Page 220 of Bride By Coronation

I release an anxious breath and admit, "I do, but my husband is not his father or any of the people Adrian knew. It's not fair to blame him."

She takes a sip of water and then nods. "I know. Adrian and I have had many conversations, and I really am sorry. I've never been in that situation. You know how he is about his sister's kidnapping and death."

I don't say anything. I don't want to talk about it. It reminds me of my mom and dad's situation. And I won't discuss that with Skylar or anyone unless it's my husband. And that's only if I need to.

She clears her throat, hope lighting her eyes. "So, I'm hoping you want to come back?"

The hairs on my arms rise. I blurt out, "I'm allowed to?"

"Yes."

"Why? What's changed?"

She hesitates, then admits, "Your mom spoke with Adrian. He's still coming to terms with this, but what she said made him reconsider some things. And you know he's stubborn, so I'm not saying he's one hundred percent there yet, but he's agreed that it's okay for you to come back to the office."

Another mix of emotions hits me. On one hand, I would love to go back and work for Skylar. I miss her. I miss Blue and everything I used to do for the company. Heck, I even miss the annoying interns.

But things have changed. I've had too much time to sit alone without her influence and think about what I want. And I have a husband encouraging me to trust my talent and take my future into my own hands.

So I square my shoulders and lift my chin. In the nicest voice possible, I reply, "I appreciate the offer. I'm glad Adrian is coming to terms with my marriage and who Kirill really is, but I can't come back to work for you."

Skylar's face falls. "I'm sorry. Fiona, really. I never meant for this to go on as long as it did...or at all."

I nod. "I believe you. And I know you were in a crappy position. So I'm sorry for that too. But I'm not okay with anyone just tolerating my husband."

She sighs. "It's just going to take some time. But I know Adrian. He'll get there. I can see the wheels turning in his head."

"I'm sure you can. But it's not going to work for me," I declare.

She furrows her forehead. "Are you sure?"

My stomach flips. I hesitate, but then Kirill's voice pops into my mind.

There's no time like the present.

I find my courage and announce, "Yes. I also had a lot of time to think while I was gone. And I don't want you to hear this from anyone else, but I have four sketchbooks full of designs. And honestly... Well, Kirill's been telling me I should start my own line." My pulse pounds between my ears.

She arches her eyebrows. "Oh?"

I nod. "Yes. And I don't want us to be enemies."

She tilts her head and softly smiles, claiming, "We're never going to be enemies, Fiona."

"No?" I question, too familiar with how this business is between competitors.

She reaches over and grabs my hand. "Absolutely not. You've been like a daughter to me. You helped my company grow more than anyone. I'll always be grateful. And if this is what you want, then I'll be in the front row, cheering you on."

Hope and happiness fill me. "You will?"

She jerks her head back. "Of course I will. Did you honestly think I wouldn't support you?"

I shrug. "I don't know what to think, Skylar. I always assumed if I did my own thing, I would be competing against you, and there would be issues."

"Well, I didn't give you a lot of choices over the last few months, did I?" she asks, falling on the sword.

I stay quiet.

She adds, "Fiona, if this is what you want, go for it. Honestly. You've worked hard, and you're talented. Just make sure I have that first-row seat at the show, okay?"

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