Chapter 272
“Looks like… the makeup artist can’t take all the credit after all.”
Jonathan glanced up from his magazine, watching as Marina struck another pose for the camera. He muttered the words under his breath, more to himself than
anyone else.
For the next two days, Michael found himself working as an assistant alongside Quentin, helping Niamh with whatever she needed. The final stretch of Luminous Divas Fashion Week was all about business meetings and negotiations.
As both the owner and lead designer of her jewelry studio, Niamh had to handle every meeting personally. Even after returning home, she barely had a chance to catch her breath.
This trip to Luminous Divas Fashion Week had been a triumph–Niamh returned with a sparkling reputation and more orders than she could have dreamed.
Two weeks later, the latest issue of *Shine* magazine hit the stands.
Niamh knew just how influential Miranda and *Shine* were in the fashion world. She’d assumed her photos would be tucked away in some inconspicuous corner, maybe a small mention at best.
She never imagined that the cover of the new issue would feature a photo of her and Jonathan together.
Jonathan, after all, was a larger–than–life figure in the business world. Even though he preferred to keep a low profile, as long as he didn’t outright refuse public appearances, his face would inevitably end up in the spotlight. With his wealth and looks, anonymity was never an option.
For a rising designer like Niamh, landing a cover alongside someone like Jonathan on *Shine* magazine was enough to skyrocket her fame–even if her designs had been mediocre. But Niamh’s work was anything but mediocre.
Her feature became the magazine’s main story, expertly curated by Miranda. The photos of her “Thorned Roses” collection were even more striking than her portraits–one of them headlined the entire Luminous Divas Fashion Week special. With the magazine’s release, the butterfly effect was immediate.
Suddenly, luxury buyers were lining up to meet Niamh. High–end brands began reaching out for collaborations. Influencers and well–known fashion bloggers
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jumped at the chance to ride her wave of popularity–and, in doing so, only amplified her reach.
Peter, acting as FY’s executive director, reached out to discuss a partnership as well.
Overnight, Niamh’s life turned into a whirlwind of appointments and negotiations.
She lost track of how much time had passed since returning from Solterra. Then, one day, her phone rang.
“Good afternoon, this is Nocturne Royal Jewels,” she answered, not realizing it was a personal call–let alone that it was Jonathan on the other end.
There was a brief pause. Then, Jonathan’s voice, quiet and unmistakable: “It’s me.”
Niamh’s heart skipped a beat. Only then did she remember–the unresolved divorce still hanging between them.
“So the divorce papers are ready?” she asked, taking the initiative.
“Yeah.”
Silence again, before Jonathan continued, his voice softer, almost hesitant. “I thought you’d call to ask about the divorce paperwork…”
“Sorry. I’ve just been swamped since I got back from Solterra.”
“So busy you forgot about divorcing me?”
Jonathan’s faint chuckle on the line made Niamh uneasy. He must have
misunderstood, she thought–maybe he believed she was putting off the divorce on purpose.
At first, Jonathan had wondered the same. But it didn’t take him long to realize-
Niamh wasn’t avoiding the divorce. For her, right now, her career simply outweighed everything else.
Outweighed their divorce.
Outweighed him.
Just as Niamh was about to explain, Jonathan’s voice came through again, this time colder, more distant.
“I’ve mailed the divorce papers. They should have arrived by now. Please check your mail.”
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Chapter 273
