Chapter 6: The New Me

Two years have already passed.

I never thought time could fly by so fast.

After everything that happened back then, I forced myself to rise again. I left the Philippines and flew to Italy to chase my dream.

Since then, I’ve heard nothing from Justin or Sheila. I changed my number. Blocked them on all my social media accounts.

Honestly, I’ve become a different person.

It was painful at first, so painful that there were nights I could barely breathe just remembering their betrayal. But I used that pain. I turned it into fuel to build myself again.

And now… here I am.

From being the girl who cried on a stranger’s shoulder in a club, to standing in front of the mirror in my own studio in Milan, wearing confidence like a second skin.

I’m no longer “just” Mica.

I’m Mikyla Ferrer, lead designer of Savarre Éclat—one of the most prestigious jewelry houses in Europe.

My designs have been featured in fashion magazines, and my latest collection is scheduled to walk the runway in Paris next month.

Every bead, every stone I’ve set with my own hands carries the weight of everything I’ve endured.

“You look amazing,” said Rafaella, my assistant, as she handed me my presentation folder.

“Thank you.” I gave her a small smile and smoothed the front of my dress.

“Are you nervous?” she asked. “The CEO of Montier Luxury just confirmed his attendance today.”

I looked at my reflection. “Not at all.”

Because I’ve faced the worst kind of heartbreak and humiliation. A boardroom full of critics? Please. I’ve already survived something far more ruthless—love.

As we headed out of the studio and toward the elevator, I couldn’t help but smile.

For the first time in years, I felt like I was finally living.

I wasn’t running away from anything. I was running toward something now—toward the woman I was always meant to become.

But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

Because just as I stepped into the hotel ballroom, ready to present my collection…

I saw him.

Damien Grey.

Looking sharp in a tailored black suit, he stood among the VIP guests like he owned the room.

My heart skipped a beat.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. He was here.

It felt like everything moved in slow motion as I walked toward him.

And in an instant, it was like everything came rushing back.

Of all the things I tried to forget, he was the one memory I could never erase.

The kisses.

The embraces.

The way he said my name.

“Ms. Ferrer? Are you okay?”

Rafaella’s voice snapped me back to reality. I paused and turned to her.

“Your face is red. Are you feeling unwell?”

I blinked, quickly cupping my cheek and shaking my head.

“N-No. I’m… fine.”

I took a deep breath and forced myself to stay composed.

When I glanced back at Tito Damien, his eyes were still locked on me.

So I quickly looked away and continued walking.

Whatever reason he had for being here, it didn’t matter.

What mattered was getting Montier Luxury’s approval. Because the moment I secured this project, nothing could stop me anymore.