Chapter 56
Chapter 56: Belinda was taken aback, pointing at herself in disbelief. “Me? Your work today is related to me?”’ “Yes.”’ Darren’s smile widened. “Remember when you asked Madisyn to send off your designs to those jewelry firms?”’ He motioned for her to look at the documents in her grasp. “Well, this morning, my boss handed these to me and asked me to connect with the designer. I reviewed the designs and found them impressive, but they do need a few tweaks to really shine in the marketplace. Surprisingly, as I began searching for this designer’s contact details, I soon discovered that all these works were yours.”’ Belinda’s eyes widened as she flipped through the papers, her pulse quickening. These were indeed the designs she had entrusted to Madisyn some time ago. Despite her background in jewelry design, after marrying Kristopher, she had shifted her focus entirely to supporting him. Unlike Madisyn, who had her fingers on the pulse of the industry thanks to her modeling career, Belinda felt out of touch. So, she had handed her creative reins to Madisyn, trusting her to navigate the industry waters. And now, as it turned out, her work had landed right here, in Darren’s hands at his company. It all made sense now. Darren was here on official business. Yet, she had harbored doubts, wondering”¦ Belinda, feeling a mix of embarrassment and uncertainty, caught herself biting her lip as she stole a glance toward Darren. “Darren”¦”’ “Don’t worry,”’ Darren reassured her, sensing her hesitation and desiring to maintain a professional distance. He continued with a serious tone. “I only saw this document for the first time this morning. The leaders and the review team found it appropriate, which is why they recommended I reach out to you. Our interest in partnering with you isn’t because of our friendship.”’ Discover fresh tales at g ð’s, com Belinda’s guilt deepened upon hearing his words. “I owe you an apology.”’ Darren paused, surprised at her confession, then burst into a genuine laugh. “There’s no need for apologies. Yes, I did have my reasons for picking you up today. However, since you’ve addressed it so candidly, I won’t pursue it further. I genuinely respect your work, and I hope our personal connections won’t interfere with our potential collaboration.”’ His forthrightness made Belinda realize she might have been too guarded. She bit her lip again, choosing to remain silent. After a moment of quiet, Darren’s gaze met hers. “You should know what my company is all about. We’re a design studio solely focused on this kind of work”¦ Can you accept that?”’ Belinda nodded in agreement. She didn’t have much time left. If she wanted her designs to hit the market swiftly, joining a studio to leverage its connections and experience seemed like the quickest route to refine and market her work. Darren extended a piece of paper toward Belinda. “Here are the salary and benefits. Do you have any other requests?”’ Belinda took a quick glance at the document before fixing her gaze intently on Darren. “Only one,”’ she replied. “I want to see my designs on the market within three months.”’ “That’s challenging.”’ Darren furrowed his brows, concern etching his face. “Belinda, from the initial design to the final production, jewelry making demands extensive communication and meticulous refinement. It’s not that simple”¦”’ He trailed off mid-sentence, suddenly looking up with a start. His eyes widened in realization. “Belinda, three months”¦ is that”¦ all the time you have left?”’ Darren had hit upon the truth, and seeing no reason to conceal it any longer, Belinda confirmed softly, “Yes.”’ Darren’s complexion blanched. He stared at Belinda, speechless, his expression a mix of shock and empathy. He exhaled deeply after a long pause. “I see why you mentioned that you won’t be in a relationship for six months”¦ Is there truly no cure for your condition?”’ Darren’s gaze, laden with sorrow and concern, met Belinda’s. She offered a faint smile in response. “The usual treatments like radiation and chemotherapy would only prolong my suffering before death, which is why I’ve declined them. However, there’s a new treatment for stomach cancer that’s become available. The doctors at Peace Hospital secured a five-dose course, and I’ve already administered one dose a few days ago. If it’s effective, it might extend my life.”’ Belinda fixed her gaze. Belinda fixed her gaze on Darren once more. “But I’m not holding out for a miracle. We should still plan for the three-month timeline we discussed, alright?”’ Darren, looking into her clear, unwavering eyes, paused before nodding resolutely. “Alright. Belinda, let’s work together.”’ A smile of gratitude broke across Belinda’s face. “Thank you.”’ Darren then restarted the car, his emotions swirling. Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the base of the skyscraper housing Madisyn’s office. Belinda bid Darren farewell, and just as she turned to enter the building, her phone rang. It was the doctor from Peace Hospital. “Belinda, regarding the new stomach cancer drug you’re using”¦ someone has offered a substantial sum to purchase the remaining four doses.”’…