Chapter 8

Megan had been too preoccupied greeting her colleagues to notice Bethany. Trystan's words triggered a flash of displeasure in her eyes. How could Trystan have spotted Bethany among so many people leaving the building? Megan clenched her teeth silently before putting on a smile, appearing eager to catch up. Megan grasped Bethany's arm and said, "Wait up, Beth. We decided to celebrate together. Are you attempting to sneak away?" "Forget it. I..." Bethany wasn't interested in going. "You just returned from abroad. I don't want to interrupt your time together." "What are you talking about?" Megan's face reddened. "You and Trys haven't divorced yet. Besides, you're not a stranger." Bethany hurriedly added, "Meg, please ask Trystan when he is available. We will go and get the paperwork done." "I'm not going to ask him. You can ask him yourself." Megan pouted. "I don't want him to think I'm rushing to tie the knot with him. Here's a secret about men—they value things less when they're easy to get." Bethany was stunned. Did Trystan think she was too easy to get and, hence, wasn't worth caring about? After some time, Megan finally managed to get Bethany into the car. Bethany sat in the front seat, while Megan and Trystan sat in the back. Bethany kept her head down; she imagined that her face probably looked pale and awful. Megan did most of the talking during the ride. "Trys, what would you like to have? Do you prefer a light or heavy meal?" "Either is fine." "Your response is always the same. I won't ask you again. Beth, what's your preference?" "Huh? I'm good with anything." "No, you can't say that. Today is all about celebrating you, so make a choice." "Let's have Melioran cuisine, then." "Melioran cuisine? I've had my fill of that stuff during my year abroad. But if you like it, then Melioran cuisine it is." "Oh. We can choose another cuisine if you'd like." "No, we're having Melioran cuisine." Megan kept herself busy after arriving at the Melioran restaurant. After ordering the food, she winked at Bethany. "I'm going to the restroom. I'll be right back." Bethany instantly understood. Megan was reminding her about the divorce proceedings. Bethany glanced at Trystan and said, "Trystan, when are you free? Let's go handle the paperwork for our divorce." Trystan huffed. "You seem more eager than I am. Don't worry; I'll let you know when I'm free." "Okay." Bethany didn't want to linger any longer. She grabbed her bag and stood up. "I have something to take care of, so I'll leave now. Could you please let Meg know for me?" Bethany quickly left the Melioran restaurant and sent Megan a WhatsApp message. "Meg, I asked Trystan about the divorce. He said he would make time soon." Megan soon responded, "Okay, he's always busy at work. Keep reminding him. Beth, you're the best. It'll be my treat next time." Bethany strolled along the riverbank. Jenny was livestreaming that day, so Bethany would have to go back home a bit later. The wind near the river was strong and made Bethany's eyes well up. Letting go of Trystan was something she knew she had to do. … Trystan remained silent for several days. Megan, on the other hand, would occasionally invite Bethany out. Bethany sensed Megan's anxiety and knew that the latter wanted her to urge Trystan. But Bethany knew Trystan well. He wouldn't agree to her request so easily. At Baruy Studio, the empty workstation in the office remained vacant. At this point, Bethany was sure that no new hires were on their way. She knew that Regina just hated her. The fact that no one acknowledged Bethany or gave her any assignments made her feel even more invisible. Instead, she had plenty of free time. So, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Bethany grabbed a drawing board and brushes and began painting again. She painted anything that came to her mind, which made her days more enjoyable and peaceful. Unbeknownst to Bethany, Regina had been waiting for her to resign. But instead, Regina received a few design sketches from Bethany. "Did Bethany draw these?" Regina scrutinized the drawings repeatedly. Sharon nodded in confirmation. "Yes, I saw her draw them. Honestly, they're pretty good, aren't they?" Regina remained silent. Although the sketches lacked the finesse and technique of a professional fashion designer, they were vibrant in color, meticulously constructed, and utterly unique. Could this plagiarist actually be talented? Early the following day, Regina summoned Bethany. "Good morning, Ms. Katz," Bethany said nervously. Regina observed her with a cold gaze. "Sure feels nice getting paid for nothing, huh?" Bethany remained silent, not wanting to argue with Regina. In response to Bethany's silence, Regina took out a document. "Here's the information for one of our high-profile clients. She's getting engaged and wants a custom gown. Can you provide me with three sample designs within a week?" Bethany couldn't believe her ears. "Answer me!" Regina's patience was wearing thin. Afraid that Regina might regret her decision, Bethany eagerly accepted the documents. "Ms. Katz, rest assured. I will give it my all." Regina waved her hand dismissively and watched Bethany's excited figure leave. She couldn't help but feel like Bethany was nothing like she had expected. Then, Regina remembered the design sketches she had seen the night before. They were reminiscent of Megan's award-winning paintings. Was this plagiarist mimicking Megan? But the sketches from last night appeared more developed. Unbeknownst to Bethany, Megan had also acquired information about the same high-profile client. Regina suddenly became excited to see what the two could come up with. … Back home, Bethany immersed herself in designing the gown. She was determined to prove herself. She ultimately found inspiration over the weekend after analyzing the client's information as well as the works of prominent designers. Just then, Megan called her. "Beth, I'm going shopping for wedding dresses today. Can you come with me?" "Today?" Bethany felt disturbed. "But I've got work to do today. Perhaps you could—" Megan sighed. "Beth, I haven't told anyone else about mine and Trys' wedding plans. Since you two aren't officially divorced yet, I don't want people gossiping behind our backs. You're the only person I can ask for advice. Can you come?" Bethany couldn't refuse. She decided to take some paper and a pen with her, thinking she could find some new inspiration at the bridal shop. "Okay, just send me the address." Bethany quickly packed her things and soon reached the bridal shop. Megan was the only daughter of the head of the Reyes family, and she was marrying into one of Sunville's most affluent families. So, she naturally wanted the best wedding gown. As Bethany entered the shop, she was captivated by the beautiful array of designer gowns and dresses. If wedding dresses were every woman's dream, this place would be a paradise on earth. Megan was inside, trying on the latest design. Bethany wandered around, lost in her thoughts. She had always imagined donning her own design and marrying Trystan. However, in reality, they hadn't even had a wedding ceremony. Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice behind her. It carried a sarcastic tone. "What's this? You want to try one on, too?"