## Lillian''s Studio


    M walked into another room and flipped on the light switch.


    There, resting on a mannequin, was a deep purple embroidered suit with intricate designs-a custom piece for an important client.


    This client was shrouded in mystery. Despite the personalized nature of the suit, M had never met him. Instead, he had sent over a detailed list of


    measurements and style preferences through an intermediary. The dimensions were impressive, and so was his taste.


    If it weren''t for a close friend''s rmendation, M might have hesitated to take


    the job.


    Moreover, the client had been exceedingly generous. The deposit alone amounted to a substantial sum, a hundred thousand dors, making it thergest transaction M had ever secured a significant milestone in her career.


    With the suit''s delivery just days away, M nned to dedicate the next couple of days to the finishing touches, ensuring everything was perfect. That night, she decided to stay at her studio to focus entirely on the task.


    The following day, M immersed herself in the final adjustments of the suit and worked on updating her portfolio. Time slipped by unnoticed.


    It wasn''t until Miranda called, inviting her out for dinner, that M realized how hungry she was. She stood up, feeling dizzy from the long hours hunched over her work.


    Popping a piece of candy into her mouth for a quick energy boost, M drove to the private restaurant Miranda had chosen. She parked and was just about to step out when something caught her eye.


    Not far away, a familiar car was parked. She watched as Giselle and Lysander stepped out. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw her son, Adrian, leap out of the car and run eagerly into Giselle''s arms, the two appearing quite close.


    M suddenly felt a lump in her throat, like a stone had crushed her heart.


    Seeing was indeed different from just hearing about it.


    Fighting the nausea rising in her chest, she shakily lowered the car window a bit. Adrian''s innocent voice immediately filled the car.


    "Giselle, why don''t you answer me? You''re back now, so why can''t I live with you? I really, really miss spending time with you every day."


    Giselle stroked Adrian''s head, her lovely eyes full of warmth and her voice gentle, "You will, Adrian. Just be patient."


    "Really?" Adrian''s eyes sparkled with hope.


    Giselle nced at Lysander, who remained silent, and then nodded with a smile, "Of course."


    At that moment, a group of striking young men approached, calling out from a distance to Lysander and Giselle.


    "Lysander, Giselle, we''ve been waiting for you guys forever."


    "Let''s go! Tonight, Lysander is treating us all to wee Giselle back and celebrate her return to the country!"


    M recognized them-Lysander''s childhood friends, all part of the same social circle.


    They were also Giselle''s childhood friends. Growing up together, their families always hoped Lysander and Giselle would eventually marry. Though the two never officially dated, everyone anticipated it was only a matter of time.


    But no one foresaw M stepping in and unexpectedly marrying Lysander. Giselle had been studying abroad when it happened, and after hearing about Lysander''s sudden marriage, she didn''t return for several years.


    Lysander and Giselle''s mutual friends never approved of M. They saw her as undeserving, believing she had resorted to underhanded tactics to win Lysander''s heart, thus humiliating Giselle.