I finally made a decision to work with Michelle; Richard was, however, against it. He emphasized that I hadn't fully healed and that I had to wait until then if I wanted to do any kind of work.
I had to abide by his words. Michelle told me that she would pick me up when I was completely healed. She mentioned that she was going to open a company for me in the meantime.
I was once again overwhelmed. I quickly told her that there was no need to do so, as I could just work under her; however, she refused.
Richard also told me that the fashion industry was strict about their work. If it was discovered that Michelle used my designs, her reputation would be ruined; therefore, opening a separate company for me was the only way.
What could I say? I let them do as they pleased; however, I told them that they could be in charge of the shares in that company. Michelle and Richard immediately refused, but I remained adamant.
Richard was my savior. How could I continuously take from him and his sister without giving them any profit? That was selfish.
A month passed by, and I was now fully healed. Michelle came to pick me up from Richard's home. I bid farewell to him and his aunt, giving each of them the sweaters and stockings I had made for them.
"Protect her. You also know your fashion industry circle. If I hear any complaints, I will immediately come and pick her up," Richard commanded.
I was touched by his words; my heart felt warm, and my whole body felt comfortable. I gently smiled at him as we left.
I worked well with Michelle. She taught me various things. Since I was good at sewing, stitching, and crocheting, I quickly got the hang of things.
I would sometimes return to visit Richard; sometimes he would pass by my work center to check my progress. I really liked being close to him; I guess it was the effect of him saving my life.
After six months, I launched my very first collection called 'Swan.' Michelle did the publishing and announcements. She was also in charge of looking for models for my work.
"Swan! You are really a miracle, just like your name! Do you know that your Swan collection has made a huge splash? The company made over 50 million on its first launch! As a new designer, this is simply unheard of!" Michelle said as she excitedly entered my office. I was surprised— all that money?
"Yes! Yes! You are hearing that right! Your collection is now popular among the youth and even older people! Many news articles are talking about the hidden miracle swan designer!" Michelle said.
I finally smiled; at least now I had somehow paid back the debt I owed Richard. Suddenly remembering Richard, I decided to tell him the good news.
"That's good then; I didn't disappoint you," I said.
"Of course you didn't! I trust my vision!" Michelle said as a phone call came in. Her secretary and mine also came in to inform us about sales, marketing, etc.
After Michelle and the secretaries left, I called Richard.
"Hello? Have you eaten lunch already?" I asked after the call connected.
"I was just going to eat. How about you?" Richard replied in a soft tone.
"I have already eaten," I shyly replied. I didn't know why, but Richard's voice over the phone was always magnetic and enchanting.
"I have good news to tell you," I said.
"Go ahead, I am always happy when you tell me anything about you," Richard replied.
"The company made over 50 million on its first launch," I said.
I heard Richard happily laugh; the sound magnetically vibrated through my ears, causing my heart to race a bit. I think I knew why I was shy now; I really had a crush on Richard! This wasn't right; Richard was a good person and my savior. I simply was ungrateful to have such thoughts.
"You are really great, Swan! Let's have a celebration tonight to celebrate your success," Richard said.
I nodded in compliance but discovered that I was on the phone. "Okay, I will tell Michelle," I softly said.
"Michelle is busy; let's just have a small celebration at home. Fred will be around," Richard said.
"Mm, have a nice day then," I replied.
"Okay, you too, Swan. By the way, congratulations!" Richard said.
"Thank you," I said with a smile as the call came to an end.
"Whom were you talking to just now? I could see your blush from a mile away. Be careful; there are shrewd men who take advantage of naive women just like you," Monic said. Monic was a tailor on my team; she was exceptional at her work and didn't believe in love, always warning women to stay far away from men.
I was startled by her; I hadn't noticed her enter the office. "I bought some cloth pieces for you to take a look at," Monic said as she presented the cloth pieces to me.
"Oh," I replied as I went to observe them.
I informed Michelle about the celebration at home, but just like Richard said, she couldn't make it. I therefore left without her.
When I reached home, my aunt was just leaving.
"Auntie, aren't you staying to celebrate? It's a small get-together," I asked.
"Ms. Swan, congratulations! I heard about the news. I, however, also had a meeting with someone today; I simply couldn't stay," Aunty said.
I nodded in understanding as she hurriedly left.
"Swan! Congratulations!" I immediately heard Fred's loud voice after entering the house.
"Thank you, Fred," I said with a smile.
"Swan, you are simply incredible! Your very first collection amassed such a huge win," Richard said as he came out of the kitchen holding a tray full of fruits.
It was now summer, and the weather was hot.
"Thank you," I smiled as I said.
We ate fruits, I told them about my designs, showed them pictures, and my collection.
"I recently followed your page; everyone is yearning to see what you look like. Do you remember anything about your past?" Fred asked.
Richard paused his actions of eating fruit as he silently looked at me. "Not yet; I can't seem to remember anything," I replied.
"It seems it will be a long time before the memory loss ends," Fred sighed as he said.
"Don't worry; you have us. Maybe you don't want to remember your past?" Richard commented.
Suddenly, a phone call came through. Fred quickly picked up. "Guys, I have to leave. Sorry, Swan, I can't keep you company on your big day," Fred said.
"No problem," I said as Fred hurriedly left.
It was already dark outside. I guess I would have to spend the night and travel tomorrow; a lot of preparations still had to be made for the 'Swan' collection.
"Auntie made some lamb chops you love very much. Want to try?" Richard asked as he stood up.
"Okay," I replied as we headed towards the kitchen.
I loved Auntie's lamb chops; they were fragrant and nice to eat. I sat down on a nearby chair as I picked one up and ate it directly.
When I turned to face Richard, I found that he was watching me with an affectionate look. I immediately blushed; my hands couldn't stay coordinated, leading to a nearby glass of juice pouring onto the table.
I immediately stood up to clean it up. Richard also walked in my direction with a box of napkins.
"Why are you so clumsy?" Richard said helplessly as he held my hand, turning me around to face him.
"Let me first help you with the stain on your face," Richard said. I immediately stood still and let Richard hold my face. He then gently wiped away some lamb chop residue that had stained my cheek.
I simply couldn't look into his eyes. Richard lifted my face by my chin; I involuntarily had to look at him. His gaze was so fierce that I thought I would be swallowed whole by him.
Richard then slowly and gently cleaned my upper lip. I had blushed to the extreme; it was impossible to blush anymore. My heart beat escalated, and I thought it would surely jump out of my chest.
I felt Richard slowly caress my lips with his finger, his heated gaze intently fixed on them. I felt my whole body go limp. Richard quickly held my waist, steadying me firmly in his embrace.
"Can I kiss you, swan?" Richard asked with a hoarse and almost painful tone.
"Mn," I gently nodded, my voice surprised as it had gone to a very low octave that I had never used.
Richard impatiently kissed me, firmly locking me in his embrace. He softly bit my lower lip, causing my lips to part for him before he dived into my mouth, hungrily swallowing my tongue and exploring every inch of my mouth.
"I can't help it, swan," I heard Richard whisper close to my ear. I had already lost control of my body; every time Richard gently touched me, I became powerless to his actions.
I already knew that I had a crush on Richard. In this very moment, I lost the will to resist. I wanted this man to be mine and only mine; that's what was on my mind.
I therefore proactively and gently kissed Richard, who was trying to stop his actions. This action seemed to have shredded any form of restraint that Richard had gathered, as he immediately carried me off the ground, put my legs around him, and walked upstairs in between kissing me feverishly.
My body reacted to Richard just like ghee reacts when put close to fire. Richard's actions were gentle and considerate; his touch made my body surrender to him.
This was a night I couldn't forget: how my body reacted, how Richard held me; his every action was imprinted in my mind.
My body reacted in a way I had never thought it would. On this night, I vowed that Richard would be the only man in the world to whom I wholeheartedly gave myself in this way; I vowed that he would be mine alone!