Three days went by, and Michelle called me to inquire about the 'scars' collection. She told me that everything had been arranged and that I would travel to over 20 countries for promotions. I gave her a vague answer and told her to be a little patient; I would ask Richard about the investigation tonight.
That night, Richard returned and gave me back the necklace. It had indeed been polished and cleaned.
"Your friend is really something; the necklace looks brand new now," I commented in appreciation.
"I can buy you all the necklaces you want," Richard said.
"I know; there is an entire jewelry closet in the house," I gently smiled as I said.
"Do you wish to travel anywhere? I don't know, maybe have some fresh air, good time. We could take a vacation if you want," Richard said.
I intently looked at him. "Where is this coming from? Oh! Right, Michelle called me. We can't push the 'scars' collection anymore; people will be fed up. Good thing I didn't mention the date when I posted online. How did the investigation go?" I asked.
"Oh, well, the investigation went well; nothing to be worried about. We talked to the guy responsible for the message; he didn't mean any harm; it was just a harmless text," Richard said in a rigid tone. I could immediately tell that he was lying, but I let it be. I trusted Richard; he would tell me when he was ready.
"Okay, I will have to start making travel plans then," I said as I put on the necklace. I felt Richard tightly hug me around the waist.
"Remember when I said I wanted to announce our relationship? How about I escort you to those countries? We could openly become official," Richard suggested.
"Won't you work on all those days?" I asked, speechlessly.
"I have my laptop; I can work from anywhere. Also, there is my secretary; she can handle anything else," Richard said as he lay his head on my shoulder. I helplessly smiled as I stroked his hair.
"Okay, you can come," I said.
Richard kissed me and proceeded to gently sit me on his lap. "What if you regain your memory and find that you have a whole other family? Will you leave me?" Richard worriedly asked as he held me tight.
"Remember when I told you that even with my memories back, nothing would change? I meant that. I love you so much, Richard; I don't know how to show you," I said as I gently held his face.
Richard then slowly slid his hand from my shoulder to my hip, before continuing to my inner thigh. My body responded to his touch just like it usually did; I became soft and helpless. "Show me today, swan; show me how much you love me," Richard pleadingly requested.
I gathered my remaining energy and shakily undid his belt. When the belt clicked open, Richard immediately placed me under him and proceeded to treat every part of my body like a treasure. He held me as though afraid I would break any minute; all his movements sent me to heaven.
Richard knew every part of my body; he simply knew how to please me, when to stop, and what was right, and I indulged him with everything he wanted.
When our lovemaking came to an end, I had already withered and softened in Richard's arms. "Swan, I will not allow anyone to take you away from me," Richard said as he kissed the top of my head.
"I won't allow it too," I said as I hugged him tight.
The launch quickly came by. We first held an opening ceremony in Dun, of course. The place was crowded to the maximum, but security was tight.
"You look fantastic, Swan!" Michelle said.
"Thank you," I replied. I had put on one of the 'scars' collection. My back, arms, legs, part of my thighs, and shoulders were clearly visible.
This looks exaggerated; the scars that I had on my body were even more pronounced.
"Alright, everybody, let's welcome the founder of Miracle Swan and the 'Scars' collection! Miracle Swan!" the announcer said. Michelle quickly urged me to go with a smile. I immediately went on stage amidst shouts and screams.
When I arrived, the screams reached an all-time high. I was surprised and full of gratitude for their support. Cameras rapidly flashed. I directly headed towards the female and male interviewers and sat down.
"Wow!" the interviewers exclaimed.
"I simply can't believe my eyes! I saw on your profile that you are a mother of two? It doesn't look that way. How can you be so young?" a male interviewer asked.
I gently smiled; this caused the audience to scream even more. The surprise on my face couldn't be hidden from their actions.
"People are simply excited, just like me," the female interviewer said.
"Mrs. Swan, is what you are wearing part of the 'Scars' collection? What inspired your work?" the male interviewer asked.
"Well, I have scars all over my body. I lost my memories, so I simply can't remember how I got them. However, when I study these scars, I find that they are not shameful. To me, they aren't even a reminder, as I can't remember how they came about. These scars are now my skin; they are a part of me. When I see them, I see resilience. I somehow imagine that although pain and harm were inflicted on me, I emerged victorious. I won, and I am now standing on a big stage," I said.
There was silence among the audience as the cameras zoomed in on my scars.
"Wow, I didn't know that this collection had such a touching background," the male interviewer said.
"I saw those scars, but I thought it was make-up, so they are really real scars!" the female interviewer exclaimed as she stood up to observe and touch my arm. I simply let her.
"They are indeed scars! What kind of torture did you endure?" the female interviewer shouted.
"Swan said she can't remember," the male interviewer sighed as he spoke.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please support Miracle Swan! Let's do it for every survivor out there! They were resilient and finally overcame, no matter what they went through; they are still standing!" the male interviewer shouted. Screams and shouts once again echoed.
"Mrs. Swan, what would you like to tell fashion lovers?" the interviewer asked.
"Simply push on; your past shouldn't influence your future; only look ahead!" I said.
"Also, I would like to introduce my husband," I added.
"Oh! I am suddenly excited! Who could this Mr. Lucky be?" the female interviewer said.
On stage, a tall and confident Richard walked towards me; thunderous screams couldn't be contained this time around.
"I am shaking. Is this Dun's business giant before me? Am I seeing things?" the male interviewer rhetorically asked.
"Me too!" the female interviewer replied.
I stood up, and Richard hugged and kissed me before helping me sit back down as he sat beside me, too.
"Hello," Richard greeted the interviewers.
"Mr. Stone, how did you two meet?" the male interviewer asked.
"Well, it was a miracle, just like my wife's name. She was swept up by the water currents; luckily, I discovered her, or she wouldn't be among us today," Richard said.
"Well, congratulations!" the female interviewer said with a bright smile.
"Thank you," Richard replied. We proceeded to answer a few questions before the interview was wrapped up. I had to sign some autographs along the way, so it took some time to reunite with Richard in the waiting room.
When I walked in, Richard and Michelle seemed to be having an argument. When I entered, they suddenly stopped and turned to face me.
"Swan, let's talk. I can't hide things from you anymore," Richard said as he stood up, held my hand, and led me to sit beside him.Michelle quickly stood up and locked the door.