Farewell, My Secret Love

I focused intently on finishing the design at hand. This time, I was designing a ring called "Secret Love".

I poured all my feelings for Jacob into this ring, hiding them within its delicate details.

After this, I had to let go of all my emotions for him. It was time to move on to a better life.

The next day, I went to the design competition wearing the ring. It was only during the presentation that I realized Catherine was also there. She was presenting right before me.

Jacob stood by her side, his gaze on me filled with an emotion I couldn't decipher.

Soon, it was Catherine's turn. She walked onto the stage with her design.

"Good afternoon, judges. Today, I am presenting my piece, a ring called Secret Love."

My mind went blank as I stared at Catherine in disbelief.

She opened the design the same as the one in my hand. Every single detail matched perfectly. She quickly finished her presentation.

Then, I heard my name being called from the stage. "Miss Mia Simone, please come up."

I was rooted to the spot, completely frozen.

How did my design end up in Catherine's hands?

The announcer kept repeating. "Miss Mia Simone, please come up."

I locked eyes with Catherine. Her gaze was full of smug defiance.

My fingers clenched the design tightly. I couldn't go up. I knew the difference between withdrawing from the competition and being accused of plagiarism.

Catherine, however, wasn't about to let me off. She walked over to me. "Mia, they're calling your name! Hurry up and go onstage!"

"Everyone may not know this, but Mia is the most talented designer. I'm sure she'll deliver a piece that everyone will love."

As she spoke, she grabbed my wrist tightly.

My face contorted as I violently shook her hand off. I suppressed the pain and approached the stage in my high heels.

Well then, Catherine. Please don't blame me for what happened next.

I unfolded the design and the audience gasped.

Catherine was the first to stand up. "Mia, what are you doing? That is my design!"

The people below quickly reacted, pointing at me and murmuring among themselves.

"Isn't this plagiarism?"

"How dare you present a plagiarized work? You're shameless."

"Someone like you dares to be a designer? Get out of here!"

Their voices flooded my ears one after another.

I smiled at Catherine. "You're saying this design is yours?"

Catherine held her head high. "Mia, I know we're short on time, but this really is my work."

Just then, Jacob walked over.

His face was grim as he snapped, "Mia, get down right now. You've embarrassed us enough."

I bit my lip, releasing it only when he finished speaking.

In that moment, I finally found peace.

The boy I once cherished deeply had long disappeared into the river of time.

Standing before me now was Jacob, the man who loved Catherine.

I gave Catherine a smirk. "You're the one who plagiarized, aren't you?"

Hearing that, Catherine's face turned pale. Her anger surged like a tide. Her eyes reddened with fury as she trembled, glaring at me.