Chapter 9
Lucas was like a guiding light, helping me find the right path in the darkness.
Whenever I felt frustrated, when I was on the brink of giving up,
I would remember those words.
They gave me the strength to continue.
Later on,
It took me a year to establish myself in France.
After winning top prizes in major competitions, gaining enough attention and building my own fan–base,
Chapter 9
+ 5 Points
I launched my own independent brand.
At a dinner interview,
Lucas, in front of a crowd of media, invited me to hold an exhibition with him.
The news stunned everyone.
“They actually know each other?!”
That same evening, eager netizens dug up photos of me and Lucas meeting privately on multiple occasions.
Comments flooded in from around the world:
“Why are all the photos taken in dessert shops?”
“Because Rita loves strawberry cake.”
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Chapter 9
“Are they really together?”
I set my phone down, pressing my temples.
“Does that bother you?”
Lucas put down his water cup, his expression filled with concern.
“If it’s uncomfortable for you, I can clarify things to the public.”
Seeing the earnestness in his face, I suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.
After all, my brand was stili in its early stages.
Having attention was a good thing.
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4.5 Poirits
I shook my head. “I’m just worried that this kind of publicity might cause trouble for you.”
entle
Lucas‘ brows relaxed, his tone as as always.
“I’m glad to hear that. I could tell you weren’t feeling well and were worried it might be because of this.”
I lightly tapped the rim of my cup with my fingertips.
There was indeed a twinge of anxiety inside me, but it wasn’t about this.
It was because… I had seen Ethan’s name on the guest list for the upcoming China–France Cultural Exchange Gala.
For some reason, an unease settled in my chest.
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Chapter 9
Never mind.
I didn’t let the bad mood linger for too long and, after organizing my thoughts, I threw myself back into work.
By the time I finished discussing the exhibition details with Lucas, it was already
10 p.m.
After seeing him off,
I was tidying up my desk, about to rest, when I suddenly spotted his phone wedged between the couch cushions.
Not long after, the doorbell rang again.
It must be Lucas coming back for his phone.
I smiled as I opened the door. “Did you
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only realize you left it when you got to the entrance…”
Before I could finish my sentence,
A pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist, pushing me into the room, closing the door with one smooth motion.
I froze as I recognized the person.
“Eth…”
I didn’t get the chance to finish my words.
He kissed me hard, cutting off my words with his lips.
He reeked of alcohol, his words slurring as he spoke.
“Rita, I miss you so much…”
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It was Ethan!
Once I realized it, I pushed him away forcefully and wiped my lips in disgust.
He saw my reaction, his face hurt and vulnerable.
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