Choosing to sidestep Brandons icy glare, he responded with gracious humility, No harm done. Once upon a time, you and I were friends. Should you need anything, dont hesitate to approach me. The doors of W Marks Studio remain forever open to you.
A gasp of surprise escaped Natalies lips.Were we truly acquainted? To think I once shared camaraderie with someone of your stature! Its unbelievable!
A chuckle danced in Dracos eyes at Natalies effusive sentiment.Your humility is amusing. In a different life,you were a formidable force in design. Your creations left me, and many others, in awe.
Natalies face was illuminated like the dawn.Did
my past self truly weave such magic with designs?
Maintaining his earnest demeanor, Draco confirmed,Not only were you an integral part of w Marks, but your prodigious skills soon heralded the birth of your own studio.
Interrupting with a snide tone, Brandon quipped, Thats common knowledge. Everyones aware of Natalies W Marks background.
Sensing Brandons prickly attitude directed unabashedly at Draco, Natalies patience frayed. With a firm pat on his hand, she warned,Persist with this behavior, and youll truly ruffle my feathers!
With a palpable tension in the air, Brandons lips compressed into a thin line. For the life of him, he couldnt fathom the allure Draco held for Natalie, causing her to defend the man more than once.
Mr. Wesley,Natalie began,her voice dipped in a delicate blend of regret and warmth, my sincerest apologies for well, all of this.
Wearing a disarming smile,Draco waved off the sentiment. Think nothing of it. Brandons spirited defenses have always been part of our
dynamic. Ive grown quite accustomed.
The more Natalie got to know Draco, the more she found herself enchanted by this amalgamation of creativity and grace.His charm seemed to resonate in every room he entered. Tentatively,she ventured,Mr. Wesley,in times to come,if ever I find myself puzzled in the realm of design, might I seek your counsel? Dracos reply came wreathed in a smile.Absolutely! My studio doors at W Marks are always open for you.
A wave of gratitude washed over Natalie.Your generosity is unparalleled, Mr.Wesley.
But as the joyful exchange flowed, Mandy couldnt help but feel a sting of envy. She blurted,Natalie,wasnt your very departure from W Marks due to your weariness of its confines? And now,here you are,reveling in the prospect of revisiting as a guest?
In Mandys eyes, it was clear. Natalies cozying up to W Marks was a mere ruse to earn more of Dracos invaluable aid in the future.
Without missing a beat and with a steely glint in his eyes, Draco advised,Mandy, it would behoove you to refrain from directing your barbs at Natalie.
Elizabeth also chimed in,Natalies exit from W Marks was executed with nothing but grace and dignity. Our studio would welcome her back with open arms any day.
The weight of Elizabeths words rendered Mandy momentarily speechless.
Continuing with an incisive edge,Elizabeth cast a loaded glance Mandys way, murmuring,Some, however, didnt have such a graceful exit. There was one who left amidst a tempest of drama and confrontation with W Marks.
Enough, Elizabeth! Mandys voice crackled with raw emotion as she shot up from her seat, her face a fiery shadeofred.The sting of Elizabeths words lefthergasping,barely holding back a surge of tears.Why are you always picking on me? Beware,Elizabeth, lest you push me beyond my limits.
Elizabeth, never one to be cowed, shot back with a fierce determination, All Im doing is standing up for Natalie.Even back at W Marks, your animosity towards her was palpable.Now, with her memories gone,can you not find it within yourself to let her be? What unforgivable sin did she commit against you?
Stammering, Mandy scrambled for words, the weight of Elizabeths interrogation evident in her voice.
After a significant pause,her voice quivered.I never sought to harm Natalie. I speak from the depths of my heart.
Elizabeths laughter had a chilling undercurrent.
Enough, Elizabeth! Mandys voice crackled with raw emotion as she shot up from her seat, her face a fiery shade of red. The sting of Elizabeths words left her gasping, barely holding back a surge of tears.Why are you always picking on me? BewareElizabeth,lest you push me beyond my limits Elizabeth, never one tobecowed,shot back with a fierce determinationAll Im doing is standing up for Natalie.Even back at W Marks, your animosity towards her was palpable. Now, with her memories gone, can you not find it within yourself to let her be? What unforgivable sin did she commit against you?
Stammering, Mandy scrambled for words, the weight of Elizabeths interrogation evident in her voice.
After a significant pause,her voice quivered.I never sought to harm Natalie. I speak from the depths of my heart.
Elizabeths laughter had a chilling undercurrent.Isnt it clear? The green monster of jealousy has you in its grip. Jealous of Natalies undeniable rapport with Mr.Wesley, her natural flair for design, and everything she.
Dracos voice cut through the mounting tension, cool and composed. Elizabeth, thats quite enough.
For a moment, Elizabeths fiery determination flickered,replaced by uncertainty.Dracos eyes held a quiet reprimandSoftlyalmost to herself, she murmured,I wasnt wrong in what I said Mandy, looking for even the slightest reprieve, hoped Draco was her unexpected ally But as she was about to acknowledge him with a grateful smile, his voicewashed over her, dispassionate andclear.Well are mature individuals, Miss Hamilton.I hope that you recognize the weight of your words. Please refrain from bullying Natalie.
The warmth that had started to blossom on Mandys face faded abruptly, replaced by a bitter chill.She felt slighted and misunderstood. Despite the churning emotions within, she held her head high,refusing to bow to the judgment she felt around her.
To her, this unexpected shift in Dracos perception was a bitter pill.
Yet, amidst this turbulence, she sought solace in one fact-her intentions towards Natalie had never been malicious. Their earlier skirmishes
had ingrained a habit in Mandy,causing her to occasionally jest at Natalies expense. Today, shed simply mistaken Brandons interactions and hoped to give Natalie a supportive nudge Was that so wrong?
Although Natalie didnt remember her past with Mandy, she couldnt bear tosee Mandy so depressed.
Natalie intervened with a gentle smile,The past remains a blan
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.
k canvastomeWhatever occurred then is water underthebridgeI believe Miss Hamiltons words werent meant to hurt. I appreciate you standing up for me, Elizabeth,but lets move beyond this.
Elizabeth gave a resigned sigh her voice softening. Youre a saint, Natalie. Always see the best in everyone.
Grinning warmly, Natalie deftly steered the conversation in a new direction.I must confess, my memories regarding design remain a blank slate. Whenever I find myself lost,I hope I can come knocking at your door, seeking clarity. Will that be an inconvenience?
Draco, with a reassuring smile that seemed to light up the room, responded,The doors of W Marks will always swing open for you.
Eyes gleaming with gratitude, Natalie swiveled toward Mandy,gently coaxing her back to the plush embrace of the sofa.Miss Hamilton,Ive grown quite fond of your designs. Promise you wont shoo me away when I come seeking your expert advice.
Mandys brows arched in genuine surprise, temporarilybrushingasideherprevious grievances. Your admiration caught me off guard! I distinctlyrecallyourpenchant for minimalist and unadorned styles.
A touch of red crept onto Natalies cheeks as she admitted, Your designs, rich in opulence and meticulous detailing, resonate with my current sensibilities. As for the past, its but a faded memory.
Really? Mandys skepticism was evident as her eyes, widened in astonishment, scoured Natalies features for any hint of insincerity or patronization.Are you merely offering solace? With an earnest nod, Natalie affirmed, Every word I say springs from the heart..
The unexpected endorsement from a former rival seemed to buoy Mandys spirits. A playful smirk adorned her lips as she teased, See, Elizabeth? Natalies newfound love leans heavily
toward my creations. Score one for me!
Caughtoff-guardbyMandyssudden competitive streak,Elizabeth could only muster a stunned silence.
With a mischievous glint, she leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper as she teased Natalie, Really, Natalie? Youre gravitating towards all that lavish flair? Are you simply trying to placate her?
With a cryptic smile and a playful shrug, Natalie remained tight-lipped Yes,shedvoiced admiration for Mandys designs, but there was a sprinkle of ulterior motive there.
While her heart leaned more towards Dracos masterpiecessheacknowledgedthat her currentcapabilitiesdidnt allow for such intricate elegance. Mandys designs,in all their ornate glory, seemed more attainable for her current skill set