- 7.
After six months, I completed three pieces.
When I submitted them to the World Jewelry
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Design Association, the world went crazy.
These three pieces were like three brilliant
stars, illuminating the night sky of the jewelry
design world.
They eschewed commercial trends, returning
to pure artistry. Every line, every gem setting,
reflected my understanding of life and
emotion.
Each piece was handcrafted, designed based
on the breath of the material.
I received an invitation to a gala in Paris.
I knew that humans are social creatures and I
couldn’t stay on the beach forever.
So I accepted.
News of the jewelry spread like wildfire, jewelry and luxury media flocking to Paris.
“These three masterpieces are said to be
from a registered, but previously unknown,
jewelry designer.”
“With these three pieces, he can easily
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become a top designer.”
The moment my plane landed, flashes
exploded, reporters clamoring for inspiration. I simply smiled faintly, saying nothing. The pain and growth I’d experienced couldn’t
be summarized in a few words.
Meanwhile, Ethan heard the news. A flicker of
light finally appeared in his hollow eyes.
Sitting in his office, where we’d once worked
together, he held a magazine featuring my
work, his fingers white from the pressure.
For six months, he’d never stopped searching
for me. His company thrived under his frantic
work ethic, yet his loneliness grew.
Seeing my name, he stood abruptly.
“Get me a ticket to Paris. As fast as
possible.”
At the gala, I was surprised to see Ethan.
He was no longer the confident man I knew.
His eyes were filled with weariness.
L
<
“Lori, I finally found you.”
His voice trembled, as if he was suppressing
a storm of emotions.
I frowned, a complex emotion flashing
through me, but I quickly regained my
composure.
“What are you doing here?”
Ethan took a small step forward, as if afraid
to disturb me.
“I saw your work, Lori. You’re still so
talented. These pieces are breathtaking.”
His eyes showed admiration and wonder, but
also caution.
I nodded slightly, saying nothing. The Paris
night wind was chilly, as if trying to dispel the
complicated past between us.
Ethan bit his lip, as if making a big decision.
He slowly took out an exquisite box from his
bag. Inside was the jade pendant I thought I’d
lost forever.
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“Lori, I spent a fortune and countless
resources to retrieve it from the ocean.”
Looking at the cleaned jade pendant, I felt a
mixture of emotions.
I stared at the object that held so many
memories, a ripple in my heart.
I took the pendant. No matter what, it held my
memories of my mother.
Even if it also witnessed an inappropriate
past.
“Lori, I know I was wrong. Terribly wrong. For
the past six months, I’ve lived in regret.
“Without you, the company, no matter how
big or successful, means nothing to me.”
“Lori, please give me a chance to make
amends.”
His voice choked, each word wrung from his
soul.
But I couldn’t listen.
“Let the past be the past. Your company is
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doing well, and I’ve found my dream again.
Let’s not get entangled anymore.”
Perhaps getting the pendant back softened
me slightly. I spoke to him calmly.
“Lori, don’t do this. I really know I was
wrong.
“When I went to the temple to get the pouch
back, I realized you’d already taken it.‘
“Lori, it was my fault. Lana is gone. I promise
there will never be another Lana.”
“Lori, come back. I won’t restrain you
anymore. I’ll support your designs.”
I watched him plead, my heart calming.
“Ethan, some things are gone forever. Even if
you find them, what good is it?”
“Don’t they just remind you of an
inappropriate past?”
“Ethan, that’s it. Thank you for finding the
pendant.”
