Liza stared at the package in disbelief, her expression a mix of confusion and frustration. Did Gavin really want her to wear something like this? Was he... a bit twisted? She sighed, conflicted and unsure what to do. After some hesitation, she gave in and dialed Gavin’s number. In the sleek and modern office of the Stone Corporation, Gavin sat casually on a leather sofa, his phone resting in his hand. His posture was relaxed, but his tone was commanding as he spoke into the receiver. “I need you to work overtime for the next few days and design a few outfits,” he said matter-of-factly. On the other end of the line, the designer, Alora, perked up. “Gavin, what kind of outfits are we talking about? Are you attending an event?” Gavin’s voice remained calm, yet there was a thoughtful undertone. “They’re not for me. They’re for a woman. I’ll send you her measurements.” Alora’s breath hitched, but she maintained a professional tone. “Four designs for each season? That’s a total of 16 outfits. Handmade pieces take time, and the deadline you’re suggesting… It’s nearly impossible to finish everything within the week.” Gavin’s tone turned cold, cutting off her objections. “If you can’t handle it, I’ll have no reason to continue investing in your work.” The sharpness of his words left Alora no room to argue. She bit her lip, forcing a smile even though her frustration was evident. “Alright, I’ll get started right away.” Before ending the call, she hesitated. “Gavin, this woman… may I ask her age? It’ll help me customize the styles to suit her better.” There was a brief pause before Gavin replied calmly, “She’s my wife.” The words hit Alora like a thunderclap. She gasped audibly, her voice trembling. “Your… your wife? But you’ve always kept your distance from women. How could you be married? Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve attended the wedding!” Gavin frowned, clearly growing impatient. Sensing his irritation, Alora quickly adjusted her tone, attempting to sound casual. “Since it’s for your wife, I’ll make sure everything is perfect. Don’t worry. Also… I’ll be back in town soon. Let’s catch up over a meal. It’s been so long since we last met.” She added hesitantly, “ Gavin, can you bring your wife along? I’d love to meet the woman who’s so lucky to have you.” There was a brief, uncomfortable silence on the line, and Alora began to feel uneasy. Gavin’s tone was curt as he replied, “We’ll talk later.” The call ended abruptly, leaving Alora staring at her phone. \ The news of Gavin’s quiet marriage came as a complete shock to Alora. For years, rumors swirled about how he kept his distance from women, never engaging in scandals or gossip. She had always seen herself as a unique presence in his life, someone irreplaceable. They had grown up together, after all, as childhood friends. Their families shared equal social standing, and their close bond naturally led to a string of fond memories. She had even earned the privilege of calling him “Gavin,” a term of endearment that felt intimate and exclusive. Over the years, Gavin had always been generous with her. He’d gone so far as to invest in her fashion studio, a gesture she interpreted as a sign of their enduring connection. Despite their closeness, she had been careful not to overstep. She presented herself as merely his good friend, attending events by his side and basking in the subtle acknowledgment of being the only woman who consistently occupied his orbit. In her heart, she believed that if Gavin ever decided to settle down, she would naturally be the one by his side. Yet now, the shocking reality loomed before her—he was married, and to someone else. The thought burned in her mind. Who was this woman? What kind of manipulative seductress had wormed her way into Gavin’s life? Her expression hardened with bitterness as she reached for her phone. A determined edge tinged her otherwise gentle tone as she made a call. “Hi,” she began with a soft sigh, “did you know that Gavin is married? I just found out. He told me himself, and he even asked me to design a dress for his wife. Mrs. Stone, can you believe it? I had no idea he was even seeing anyone!” The person on the other end of the line was equally shocked. “What? Gavin? Married? I didn’t hear anything about that either!” Alora exhaled, feigning helplessness. “It’s such a big deal, yet he didn’t share it with us. Marriage is a life-changing event, and he kept it completely under wraps.” The man on the other end paused thoughtfully before replying, “Honestly, if he didn’t announce it, maybe he doesn’t care for this woman much. You know how families can pressure someone into marrying. It’s possible he picked someone at random just to satisfy his elders. Who knows? They might end up divorcing soon.”Hearing this, a glimmer of satisfaction danced in her eyes. She responded, trying to keep her tone light, “You might be right, but he seems to treat her well. I mean, he even asked me to design 16 outfits for her all at once…” After exchanging a few more remarks, she ended the call. Setting her phone down, she felt a wave of renewed confidence. The fact that none of Gavin’s close friends had been informed of his marriage only solidified her belief. If he truly cared for his wife, wouldn’t he have held a grand wedding and introduced her to everyone? To Alora, this secrecy was a clear indication that his feelings for his wife were shallow, if not nonexistent. Her lips curved into a determined smile. If Gavin didn’t truly love this woman, then she had a chance. She was sure of it—she could drive that woman out of his life.