Chapter 1352 Breaking Promises
Natalie was overwhelmed by a sense of melancholia. Only after a while did she say, “All right, then. I won’t ask about what you’re going to do. However, I have a question, and I need you to answer me. This thing you’re doing, does it have something to do with Stanley?”
Joyce moved her lips, and it seemed like she wasn’t willing to say anything in response.
However, her heart softened when she saw Natalie’s pleading eyes. I’d have to distance myself from Stanley so that Nat wouldn’t have an idea about what I’m going to do.
She nodded and answered,
“Yes. It has something to do with Stanley, albeit not much.”
Natalie nodded. “I’ve heard enough. Okay, then. I’ll respect you and stop asking. However, promise me you’ll return to J City after you’re done with your plan, okay? Come back to our company and be the vice president. That position is only for you. Do you understand?”
She patted Joyce’s shoulder and continued, “Back then, we’ve already said that we’d build the company together and establish our own haute couture brand. Since our dream isn’t even halfway completed yet, I hope you are not letting me complete it on my own because that’ll just be selfish. That’s all, Joyce. I’ll wait for you in J City.”
With that, she smiled faintly and left Joyce’s room.
Tears welled up in Joyce’s eyes as she watched her leave. A while later, she started sobbing, and she murmured to herself, “I’m sorry, Nat. I’m destined not to be able to achieve that dream of ours. I’d have to break my promise to you. I’m sorry.”
Right then, a teardrop dripped down and landed on one of the photos in the photo album.
Coincidentally, the teardrop fell on one of Stanley’s photos.
In that photo, Stanley was smiling brightly and joyfully. That was how Stanley used to be. From what I can remember, that was when Stanley was truly happy in life, and that’s the Stanley I miss the most. At that time, his parents were still around, so he was still lively and cheerful. But now… Well, there’s no going back now. There really is no going back…
Joyce closed the photo album and took a deep breath. It’s almost time now. Two more days till everything is complete. By then, I can finally give Stanley a proper explanation.
Joyce wiped away her tears and got up to keep the photo album in the drawer before leaving the room.
Natalie didn’t stay around the Rivers family for long. Instead, she’d already left at around two that afternoon because she wanted to buy some local delicacies before going back to J City.
The main reason she’d gone there was to ask Joyce in person. However, she had no choice but to leave because Joyce didn’t want to reveal anything to her.
After she was done shopping for local delicacies, she went back to the hotel. By then, it was already evening. She had her dinner and started working on a blueprint in her bed. At the same time, she was getting ready to sleep.
By nine that night, she finally felt sleepy, so she put her pencil and sketchpad aside before falling asleep.
The next morning, Natalie was woken up by a phone call.
After checking the caller ID, she saw it was the branch president of J City’s Design Association calling.
Natalie immediately became wide awake. She quickly sat up straight and answered the call. “Hi, Mr. Horner.”
“Ms. Smith, did I wake you up?” the middle-aged man on the other end of the call asked.
Natalie smiled. “Oh, no. I was already up. Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Horner?”
The branch president smiled as well. “Yes. J City is going to hold a costume designer competition for youngsters soon, and we’d like to have you be the judge. This competition is specially held for the young and talented designers. The top ten participants will be rewarded with the chance to train in foreign countries.”
“Oh, I see.” Natalie nodded. “Mr. Horner, may I know why am I being considered for the role?”
“It’s because of your achievement. Although you didn’t win the international competition last time around, you weren’t eliminated. Instead, you only pulled out due to health reasons.
We know who’d end up winning the competition if you didn’t pull out. At the national level, you’re the best designer now. Internationally, your status isn’t too bad as well. You’re on par with the designer that vanished a year ago, Mina. Hence, you’re more than qualified to be the judge.”
