Chapter 38
“Don’t worry. If I find the woman I want to marry, I’ll love her forever,” Nathan asserted with confidence.
Nellie chuckled, “I wonder which lucky girl will end up with you. She’s in for a real treat.”
Nathan and Nellie never ran out of things to chat about. As their talk wound down, Nathan gave Nellie a heads–up, “Hey, maybe steer clear of social media for a bit.”
Nellie paused, probably guessing what he was hinting at. She was now someone who just wanted to stay out of trouble and always dodged anything that might cause her pain.
So, she nodded at Nathan’s advice. “Alright. I won’t go looking for trouble.”
“Glad to hear it,” Nathan replied.
The fashion design competition was just three days away.
Talented designers from all over the globe were descending on Milan, filling up the local hotels in no time. Not wanting his sweetheart to rough it, Cameron booked a room at Milan’s swankiest hotel.
Greta was determined to perfect her design, so she coaxed Cameron into taking her to Milan’s wholesale fabric market for inspiration. She hoped a few tweaks would make her piece truly shine.
Initially, Cameron resisted, “Greta, you’re not feeling well. You shouldn’t overdo it.”
But Greta, with a pout and a plea, insisted, “Cameron, this competition is everything to me. Winning the global fashion title has been my dream forever.”
Under Greta’s hopeful gaze on him, Cameron gave in. “Alright then.”
He became her gallant escort, joining her in scouring Milan’s largest material market.
They soon found themselves in the city’s most luxurious fabric store. Greta was instantly entranced by the vibrant fabrics draped all around. She touched them eagerly, her eyes wide with admiration.
By chance, Nellie was also in the store.
Thanks to Nathan’s generous funds, Nellie had managed to snag several yards of the finest fabric around–crafted from a blend of top–notch cashmere, sea silk, and alpaca wool, sprinkled with gold and diamond dust.
She owed her luck to her mentor, who had put in a good word for her with the store owner. Without that, she’d never have laid eyes on such exclusive material.
Just as the store owner was about to pack up the fabric for Nellie, Greta suddenly laid claim to it, “I’d like this fabric, please.”
The store owner looked uneasy. “Sorry, but this young lady has already bought it.”
Cameron stepped in. “I’m willing to pay extra for it.”
The owner pointed to Nellie, “Sir, this is our priciest piece, and only a thousand meters are sold globally each year. If you really want it, perhaps this lady might share some.”
Cameron and Greta both turned their attention to Nellie.
At that moment, Nellie was wearing a grass–green blazer paired with a matching A–line skirt, topped off with a sash that fluttered whimsically at her waist, featuring folk art patterns.
She wore her hair in a princess style, adding to her lively look.
Cameron, momentarily lost in thought, didn’t recognize Nellie at first. He just found himself drawn to the slender, average–height girl radiating a friendly, girl–next–door vibe. He couldn’t quite explain the sudden attraction.
That was until Greta blurted out, “Nel?”
Cameron was stunned as if struck by lightning. He looked again and finally noticed the resemblance to Nellie.
