Love Fades Only Shattered Dreams Remain

By noon the next day, Vincent still hadn’t returned.

I placed the signed divorce agreement on the table and set up a recording to be sent to him at a scheduled time.

Once that was done, I grabbed my luggage and headed for the airport.

As soon as I arrived, Vincent called again.

"Sorry, Jude. Some of our company’s partners unexpectedly showed up to discuss next quarter’s clothing collaboration. I really can’t leave right now."

"I had my secretary take care of everything for you. And I remembered you’ve always wanted me to design a dress for you, right? It’s all ready. Once you try it on, it’ll look amazing."

"Okay, thanks."

After hanging up, my gaze shifted to two girls nearby.

They were huddled together, their eyes glued to a phone screen, squealing in excitement.

“Oh my God, I can’t believe Mr. Long is not only handsome but also designs such beautiful maternity clothes. I’m starting to wish I were pregnant!”

“You think you can just buy them? All the clothes at today’s fashion show were designed by Mr. Long specifically for his pregnant wife. Each one is unique, made from the most expensive fabrics. There must be hundreds of them—she’ll probably never wear them all before the baby arrives. I’m so jealous.”

“I heard Mr. Long doesn’t want to disturb his wife, so this exhibition is by invitation only. Your boyfriend is really something, being a manager at Long Enterprises and getting us these exclusive photos. If it wasn't for him, we wouldn’t get to get a sneak peak over this exclusive content!”

In the video, Estelle walked arm in arm with Vincent, effortlessly gliding in the elegant gowns made just for her, her smile radiant and carefree.

the Long Enterprises was a powerhouse in the fashion world and Vincent’s design talent was nothing short of extraordinary. I used to joke with him, asking him to design a dress for me.

He would always brush it off, claiming he was too busy and couldn't find the time. But for Estelle? He'd create hundreds of pieces without a second thought.

Looking back at what he said earlier—about designing a dress for me as a surprise, with that smug tone—it felt so painfully ironic.

Soon, the boarding time arrived. I turned off my phone, settling into my seat on the flight to a foreign country.

***

After helping Estelle pick out her clothes, Vincent headed to the hotel for the surprise birthday party he arranged for Judith.

He imagined Judith would look absolutely angelic in the dress he picked.

However, instead of Judith, he met with his flustered and anxious secretary. “Mr. Long, something’s wrong! The madam is missing!”