Chapter 14
Jewelry Exhibition was set up in a hotel.
Cecilia arrived in a white dress, her makeup perfectly done.
Even though her last day was yesterday, she still showed up early backstage, helping make sure everything ran smoothly.
Before the event kicked off, the invited designers started arriving.
Jacqueline walked in wearing a deep red designer gown with a matching jewelry set.
“Professor Collins.” Jacqueline’s reputation in the design world was huge. Everyone rose to greet her, calling out her name warmly.
“Professor Collins, let me show you around, shall I?” Cecilia stepped forward and offered humbly.
“Certainly.” Jacqueline replied, “I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve put together.”
Cecilia walked alongside Jacqueline at a relaxed pace. Starting from the entrance, she began explaining the theme of the exhibition, “Heritage.”
The exhibition wasn’t limited to any one style. It showcased a wide mix of pieces, including rare cultural treasures worth collecting.
“Cecilia,” Jacqueline said thoughtfully, “it’s pretty rare to find someone who gets jewelry the way you do.”
Jacqueline was a national treasure in the design world, with deep knowledge of national culture.
“So many designers today focus more on skill than heart. But pieces can’t speak for themselves. If the designer has no vision, no message to share, then their work just ends up being nothing more than lifeless stones.” she said.
As they walked further into the exhibition, Jacqueline spotted a statue of a young girl right in the center area.
The girl was carved with her eyes closed, deep in prayer like she was making a wish. Every line of the carving was so soft and smooth, which made it look nothing like a cold, hard stone. It really looked like her clothes were made of flowing layers, swaying gently.
“Your piece is so lifelike. It actually makes people wonder what wish that young girl is making. That’s exactly the feeling you’re going for, isn’t it?” Jacqueline piled on the praise for Cecilia.
Cecilia stood before her own work, her face reflected in the clear glass case. For a moment, her reflection seemed to blend into the statue of the girl inside.
“This piece doesn’t belong to me anymore.” she said quietly.
At that moment, Jacqueline reached out and gently took Cecilia’s hands in her own. “Dear,” she said softly, “what matters most for a designer are eyes that truly see the world, and hands that can make things.
“A single piece can only capture who you were at that moment, not the whole of you. No one can take away the talent you have. It’s your passion and sincerity for design–that’s what gives you endless potential.”
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Cecilia remembered her father had once said something just like that. Right then, she felt a warm feeling. “Professor Collins, thank you.” she said.
Jacqueline looked straight into her eyes and suddenly asked, “Cecilia, would you like to study with me? Bring that bigger world you see into your work.”
Cecilia was floored by the question.
Tons of designers would line up for a chance to learn under Professor Collins, but everyone knew she rarely took on apprentices. And for someone like Cecilia, who felt like she was starting from way behind, this was an opportunity she’d never even dreamed of.
“Professor Collins, it would be such an honor to study with you.” Cecilia replied.
“These last couple of years, my eyesight hasn’t been great.” Jacqueline explained, “I’ve been looking for the right person to pass things on to.
“Plenty of talented designers with impressive backgrounds have approached me, but they all seemed to lack that spark of real passion. What good luck for me to find you.” Jacqueline smiled warmly. It was clear she was very pleased with her new apprentice.
Next up at the exhibition was the part where designers took the stage with their work. Jacqueline stepped up first, and the whole room broke out in applause.
Then it was Cecilia’s turn. As the organizer of the exhibition, she walked calmly onto the stage.
Right at that moment, Gavin made it to the venue. He didn’t even have to look around, and his eyes went straight to Cecilia up there on stage.
From across the crowded room, Gavin watched her, suddenly stuck where he stood.
Up on stage, Cecilia spoke with quiet confidence about the theme of “Heritage.” She called it a theme full of strength and warmth, a real human touch.
There she was, standing in the spotlight, lighting up the whole stage.
But for Gavin, watching her stung his eyes. A familiar yet strange feeling washed over him.
When they were kids, the first time Gavin saw Cecilia, he couldn’t get over how pretty she was.
Cecilia grew up in a warm family, and even though she came from money, she never acted spoiled or stuck–up.
Gavin had a crush on Cecilia, and he knew he wasn’t the only one. So he made it his mission to scare off any guy who came near her. He wanted to make sure Cecilia only had eyes for him, that he was her one and only choice,
Gavin had to admit that once Cecilia became his girlfriend, seeing all those jealous looks from other guys stroked his ego like crazy.
But now, Cecilia wasn’t standing by his side. Everyone could see just how amazing and talented she was.
Gavin felt a sharp stab of betrayal–like she’d slipped free from his control. That old, familiar panic swept over him, fierce and sudden. His fists clenched tight, his eyes locked onto Cecilia. Boiling possessiveness poured from his gaze.
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Chapter 14
“Cecilia,” Gavin muttered under his breath, “how could you walk away? I need you back.”
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After the presentation part, Cecilia was standing off to the side watching Jacqueline give interviews to reporters.
Down in the audience sat a man in a sharp suit. It was Harvey Wood, Simon’s assistant.
Harvey snapped a picture of Cecilia standing next to A Wishing Girl and sent it to Simon. [Mr. Hall, the exhibition went smoothly today.]
No one was around to see the faint smile that spread across Simon’s face as he read the message.
After the exhibition ended, Cecilia personally saw Jacqueline off. Once back, she went over to remind her team about the crucial security measures.
“Cecilia.” Gavin called out.
Hearing the voice behind her, Cecilia turned around, looking genuinely surprised.
“Why did you leave? Sneaking off like this… are you trying to get back at me?” Gavin asked.
Hearing that familiar tone of dissatisfaction, Cecilia felt not a ripple of emotion inside. “I followed the proper procedures when I resigned.”
“I never signed off on that.” Gavin stepped right up to her, his eyes swirling with feelings he could barely hold back.
“Alright, enough of this cold war. If you’re not happy about being moved back to Secretary Division, just tell me what you do want. Anything you want, I’ll give it to you.” Playing the part of someone giving in, Gavin reached out to take hold of Cecilia’s wrist.
Cecilia stepped back, dodging his grasp. Just like that, Gavin’s hand closed around empty air. His heart clenched involuntarily, like a sudden jolt of warning.
Gavin’s control finally snapped. He demanded in disbelief, “Cecilia, what on earth is going through your head? You got what you wanted by leaving. Do you really need to keep acting out like this?”
“What I want is to leave. It’s my decision, and I don’t owe anyone an explanation.” Cecilia said calmly, holding his gaze.
When she was younger, Cecilia had chased after him with her heart full of hope. But now, all she felt looking at him was that he was a stranger.
“I’m not just anyone, I’m your boyfriend!” Gavin frowned, clearly annoyed.
Taking a slow breath to steady his voice, he said, “Cecilia, you win this round. Fine. You leave to focus on planning the wedding, right? Well, without me as the groom, there is no wedding.
“Come back to the company with me and help me finish up the resort project. Once that’s done, I’ll have time to plan the wedding with you. Now, come home with me-”
“Gavin.” Cecilia said, finally looking him in the eye, “There will be no wedding–not for you and me.”
