Chapter 1 : A Blast from the Past

(Kate's pov)

The room buzzed with energy. For many designers, attending the New York Fashion Gala is a dream come true, and here I was, showcasing my collection in the centre of the event. Cameras flashed, people applauded, and I felt proud for the first time in years. It was my time. My victory.

My breath caught as I looked out at the sea of cheering faces. My entire world swayed. Simon Blackwood was there. His eyes were focused on me, and his black, sharp suit mirrored the intensity of his stare. I lost my breath and my heart stopped beating.

Simon.

Three years ago, the man broke my heart. I had promised myself I would never think about that man again. And yet here he was, looking as devastating and flawless as I had imagined.

I took a deep breath and returned my focus to the stage. No, I was no longer that gullible young woman. Now I was stronger. I no longer had any influence over Simon Blackwood.

That's what I told myself, anyway.

"Kate." His voice sliced like a razor through the noise.

I went cold. No. Not right now. Not in this place.

Grasping my champagne glass tightly like a lifeline, I turned slowly. I said, "Simon," in a steady but clipped voice. "Why are you in this place?"

He grinned the same smug, angry smile that had once made me feel helpless. "Well done on your collection. It's amazing. You've truly surpassed yourself.

His tone was so earnest that I blinked, taken aback. Then I realized who I was interacting with. "I'm grateful," I said abruptly. "Enjoy the remainder of the gala." I turned to leave, but he blocked my way by stepping in front of me.

"Wait, Kate," he replied quietly. "We must speak."

I shot back, recalling our breakup. "We don't," I said. "We don't have anything to say to each other, despite what you may believe."

He did not move, but his eyes darkened. His voice was hardly audible above a whisper when he said, "I made a mistake." "I'm sorry I offended you, but—"

Hurt me? I cut in, raising my voice. "Simon, you did more than simply harm me. I was ruined by you. And now you believe that you can simply re-enter my life.

His voice was stern but begging, "Kate, please." "Just allow me to clarify."

"No," I replied, avoiding him. "We've left this place."

With my heart racing and tears on the verge of streaming down my face, I left. I refused to let him affect me. Never again.

"Well, well, if it isn't the evening's main attraction."

Simon's ex-fiance, Vanessa Carter, was strolling toward me with that sickly sweet smile I hated when I turned around. As usual, her hair was well done, and she wore a stunning silver gown.

Coolly, I said, "Vanessa." "Loving the gala?"

She smiled broadly and answered, "Oh, I am." particularly right now. Kate, you've come so far. Really. I never imagined that day would come.

I clenched my teeth. "I appreciate your... assistance.

Her eyes gleamed as she leaned slightly closer. "Look, Simon... enthralled, isn't he? He nearly seems to be there for you.

My stomach turned over. "I don't understand what you're discussing."

Vanessa's grin became piercing. "Oh, Kate, hurry up. Don't be too humble. You must have seen that he has been observing you all night. However, avoid being overly at ease. Simon tends to make things more difficult.

I gave her a fierce look and told her, "Vanessa, I don't have time for your games."

Her voice was filled with fake worry as she replied, "Oh, but it's not a game, darling." It's simply... unresolved issues. You'll see.

I felt angry and anxious when she left. By "unfinished business," did she mean what? And why did it seem that she was aware of something that I was not?

I eventually made it out of the crush and made my way to the exit as the evening was coming to an end. There were too many feelings racing through my head: uncertainty, fury, and irritation. I had to leave that place.

However, I heard voices as I got to the doors. Voices you recognize.

"You ought not to have come," Vanessa growled. "You're just making matters worse."

Simon answered in a quiet, tight voice, "I had to." "The truth is something she deserves to know."

"The reality? Vanessa sneered. "You honestly believe that after she finds out, she will forgive you? Simon, don't be so silly. You will just cause her greater pain.

Simon snapped, "Vanessa, get out of here." "You've caused enough harm."

"Oh, have I? Vanessa's voice became icy. Don't say I didn't warn you, though.

I hid in the shadows, pressing myself against the wall, my heart thumping. What was the topic of their conversation? What is the truth? Every possibility that crossed my head was more unnerving than the one before it.

Simon was a secretive person. Vanessa looked all too keen to conceal these secrets. I couldn't get rid of the notion that I was implicated in those secrets.

My resolve solidifying, I inhaled deeply and stepped out into the cool night air. I would make sure to find out Simon's truth if he had one. Whatever it took.