Chapter 15
288–Vouchers
“Lily, can we entrust this design competition to you?”
Lily stood up and addressed Benjamin, “I’m still new to the company. Shouldn’t this go to more experienced seniors?”
“This was a collective decision, Lily. Your talent speaks for itself.”
Others in the conference room nodded in agreement with Benjamin.
Seeing their unanimous confidence, Lily accepted the task graciously.
“I’ll give it my all and won’t let anyone down.”
After the morning meeting, Benjamin asked Lily to stay behind.
“Mr. Benjamin, did you need something?”
Benjamin frowned slightly at her formal address.
“Lily, we’re friends. No need for such distance.”
Since he’d taken her home after she got drunk last time, Lily had warmed to his advances.
Even her parents, John and Grace, approved of Benjamin, often remarking, “That young man Benjamin seems quite decent.”
But with no interest in romance currently, Lily maintained a friendly distance–especially at work.
“If there’s nothing else, Mr. Benjamin, I’ll head out now.”
Benjamin caught her arm. “The Scott Group is competing too. Victor’s
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team is led by Sophie.”
Lily understood his implication. “Noted.”
The competition’s theme, “Four Seasons,” instantly brought Lily’s past “Spring” design to mind.
She decided to expand that concept into a full collection.
Days later, she presented her designs to Benjamin.
He leafed through them, impressed.
“Lily, these are exceptional especially ‘Spring.“”
“Results should be announced in a week or two. Join me at the
ceremony.”
Lily flushed at his praise.
On the day of the announcement, they boarded a flight to Washington.
Benjamin noticed Lily’s pallor since their arrival.
“Victor will be there today. If you-”
“It’s fine. We’re nothing to each other now.” Lily cut him off.
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Her amnesia had erased all memories of her passionate pursuit of Victor and the pain he’d inflicted.
Yet she remembered vividly everything he’d done after her memory loss.
She wanted no further ties to him.
At the venue, Lily spotted Victor immediately–arm in arm with Sophie.
Victor and Sophie noticed her too.
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Sophie steered Victor toward Lily, her voice sugary.
“Fancy meeting you here, Lily.”
1288 Vouchers
Taking in Sophie’s smug expression, Lily pulled Benjamin aside without a word.
Lily’s retreat only fueled Sophie’s arrogance as she eyed Benjamin standing beside Lily.
“Lily, is this your new boyfriend?”
Victor glared at Lily and Benjamin with displeasure. Though Lily had stopped pursuing him, Sophie’s question sparked an unexpected fear in Victor–dreading Lily’s potential “yes“.
Seeing Lily remain silent, Sophie grew smugger.
“You’re not still hung up on my boyfriend, are you?”
Lily opened her mouth to retort, but Benjamin shielded her.
“Lily’s my girlfriend. Show some respect.”
Benjamin pulled Lily away after speaking, only apologizing after they sat down.
“Sorry, Lily. She was so aggressive back. I just…”
Lily shook her head, smiling. “It’s fine. Thanks for having my back.”
