Chapter 272
Rebecca’s POV
As the exhibition began to wind down, I found myself in a quiet corner of the gallery, taking a moment to absorb everything that had happened. The response to our collection had exceeded my expectations, with several industry professionals expressing interest in our
collaborative work.
“Rebecca.
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I turned to find Adrian standing there, holding an envelope.
“I wanted to catch you before you left,” he said, his expression genuinely warm. “Our collaboration has been an incredible success. Seeing how seamlessly we merged sustainable practices with practical design–it’s exactly what we hoped to achieve.”
I smiled. “This partnership project really pushed both of us creatively. I’m proud of what we accomplished together.”
He nodded, then extended the envelope toward me. “Professor Jones left this for you. The London College of Fashion was impressed by our sustainability showcase and specifically asked about your techniques. They’re inviting you to participate in their special sustainable design program this summer.”
I took the envelope, surprised. “London?”
“The timing is actually perfect,” Adrian said with a genuine smile. “I’m moving there next month. With Claire.”
Dominic approached, carrying a sleeping Lucas while Marianne followed with Ella. He sensed the shift in the atmosphere and gave Adrian a measuring look.
Adrian straightened slightly but remained relaxed. “Mr. Sterling,” he acknowledged with a polite nod. “Professor Jones was just telling me how impressed she was with Rebecca’s work. She left this invitation from the London College of Fashion.”
I watched the two men exchange professional greetings, the tension that once existed between them notably absent. Adrian’s gaze moved briefly to Lucas sleeping against Dominic’s shoulder, then to Ella in Marianne’s arms, his expression reflecting only genuine goodwill.
He extended his hand to Dominic. “It’s been a pleasure working with Rebecca on this project. Her talent deserves every opportunity to
shine.”
Dominic shifted Lucas slightly to free his hand, then shook Adrian’s firmly, “The exhibition was remarkable. Congratulations to you both.”
Adrian looked at me one last time, his eyes clear and resolved. “I wish you all the best, Rebecca. Claire and I would be happy to show you around London if you decide to take the program. It’s mostly remote with just two weeks in–person.”
With that, he turned and walked away, his posture reflecting the contentment of someone moving confidently toward their future.
A week later, Dominic and I sat in the gardens of Sterling Manor, discussing the London fashion program. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the manicured lawn where Lucas played with a ball, occasionally bringing it back to us like a proud puppy.
“What do you think?” I asked, watching Ella sleep peacefully in Dominic’s arms. “The program would be mostly remote, with just two
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Chapter 272
weeks in London.”
:
Dominic considered this. “Would you want me and the children to come with you for those two weeks? Or would you prefer to focus entirely on the program?”
His question–free from assumptions or demands–reminded me of how far we’d come together.
‘I’d love for you all to join me,” I said honestly. “Maybe we could make it a family trip? Show Lucas some of London’s sights between my
sessions?”
Dominic nodded, his eyes warm. “I think that sounds perfect.” He shifted slightly, adjusting Ella’s position. I’ve been thinking–the east wing has that large room with the perfect natural light. What if we converted it into a proper design studio for you? You could work from home most of the time, but have a dedicated space that’s yours.”
I looked at him in surprise. “A real studio?”
“With everything you need,” he confirmed. “Storage for fabrics, proper lighting, work tables, maybe even a small area where the children could play while you work, like you’ve set up in the study but more permanent.”
The thought of having a space specifically designed for my work–a space that acknowledged and supported this part of my identity–filled me with emotion.
“That would be…” I struggled to find the words. “That would be incredible, Dominic.”
He smiled, reaching out to take my hand. “You’ve embraced every aspect of being my mate and Luna. You’ve given me two beautiful children. Let me give you this space to nurture your own dreams.”
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