SYDNEY'S POV

I couldn't stop the laugh that burst out of me as I took in the fourth special order for the day.

Usually, Atelier received a bunch of orders daily, and our employees handled them. But if the jewelry order was custom-made, it came directly to me.

Right there on my screen was an order for two pieces of jewelry from Mark's assistant. It included a request in the preferences to make it "stand out" from any of our jewelry, then ended with, "just name your price."

Typical. Only Mark would be so egotistic as to make a request sound insulting. It was Mark's assistant who placed the order, but I was sure it was on Mark's behalf. No way his assistant could afford Atelier's custom designs for himself.

I swiveled in my chair, whistling, "Time to make some extra millions."

I turned back to my laptop screen and reread the last phrase. My grin widened. "Oh, I am so going to name my price."

Briefly, I wondered who he'd be gifting it to, and only Bella came to mind. "Awww," I cooed, wiping away fake tears trying to escape my eyes. He wanted to gift her two custom-made pieces at once? So sweet.

There was no better way for my day to go than an order from Mark. I was ready to make a fortune from him. After all, I hadn't asked for alimony.

As I thought about how much I should charge Mark while swiveling in the chair, I couldn't help but notice the clean, expensive paint on the walls—the latest built-in television, the plush chairs...

I stopped spinning and looked around. Everything looked so well kept. My heart warmed with gratitude. Even in my long absence, Grace hadn't failed to keep this place running. She efficiently managed the two businesses all by herself when she could have easily abandoned Atelier and focused solely on the fashion sector she handles so well.

Then I remembered her upcoming birthday and thought it would be the perfect time to also gift her a specially made piece of jewelry for her hard work and support, apart from her birthday gift.

Now having three custom pieces added to the pending orders, I decided to get to work.

First, I sketched the first four pieces, which were for one of our client's daughter's graduation gift, plus Mark's and Grace's. The latter jewelry stood out. Then I designed 3D models for all of them. I took extra care and time selecting the colors and gemstones for Grace's piece. I needed it to be perfect.

Hours later, I was done designing the four pieces. For a brief second, I reclined in my chair, lips curved in a smile as I appreciated my handiwork.

I snapped out of my thoughts, printed the designs, and strode to the workshop. I received greetings from the workers there, and returned them with a smile.

I put on the appropriate uniform and got to work.

Hours later, I pulled off my helmet, turned off the machine, let out a deep breath, and fanned my face.

I stretched as I made a brisk walk toward the door. I grabbed a small bottle of water and guzzled almost half of it. It was already dark outside, and I had said goodbye to our employees hours ago.

It always happened like this. I always got carried away whenever I designed jewelry.

I walked back in. I picked up the pendant for Grace and squinted as I admired the design. I smiled, a foreign yet familiar sense of accomplishment wafting through me. I sighed contentedly—I hadn't felt that in a long time.

I gave myself a pat on the back as I inspected the others. I stacked them safely in a jewelry box before packing up for the day.

I shrugged on my coat and picked up my bag. I turned off the lights in the control room, then headed for the door, using my phone's torch to illuminate the now dark workspace.

I let out a short scream; my feet came to an abrupt stop, and my bag dropped to the floor with a thud as the door suddenly burst open and a shadow stepped in.

"Sydney!"

My shoulders drooped, and my legs almost gave out as I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Grace!" I called in an admonishing tone. I shone my torch on her face. She was grinning widely, excitement radiating off her in waves. "What's got you so hyped up?" I asked as she took more steps closer.

"Come with me," she said, taking my hands and dragging me outside.

"You wouldn't believe this. I saw a super handsome guy at the bar," she rambled as I locked the door. "And guess what? He's Italian." She literally jumped as she said it, her feet lifting a few inches off the floor.

She linked our arms immediately after I finished locking the door. "I came back specifically to get you. Sister's got your back, right?!"

I laughed at her dramatics. All this rush of excitement just because she saw a handsome Italian guy? But I pulled her closer and kissed her on the cheek.

"Come on."

"You don't have to worry about what to wear. I brought your outfits, so we won't waste time going back home," she explained as we headed to her car.

"Woah," I smirked, lifting the skirt she brought into the air. I didn't think I'd ever seen a skirt so short and sexy.

"It's going to look good on you, I'm sure."

She looked back from the front seat, then faced forward and started the car.

As she sped toward the bar, I struggled into the miniskirt in the cramped backseat and put on the simple cute tank top she had brought with it. I sprayed the perfume I had in my bag—its scent was heavenly—until we both were coughing and giggling.

When we arrived at the bar, I put on my black heels from work and adjusted my outfit.

Inside, the bar buzzed with so much energy, the neon lights slightly obscuring the carefree patrons as they mindlessly swayed to the hip-hop beats.

I unconsciously bobbed my head to the music as we stepped in. Grace looked around, her brows furrowed.

"Aww," she pouted, "I can't find him."

"The hot guy?" I had to shout so she could hear me over the loud music.

She nodded but kept scanning the crowd.

I touched her shoulder to turn her toward me. "Don't worry, babe." Then I threw my hands in the air. "Italian dude or not," I whined my waist and winked at her, "let's dance the night away."

Instantly, her face lit up, and she threw her hands in the air too. We both danced our way to the dance floor but not before grabbing a drink each from the bartender.

Grace downed hers in one go while I held mine above my head as I swayed to the music, hooting occasionally.

I gulped the rest of my drink and placed the cup on a nearby table. Soon, the DJ changed beats, and I felt myself go even crazier with the new rhythm.

I shook my head in the air, my hair whipping around my face. I could hear Grace's giggles as she whined her waist and occasionally jiggled her ass.

"Go girl!" I screamed and started my own dance moves. I let go of all the stiffness I had gotten used to over the past years and swayed to the beat.

We giggled as the spotlight turned on us. Some people had stood aside to watch, shouting words of encouragement, while others joined in.

I tipped my head back, feeling free. I couldn't believe I'd let go of all this for the crap I called marriage.

Grace suddenly appeared by my side, her face close to mine. I flinched when she screamed in my ear, "I'll be right back, I need to use the restroom."

I nodded and watched as she hurried down a hallway.

I turned to one of the guys on the dance floor as I danced. He had some cool moves.

I was so carried away—finally happy and free—that I didn't notice the smoldering set of eyes digging holes in my back. I didn't notice in time that the guy I was dancing with had stopped dancing and stepped away from me. His eyes were trained above my head.

"Come on!" I shouted when I noticed. "Why'd you stop?"

He didn't answer. He just looked at something behind me. The people around him were also looking past me.

Still moving my body, I followed their gaze and turned back.

I let out a loud, shocked gasp as strong fingers wrapped around my wrist and dragged me away from the spotlight.

"Let go!" I screamed, attempting to wrench my hands free, but the hold was too strong.

"Stop it."

I froze. The voice was dangerously low and calm, sharply contrasting with his strong grip.

My head whipped up in anger, and my eyes clashed with Mark's burning gaze. "What are you doing here?"