Chapter 47
The rumor started in Niamh’s own Product Operations department. According to her coworkers, the innovative technique everyone was raving about had been Marina’s idea from the beginning, and Niamh had simply stolen the credit.
To say that Niamh wasn’t bothered by the gossip would be a flat–out lie.
But the rumor had already taken on a life of its own, growing more elaborate with each retelling. There was no way she could chase down every whisper and explain herself, especially since no one would believe her anyway. If anything, her protests would only make things worse.
Prejudice, after all, is like a mountain–no matter how hard you try to move it, it stands immovable.
Niamh knew perfectly well that a good number of her colleagues had disliked her from the very start.
Still, the PO collection was a runaway success. She hadn’t let Peter down, and that was enough for her conscience to be clear.
Tonight, Niamh was working late again.
Serendipity, a high–profile modern drama funded by Neville Media Group, needed several sets of original jewelry designs. After seeing the PO collection’s success, the producers had approached FY directly and specifically requested Niamh for the project.
It was past eight by the time Niamh finally left the office. Night had settled in, the city outside shrouded in darkness.
Beep–beep!
A car honked from the curb.
It was a brand–new Ferrari coupe, glossy and bold in classic racing red–a head–turner by any standard.
Niamh racked her brain, but she couldn’t think of anyone she knew who would drive
a car like that.
Jonathan, for instance, was far more partial to sleek executive sedans than flashy
sports cars.
Figuring it couldn’t possibly be Jonathan, Niamh approached the car cautiously.
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“Niamh, it’s me!”
The convertible’s roof was down, and she saw Julian in the driver’s seat.
Julian looked the same as ever–laid–back in a tracksuit, energetic and fresh–faced, all sunshine and easy smiles. He looked more like a college kid fresh out of school than someone who belonged behind the wheel of a Ferrari.
The contrast made Niamh pause, a little dazed, until Julian waved her over.
He explained, a little sheepishly, that he was about to graduate and had landed a job at a major firm. The car was his latest purchase.
Julian was vague on the details, and Niamh didn’t press. In her experience, even the biggest companies rarely offered new graduates enough to splurge on a car like this.
Julian treated her to dinner that night. Afterward, Niamh suggested they walk through the mall, which left Julian visibly flustered and thrilled.
“You’re officially joining the grown–up world now,” she teased. “Landing a job at a big company calls for a proper suit. Let me buy you one as a graduation present to
celebrate.”
“Oh, I can’t let you do that! It’s too much,” Julian protested, cheeks turning pink.
Niamh couldn’t help but laugh at how flustered he got.
She led the way to a boutique she knew well–one specializing in high–end suits. She’d been there several times beforé.
Back then, she’d always gone to pick out suits for Jonathan.
When she and Jonathan first married, Niamh was filled with pride. With a handsome, wealthy, and loving husband, she’d thrown herself into the role of devoted wife, eager to take care of him in every way.
But the boutique specialized in tailored suits, and every time she messaged Jonathan, hoping he’d come by after work for a fitting, he always had an excuse–an urgent meeting, a sudden business trip, a dinner with clients.
She tried buying off–the–rack suits in his size, but those never pleased him either. He’d pick apart the cut, complain about the fabric–nothing was ever quite right.
After being rebuffed a few too many times, Niamh eventually gave up. The suits she’d bought still hung in the closet, collecting dust, never worn.
Julian, for his part, was reluctant to let Niamh spend the money. Her salary at FY
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Chapter 47
was decent, but with her ongoing divorce from Jonathan, she’d soon have plenty of expenses to worry about.
But when Niamh insisted on buying him a high–end suit, Julian was so giddy she thought he might burst.
They stopped in front of the boutique, but Niamh hesitated on the threshold, suddenly unable to go inside. Julian noticed and turned to her, concern flickering in his eyes.
