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“You made it,” I say.
“Yes, of course.” She loops her arm around mine, then she nods toward Atlas. “You been taking care of my girl?”
He winks. “Of course, Poppy. You know she’s in good hands.”
“She is.” Her eyes roam to Jasper, and she gives him a quick nod. “Jasper.”
“Poppy. You look exquisite.” He eyes her blue gown. “Where is your fiancé?”
“He isn’t here. We broke up.”
“Bummer,” Jasper says with amusement in his tone.
“You look good in your tux,” Poppy says.
We sit down in the front row. Joy sits on one side of Atlas, and I sit on the other. Jasper sits next to Poppy, placing an arm on the back of her chair.
“Poppy, you deserve someone like me, someone who can give you the world.”
She swats him on the shoulder. “I do, but I’m not ready.”
“I’ll be here when you are,” he says.
Atlas pulls me under his armpit as the lights dim and classical music plays. The announcer speaks into the mike, announcing each designer, and models stride down the stage. Nervousness bubbles in my chest as they call out famous fashion designers’ names.
When it is time for my design, I grab Atlas’s hand, sucking in my breath. He brings my palm to his mouth and kisses it.
Butterflies flutter in my stomach as I see the lingerie I made on the runway, and my heart melts. Smiling, I take out my phone from my purse and take pictures. Once it is over, I throw my arm over Atlas’s shoulders and hug his firm body.
My eyes beam with tears of joy. “Thank you so much.”
“You deserve it, Boots,” he says.
We stand up, and Atlas mingles with other businessmen, and Poppy asks me to stand outside with her. I follow her, the chilly air smacking my face as I lean against the glass wall.
“Tonight has been amazing. I’m so proud of you.”
“I feel like I didn’t earn it.”
“You did. I told you since we were kids you were talented.”
“Lake.” I hear a familiar deep voice call my name.
I turn around, and Carter stands a few feet away from us. He has on a navy suit, and his brown hair is to the side. He’s lost a lot of weight since the last time I saw him, and his face is pale, almost white.
My blood boils, and I roll my eyes, exhaling.
“What are you doing here?” I snap.
“Yes, what are you doing here?” Poppy says. “I swear, you and Link can’t ever take a hint.”
He ignores Poppy and says, “I want to congratulate you on your success.”
I don’t bother responding. Why would he choose tonight of all nights to show up here and try to ruin my night?
“I am sorry for how I treated you. I broke it off with Odette, she isn’t you.”
“So, let me get this straight,” I say, tapping my finger against my chin. “You break up with me because I didn’t look good on your arms, and you took the money my father gave you, and now you think you have a chance with me again? I’m dating someone else, Carter.”
