Chapter 10
(Cordelia)
After I hung up with my lawyer, I wasn’t sure where I should go.
I couldn’t go to my parents, they would just send me straight back here to “fix” things.
I didn’t really have any friends…my whole adult life has been tied up in being the wife of Atlas Steele. When I got married at the age of 20, I dropped out of school.
The only person who had ever made any effort to stay connected was my old college roommate Tilly.
I almost didn’t call her, I was worried that my troubles would just be a burden, but when she answered, she was overjoyed to hear from me and immediately invited me to meet her for drinks and catch up. We hit it off immediately and it was like we had never been separated.
When I told her about my marriage and the disaster it had become, she offered me her spare room. She didn’t want rent or anything for it. The only price she asked of me was to “use this place to heal–and start designing again!”
Because Tilly had grown up to become Mathilda Madison, designer to the stars and once upon a time, that had been my dream too–a dream I had set aside to take my sister’s place.
“You are an artist,” she reminded me, “You deserve your chance to shine.”
I’ve been trying to live up to her expectations, but my heart hasn’t been into creating anything new.
“You just need the right inspiration,” Tilly insisted. “Lucky for you, your best friend is Mathilda Madison.” She smirks as she drops an invitation in my lap. “You’re coming out with me tonight,” Tilly insists. “I won’t let you say no.”
“I’m not ready to be around other people yet,” I moan, using a couch pillow to hide my face. “Maybe the
next one.”
“No! Not an option,” she sings in a chipper voice as she tosses a few of her latest designs on the chair next to me. “You’re my plus one.”
“Aghhhh!” I groan. “Do I have to?”
“Yes!” Tilly throws another dress onto the pile. “It’ll be good for you. It’s an art and fashion show and charity auction. It’s the perfect place for a little inspiration. Remember how we used to go to these things all the time in school?”
“Yes, but…” I try to protest, but she isn’t paying attention as she begins to sift through the dresses, holding a few up in front of me before moving them into one pile or another.
Tilly is already so stylish that it doesn’t take long for her to get ready, which means she has more time to give me a complete makeover.
We ended up choosing a classy but trendy vibrant green dress that is low cut and ends at the knee. It brings out the color of my eyes and pops against my hair when paired with a black velvet jacket and matching pumps that are tastefully encrusted with gems that glow subtly as I move.
Next, Tilly insisted on cutting my hair and styling it straight. I protested at first, but she persisted and now
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Chapter 10
+25 BONUS
it falls to my shoulder in a glowing red curtain, pinned on one side by sparkling pins of jet and onyx. Even I have to admit the shorter, edgier style suits me better than the long dowdy style I had worn before. Atlas prefers long hair, so I wore it that way to please him.
By the time she is done with me, I don’t quite recognize myself
When I became Mrs. Atlas Steele for the sake of my family, I lost myself. I sacrificed my career, art, and sense of self trying to be the woman he wanted and fill the space left by my sister.
But tonight, I am stylish, elegant, and confident.
Tonight I look like Cordelia Greyson again.
I didn’t realize how much I missed her.
The room goes silent. That is more money than any other single piece has received. In some cases, it’s more than an entire collection of items. 1
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