Natalia waved her hands with a definitive swiftness. "No way, I just don't have the experience. I'm not cut out for starting a company."
"Why not?" Hector frowned, somewhat displeased. "Natalia, never underestimate yourself. Trust me, you are a very talented designer. That firm, Stitches Fashion, was blind to let you go. Now that you're gone, they've been knocked back to square one by the competition."
Hearing Hector mention Stitches Fashion caused a ripple in Natalia's heart. Back then, when William had fired her because of Diana, Natalia hadn't taken it personally; after all, she was just another replaceable employee. And whatever slump Stitches Fashion faced afterward, well, that had nothing to do with her.
"Hector, I know you mean well, but I really don't have the confidence," Natalia pushed back again.
"Don't you trust my judgment?" Hector's expression darkened. "Starting tomorrow, we're officially opening our own company. We'll take what you excel at—a vintage style with a modern twist. Believe me, Natalia, I really do know what I'm talking about."
Natalia's heart began to race at Hector's words. As a designer, there was nothing she wanted more than to have her work accepted and loved by the public.
If her designs, with a vintage flair, could become a hit, just the thought was enough to make her giddy with delight.
After a moment's hesitation, Natalia mustered her courage and nodded. "Alright, but..."
"No buts, Natalia. We have to give it our all. If we're doing this, we're going to do it right!" Hector encouraged her with a steady gaze.
Taking a deep breath, the hesitation in Natalia's eyes transformed into resolve. "Okay! I'll give it everything I've got!"
Hector applauded her spirit and raised his glass in a toast. "That's the spirit! To our brilliant designer Natalia, cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Their glasses clinked, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
After nearly a month of preparation by Hector and Natalia, their fashion company was officially launched as NH International, its flagship brand.
The name NH International came about after Hector consulted Natalia—it was a blend of their initials, a symbol of their partnership.
Natalia was so busy with the new brand that she no longer had time to dwell on Magnus. Her days were consumed with designing new clothing lines, and pouring her heart and soul into her work. Sometimes, in the quiet of the night, fleeting thoughts of Magnus would cross her mind, but those feelings quickly dissipated.
Regardless of her longing, she knew she couldn't go back to him because of the vow she'd once made. Without her return, whoever stood by Magnus' side didn't really make a difference to her.
Natalia stopped keeping tabs on Andersen Corporation, and even when she stumbled across news about it online, she'd promptly close the browser.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)