We want them to see not only the products but the journey," Sabrina said during the brainstorming session. "Our designs reflect resilience, empowerment, and the beauty of individuality. Let's make that shine."Her words revitalized the team, and they spent their creativity on this project. When the day of the meeting finally approached, Sabrina was ready and confident to present her brand to the global world.Maison d'Étoiles headquarters was elegance itself, with its grand marble entrance, towering glass walls, and artful displays of their iconic designs. Sabrina walked in, dressed in a tailored white suit that exuded sophistication, her signature bag slung gracefully over her shoulder.The creative director, Margaux Laurent, a charismatic woman, greeted her warmly. "Ms. Auburn, it's so great to finally meet you. Your work has taken the world of fashion by storm."The pleasure's mine, Sabrina replied, smiling with an expression that seemed altogether sincere. "Maison d'Étoiles has al
Benedict sat at the top of the headboard table, his attention was acut, keen as his staff presented their latest financial reports. He's fully immersed in the numbers, the figures, and the strategies. He does not have time for distractions and space for anything but the work that needs to be done.In the meantime, Andrea was quietly surfing on her phone under the table; she was one of the junior staff members. She had always been a fashion enthusiast, and today she could not resist checking the news—especially with the recent buzz about Sabrina Auburn. Andrea saw her name everywhere recently; from the launch of Sabrina Ultra bags to announcing her collaboration with Maison d'Étoiles. She was becoming a bright star in the fashion world, and Andrea was eager to know more about her.She didn't know the full backstory—she didn't even know that Sabrina was Benedict's ex-wife. To Andrea, Sabrina was just an inspiring designer who was making waves in a completely different world from the cor
He nodded, acknowledging her view. "Okay, let it be short. We cannot lose much time. Now let us go back to project timelines and what needs to be done this week.""Yeah, I am on that now," Andrea replied, feeling much lighter. The tension between them had lightened up, and she was set to move forward with work.As they turned their attention to the project plans, he couldn't help but wonder whether keeping abreast of what was happening could indeed prove useful. It was a sensitive balance, but with Andrea's passion and knowledge, perhaps they could find a way to blend both worlds successfully.She stepped into Benedict's office, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor, poise as usual. She scanned the room, eyes finally settling on him with intent and focus.Benedict, still engrossed in his thoughts from the earlier conversation with Andrea, hadn't noticed her. He was bent over a heap of papers, his brow furrowed in concentration as he made some notes on a report. He tried to m
The question hung in the stillness of his office, unheard. But no matter how much he pushed Clara away, she stayed. Always: there to help, there to support, there with reasons to stay. Benedict had to admit it would drive him mad sometimes, how relentless she was, and yet, at times strangely comforting. He couldn't even try to deny how very present she was, the person he'd come to count on, though never wanted to.Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, Sabrina Auburn was rocking the fashion world. Sabrina Ultra had become a household name in Paris and had spread rapidly to the United States. The brand was said to be a beacon of modern luxury, sophistication combined with bold and innovative designs. Sabrina herself became a celebrity in her own right, a woman admired not just for her talent but also for her resilience and grace.She was living the dream that only a while ago would have been unimaginable and which she could only now have dared to think of-from nothing to empire.
The grand ballroom of the St. Laurent Hotel pulsed with opulence. The crystal chandeliers cast an elegant, soft glow over a well-heeled crowd, humming conversations meshing with the softer notes of a live string quartet. Tonight was to be Investors' Night, gathering the business and fashion icons under one roof.Sabrina Auburn got out of the car wearing a black, made-to-order gown that molded onto her body. With each movement, her diamond earrings twinkled, reflecting the air of sophistication she possessed. She walked calmly, but inside, she was doing a hundred miles per minute. This was another milestone in Sabrina Ultra's road, and she was there to seal more deals to drive her brand further into the global market.She was bringing her assistant and confidante, Penelope along. "You are breathtaking, Sabrina," said Penelope with a smile. "If they weren't frightened of your work enough as it is, they would be knocked off their shoes tonight."Sabrina laughed low in her throat. "Let's
The words struck Benedict like a thunderclap, making him silent for a moment. She spoke in a voice trembling with anger and pain as she continued speaking with her arms folded tightly across her chest, as if trying to protect herself from the burden of confession."Our baby died long ago," she said, her tone icy but laced with pain.Benedict's eyes opened wide as if all the air had been sucked from the room. His chest tightened. "What are you saying, Sabrina?" he managed to choke out.Her voice grew cold as she remembered the painful memory. "The moment I left that house and saw you with her—having sex in our bedroom—something inside me broke. I was pregnant, Benedict, but you didn't even notice. I was carrying your child, and that night… I lost everything."Benedict took a step back, as if the words had actually hit him.The words struck Benedict like a thunderclap, making him silent for a moment. She spoke in a voice trembling with anger and pain as she continued speaking with her a
Benedict's heart sank as Sabrina's words hit him like a freight train. He reached out, his voice pleading, desperate for any ounce of hope. "Sabrina, please. I need to know the truth. Are you sure? Are you really telling me our child is gone forever?Sabrina halted where she was, her back still turned on him, but stiffness crept into her body at his words. She inhaled sharply, steadying herself, that pain so raw even years after it.I am not lying, Benedict," she said in a low but very filled tone by the years of brokenness within her. "Our child is dead. The moment I walked out, you shattered everything: my heart, our future, and yes, our baby, too.His words felt like acid in his chest. He stood there, trying to wrap his head around the reality of it all, as if the world was crumbling in on itself around him."I never wanted this Sabrina," he rasped, moving closer, his eyes filled with anguish that would not be held back. "I never wanted to lose you. I never wanted to lose our child
Sabrina stood by the wall, her eyes fixed on Benedict as the conversation weighed in the air between them. Confusion, anguish, and remorse twisted his face—something she wanted to see and couldn't find peace over because of the weight of her past with him. He had been the reason that reshaped her life; the scars of betrayal were something she carried over the years. Now that she stood on the other side of it all, having watched him crushed by the consequences of his actions, her heart felt a fulfillment it had never known before. I’m sorry, my little Saben, she thought quietly to herself, her gaze softening as she remembered the life she had built with her son. But this is for your dad. He needs to feel what he's done. The lies, the betrayals. Sabrina's fingers curled hard around the rim of her glass, her mind snaring on her own feelings. She would not drag Saben into this sick dance with Benedict. Her son was her life, and he would never know the ache of the past. But Benedict? He ha
Sabrina stood there, unmoving, lost in the stillness of the night. The city lights ran together into a montage of emotions. The evening chill danced on her skin, but the storm in her was much colder. Her hands still quivering clutched the balcony railing. The words that Benedict had said kept whispering in her mind.*I love you. I hope you can give me a chance to correct my mistakes.*Her heart squeezed painfully as she remembered his face—so raw, so open. The man who was once her undoing was now standing before her, unburdening himself before her. But the stakes were too high. It was Saben's life, his stability, his innocence that mattered. It had been her sole desire for years to keep him from the chaos of Benedict's world. Tonight was the first time a little of that doubt crept into her.What if keeping Benedict out was the way of protecting her son? What if. it meant letting him in?Sabrina's breath caught as the thought sprouted within her. Could she dare to trust him? Could she
Sabrina held on to the bouquet tightly as if it was her only anchor. The composure was now ebbing out of her as the weight of Benedict's words seemed to press upon her chest, and his gaze, like some invisible force, did not let her breathe freely. She struggled to suppress the emotions within her, but the storm inside was building up, and she felt the need to say the right things to convey what she really wanted.They in the room stared back at her, with strange eyes that pick at her skin but nothing mattered at that moment than this storm of emotions washing out all else."Benedict," she whispered, her voice shaking, "this isn't about running away, Benedict. It's about protecting the life I built—the life he deserves."He stepped closer, his eyes softening even as his determination remained. "And what about the life I deserve, Sabrina? Don’t I have the right to know my own son? Don’t we deserve a chance to fix this?"Sabrina feels the air around her grow heavier, her pulse quickenin
Sabrina nodded somewhat with her relaxed posture, yet vigilant, "Thanks. Like I said at the start, we expand, yet focus on maintaining the good quality and integrity of our brand. The vision is definitely clear, and we just have to work hard with great people who can bring our vision into reality. If you want to hear more about this, I'd be so happy to give you an insider's view of our soon-to-be-released collections.".Clara nodded, finally moving the conversation to business, though she couldn't shake the feeling that she hadn't quite finished with Sabrina just yet. She had made her point clear, but there was still something about Sabrina's calm exterior that Clara was determined to crack. She would wait for her chance—after all, the truth was only a matter of time."Your work is certainly impressive," Clara said, her tone neutral now. "I'll be sure to feature your brand prominently in our upcoming issues. I'm sure our readers will love to hear more about your designs and your journ
Clara could not believe her assignment that had just been passed on to her. Between all the events she could be assigned to report on, it had to be the fashion show of Sabrina Ultra—a brand associated with the elegance of success and more importantly, Sabrina Auburn, the woman she loathed with all her being.Clara curled her fingers into fistfuls as she read the details. "It has to be a joke," she whispered to herself. It wasn't. And her editor had been quite clear on that level: this was the biggest event of the season, and Clara was supposed to bring an exclusive story.This could be my chance," Clara thought darkly, her lips curling into a sly smile. "My chance to expose her and finally put her in her place. Everybody sees her as this perfect, untouchable woman-but I know better. She is just as flawed as the rest of us-and I will make everybody know it.Clara's mind started racing with possibilities as she stared at the invitation to Sabrina Ultra's fashion show. There had to be so
"Clara," he stated firmly, his voice unchaotic but edged with frustration, "stop this. Whatever you think is happening between us, it's not real. What happened between us.it was a mistake."Her face crumpled at his words, tears streaming freely now. "A mistake?" she repeated, her voice trembling. "How can you say that, Benedict? After everything we've shared?"He shook his head, softening his tone slightly but remaining resolute. "I told you before, Clara. I don't love you and that is reality. Sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but you deserve to be given someone's whole heart, and that's not me."Clara took a step closer, desperation written across her face. "You are lying to yourself! I have seen the way you look at me when no one is around, Benedict! You feel something for me—I know it! And Sabrina? She has a child with someone else! What can she possibly offer you now?"Benedict's jaw clenched over her words, but he forced himself to be composed. "Clara, it isn't about Sabr
The next morning, Sabrina walked into Benedict's office building with a calm yet determined air. Her heels clicked softly against the polished floor. She had convinced herself that this visit was necessary—not for Benedict, but for herself. She needed clarity, if only to prepare for what might come next.As she waited at the reception desk, she overheard hushed whispers from a group of employees nearby."Did you hear? The long-lost Sabrina—Benedict's ex-wife—showed up at the investor's night," one said, her tone conspiratorial."Yes, everyone is talking about it. I heard she told him their child had died. Poor Mr. Benedict. But can you imagine? After all these years, she just reappears like that?""I wonder if she's back to win him over," another chimed in.Sabrina did not react. Her face, unbroken, held an expression that reflected her stinging hurt. She curled her fists by her sides and willed herself not to respond.Across the hall, Clara was seething with anger. Benedict's long-te
Sabrina sat forward, forcing herself to focus.She nodded along as Penelope talked about the details, but the words felt distant and jumbled in her mind. All she could think about was the question that kept haunting her: how would she face Benedict if he found out that Saben was really his son? Her thoughts spiralled as she tuned out Penelope's voice. She replayed every moment of her meeting with Benedict at the investor's event. His expressions, his questions, the unmistakable pain in his eyes—all of it felt too real, too fresh. Lying to him about their child was all she knew to protect Saben and herself, but now she didn't know how long she could maintain the facade.“Hey!Sabrina,” Penelope’s voice broke through her fog. “You’re not hearing a word I’m saying, are you,dear?Are you okay?”Sabrina blinked, looking a little embarrassed. She had completely spaced out. "Sorry,Penelope," she muttered in a near-whisper, heat traveling to her cheeks. “I’m just. I’m not myself today.”Penelop
Benedict sat alone in his office, the heavy burden of his decisions weighing him down. His mind was a tornado of emotions that all came from the chance meeting with Sabrina at the event of the investor. Every word she uttered, every look she flung at him felt like an open wound that would never heal. But there was even more to what caused the stir in his being: the possibility that he might have a son—his child. A feeling of regret, and longing, and hope began to stir within him.He had vowed within himself to do whatever it took to make things right, but first, he needed to know the truth. Was that child hers? Was it really his?The thought of Sabrina's son haunted him. He knew he could not change what was done; perhaps he might still be able to redeem himself, prove himself as the man she once believed in. But before any of that, he had to know where Sabrina was, and if that child was his.Tucking the restlessness in his heart, he picked up the phone and dialed his mother's number.
"Actions really do speak louder than words, Benedict. It's always hard to remember that sometimes the hardest truths are the ones we need to face. Being honest is not just about speaking your mind; it is to feel it in your bones and let that lead your actions. And let her see that you have changed, not for her but for yourself."Benedict clenched his fists, determination settling. "I'll start with honesty. But that's not an end. I'll take up a fight for myself-even if it takes forever to prove myself worthy enough."Teresa looked on at him with a pinch of pride and concern. "Then don't waste any further time, Benedict. There is no pause in the clock for any of us."As Benedict stood there, preparing to leave, the spark of purpose flickered back into him. For the first time in years, he had a direction—a chance, however slim, to make things right. And he wasn't going to let it slip away.She went inside in her beautiful Parisian abode, composure unwrapping the moment the door creaked s