Chapter 10 I stared at my hand. At the delicate silver band now resting on my finger. It shimmered quietly under the soft morning light peeking through the curtains-gentle and warm, unlike the gold ring I used to wear, the one that felt heavy with lies. This one was different. This one felt… real. Even now, I couldn't believe I'd said yes. Yes to Scott. Yes to someone who had never demanded my love, never made me feel small or replaceable. Yes to a future I never dared to imagine. I looked around the cozy bedroom of Scott's home-the soft sheets tucked neatly, the scent of brewed coffee lingering in the air, the books stacked by the windowsill. A warm stillness surrounded me. A far cry from the cold marble floors and echoing silence of the home I once shared with Troy. I closed my eyes, remembering how Scott had once stood at the edge of that life-always kind always present, always patient. But I never looked at him, not really. I had been too blinded by loyalty, by history, by the man I thought I loved. Five years ago… I was crying behind the university's fashion building, clutching a sketchpad that had just been ripped apart by one of the instructors. "You're too sentimental," they had said. "Fashion isn' therapy." But I didn't want it to be therapy-I just wanted it to be mine. "Are you okay?" Scott's voice had interrupted my quiet sobs. I turned away. "I'm fine." "You're not," he said, crouching beside me, his hands shoved awkwardly in his pockets. "But that's okay. I'm not here to fix you. Just… thought I'd bring this." He held out a chocolate bar, stil n its wrapper. almost laughed. "That's your grand gesture?" He smiled. "No. My grand gesture was walking here after watching you throw your design book ike a frisbee across campus." We sat in silence after that, just two people with no labels between them. I knew he liked me. Everyone did. But I never gave him a chance. My heart was always Troy's-even back then, even when it shouldn't have been. And yet… Scott never left. He stayed in the background, steady and loyal. And I had regretted not choosing him sooner ever since. 'Hey," his voice broke through my thoughts now. turned my head and found him standing by the doorway, eyes soft, a mug of coffee in his mands. "You okay?" he asked, walking toward me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders from behind. leaned into him instinctively, my fingers still tracing the ring. "I'm okay," I whispered. "Actually… I think I'm happy." He pressed a kiss to the side of my head. "You think?" I smiled, my voice trembling slightly. "I just… I can finally breathe." Scott didn't respond right away. He just tightened his hold around me, letting the silence do what words couldn't. And then, pulling back slightly, he said with a grin, "Come on. I have something for you." I frowned. "Another surprise?" "You'll like this one." He winked and took my hand. We drove for about twenty minutes, through quiet streets and into a small district lined with local boutiques and cafés. When he pulled over, I saw it-an empty storefront with a large white ribbon across the glass door. My heart skipped. Scott stepped out, walked around to my side, and opened the door for me. "Come on." I followed him, still confused. "What is this?" He pulled a small key from his pocket, then smiled. "It's yours." I froze. "What?" He gestured to the space. "You've always wanted to design clothes, right? But you stopped. You gave everything up to take care of people who never really saw you. Well, now… I see you, Taylor." He looked at me, eyes burning with sincerity. "This is your studio. Your space. Start your own brand, design what you want. I'll be your number one model, if you'll let me." Tears spilled before I could stop them. "Scott…" 'I mean it," he said, brushing them away. "Whatever you want to do, I'll support it. I'll support you. You don't need anyone's permission. Not anymore." broke. didn't even realize I was crying harder until he pulled me into his chest. Back then, I had drawn dresses in the dark. Hidden my designs under my pillow like secrets. Because Troy said it was impractical, and my brothers said I should focus on being a wife and a sister instead of chasing something so 'useless.' had given up everything I loved… for people who never loved me right. But here was Scott, giving it all back without asking for anything. 'I'm sorry," I whispered against his chest. 'For what?" he asked. 'For not choosing you back then. For not seeing what was always in front of me." He lifted my chin. "You weren't ready. But now you are." 'I think I am." His lips found mine again, deeper this time-gentle yet full of longing, like he'd been waiting his whole life for this moment. let him in, my fingers threading through his hair as he held me close, our breaths mingling in the silence.