Chapter 54

• Charlotte sat at her cluttered office desk, the soft hum of her computer the only sound in the otherwise quiet space. The early afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a gentle glow over her workspace filled with sketches, beads, and tools—a sanctuary of creativity that brought her solace. Today, she was absorbed in her latest project: a custom necklace commissioned by Damien’s fiancée, a piece that had become a blend of Charlotte’s artistry and the couple’s unique story.
• As she carefully adjusted the intricate strands of silver and gemstones, she thought about how much time had elapsed since Damien had reached out, eager to surprise his fiancée. Each tiny adjustment brought her closer to completing the work, but with every passing moment, a familiar wave of anxiety washed over her. It was maddening how much she wanted this to be perfect—for him, yes, but more so for her. The necklace was not just another piece of jewelry; it represented a slice of their past, a part of a life she had shared with him—one that felt almost impossible to disentangle from her current reality.
• “Just a few more tweaks,” she muttered to herself, pushing back her hair as she leaned in closer. There were specific changes requested by Esther that she needed to address, adding a touch of whimsy here, perhaps a pop of color there. Each adjustment drew her deeper into the task at hand, yet her mind drifted to Damien. The thought of him brought a flutter of emotion—one that she had worked so hard to suppress since he’d announced his engagement.