Richard’s POV

She was no longer the timid girl who was chubby, thick lens glasses and red hair. The ugly duckling as we all call her.

She has transformed into a new person within these five years. Her confidence, radiant, good body and utterly in control.

When I saw her standing under those golden lights tonight, accepting her award in that crimson gown that hugged every inch of her confidence, I almost forgot to breathe.

I watched the girl I once shattered rise higher than I could ever imagine.

I still remember the night we shared back in college like it's yesterday. But I allowed my pride to cloud me.

I was supposed to defend her but rather, humiliated her in front of everyone and watched her get bullied.

When she stepped off the stage, I followed her discreetly toward the exit, ignoring the few acquaintances who tried to stop me for a handshake.

“I know she acted like she didn’t know me,” I muttered to myself, loosening my tie as I waited near the doors, “but I’ll make her remember. Somehow, I’ll prove myself again.”

The hall slowly emptied as laughter and camera flashes faded into the night. Lucy was still talking to a few guests, mostly high-profile designers and investors… while her best friend, Susan, hovered beside her. Her ever loyal body guard.

Susan never liked me, not after what happened. I could already feel her glare from across the hall.

When they finally started walking toward the exit, I straightened my posture, adjusting my cuffs. Susan spotted me first, her expression instantly souring.

I smiled politely, extending my hand for a hand shake. “Hi Susan… it’s been a while.”

Not even a word from her.

Ouch. Some things never change.

“How may I help you again sir?” She asked,I could feel the anger in her voice. “Thought we met earlier and I clearly told you that I don't know you. So why are you still following me?”

I swallowed hard, guilt pressing into my ribs. “Come on Lucy. I know you still remember me. Richard Oxford.”

The next word she said hit me deeper than I expected. I just smiled weakly, stepping back. “It's fine,” I said quietly.

I watched her walk to her car. Her hips moving rhymes. “Damn, how did I lose this?” I murmured. She slid into her SUV but Susan didn't fail to shoot me a look of disdain.

She's really going to make this harder for me.

I exhaled deeply, shoving my hands in my pockets. I deserved that. Every bit of it.

---

“Rough night?”

I turned at the sound of a familiar voice. Clara, my fiancée. She stood behind me, her dark blue gown shimmering under the faint outdoor lights. Her expression was polite, but there was tension beneath it.

I managed a small smile. “You could say that.”

She walked closer, looping her arm through mine. “I saw you staring at her all evening,” she said quietly. “The famous Lucy Castle. She’s beautiful.”

Her words were edged with curiosity and I can sense jealousy too.

“She used to be a friend,” I replied, keeping my tone casual. “From college.”

“A friend?” Clara raised a brow. “Funny, you never mentioned her.”

“There’s a lot I don’t mention about college,” I said flatly.

Clara studied my face, then gave a tight smile. “Well, she’s competition now. Her label’s rising fast, and your family’s fashion company doesn’t need another rival, does it?”

I sighed. “Not everything’s about business, Clara.”

“Of course not,” she said, voice laced with sarcasm. “It’s only about women now right?”

I didn’t respond. There was no point. Clara liked control and power… the exact things I used to value. But Lucy... Lucy had something real.

When Clara excused herself to take a call, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.

It rang twice before a deep voice answered. “Boss?”

“Ryan,” I said, glancing toward the direction where Clara went.

“I need you to find everything you can on someone named Lucy Castle. Where she lives, does she have a boyfriend…everything.”

“On it. Will get back to you soon.”

---

Later that night, back on my balcony, I poured myself a drink and replayed her voice in my head. “Sorry, sir. Have we met before?”

Each word hit like a punch.

I drank the vodka, letting the burn in my throat distract me from the ache in my chest.

“It was a mistake. You think I’d touch someone like her?”

God. I actually said that.

Now she stood above me in every possible way. Even in business.

I took another shot in one go and leaned against the glass balcony, watching the city lights flicker below.

I can't lose her again this time around.

Just then, my phone buzzed. A message from Ryan.

Ryan: “Boss, I dug up some info. You might want to sit for this.”

Me: “What did you find?”

Ryan: “She’s not just Lucy Castle. Her full name is Lucy Castleworth... heir to the Castleworth Group. The same company your father’s firm has been trying to partner with for months.”

My grip on the phone tightened. Castleworth Group? That name hit like a thunderbolt.

No way. That meant Lucy wasn’t just some rising designer.

The same girl I once mocked for being poor and worthless now had the power to destroy everything my family built.

Lucy Castleworth. My new obsession.