Five years later

Lucy’s POV

The flash of cameras nearly blinded me as I stepped out of my black SUV.

“Miss castle! Over here, please!”

“Lucy castle! One smile for Vogue!”

I turned slightly, offering them a small, practiced smile. Every step I took was poised and composed. The once timid, nerd girl now stood before flashing lights in a tailored crimson gown that flowed like silk fire. Which happens to be one of my designs. My name echoed in the air like music, and for the first time, I didn’t flinch.

They no longer whispered ugly duckling.

Now, they whispered Lucy castle… the designer of Lucy Couture.

My heels clicked softly against the marble floor as I walked into the hall. The chandeliers sparkled above, and the scent of luxury filled the air — champagne and expensive perfume. Tonight was the International Fashion Excellence event, the biggest event of the year, and my brand had just been nominated for Designer of the Year.

“Breathe,” susan whispered beside me, clutching her small silver clutch. My best friend, business partner, and the only one who’d known the real story behind my rise. “You’re glowing my love.”

I smiled faintly. “So this is me.”

“Yes girl!”

It had taken me years to rebuild myself — new city, new image, new life. I poured every drop of pain into my craft.

On stage, the presenter's voice echoed through the hall.

“And now, the winner of this year's Designer award of the year goes to Lucy castle, for her collection REBORN!”

The crowd erupted in applause. Cameras flashed towards my direction and Susan was just screaming in excitement beside me.

I rose gracefully, as I made my way to the stage, waving at the crowd while they continued to clap.

I smiled as the award was handed over to me.

“Thank you,” I began, my voice steady. “This collection, Reborn, was inspired by pain… and the strength that follows it. Every stitch carries a piece of who I was, and who I've become. To my best friend, Susan,” lifting the award cup towards her directions, as the spotlight shines on her. “Thank you for believing in me when no one else did.”

The audience clapped, some even stood up. As I walked down the stage, the reporters swarmed around me.

“Miss castle, congratulations!” one of them said, thrusting a microphone towards me. “Your collection, Reborn, has taken the fashion world by storm. What inspired it?”

I smiled, my gaze steady on the cameras. “Pain,” I said simply. “And the desire to never feel small again.”

Susan held my hand proudly as we moved away from the cameras.

“You did great up there.” She said,

I smiled “thanks.”

“Lucy,” a familiar voice, stopped me in my tracks.

I turned slowly and my smile faded immediately.

It was Richard Oxford. Standing in front of me with a glass of champagne.

He looks more matured now and still devastatingly handsome, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that hugged his broad shoulders. His dark hair was shorter now, but the arrogance in his posture hadn’t changed.

“I have to say,” he began, his tone low and teasing , “you look… different.”

I arched a brow. “Different?”

“Yeah,” his eyes scanned me all over. “Beautiful, confident, unlike the old Lucy I used to know.”

I smiled politely. “Sorry, sir. Have we met before?”

His brows drew together slightly. “Wow! You don't remember me?”

“You know,” I said, brushing a strand of hair from my shoulder. “People look alike sometimes…Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have guests waiting for me.”

I walked past him. The scent of my perfume lingered in the air. I could feel his eyes burning into my back.

I smiled. I love the show I put out there. He deserves even worse.

After the event, we made our way towards the exit but surprised to see Richard near the entrance, leaning on the wall with his leg crossed. He smiled faintly as we approached, but Susan's expression darkened instantly. Her grip tightened on my arm.

“I thought I saw this ass hole talking to you before. What else does he want?” She muttered under her breath.

“Relax, let me handle this.” I whispered to her.

“Hi Susan,” Richard greeted, shinning his good set of teeth to Susan. “It's nice to see you again.” As he stretched forth his hands.

Susan said no word to him. She just passed him with his hand still hanging in the air. I almost laughed but managed to keep my composure.

“How may I help you again young man? Thought we saw earlier and I clearly told you that I don't know you. So why are you still following me about?”

“Come on Lucy, I know you still remember me. Richard Oxford.”

“Sir, at this point, I think I will have to call the securities on you, you are beginning to embarrass yourself.”

His lips parted, but no words came out. He just managed a weak smile. “It's fine.” He said, stepping aside.

Just then, my SUV pulled up. The driver opened the door. Richard watched, his jaw tightening, as I slid inside my car.

Susan shot him one last look of disdain before joining me.

As we drove off, she said loudly, ‘’what a jerk! I swear, if looks could kill, you just murdered that dude with style.”

We both laughed, leaning back in the car seat. “He deserves every ounce of humiliation. That was the same look he gave me when he walked out on me years ago.”

“You would have let me punch him.”

“You can never change.” I laughed so hard.

“Anything for my girl.”

To be honest, seeing him has stirred up old memories I've long buried but none of this matters anymore. They're all in the past.

Still, a part of me can’t help but hope fate gives him a taste of the pain he once made me feel.