“How thoughtful!” Devon’s eyes lit up as he saw the cufflinks.
He’d received plenty of gifts today–many of them expensive–but the moment he looked at these, he knew Niamh had designed them herself.
“I’ll be honest with you, Miss Rivers,” Devon said, “I originally planned to keep this graduation party simple. But then I realized that making it a grand affair would let me invite more influential guests–people you should meet. This way, I could introduce you to them.”
Niamh was stunned by Devon’s words.
Devon smiled, explaining, “Really, I just wanted to make it up to you…”
“Make it up to me?”
“Do you remember the designs you and Marina submitted to me a while back? I only realized later, when I saw the logo inside the box, that my assistant had mixed up your work with hers.”
Niamh’s jaw dropped in disbelief.
“I owe you an apology. If it hadn’t been for that mix–up, I would have chosen your design to recommend back then.”
“It’s all right, really, it wasn’t your fault, Mr. Lowe…” Niamh waved her hands, flustered, unable to calm the rush of emotions inside her.
So, the person who should have won back then… was actually her?
She remembered how differently Devon had spoken about her design compared to
Marina’s. Her heart raced with excitement.
Just then, Peter appeared at her side and handed her a glass of champagne.
“Feeling good?”
Niamh touched her cheeks, realizing the joy she felt was written all over her face.
There was nothing more satisfying than seeing her carefully crafted work recognized and praised.
“Didn’t I say years ago? Your talent for design is unmatched.” Peter’s tone was warm and teasing.
For once, Niamh didn’t downplay herself. She smiled, accepting the compliment.
1/2
17:30
Chapter
Halfway through the party, Niamh was surprised to spot Marina among the guests
In a room full of people dressed to impress, Marina’s blush–pink silk gown somehow failed to stand out.
Niamh couldn’t help but notice. She remembered how, in the past, Marina had always commanded attention at any event–her presence impossible to ignore. Tonight, Marina had put effort into her look: sparkling jewelry, her hair elegantly done. Yet, for some reason, she seemed almost invisible.
No one seemed to pay her any mind. Maybe it was because Devon, as the host, had chosen to ignore her.
Niamh glanced around. She saw Marina, but there was no sign of Jonathan.
It struck her–Marina’s magnetism didn’t come from herself, but from Jonathan. Without him by her side, she faded into the background.
Suddenly, Niamh understood.
For Marina, tonight’s party was a bitter pill to swallow.
She’d heard that Devon was throwing a lavish graduation party and had invited nearly everyone important in their circle. Even Niamh had received an invitation, so Marina was certain she’d be included.
But as the day arrived, she realized she hadn’t received so much as a message.
Devon hadn’t invited her. Marina showed up on her own.
Without an invitation, she was stopped at the door by Devon’s housekeeper–a mortifying moment. In the end, Devon allowed her in, but his manner was icy, leaving Marina confused and unsettled.
“Mr. Lowe,” she said, finally unable to hold back, “if I’ve offended you somehow, please tell me directly. I’d like the chance to apologize and make amends.”
