Thrown into the past.

KAILEE

Five years later…

“There’s no way that peach design is going to work,” Tessa said.

I shifted my attention to her, wearing a small smile. Tessa had always challenged my designs since we began aiming for the same promotion.

“You just have to see the vision, Tessa.”

“Well, I don’t see it,” she turned to Sasha, our creative director. “Don’t tell me you’re considering this, Sasha.”

“Like she said, you’ve got to see the vision,” Sasha said, giving me a thumbs up. “I’ve never doubted your designs, Kailee.”

“And I don’t take your support for granted, Sasha.”

“Design 03 has been approved. I’ll see you all in the next meeting.”

Knowing there wasn’t a way she could stop my design from getting approved, Tessa shot me a cold glare before standing up.

I ignored her. The other workers began leaving while I stayed back to arrange my things.

“Kailee?”

I heard Sasha’s voice and raised my head to her.

“Yes?”

“Can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Sure.”

She walked over to me and I stopped putting my things away while concentrating fully on her.

“Firstly, I’d like to commend your creativity once again. You’re doing a really good job.”

I smiled. “Thank you, Sasha.”

“There’s an upcoming collaboration with another company who’s willing to adapt our designs for a greater opportunity.”

My sketchbook almost slipped off the table so I quickly grabbed it.

“Really? That’s great.”

“It is. HR needs someone to pitch our designs and I couldn’t think of anyone better to do it. Also, if this works out and they accept us, it would strengthen your chances of securing the promotion.”

Head of design.

I’d been working towards that position for the last one year.

“You’re considering me for this?”

“I recommended you to HR. You’ve never failed me, Kailee. If you pitch your designs, we might be considered. I must tell you another thing, we’re not the only ones in line for this opportunity, our competitors are strong.”

The fact that she’d chosen me when there were five of us competing for that spot made me determined to prove myself.

“I promise you, Sasha. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure this pulls through.”

A satisfied smile touched her lips as she patted my shoulders gently.

“I’ve never doubted you. Come with me to my office, I’ll give you the project’s brief.”

I picked up my bag and followed her. Sasha picked up a folder from her desk and handed it over to me.

Slowly, I opened it, and the first thing that caught my attention was the company’s name and logo.

“Lancaster International?” My voice conveyed the shock I felt. “This is the company we’ll be working with?”

Oblivious to the turmoil that was brewing inside me, Sasha nodded.

“Now you understand how important this project is.”

I swallowed hard. My fingers trembled and began to turn slick as I sweated under that air conditioner.

“I know.”

“You’ll find all the requirements needed. I know this came under short notice, but you’ve got two hours before pitching to them.”

My mind drifted away from that room. I heard Sasha still talking, but I couldn’t comprehend the words.

After five years of thinking I’d moved on, a single name had shattered that illusion.

A part of me wanted to refuse this opportunity that might never show up again in front of me.

But another part reminded me that I’d worked too hard to jinx it. So what if it was his company?

It didn’t mean he would be the one to oversee the project.

Maybe he wasn’t even working there anymore. Five years was a long time for him to move out of the country like he’d always planned.

Even if he hadn’t left, I still refused to let the thoughts of him deprive me of the life I’d built.

“Kailee?” I didn’t hear Sasha’s voice until she snapped her fingers in my face. “Are you still here?”

I nodded nervously and met her gaze.

“Yes.”

“Do you need a moment? Or are you considering—?”

I didn’t let her finish.

“I’ll get my proposal ready in an hour. Don’t worry, Sasha.”

Back in my office, I struggled with my proposal. Dexter’s call came in and it was the perfect distraction.

“Ashton left the country five years ago,” he said after I’d told him about the collaboration. “He appointed someone else as acting CEO after I refused the position.”

I was relieved to hear that. When Lavinia Lancaster threw me out five years ago, Dexter Stone risked his friendship with Ashton to help me secretly.

“He’s not coming anytime soon, is he? I mean, the duration of this collaboration is six months.”

“You need to stop worrying. He’s chasing another degree, and he won’t stop until he’s acquired every single one on his list.”

I raked my fingers through my hair, forcing myself to remain calm.

“That’s a relief.”

“Kailee,” Dexter called softly. “You’ve moved on from him, right? This shouldn’t even be a problem. If anything, he needs to see that you’re completely over him.”

He was right.

Except that hearing Ashton’s name made my heart skip, and my mind replayed memories it should’ve forgotten a long time ago.

“I stopped loving him after that day.”

“It’s okay. How’s Xander?”

I picked up the folder and flipped through the files.

“He’s fine. I’ll pick him up from the babysitter after work.”

“I’m sorry, but my attention is needed in the boardroom.”

“That’s okay.”

“Take care of yourself, Kay. I’ll see you later. And don’t forget that you can do anything you set your mind to.”

I exhaled shakily. “I can.”

“Stay safe.”

He hung up, and I slowly pulled the phone away from my ear. Dex always had the best words to uplift my spirits, and after that conversation, I knew I couldn’t let the thoughts of Ashton stop me from getting that promotion.

I arrived at Lancaster International twenty minutes before the fixed time.

The boardroom was filled with other business associates, and the head of the collaborative team was waiting when I walked in.

His face was unfamiliar. And I was delighted that it was someone else in that position.

“I’m Zade Wellington, acting CEO of Lancaster International. I’ll be the one overseeing this project.”

I accepted his handshake with a genuine smile.

“I’m Kailee Donovan, lead designer of Bloom Fashion.”

He pulled away seconds later and sat down, his voice husky.

“The proposal—‘’

He didn’t get the chance to complete the words before the door opened.

I heard the heavy footsteps first. Then the strong scent of lavender whipped through my nostrils as I felt another presence in the room.

The atmosphere shifted from something quiet to people rushing in their seats.

Every single person in that room stood up, and not one of them dared to raise their heads. My brows furrowed in confusion before turning to look at the figure approaching the CEO’s chair.

“Move.”

That single word. That voice. I swear, my stomach churned with an indescribable feeling.

Zade Wellington moved three chairs away from where he sat, apologizing as he walked.

“I’m sorry, Sir.”

He sat down, and the board members remained standing, still quiet. The only thing that was loud was my heart beating while staring at the man who’d just walked in.

He raised his head and our eyes met. For a moment, I saw the way his expression shifted to something unreadable.

My fingers tightened around the file without meaning to, and even when I wanted to, I couldn’t look away.

Ashton held my gaze for seconds, staring like he had lots of unspoken words.

Just when I thought he’d do something unpredictable, he scoffed and turned his face away, his voice commanding.

“Who’s giving the pitch from Bloom Fashion?”

“Kailee Donovan,” Zade replied, beckoning me with his hand. “I was about to—‘’

“Kailee Donovan,” Ashton murmured, his voice thick with an anger I couldn’t understand. “The floor is yours for the next five minutes.”