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Elijah kisses the top of her head before pulling back.

I stand up from the couch as Elijah heads for the door. Our eyes meet.

“I look forward to the article.”

I give him a small wave.

As soon as Elijah left, Novalie whirls to me. “Let’s continue.”

We settle back into our seats. Maybe I misjudged his intentions in getting me here.

“Where were we?” She taps the pen against her chin. “Right. What inspired you to create the line?”

“A man.”

She peers up at me, her pen ready on the paper.

“I’ve always loved fashion. I’d sketch or steal my brother’s clothes to make outfits. Studied fashion design and married right after college.”

“What happened?”

“I lost myself.” I flat my palms against my jeans. “My marriage failed, and I didn’t recognize or felt like myself anymore. But then, I met him. He brought me back… I know it sounds corny.” But it’s the truth. Elijah did that for me.

“Anyway. So now I kind of decided to go for it. Owing it to my younger self. So here I am. Trying.”

“And definitely succeeding.” She stops taking notes. “Thank you for sharing. It’s really inspiring.”

“I’m glad you see it that way,” I say.

“So what makes your designs stand out?”

I move to sit beside her and show her my designs on my phone. We go through all of them, with me explaining how I want people to be sexy and comfortable at the same time. Empowered, elegant, and daring.

Talking to Novalie is... easy. Comfortable.

“Great. I think I got some really good material. Thank you so much for coming.”

“That’s good to hear. Thank you very much.”

“It was my pleasure. Should I tell Elijah that we’re done?” She reaches for her phone.

“No. It’s fine. I’ll go by his apartment.”

I thank Novalie again for her time as I gather my things. I can’t help feeling a little relieved that the interview is over. Not because talking to her was unpleasant, quite the opposite, in fact. But seeing Elijah, being so close to him... brings up too many conflicting emotions that I’m not ready to deal with right now.

As I move toward the door to leave, Novalie calls out, “Wait!”

I pause, twist around, and tilt my head. “Yes?”

She rubs her arm. “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but... my brother. He wouldn’t leave me alone with you if he didn’t fully trust you. Like really trust you.”

My eyes widen in surprise, and I open my mouth to protest, but no words come out.

Novalie continues gently, “It’s okay. You don’t have to explain. I just wanted to say... I haven’t seen him like this in a very long time.”

“Long time?”

She glances down to her feet before meeting my eyes again with the same gaze Elijah had, devoid of emotion. “He blames himself for what happened. I was kidnapped by the woman he let close to him.”

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