Chapter 17: A New Beginning

Three months passed in the blink of an eye.

Hill Interior Design had grown into one of Melbourne's fastest-rising companies.

Its projects appeared in magazines, and Catherine's reputation as a designer spread throughout the country.

For the first time in her life...

People recognized her not as Ethan Lowe's ex-girlfriend.

Nor as Rebecca Jones' younger sister.

But as President Catherine Hill.

One sunny morning, Catherine walked into Shaun's office carrying two cups of coffee.

"Mr. Chairman," she teased.

"Busy?"

Shaun looked up from his laptop and smiled.

"Always."

"But never too busy for my wife."

She placed the coffee on his desk.

"Good answer."

"You taught me well."

Before either of them could continue, Hadley knocked gently.

"Mr. Hill, the investors have arrived."

"Send them in."

Five international investors entered the conference room.

They had come to discuss a luxury resort project worth several billion dollars.

After reviewing dozens of proposals from different companies...

They unanimously selected Hill Interior Design.

"Mrs. Hill," the lead investor said with admiration.

"Your designs perfectly combine elegance and practicality."

"We'd like to sign an exclusive five-year partnership."

Catherine looked surprised.

"Five years?"

"Yes."

"We believe your company will become one of Asia's leading design firms."

She accepted the contract with a grateful smile.

"Thank you for believing in us."

"No," the investor replied.

"Thank you for giving us confidence in your talent."

After the meeting ended, Catherine turned toward Shaun.

"Did you arrange this?"

Shaun shook his head.

"Not this time."

"These investors approached us on their own."

"Why?"

"Because your work speaks louder than my name ever could."

She couldn't hide her happiness.

"So I really earned this myself."

"You always did."

"The world simply needed time to notice."

That evening, the couple attended the annual Business Excellence Awards.

Hundreds of guests filled the grand ballroom.

The host smiled brightly as he stepped onto the stage.

"Tonight, we recognize the most outstanding entrepreneurs of the year."

"Our first award..."

"Young Designer of the Year."

The nominees appeared on the large screen.

Several famous names were announced.

Then...

"The winner is..."

"Catherine Hill!"

Thunderous applause filled the hall.

Catherine looked at Shaun in complete disbelief.

"Go," he whispered.

"You've earned it."

She walked onto the stage as cameras flashed from every direction.

Accepting the crystal trophy with trembling hands, she stood before the microphone.

"There was a time when I believed losing everything meant my life was over."

"I lost my family, my career, and the man I thought I loved."

"But life surprised me."

"Sometimes losing the wrong people is exactly what allows the right ones to find you."

She looked toward Shaun sitting in the front row.

"I'd like to thank one person."

"Not because he built my company."

"But because he rebuilt my confidence."

"My husband... Shaun Hill."

Everyone turned toward Shaun.

He simply smiled and applauded louder than anyone else.

After the ceremony ended, reporters surrounded the couple.

"Mrs. Hill, what's the secret behind your success?"

Catherine smiled warmly.

"Never let someone else's opinion decide your worth."

"And if you're lucky enough to find someone who believes in your dreams..."

"Treasure them."

As they left the venue hand in hand, Shaun quietly said,

"I'm proud of you."

"More than you'll ever know."

Catherine squeezed his hand.

"Everything I have today began the day I met you."

"No," Shaun replied with a gentle smile.

"It began the day you decided to stop settling for people who didn't deserve you."

She looked at him with eyes full of love.

"Then I suppose..."

"Choosing you was the best decision I've ever made."

Under the glow of the city lights, they walked toward their future together.

Neither of them noticed...

That another surprise was already waiting for them.

One that would change their lives forever.