Her Rebirth.

After spending days locked in her room sketching, researching, and more researching, Amelia felt she was ready to meet Marie. She realized that while Marie may look favorably at her and give her a chance, she would not grant opportunities out of mere goodwill. Marie still wanted someone who would be useful, not someone who would just be a burden to her.

During this period, Amelia found herself unexpectedly enjoying the process of designing. Sketching clothes, bags, and hats and she was beginning to understand why Amelia Cosgrove had chosen this path of study in the first place.

In her past life as a duke’s daughter and later as empress, she had seamstresses at her beck and call, always ready to sew the latest trending designs she picked. But now, creating something with her own hands... it was exhilarating.

Slipping into an elegant beige long-sleeve dress with a cross-lapel collar, double-breasted front, and a ruffled hem, Amelia examined herself in the mirror. The dress was one of Liavenne’s lesser-known pieces. However, it had something special about it, it was designed by Marie herself. Wearing it was a strategic choice, as it was not only a subtle flattery and a sign of respect but also proof that she had done her research.

She paired the dress with delicate tulip ear-drop earrings, took one last deep breath, and stepped out.

Descending the stairs, she spotted Kai in the living room, dressed in a sharp blue-and-white suit. His dark hair was tied into a low ponytail, and his features were accentuated by the silver-rimmed reading glasses perched on his nose. He looked effortlessly refined, casually sipping black coffee as he scrolled through his phone.

Sensing her presence, Kai glanced up—and for a fleeting second, he was struck silent. Amelia’s golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, complementing the soft beige of her dress. The color, the silhouette... it suited her perfectly.

He had to admit, she was beautiful. Ace truly lacked proper eyes.

"You finally came out?" he teased, setting down his cup. "I was starting to think I lived alone again."

Amelia smiled softly.

"Apologies for my absence these past few days. I’ve been quite busy."

Yes, he knew she was quite busy. He had seen from the cameras how she sketched sketch after sketch, sometimes even forgetting to sleep. He had occasionally had to remind her to eat dinner, or she would forget to eat too.

Now, it seemed the big day she had been preparing for had finally arrived.

"Want a ride?" he offered.

"That would be much appreciated. Thank you."

Kai took her in a silver nameless car. While it was better than the small Toyota he usually drove, it was still subpar to what a person of his caliber ought to have. Even the Rolls-Royce he had did not belong to him but rather, according to what he had told her, was an office car. Apparently, apart from the job at the café, he had a job at one of Blackwood’s subsidiary companies. Which meant, in truth, this nameless silver car and the Toyota were all he personally owned.

Thus, once again, he garnered Amelia’s pity. She really felt sorry for him, feeling his life was greatly unfair to him.

She huffed, resting her chin on her palm. Then again, who was she to pity someone when she didn’t even have a car of her own?

The ride was mostly quiet, and before long, they arrived at Liavenne’s headquarters, a towering 15-floor building. The front facade was lined with aged agarwood, intricate filigree patterns carved into its surface.

Amelia found herself momentarily mesmerized before Kai’s deep voice pulled her back to reality.

"Well, good luck."

She turned to him, offering a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you. And thank you for the ride."

Stepping out, she took a few steps before pausing. Turning back, she raised a hand in a small wave.

Kai, caught off guard, blinked then, surprisingly, smiled back.

But as soon as she disappeared into the building, his smile faded from his face, and his expression turned cold.

...

Amelia was led into Marie’s office by her assistant, and she saw the woman who seemed ever so stern.

"Trash," she heard Marie mutter before crumpling a sketch and throwing it on the floor. It was then Amelia noticed that the floor was littered with hundreds of rejected designs.

Amelia suddenly felt a bit overwhelmed. While she was prepared, she also felt she was not so prepared anymore.

She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and then smiled.

"Morning, Mrs. Denver. You are looking lovelier than ever."

Marie looked up, rubbing her temples before letting out an amused sigh. "You and that silver tongue of yours." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

As her sharp eyes fell on Amelia’s dress, they sparked with recognition.

"Interesting," Marie mused, a nostalgic smile tugging at her lips. "That dress... it’s one of my forgotten designs. I recall sketching it years ago, but it never made it to the main collection."

Amelia offered a small, knowing smile. "It’s a masterpiece. Liavenne’s strength has always been in timeless designs, even the ones left behind. This one was too beautiful to be forgotten."

Marie arched a brow, intrigued. This girl had a way with words.

She gestured for Amelia to sit. "Flattery aside, I doubt you came here just to compliment me."

Amelia gracefully took a seat, her posture straight. It was a habit picked up from her past life. "No, I didn’t. As you may have heard, I was driven out of my home for breaking off my engagement."

Marie nodded, her expression unreadable. "Yes, I heard the rumors. A shame, really..." Marie leaned back in her chair. "But do not think Liavenne would just hire you because you bear the Cosgrove name or your sob story. You have to prove yourself useful. Now, look at this design."

Amelia leaned closer, glancing down at the intricate sketch on the table. It was a breathtaking gown, an off-shoulder gown with a fitted bodice. It had a delicate lace embroidery that cascaded down into flowing silk. The gown had a high slit on one side, while a sheer cape was attached to the back.

It looked very similar to a design one of her favorite seamstresses had sketched. However, she had failed to put the sketch into reality as society was very conservative, and wearing such would cause one to earn various derogatory names such as slut and whore.

"It’s beautiful," Amelia admitted, her eyes tracing the details of the dress. "But... something is missing."

Marie let out a sigh, resting her chin on her hand. "Exactly. I’ve been staring at it for days, and I can’t figure out what. The gown is nearly perfect, yet it doesn’t feel complete."

Amelia remained silent for a moment before speaking.

"It lacks a focal point."

Marie blinked. "What?"

"The details are impeccable but the eye doesn’t know where to settle. The lace embroidery is intricate, yet it blends too seamlessly into the silk. The cape adds elegance, but it lacks weight, making it feel like an afterthought rather than an intentional statement."

Marie tilted her head. "Go on."

Amelia leaned in slightly, her finger tracing the sketch. "There are two ways to solve this. First, contrast. Introduce a bolder detail perhaps gold-threaded embroidery at the bodice or pearl accents along the lace to draw the eye. It will make the detailing pop instead of blending in."

Marie’s brows lifted in intrigue, but Amelia wasn’t finished.

"Second, balance. The cape is sheer, which is a beautiful touch, but it lacks presence. If you add structured beading or a delicate crystal trim along the edges, it will create a weight that harmonizes with the boldness of the slit."

When Amelia finished speaking, she could feel Marie’s stare on her.

Perhaps she had overstepped? So she quickly added, "However, I still have a lot to learn, and I am open to teachings."

Marie finally let out a soft laugh. "I must say, you do have sharp eyes." She reached for her pen and twirled it between her fingers. "Very well. I look forward to working with you, Miss Cosgrove."

Amelia’s lips curved into a victorious smile. "Likewise, Mrs. Denver."