Chapter 11: Building Her Own Empire

A week later, Hill Interior Design officially opened its doors.

The modern office overlooked the city skyline, reflecting everything Catherine had once dreamed of achieving.

Employees moved busily between departments while the reception area welcomed its very first clients.

Standing in the center of the office, Catherine couldn't believe it.

"This is really mine..." she whispered.

"Congratulations, President Hill," Freya said as she handed over a bouquet of white lilies.

"You finally have your own company."

"Thank you."

"Though I still can't believe all of this happened because I got my heart broken."

"Sometimes life has strange ways of rewarding people," Freya smiled.

Just then, Hadley walked into the office carrying a large gift box.

"Mrs. Hill," he greeted respectfully.

"Mr. Hill asked me to deliver this."

Catherine opened the box.

Inside was a beautifully crafted crystal model of the company's logo.

Beneath it lay a handwritten note.

"To the most talented designer I know.

May this company become the beginning of everything you've always deserved.

—Shaun."

A warm smile spread across Catherine's face.

"He's actually becoming romantic," Freya teased.

"Don't tell him I said that."

"His reputation would never recover."

Everyone laughed.

At that moment, the receptionist hurried over.

"President Hill, someone wishes to meet you."

"Who is it?"

"Mr. Ethan Lowe."

The office suddenly fell silent.

Freya frowned immediately.

"What's he doing here?"

"I'll handle it," Catherine replied calmly.

She walked into the reception lounge.

Ethan stood beside the window holding a bouquet of roses.

The confident man she once knew looked exhausted.

"Cathy..."

"Mrs. Hill," she corrected politely.

He smiled bitterly.

"I suppose I deserved that."

"Why are you here?"

"To congratulate you."

"And... to apologize properly."

He placed the flowers on the table.

"I know it's too late."

"But I owe you that much."

Catherine looked at the bouquet before quietly pushing it back toward him.

"Thank you."

"But my husband doesn't like receiving flowers from other men in our house."

Ethan lowered his eyes.

"He treats you well, doesn't he?"

"Very well."

"Better than I ever did."

"Yes," Catherine answered honestly.

"He respects me."

"He trusts me."

"And most importantly..."

"He never makes me question my place in his life."

Those words pierced Ethan's heart.

"I came today because I finally realized something."

"What's that?"

"I never deserved you."

For the first time since their breakup, Catherine saw genuine regret in his eyes.

But strangely...

Her heart remained calm.

There was no anger.

No sadness.

No lingering attachment.

Only acceptance.

"I hope you find happiness someday," she said sincerely.

"Just not with me."

Ethan nodded slowly.

"I understand."

"Goodbye, Catherine."

"Goodbye."

He quietly left the building.

As the elevator doors closed behind him, Catherine released a long breath.

Freya walked over.

"How do you feel?"

"Lighter."

"Like I've finally closed a chapter that lasted too many years."

That evening, Shaun returned home later than usual.

He immediately noticed Catherine sitting on the balcony overlooking the city lights.

"Long day?" he asked.

"A meaningful one."

He sat beside her.

"How was the company?"

"Amazing."

"We signed our first client today."

"Congratulations."

"There's something else."

"Hmm?"

"Ethan came to see me."

Shaun remained surprisingly calm.

"I know."

"You know?"

"Hadley informed me the moment he entered the building."

Catherine laughed.

"So I really do have bodyguards everywhere."

"Only because you're important."

She looked at him quietly.

"Are you going to ask what we talked about?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I trust you."

Those four simple words made Catherine's eyes sting.

She turned toward him.

"Do you know..."

"No one has ever trusted me this completely before."

Shaun gently took her hand.

"Then get used to it."

"Because I'm planning to trust you for the rest of our lives."

The night breeze carried away the silence between them.

Catherine leaned her head lightly against his shoulder.

This time...

Not because she was seeking comfort.

But because she genuinely wanted to be close to him.

Shaun smiled faintly.

Without either of them realizing it...

Their marriage of convenience was slowly becoming something much more real.