Chapter 269
Rebecca’s POV
After Professor Jones‘ class ended, I hurried to the cafeteria for a quick lunch, then immediately headed to the library to look for sustainable fashion–related materials. The campus cafeteria was crowded, but I didn’t linger, just quickly ate a salad with my mind completely focused on the research project assigned by the professor. I wanted to start searching for information on innovative materials as soon as possible, determined to excel in this project.
The design department’s library was spacious and bright, with afternoon sunlight streaming through the tall windows, creating golden patterns on the polished wooden tables. I buried myself in the sustainable textiles section, my fingers tracing the spines of books as I searched for references on eco–friendly fabrics.
Just as I was focused on my search, a familiar voice came from behind me–one I hadn’t heard in over two years.
“Rebecca? Is that really you?”
I froze, my hand still on a book about bamboo fibers. That voice carried memories of another life, before Lucas, before Ella. I turned
slowly, my heart stuttering in my chest.
Adrian Lane stood there, looking both familiar and changed. His sandy blonde hair was styled differently than I remembered, and there was a shadow of fatigue around his intelligent hazel eyes that hadn’t been there before. He wore a tailored navy blazer over a simple white shirt, professional yet relaxed.
“Adrian,” I managed, surprise making my voice soft. “I… haven’t seen you for a long time.”
He smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I came back from Paris about six months ago. The Art Institute there had a fellowship program I couldn’t pass up.” His gaze traveled over me, taking in the changes. “You look… different. Good different.”
The air between us felt heavy with unspoken words and the weight of our last encounter. In the coffee shop, Dominic had announced my pregnancy with Lucas, the hurt that had flashed across Adrian’s face before he’d congratulated us with forced politeness and then disappeared from my life.
“Are you still teaching here now?” I asked, trying to find neutral ground.
He nodded. “What about you? I never thought I’d see Rebecca Brown in an academic setting again.”
“It’s Rebecca Sterling now,” I corrected gently, watching his expression shift slightly at the reminder. And yes, I’ve decided to pursue design again.”
An awkward silence settled between us as we both searched for the right words. Students moved around us, oblivious to our tension.
μ
“Perhaps we should continue this conversation somewhere else?‘ Adrian suggested, gesturing toward the library exit. “I feel like we’re blocking traffic here.”
I hesitated, then nodded. “Sure. I could use a break anyway.”
We walked through the corridor, finding a quiet alcove with a bench near a window overlooking the campus gardens. The space felt more private, yet still public enough to be appropriate.
Adrian sat beside me, maintaining a respectful distance. “I heard about your child,” he said after a moment. “I mean, I saw the
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Chapter 269
announcement in the Sterling Foundation newsletter. Congratulations.”
“Children, actually,” I corrected with a small smile. “Lucas is a little over two now, and Ella was born a few months ago.”
*Two children,” he repeated, a flash of something–pain, regret?-crossing his features. “I’ve missed a lot, it seems.”
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He looked down at his hands, then back at me with newfound honesty in his eyes. “I should be straightforward with you, Rebecca. After i found out you were pregnant, I went through a difficult time. It took me a long while to accept that you had moved on to a new life.”
I felt a pang of guilt, even though I knew I had nothing to apologize for. Our timing had simply been wrong.
“That’s partly why I went to Paris,” he continued. “I turned down the family business over and over again, much to my father’s disappointment. I needed to get away, to rediscover myself.”
I nodded, understanding his need for distance. “And did you? Rediscover yourself?”
A small smile tugged at his lips. “I think I did. Paris has a way of stripping you down to essentials. I found my passion again–sustainable textiles and their application in high fashion.”
“That sounds fascinating,” I said sincerely.
“And what about you?” he asked, his eyes finding mine. “Are you happy, Rebecca? With your new life?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I am. Dominic is… he’s everything I never knew I needed. And the children–they’re my world.”
Adrian noticed the wedding ring on my finger, his gaze lingering for a moment before he looked back up with a wistful smile. “It seems you found your true happiness after all.”
“Life gave me unexpected gifts,” I replied softly. “Different from what I had planned, but perfect in their own way.”
He nodded, his expression genuine despite the shadow of what might have been. “I’m truly happy for you, Rebecca. You deserve every happiness.”
I could see he meant it, even if there was still unresolved feeling behind his words. We sat in silence for a moment, the awkwardness gradually giving way to a tentative peace.
The next day, I arrived early for the Advanced Textile Innovation class, settling into a seat near the front. When Adrian walked in, I was surprised to see him at the podium–though in retrospect, I should have connected his expertise with this particular course.
“Good morning, everyone,” he began, his voice professional and confident. “I’m Professor Lane, and I’ll be your guest lecturer for this module on innovative fabrics and sustainable practices in contemporary design.”
Throughout the lecture, Adrian was engaging and knowledgeable, seamlessly integrating technical information with practical applications. He carefully avoided making eye contact with me more than necessary, maintaining a professional distance that I appreciated.
When he discussed the revolutionary properties of bamboo silk blends, I found myself taking detailed notes, genuinely fascinated by the material’s potential. The old spark of creativity that had drawn me to design in the first place flared brighter.
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Chapter 269
After class, as students filed out, Adrian approached my desk.
Your questions were insightful,‘ he said, maintaining a professional tone. “You’ve clearly done your research on biodegradable synthetics,”
“Thank you,” I replied, gathering my materials. “It’s an area I’m particularly interested in.”
Adrian hesitated, then spoke in a lower voice. ‘Rebecca, I have a project I’m working on–a collaborative collection focusing on sustainable luxury eveningwear. Given your interest and your obvious talent…” He paused. “Would you consider joining me? As a design assistant and collaborator?”
I blinked, surprised by the offer. ‘I-‘
“It’s a professional opportunity,” he quickly clarified. “The collection will be featured at the Sustainable Fashion Summit next spring. It could be excellent exposure for you.”
I hesitated, concerned about potential complications. Working closely with Adrian, given our history, seemed risky.
Reading my expression, Adrian’s face softened. “This is purely professional, Rebecca. I respect your choices and your current life. I just think your perspective would be valuable to the project.”
He took a breath, then added, “When I returned from Paris six months ago, I learned to look forward instead of back. I think we both deserve to pursue our dreams, don’t you?”
His sincerity was evident, and I felt myself considering the opportunity on its merits rather than our past.
“I’ll think about it, I finally said. ‘It sounds like an amazing opportunity, but I need to discuss it with my family first.”
Adrian nodded, respecting my boundary. “Of course. Just let me know by Friday if you’re interested.”
