The Life of Freedom I Long For

Five Years Later

Later, I heard from my friend Ally that Felix had gone into a frenzy after failing to reach me for so long. When I disappeared without a trace, he sent people everywhere to look for me.

But since no one could find me, his temper grew worse by the day. He lashed out at everyone around him, cursing anyone who crossed his path. People became so terrified of upsetting him that they tiptoed around, too afraid to even mention my name.

When I heard all this, I felt nothing at all. It was as if the person he was desperately searching for wasn't me.

With the money his mother had given me, I settled down in Provenelle. I rented a small house and found a job in fashion design. It wasn't what I had studied, but I loved creating beautiful clothes. In this new place, no one could cage my imagination or freedom again. Even though I had to start from scratch, I was filled with energy and life.

…

Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, five years passed. My designs began to headline major fashion weeks around the world, adored by wealthy entrepreneurs and celebrities alike. I won several prestigious international awards and became the head and chief designer of my own fashion company.

This year, I was headed to Parovine to present our new haute couture collection at Fashion Week. After finishing a meeting with a celebrity's agent about a custom design partnership, I was invited to attend her friend's birthday party. I originally declined, but she was so enthusiastic that I was eventually dragged along.

As the private room door opened, laughter and music spilled out, and dozens of curious eyes turned toward me.

I lifted my head—and froze.

There he was.

Felix.

The boy I'd once known was gone. In his place sat a man—handsome, poised, with an air of power that commanded attention. The black suit he wore accentuated the sharp lines of his shoulders, and the years had carved a maturity into his once-youthful face. The people around him toasted him with respect and flattery.

Seeing him again after all these years caught me off guard.

Eleanor sat beside him, just as beautiful as ever, clinging to his arm. It seemed their relationship had stayed strong—they'd probably be married by now.

Someone in the crowd recognized me. "Whoa! Felix, look—your first love is here!"

Another voice followed with a sneer. "First love? More like his doormat!"

Curious, mocking eyes turned toward me instantly.

Felix's head snapped up. When his gaze met mine, his eyes widened. He rose to his feet instinctively but froze after a single step. Shock flickered across his face, giving way to a swirl of emotions—confusion, guilt, hesitation.

Eleanor's expression stiffened. She quickly grabbed his hand and forced a smile. "Honey, calm down." Then, she turned her glare on me. "Kathy, when did you come back?"

"Yesterday." I smiled lightly, walked to an open seat, and sat down with calm poise. "It's been a while, everyone."

Many of the faces were familiar—former classmates, old colleagues. They'd always delighted in mocking me, and clearly, nothing had changed.

"Kathy, where have you been all these years? Don't tell me you went back to the slums and married some poor guy?"

"She's got no money, no power—who else could she rely on but a man?"

"Just look at her clothes. Doesn't even look like a designer brand. No matter how well she dresses, she still reeks of poverty."

"Exactly. Back then, she slaved away for Felix, always beneath him. Some things never change."

Their snide remarks echoed one after another, laughter rippling through the room.

The agent who brought me there wanted to defend me, but I gave her a small shake of the head and a quiet gesture to stay silent.

Instead, I calmly picked up a piece of canape, took a bite, and said simply, "I've been doing very well."

But of course, they didn't believe me.

"Really? Doesn't look that way."

"If you're struggling, just say so. We can help you find a job."

"Yeah, my company needs a receptionist. Or maybe a janitor—hard work, but good pay. Think about it."