Chapter 7
Every page was a record of him.
Every line was soaked in Noelle’s silent devotion.
Julian’s vision blurred as tears welled up. He clutched the ruined journal tightly to his chest, as if he could somehow hold
on to what he’d lost.
A nearby worker approached carefully.
“Sir… we’re about to close.”
Julian didn’t respond.
He kept digging through the damp boxes, desperate.
His fingers brushed against something hard.
It was a music box-handcrafted.
Though water-damaged, it still bore traces of its once exquisite craftsmanship.
He remembered it.
When he was sixteen, he had casually mentioned he wanted a snow-globe music box-the kind that didn’t even exist in
stores.
A month later, at his birthday party, Noelle had given him exactly that.
Inside, a tiny ballerina twirled under falling snow.
He’d barely glanced at it at the time. Didn’t even notice the cuts all over her hands.
He’d just muttered, “Oh. Just put it over there.”
Then turned away, grinning as he tore into Vanessa’s gift.
Now, standing in the pouring rain, Julian clutched the music box like it was the last anchor to his soul-and let out a
scream that ripped through the storm.
But no amount of rain could wash away the guilt that clung to him like a curse.
He fumbled for his phone and called his father.
His voice cracked with sobs.
“Dad… please help me find Noelle.”
“I’m begging you.”
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The day after meeting with Mr. Ashford, I flew with them to Manhattan.
Outside the towering Ashford Group headquarters, the old man smiled warmly.
“Noelle,” he said, “starting today, you’re officially the chief designer of Ashford Jewelry.”
“To make your work easier-and to keep anyone from questioning your authority-I’ve assigned Liam as your personal
assistant.”
“If you need anything, just ask him directly.”
“I have full faith in your talent. Go on and shine.”
“As for the Sterlings… you don’t have to worry. I’ll handle everything.”
I turned to look at Liam. He gave me a quiet, reassuring nod.
Time flew.
In just three years, Ashford Jewelry had gone public overseas.
At the grand celebration party, the crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling glow over the ballroom, turning night into glittering
daylight.
I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the stunning New York skyline, a glass of champagne swaying in my
hand.
“What are you thinking about?”
Liam’s voice came from behind me, soft as the breeze.
“Nothing really,” I said, turning slightly. “It just doesn’t feel real sometimes.”
We clinked glasses.
“I never imagined Ashford Jewelry would come this far in just three years.”
He chuckled, his eyes full of admiration.
“That’s because of you, Chief Designer Hart.”
I shook my head with a smile.
“No, it’s the Ashfords’ foundation-and your leadership. I was just lucky enough to add a little sparkle.”
“You’re always this modest,” he murmured.
Then he stepped closer. Close enough that I had no choice but to meet his gaze.
“I don’t want modesty tonight,” he said. “Not from you.”
My heartbeat quickened.
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His eyes were far too sincere, far too warm. It was impossible to look away.
“Noelle,” he said, his voice low but unwavering.
“This IPO is just the beginning.”
“The road ahead… I want to walk it with you. But not just as your business partner.”
“I want-
