Lily sat in the dimly lit room, her fingers trembling as they rested on the edge of the desk. The weight of the contract she had just signed pressed down on her chest, suffocating her thoughts. What had she done? She couldn't shake the feeling of dread that clung to her like a second skin, the echo of Damien's words still ringing in her mind: "You're mine now."
Her eyes flickered to the contract, still lying open on the desk, its ink fresh and permanent. This was no longer just a piece of paper. It was the chain that bound her to Damien, a man she barely knew, a man whose dark secrets she was only beginning to understand. The thought of what she had just agreed to made her feel like she was drowning in a sea of uncertainties.
But she couldn't go back now. The ink was dry, and her fate had been sealed.
The quiet of the room was broken by a soft knock on the door. Lily's head snapped up, her heart still racing, but she quickly tried to mask the confusion and unease on her face.
"Come in," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The door creaked open, and in stepped Jin, Damien's PA, a striking figure with his long black hair and sharp features. His dark eyes scanned the room, and when they landed on Lily, there was a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. He was a man who carried himself with authority, but there was something gentle in the way he approached her now, a softness that contrasted with his usual cold demeanor.
"Miss Ashton," Jin began, his voice steady and calm. "Damien sent me to ask about the job you'd like to apply for."
Lily blinked, still reeling from the weight of her recent decision. She had expected Damien to leave her to her own devices, at least for the moment, but instead, here was Jin, standing before her with an unexpected question.
"A job?" she asked, trying to steady her nerves. "I thought I was just… here. To help with Damien's business."
Jin's gaze softened, and he nodded. "That's true, but your role here is not just about being a figurehead. Damien wants you to feel fulfilled, to have a purpose." His tone was more gentle than she had expected, but there was still an edge to it, as if he were carefully choosing his words. "I'm here to help you find something that aligns with your goals."
Lily swallowed hard, her thoughts racing. She had been so focused on the contract and the dark promise it held that she hadn't even stopped to think about what she wanted for herself. What could she possibly want, after everything that had happened? But then, a spark of something familiar caught her attention.
Her eyes dropped to the desk, where her sketchbook lay open, the pages filled with designs that she had poured her heart into. One of them stood out—a sketch of a white gothic wedding dress, the fabric flowing in intricate layers, with dark lace and silver embroidery. It was a design she had dreamed of creating for years, a perfect blend of elegance and dark romance.
She reached for the sketchbook and handed it to Jin, her fingers trembling slightly. "I want to apply for a job as a fashion designer. I've always dreamed of it, and I want to see if I can make that dream come true."
Jin took the sketch from her carefully, his eyes flicking over the design with a quiet admiration. He marveled at the details, pausing to study the delicate lines and ornate patterns that adorned the dress.
"This is incredible," Jin murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He ran his fingers over the intricate lacework of the gown in the drawing, clearly impressed. "You've got talent, Miss Ashton. This dress… it's stunning."
Lily felt a wave of warmth spread through her chest at his words. Despite the fear gnawing at her insides, she couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride. This was hers—something she had created. She had never been able to fully pursue her passion for fashion design, especially after her marriage to Eliott, but now… now there was a chance.
"Thank you," Lily said softly, her voice catching in her throat. "I've always wanted to design gowns like this, something dark and beautiful. Something that tells a story."
Jin's expression softened, his gaze lingering on the sketch. "I can see that." He paused for a moment, as if considering something. "I'll help you apply for a junior designer position. There's an online design contest Damien's company runs, and it's a good way to get your foot in the door."
Lily's heart skipped a beat. A contest. It was a chance—a real one—to prove herself. The idea of submitting her designs, of standing out in such a way, filled her with both excitement and fear. But this was her dream. She couldn't let fear hold her back.
"I'll do it. I'll submit my designs." Her voice was steady now, filled with determination. She quickly gathered her thoughts and reached for another sheet of paper, pulling out the four best designs she had completed. Each one was different but reflected her vision—her style. She placed them in front of Jin, who took them without a word.
"This is amazing." Jin said, his voice tinged with admiration. He didn't hesitate to set the designs down on the desk, his eyes scanning them with a quiet appreciation. "I'll make sure these are submitted for the contest."
Lily smiled, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over her. For the first time in what felt like forever, she could see a path forward. It wasn't just about surviving anymore—it was about reclaiming her life, her passion, and her dreams.
As Jin turned to leave, he paused at the door, glancing back at her. "Good luck, Miss Ashton. I know you'll do well. And… if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask. You've got a lot of potential."
Lily nodded, grateful for his words. "Thank you, Jin. I appreciate it."
Jin's face flushed slightly at her words, and for a moment, he seemed almost out of place, his usual professional composure slipping for just a second. "It's nothing." He cleared his throat, giving her a small, almost embarrassed smile. "Good luck."
With that, he closed the door behind him, leaving Lily alone in the quiet room once more. But this time, it was different. There was no crushing weight of uncertainty pressing down on her. For the first time in a long while, Lily felt like she had a chance—a real chance to rebuild and reclaim what she had lost.