The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 65

The independent showcase at The Southside Art Museum lasted until eleven o'clock at night.

The exhibition hall was brightly lit, and well-dressed guests drifted between the various booths. Nora, wearing a clean, simple beige suit, stood in a small corner dedicated to her studio.

Her booth wasn't very noticeable, but for an entry-level independent designer secretly blacklisted by the entire circle, just being here was an incredible opportunity.

Unlike her isolation at the charity gala last time, she wasn't left out in the cold tonight.

As the host of the event, Julian had taken clear care of her from the moment she entered. He didn't put on any arrogant airs; instead, he naturally walked over to her side and acted as her introducer.

"This is Designer Xavier. She has some very innovative ideas regarding cutting techniques."

Julian turned slightly, introducing Nora to a few foreign guests beside him, his tone smooth and natural.

Prompted by Julian's introduction, the collectors seriously flipped through the portfolio Nora had prepared.

One French client showed a deep interest in a few sketches and began asking about design details in French.

Nora was a little nervous and was just about to attempt communicating in somewhat rusty English when Julian spoke up first. Using fluent, flawless French, he accurately translated Nora's specialized jewelry terminology without missing a beat.

They worked together with incredible synergy—Nora explaining her design concepts, and Julian translating alongside her.

Thanks to Julian's introductions, Nora successfully secured two preliminary letters of intent for custom pieces.

This was the very first time since leaving the Hayes family that she had truly touched the threshold of success using her own abilities.

That long-lost sense of accomplishment brought a trace of warmth to her freezing heart.

This feeling of being valued and treated as an equal was far too foreign to Nora. During her three years of marriage, she had grown used to being ignored by Gideon and used to being a ghost living in Giselle's shadow.

Now, a man of remarkable status was willing to bend down and carefully protect her dignity as a designer.

Nora spoke, realizing her voice was already starting to float.

Julian looked at her flushed cheeks and softly suggested, "The showcase is almost over anyway. I'll leave the rest to my assistant. You're drunk; I'll take you home."

Julian walked by her side. He slowed his pace, discreetly blocking a few rushing guests from bumping into her.

The two of them walked side by side out of the museum's glass doors.

The cold late-night autumn wind blew against them. Wearing only a thin silk blouse and fitted trousers, Nora couldn't help but shiver against the chill. She raised her hands, rubbing her freezing arms to try to wake herself up a bit.

A second later, a suit jacket still carrying body heat was gently draped over her shoulders.

The oversized jacket completely enveloped her frail frame. The fabric carried a masculine, woody scent—warm and grounded—that instantly chased away the night's chill.