y's

ng a soft light across her room. She didn't feel the weight of regret, nor did she feel any doubt about her dec

he didn't rush to answer it. She already

-just a tiny part-that wondered if he would keep pushing, keep trying to convince her. That part of her still believed Ethan could find a wa

ve with possibility. There was so much to look forward to. She was building something of her own, somet

ne buzz

yed. Why couldn't

than. Her heart clenched at the sight of his name, but she quickly pushed the

ands. I'm willing to do whatever it takes t

had made herself clear. She had told him no. Yet he was back, asking fo

This isn't about money. This isn't about busin

apping the screen with a firm

accepting your offer. I have my own life now. You should respe

short and to the point. No more games. No more h

. The morning passed quickly as she dove into meetings and calls with her team, discussing the upcoming fashion collection and finalizing designs. She had made real progress. T

or the final pieces of the collection. Ivy had a vision, and she knew exactly wha

She knew how stubborn he was. He wouldn't give up that easily. But she couldn't le

s with her partners and address issues that had been lingering for weeks. The sense of control she had over her own life was

's attempts to reach her. She was proud of herself for standing her ground, for not letting him pull her back into his world. I

one sitting unused on the counter. She enjoyed the peace, the solitude that

g. It wasn't about Ethan, not really. She had made her choice, and she would stick

had worked so hard to move on, to build something for herself. And yet, the rem

ocus on the future. She wouldn't le