Chapter 165: Invitation to Shay’s fashion event

Words : 1182 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

A few days passed peacefully, though the undercurrent of urgency never left. Nathaniel immersed himself in the new project, his office lights burning late into the night. He was determined to bring the product into the market before Zachary could. It was the only way to defeat him.Meanwhile, across the city, Zara’s office mirrored the same energy but in a different rhythm. The moment Nicole approved her designs, the studio sprang to life. Rolls of luxurious fabric arrived. Pins and scissors clinked against worktables, sketches were pinned up on corkboards as references, assistants darted about with measuring tapes dangling from their necks, and mannequins stood adorned with half-finished dresses. Zara inspected the cut of a sleeve here, adjusting a hem there, instructing her team. The energy was infectious. The rush was visible in every corner, driving the team to bring her vision to life. In the middle of the chaos, an elegant red invitation from Shay’s company arrived. Bree was over the moon. She practically skipped across the office, waving the card in the air and announcing the news to anyone who would listen. Her excitement was so infectious that even the others couldn’t help but smile. "Oh my God, Zara! I can’t believe I’m actually holding this," Bree exclaimed, clutching the invitation like it was a prized medal. She pressed her hands together dramatically. "Please, please, let me come with you. I have to be at this event." Zara chuckled, shaking her head at Bree’s theatrics. "Alright, you can come with me." "Yes!" Bree squealed, then immediately added, "But we have to go to the salon first. I need to look perfect." She ran a hand down her cheek, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. Zara couldn’t find it in herself to deny her. "Fine, we’ll go. But first, help me finish this." She gestured toward the half-completed dress on the mannequin. "Of course," Bree agreed at once, rushing over to assist. Together, they bent over the gown, carefully working on the details along the hem. Later that day... Zara and Bree finally reached the hotel where the event was taking place. Their hair perfectly styled, makeup glowing, and both dressed in gowns of their own design. They looked radiant, turning heads the moment they stepped inside. Bree’s excitement bubbled over as they crossed the grand lobby. "Tonight is going to be amazing. I can’t wait to see Shay Walsh’s new collection." "Neither can I," Zara replied with a smile, sharing in her enthusiasm. They were just heading toward the elevator when Zara’s phone buzzed. She halted, glancing down at the screen, only to see Nathaniel’s name flashing. It had been over a week since he had been tied up with work, coming home late every night. It reminded her of the old days, though this time, she didn’t feel lonely. Unlike before, she wasn’t sitting at the dining table waiting endlessly for him, half-asleep with disappointment. Now, she was consumed with her own work, and the distance didn’t sting as much. Still, seeing his call filled her with a twinge of concern—was everything alright? "Hello?" she answered quickly, her voice carrying a quiet eagerness. "I’m coming home early tonight," Nathaniel said, his voice alight with excitement. "Wait for me. We’ll have dinner together." Zara’s face fell, guilt tightening in her chest. She had assumed Nathaniel would be buried in work late into the night, and that she would be home long before him. That was the only reason she hadn’t told him about the event. "I...I came to a fashion show," she said with a tinge of regret in her tone. "I thought you’d be stuck at the office until late, so I didn’t mention it and just came here with Bree." Nathaniel’s initial excitement dimmed at her words. After an entire week of late nights, he had finally decided to leave work early, hoping to spend the evening with her. But Zara’s announcement shattered that plan. "What show?" he asked, a trace of disappointment lingering in his tone. "Where are you exactly?" "It’s Shay Walsh’s fashion event," she answered softly, quickly. "I’m sorry for not telling you earlier." Nathaniel’s brows lifted slightly at the name. His secretary had mentioned the invitation in the morning, but he had brushed it off, choosing instead to head home early tonight. "Alright then," he said, his lips curving into a playful smile. "Enjoy yourself." He ended the call, the smile not leaving his face. "Since I already have the invitation, why not show up and surprise her?" Amusement glinted in his eyes. His heart thrummed with excitement at the idea of seeing her startled expression. "I can’t wait to see you, Zara." Sliding his phone into his pocket, he rose from his chair and headed straight to the secretary’s desk. He rapped his knuckles lightly on the desk to get her attention. "Where is the invitation for the fashion event?" The secretary blinked, startled by the sudden question. "You are planning to attend?" she asked in surprise, rising to her feet. "I thought you said you’d be heading home early tonight." "I changed my mind," he said casually, stretching out his hand. "Pass me the invitation." "Of course." She quickly opened a drawer, retrieved the elegant card, and handed it over. Then, with a hopeful glance, she asked, "Would you like me to accompany you?" "Not necessary. My wife will be there." He walked away, leaving the secretary biting her lip in quiet disappointment. On the other side, Zara stood frozen, staring at her phone. The abrupt way Nathaniel ended the call made her certain he was upset. A wave of guilt washed over her, twisting her stomach. She silently berated herself. If she had told him earlier, none of this would have happened. Beside her, Bree had been quietly observing the whole exchange. Noticing Zara’s unsettled expression, she reached out and tapped her shoulder. "Zara," she called out softly, "are you alright? What did he say?" Zara turned toward her, snapping out of her thoughts. "I think he is upset with me," she murmured, still dazed. "Oh, please." Bree rolled her eyes dramatically. "That man is always serious. When have you ever seen him cheerful? He is usually drowning in work anyway. Why would he even bother being upset when he is stuck at the office with a pile of files? Forget about him for one night and just enjoy yourself." Before Zara could respond, Bree hooked her arm through hers and tugged her toward the elevator. "It’s a big event, Zara. Designers, celebrities, big business names—the whole industry is going to be here. It’s the perfect chance to network." She pressed the button for the top floor, and the elevator doors slid shut. "Stop worrying about your boring husband. Right now, this is where your attention should be." Zara inhaled deeply, pushing her worry aside. She straightened her shoulders, preparing herself for the night ahead. Still, a faint pang of guilt lingered in her chest. ’I’ll apologize later,’ she promised herself silently. ’I’ll make it up to him.’

Chapter 165: Invitation to Shay’s fashion event

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