And so, somehow, I ended up with Harvey.
At twenty–five, I had thought my ability to love had withered, yet in my most vulnerable moment, I encountered someone I wanted to stay with.
This relationship reminded me of the innocence and sweetness of youth, a kind of love I had once believed was irretrievable.
Every day after his lectures, Harvey would wait for me outside my classroom. I’d share with him the small dramas and mundane details of my lessons, or we’d discuss my latest design ideas. He’d take my hand, and together we’d walk to our favorite little restaurant near campus for dinner.
On weekends, I would stay home sketching designs. He never disturbed me, respecting my need for solitude, but his presence was always tangible. Still, there was no denying that Harvey was incredibly clingy in his own way.
Our budding romance didn’t escape the keen eyes of the landlord and his wife. The landlady’s glances toward me became increasingly meaningful, though she always held her tongue.
One evening, as I prepared to sneak out for a date with Harvey, she finally spoke up, her voice tactful yet loaded with implication.
“Miss Rory, when you go out, please… remember to stay safe.”
My face burned with embarrassment, but Harvey, ever unflappable, replied cheerfully, “Mom, what are you thinking? I’m just taking Hailey to the library to study.”
“Study?” I stared at him in disbelief.
“Of course,” he said with a mischievous wink. “An exclusive tutorial with me. One–on–one.”
At that moment, I knew I was entirely at the mercy of this man.
But calm, happy days never seem to last long. Soon, life threw its first hurdle in our path–money.
Although Harvey reassured me time and again not to worry I insisted. “Harvey, I want us to love each other as equals, not as someone dependent on the other.”
He said nothing, only nodding quietly in understanding.
I remembered a few wedding dress designs I’d created during my time as chief designer at Blue Ocean Group. Perhaps someone in this city would find them worthwhile.
To my surprise, the buyer not only appreciated my work but also offered me a position as their company’s fashion designer. Though flattered, I declined, explaining that my schedule was already full.
The buyer handed me a business card and said, “If you ever change your mind, reach out.”
The sale resolved my financial crisis, allowing me to breathe easier. Yet as I sifted through those old sketches, I found myself lost in memories.
One design in particular stood out–a suit I had once created for Bruce. For the sake of survival, I now had to let go of what had once been a cherished memory.
As I sat immersed in the past, two warm hands suddenly covered my eyes from behind.
“Guess who?”
