Even Natalia had a peculiar request that left her bosses puzzled. She wanted her identity concealed within the company. All her design achievements were credited to her boss' sister, Diana. Whenever there was an award ceremony, Diana was the one who went up to receive the accolades. Natalia, however, was content with her quiet corner, focusing on her designs without the need for public recognition.
In her free time, Natalia would often be absorbed in her sketches, occasionally keeping tabs on Andersen Corporation back home in Melfort, through the power of the internet. She knew that after her departure, Magnus had indeed recovered, regaining his position and reviving the corporation, making it one of the most prominent conglomerates worldwide.
She was happy for Magnus and his achievements, knowing it was easy for him. Every time she saw his face on a video or a webpage, her eyes would well up with tears of longing.
Although she knew Magnus was searching for her relentlessly, she was bound by a harsh vow she had made under duress from Belle just to get the antidote. Even though she missed them terribly, she dared not return. She felt like a mouse, hiding in the shadows, afraid that Magnus would discover her whereabouts.
Night after night, her longing for them gnawed at her soul, causing her heartrending pain. She dared not risk it, fearing the vows she had made, and the possibility that they might come true if she was not careful.
Even if her yearning was overwhelming, she absolutely could not go back to Magnus. She was content to hide in her corner of the world, watching over the man she loved, and the child she adored.
One day, Natalia was sketching new fashion designs in her garden. She had painstakingly created her little haven, filled with lush greenery and beautiful flowers, reminiscent of her home with Magnus in France.
A gentle breeze carried the scent of spring, and Natalia was lost in her thoughts amidst this delightful atmosphere.
Knock, knock, knock. Someone was at the garden gate.
Natalia put down her pencil and went to answer it. It was the young girl who delivered her designs from the company.
"Thank you for delivering these sketches all the time," Natalia said, offering her a cup of coffee.
The girl chuckled. "Ms. Natalia, this job is far from tiring. In fact, it's a pleasant break from work, and I get to enjoy this amazing coffee. It's a perfect gig!"
Natalia laughed along and offered to give the young girl some coffee beans, "These are from my hometown, and they have the unique flavor of home."
Natalia's eyes glazed over as she said this, and a wave of nostalgia washed over her.
Noticing Natalia's melancholy, the girl quickly changed the subject. "By the way, Ms. Natalia, I passed by the square on my way here and saw a handsome street artist. His sketches resemble you. Would you like to go and see?"
"How about it, Ms. Natalia? Isn't this sketch just like you?" The girl asked, bringing Natalia back to reality.
Natalia realized she was crying. Not bothering to hide her emotional state, she asked the girl, "Where did you see this man? Take me there, quick!"
Natalia's reaction took the girl aback, but seeing her response, she knew she had hit the nail on the head. The handsome artist did indeed know Natalia!
"Alright then, he's found at the corner of the square. I'm sure he's still there. Let me take you."
Before the girl could finish her sentence, Natalia had already pulled her out of her quaint little house, so hurriedly that they didn't even close the door.
Natalia kept urging her along the way, "Hurry, we need to go faster. He might leave any moment."
"Don't worry, Natalia, this artist has been living here for a while. I see him every time I pass by. At first, I would just glance at his unfinished paintings, but one day, I saw people going crazy over his finished works. That's when I noticed that the person in his paintings looked exactly like you. I immediately guessed that the artist must know you, and it looks like I was right! This is so exciting!"
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