Chapter 60
A direct message to my Aurora account.
My pulse quickened. I rarely used that account anymore–it was my
professional alias, the identity I’d created to sell my designs without
being associated with the Stone family name. Few people even knew
how to contact Aurora directly.
I tapped on the notification, curiosity overtaking caution. The
sender’s username was unfamiliar: DesignInnovator22. I opened the
message.
“Dear Aurora, I represent Crescent Design and would like to discuss a
potential collaboration. Your unique aesthetic would be perfect for
our upcoming collection. Would you be interested in joining our
creative team? We can offer very competitive compensation.”
I stared at the screen, a disbelieving laugh escaping my lips. Someone
from Crescent Design–Sebastien’s company, where I was currently
working as an intern–was trying to recruit my alter ego.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered, watching as another
message appeared.
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Chapter 60
“Your work has caught the attention of our senior designers, and we
believe you would be an excellent addition to our team. Please
consider our offer and respond at your earliest convenience.”
I sat up straighter, mind racing. Who could be behind this? Sebastien
wouldn’t bother with recruitment–he had people for that. Daniel?
Possibly, but unlikely. Marcus Foster seemed the most probable
candidate. He was always on the lookout for talent, and he had the
authority to make offers like this.
I bit my lip, considering how to respond. The irony was almost too
much. I was already working at Crescent Design, already living a
double life of sorts. Taking on yet another layer of deception seemed
absurd.
“Sorry, but I’m not currently looking for new collaborations. I wish
you success in finding another suitable designer,” I typed, keeping it
professional and brief.
I sent the message, then set my phone aside with a sigh. This was
getting complicated. I’d created the Aurora persona years ago when I
needed freedom from the Stone family name, but I never expected it
to follow me like this.
“I’m done being Aurora,” I said to the empty room. “Those days of
hiding behind a pseudonym because wolves wouldn’t respect my work
otherwise… they’re over.”
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Chapter 60
My phone chimed with an alarm reminder. I needed to sleep-
tomorrow would be another challenge. Catherine had insisted that
Sebastien and I visit the Stone family territory together, maintaining
the facade of our marriage despite our separation. I’d agreed mostly
to shut her up, but now I dreaded the prospect of spending hours with
Sebastien in close quarters.
I settled into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin. “Just get through
tomorrow,” I told myself, one hand resting protectively over my
stomach. “One day at a time.”
Morning came too quickly. I woke to sunlight streaming through my
blinds and the irritating buzz of my phone. A text from Sebastien: “30
minutes. I’ll be waiting outside.”
Just seven words, cold and commanding. No “good morning,” no
“please be ready.” Typical Sebastien.
“Fine,” I texted back, matching his brevity.
I rushed through my morning routine, throwing on a simple but
elegant outfit–dark jeans, a loose cashmere sweater, and comfortable
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