Su Nian couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Even though she was surrounded by students in the Aube Blanc workshop, she felt the distance between her and Lu Cheng more keenly every day. The missed call, the unread text, and the silence after the quiet exchange—it left a lingering ache in her chest.
AN invitation. It came unexpectedly.
A formal invitation to attend a Parisian Gala, hosted by one of the top fashion houses in the city. It was to celebrate the launch of a new collection, and naturally, the students were expected to attend. Not just as guests but as future faces in the fashion world.
Su Nian knew this was the kind of event where all the eyes of the industry would be on them. It was her chance to network, to learn, to grow.
But it also felt… strange.
She checked her phone for any sign of Lu Cheng.
Nothing.
She was starting to feel like she was losing him.
The event was everything she expected: luxury, glamour, and an electric buzz in the air.
Su Nian stood in the grand ballroom, her silver dress catching the light with every subtle movement. She had tried her best to forget the ache in her heart. Tonight, it was about opportunity, not loneliness.
But the moment she entered the room, her eyes locked onto a familiar face.
Rémi.
"Su Nian," he greeted with that charming smile, his dark eyes appraising her, "You look stunning."
She smiled politely. "Thank you."
He reached out, as if testing her boundaries, his fingers brushing hers as he handed her a drink.
"You're not here to hide in a corner, are you?" he asked smoothly. "Come, dance with me."
Before she could answer, a voice from behind interrupted.
"Is there a problem here?"
She turned to see Clara, her roommate, looking annoyed. Behind her, Camila was trying to stifle a smirk.
Rémi raised an eyebrow. "No problem. I'm just offering Su Nian a chance to enjoy the evening."
Clara eyed him suspiciously before turning to Su Nian. "I'll save you a seat."
Su Nian nodded gratefully. As Clara walked away, she felt a hand gently grasp her arm.
"Let's go, Nian Nian. I'm not going to let you waste this chance," Rémi whispered with a teasing grin.
Su Nian reluctantly followed him to the dance floor.
Back in China, Lu Cheng sat at his desk, scanning the reports for the day. He had just wrapped up a meeting when he glanced at his phone. There were multiple missed calls from Su Nian.
He cursed under his breath and quickly dialed her number.
It rang. Once. Twice. Then it connected.
"Where are you?" His voice was low, almost possessive.
Su Nian, who had been silently observing Rémi twirl her on the dance floor, stiffened at the sound of Lu Cheng's voice. "I'm at the Gala."
"The Gala?"
She could feel the tension in his tone, even through the phone. "It's a big event. Some of the students are here too."
"Is Rémi there?"
Su Nian hesitated, the name like a heavy weight in her chest. "Yes. He's been very friendly. Nothing to worry about."
"Nothing to worry about?" His voice suddenly grew colder. "He has no business 'being friendly' with you, Nian Nian."
She felt a pang of confusion. "It's just a dance, Cheng. Just a social event."
"Just a dance?" His voice cracked with frustration. "Why didn't you call me? Why didn't you tell me about this beforehand?"
She sighed, pulling away from Rémi's lingering touch on her waist. "I didn't think it mattered. It's just a dance, Cheng."
But she knew. She knew that the distance between them wasn't just physical. It was growing in the small, unspoken moments like this.
"I'll call you later," she said softly, disconnecting the call before he could say anything more.
Su Nian's thoughts were clouded. The phone call with Lu Cheng had left a cold feeling in her chest, but she tried to focus on the night. It was her chance to shine, to break free from the constraints of the past.
But Rémi wouldn't let go.
As the music swelled, he pulled her closer, his hand lingering on her back. His eyes searched hers with a boldness that made her uncomfortable. "You know, Nian Nian," he whispered into her ear, "I could see us working together in the future. You and me, creating something unforgettable. You're more than just a pretty face, you know."
Her heart raced, but not for the reason he thought.
"I... I'm married," she said, taking a step back.
The words hung between them, sharp and definite.
Rémi's grin faltered for just a moment. But he recovered quickly. "Marriage is just a title, Su Nian. A ring on your finger doesn't change the fact that you're talented. You deserve to be seen."
Su Nian shook her head. "I'm not here for anything else but my work."
His eyes darkened. "We'll see."
After what felt like hours, Su Nian finally excused herself. She needed air.
She stepped out into the cool night, the city lights casting a soft glow on the cobblestones. She leaned against the railing, taking a deep breath.
Her phone buzzed again.
It was Lu Cheng.
"You didn't answer me."
Su Nian's chest tightened. The message stung more than it should have.
"I'm sorry. I was busy. I'll explain when I get back."
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard as she hesitated, unsure how to bridge the growing gap between them.
But as she hit send, another figure appeared in the doorway. It was Rémi.
She stiffened as he approached.
"You look lost in thought," he said softly, taking a step closer. "Anything I can do to help?"
She stepped away from him, her eyes meeting his firmly. "I'm not interested, Rémi. Please leave me alone."
For a brief moment, something flashed in his eyes—anger, frustration, maybe even a flicker of something darker. But it was gone in a blink.
"Fine," he said, voice laced with irritation. "But I'll be here when you need me."
She watched him leave, the weight of the evening suddenly too much to bear.
Lu Cheng sat in his office, staring at the phone screen. The photo she had sent him earlier was still open. The one of her in Paris, glowing and beautiful.
But now it felt like a distant memory.
He knew that jealousy was dangerous. But seeing her so far away… surrounded by men like Rémi… It left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"Is she really just mine?" he muttered to himself.
His assistant, Bai Ming, walked in. "Sir, we've arranged the meeting with the investors. Should I finalize it for tomorrow?"
Lu Cheng didn't answer. His mind was elsewhere.
Somewhere across the world, Su Nian was dancing with someone else.