Chapter 14 Jewelry Exhibition was set up in a hotel . Cecilia arrived in a white dress , her makeup perfectly done . Even though her last day was yesterday , she still showed up early backstage , helping make sure everything ran smoothly . Before the event kicked off , the invited designers started arriving . Jacqueline walked in wearing a deep red designer gown with a matching jewelry set . " Professor Collins . " Jacqueline's reputation in the design world was huge . Everyone rose to greet her , calling out her name warmly . " Professor Collins , let me show you around , shall I ? " Cecilia stepped forward and offered humbly . " Certainly . " Jacqueline replied , " I'm looking forward to seeing what you've put together ." Cecilia walked alongside Jacqueline at a relaxed pace . Starting from the entrance , she began explaining the theme of the exhibition , " Heritage ." The exhibition wasn't limited to any one style . It showcased a wide mix of pieces , including rare cultural treasures worth collecting . " Cecilia , " Jacqueline said thoughtfully , " it's pretty rare to find someone who gets jewelry the way you do . " Jacqueline was a national treasure in the design world , with deep knowledge of national culture . " So many designers today focus more on skill than heart . But pieces can't speak for themselves . If the designer has no vision , no message to share , then their work just ends up being nothing more than lifeless stones ." she said . As they walked further into the exhibition , Jacqueline spotted a statue of a young girl right in the center area . The girl was carved with her eyes closed , deep in prayer like she was making a wish . Every line of the carving was so soft and smooth , which made it look nothing like a cold , hard stone . It really looked like her clothes were made of flowing layers , swaying gently . " Your piece is so lifelike . It actually makes people wonder what wish that young girl is making . That's exactly the feeling you're going for , isn't it ? " Jacqueline piled on the praise for Cecilia . Cecilia stood before her own work , her face reflected in the clear glass case . For a moment , her reflection seemed to blend into the statue of the girl inside . " This piece doesn't belong to me anymore . " she said quietly . At that moment , Jacqueline reached out and gently took Cecilia's hands in her own . " Dear , " she said softly , " what matters most for a designer are eyes that truly see the world , and hands that can make things . " A single piece can only capture who you were at that moment , not the whole of you . No one can take away the talent you have . It's your passion and sincerity for design - that's what gives you endless potential ." 1/4 94 % OX Chapter 14 +15 Cecilia remembered her father had once said something just like that . Right then , she felt a warm feeling . " Professor Collins , thank you . " she said . Jacqueline looked straight into her eyes and suddenly asked , " Cecilia , would you like to study with me ? Bring that bigger world you see into your work . " Cecilia was floored by the question . Tons of designers would line up for a chance to learn under Professor Collins , but everyone knew she rarely took on apprentices . And for someone like Cecilia , who felt like she was starting from way behind , this was an opportunity she'd never even dreamed of . " Professor Collins , it would be such an honor to study with you ." Cecilia replied . " These last couple of years , my eyesight hasn't been great ." Jacqueline explained , " I've been looking for the right person to pass things on to . " Plenty of talented designers with impressive backgrounds have approached me , but they all seemed to lack that spark of real passion . What good luck for me to find you . " Jacqueline smiled warmly . It was clear she was very pleased with her new apprentice . Next up at the exhibition was the part where designers took the stage with their work . Jacqueline stepped up first , and the whole room broke out in applause . Then it was Cecilia's turn . As the organizer of the exhibition , she walked calmly onto the stage . Right at that moment , Gavin made it to the venue . He didn't even have to look around , and his eyes went straight to Cecilia up there on stage . From across the crowded room , Gavin watched her , suddenly stuck where he stood . Up on stage , Cecilia spoke with quiet confidence about the theme of " Heritage . " She called it a theme full of strength and warmth , a real human touch . There she was , standing in the spotlight , lighting up the whole stage . But for Gavin , watching her stung his eyes . A familiar yet strange feeling washed over him . When they were kids , the first time Gavin saw Cecilia , he couldn't get over how pretty she was . Cecilia grew up in a warm family , and even though she came from money , she never acted spoiled or stuck - up . Gavin had a crush on Cecilia , and he knew he wasn't the only one . So he made it his mission to scare off any guy who came near her . He wanted to make sure Cecilia only had eyes for him , that he was her one and only choice , Gavin had to admit that once Cecilia became his girlfriend , seeing all those jealous looks from other guys stroked his ego like crazy . But now , Cecilia wasn't standing by his side . Everyone could see just how amazing and talented she was . Gavin felt a sharp stab of betrayal - like she'd slipped free from his control . That old , familiar panic swept over him , fierce and sudden . His fists clenched tight , his eyes locked onto Cecilia . Boiling possessiveness poured from his gaze . 2/4 12:45 Tue , Aug 12 Chapter 14 " Cecilia , " Gavin muttered under his breath , " how could you walk away ? I need you back . " 94 % D X 1 After the presentation part , Cecilia was standing off to the side watching Jacqueline give interviews to reporters . Down in the audience sat a man in a sharp suit . It was Harvey Wood , Simon's assistant . Harvey snapped a picture of Cecilia standing next to A Wishing Girl and sent it to Simon . [ Mr. Hall , the exhibition went smoothly today . ] No one was around to see the faint smile that spread across Simon's face as he read the message . After the exhibition ended , Cecilia personally saw Jacqueline off . Once back , she went over to remind her team about the crucial security measures . " Cecilia . " Gavin called out . Hearing the voice behind her , Cecilia turned around , looking genuinely surprised . " Why did you leave ? Sneaking off like this … are you trying to get back at me ? " Gavin asked. Hearing that familiar tone of dissatisfaction , Cecilia felt not a ripple of emotion inside . " I followed the proper procedures when I resigned . " " I never signed off on that ." Gavin stepped right up to her , his eyes swirling with feelings he could barely hold back . " Alright , enough of this cold war . If you're not happy about being moved back to Secretary Division , just tell me what you do want . Anything you want , I'll give it to you . " Playing the part of someone giving in , Gavin reached out to take hold of Cecilia's wrist . Cecilia stepped back , dodging his grasp . Just like that , Gavin's hand closed around empty air . His heart clenched involuntarily , like a sudden jolt of warning . Gavin's control finally snapped . He demanded in disbelief , " Cecilia , what on earth is going through your head ? You got what you wanted by leaving . Do you really need to keep acting out like this ? " " What I want is to leave . It's my decision , and I don't owe anyone an explanation . " Cecilia said calmly , holding his gaze . When she was younger , Cecilia had chased after him with her heart full of hope . But now , all she felt looking at him was that he was a stranger . " I'm not just anyone , I'm your boyfriend ! " Gavin frowned , clearly annoyed . Taking a slow breath to steady his voice , he said , " Cecilia , you win this round . Fine . You leave to focus on planning the wedding , right ? Well , without me as the groom , there is no wedding . " Come back to the company with me and help me finish up the resort project . Once that's done , I'll have time to plan the wedding with you . Now , come home with me- " " Gavin . " Cecilia said , finally looking him in the eye , " There will be no wedding - not for you and me . "