue eyes meeting mine. “You have every right to pursue your dreams, little doe. You shouldn’t be limited by the past -yours or mine.”
I leaned over to kiss him softly, careful not to disturb our now–drowsy daughter. “Thank you for understanding. This means a lot to me.”
He smiled, though I could still sense a hint of reservation through our bond. “Just promise me one thing.”
“Anything.”
P
“If he crosses any lines, or if you feel uncomfortable for any reason, you’ll tell me immediately.”
I nodded solemnly. “I promise.”
1/3
Over the next few weeks, I found myself immersed in Adrian’s sustainable fashion project. The initial awkwardness gradually gave way to a professional rhythm as we focused on the collection. Adrian maintained a respectful distance, true to his word about keeping our
9:23 Fri, Oct 3
Chapter 270
collaboration strictly professional.
The project studio was bright
THE
and airy, with large windows overlooking the campus gardens. Mood boards and fabric swatches exerted to walls, and dress forms displayed our works in progress. Today, I was sketching modifications to a evening gown design. Incatporating some of the innovative bamboo–silk blend Adrian had sourced from Japan.
‘That drape is beautiful,” Adrian commented, stopping beside my workstation. “The way you’ve engineered the bias cut to fabric’s natural properties–it’s very impressive.”
“Thanks,” I replied, making a final adjustment to the sketch. “I’ve been thinking about how to incorporate some of the Silver Moon aesthetics without being too obvious.”
Adrian raised an eyebrow. “Silver Moon?”
I hesitated, realizing I’d unconsciously referenced pack symbolism. “It’s a… family aesthetic, I explained carefully. The Sterling side. They have a connection to lunar imagery.”
He nodded, accepting my explanation without probing further. “Your design sensibility has evolved since I last saw your work. It’s more mature, more confident.”
“Having children changes your perspective,” I said. “You see the world differently–more deeply, somehow.”
Adrian seemed about to say something more personal, then stopped himself. “I think your unique viewpoint is exactly why this collaboration is working so well,” he said instead, returning to professional ground.
There were moments, though, when I caught him looking at me with a hint of what might have been regret. Once, while we were discussing the future direction of the collection, he started to say, “Sometimes I wonder, if things had been different…‘ before quickly changing the subject.
I always steered our conversations back to the work, making it clear through my actions that while I valued our professional relationship, my personal life was settled and fulfilled.
One afternoon, as we were wrapping up for the day, Adrian’s phone rang. He checked the screen and excused himself to take the call. When he returned, his expression was lighter than I’d seen in weeks.
“Good news?” I asked, packing up my sketches.
He nodded, a genuine smile breaking through his usually reserved demeanor. “I met a girl named Claire while studying in Paris. She s been offered a position at the London fashion house I mentioned, and…” He paused, looking slightly embarrassed. “We’ve been dating since I returned. She wanted to know if I’d consider applying for the senior design position that’s opening there next season.”
“Adrian, that’s wonderful,” I said sincerely, happy to see him moving forward with his life. “You should definitely apply. Your work with sustainable luxury fabrics would be perfect for them.”
“I think I will,” he replied, his expression thoughtful. “It might be time for a new chapter.”
As I drove home that evening, I felt a sense of relief. Adrian was finding his own path forward, just as I had found mine.
At home, I’d set up a small work area in Dominic’s study where I could continue my design work while staying close to the children. A
2/3
9:23 Fri, Oct 3
Chapter 270
corner desk by the window gave me natural light for sketching, and I’d installed a small play area where Lucas could entertain himself
while I worked.
This evening, I was finalizing some technical drawings when Lucas toddled over, a crayon drawing clutched in his small hand.
“Mama, look!” he declared, proudly displaying his creation–a riot of blue and silver scribbles that vaguely resembled a moon and stars.
“That’s beautiful, sweetheart,” I said, lifting him onto my lap. “Is it the moon?”
He nodded enthusiastically. “Like Daddy’s necklace.”
I smiled, touched by his reference to the Silver Moon alpha pendant Dominic wore. “It’s perfect. Should we put it on the inspiration
board?”
