The Last Time I Loved Him (Autumn and Ryan)
Chapter 64

Chapter 5 I couldn't help but want to curse. Who said Winston was cold and dignified? He was even more audacious than the laid-back Alex!

But I made it clear to him that I wasn't interested in a relationship, and even if we slept together, I wouldn't take responsibility. One heartbreak in seven years was enough; a second would be the death of me. After that, Winston never crossed any boundaries. He stayed by my side quietly, walking me home every evening as the sun set.

When I hit roadblocks in my designs, locking myself away and tirelessly working on revisions, he would precisely point out the issues. And when my work won first prize in a major competition and earned award after award, he congratulated me with a bouquet of purple

roses.

Three years flew by, and Winston had seamlessly transitioned from a friend to a boyfriend - a decision I made after much thought. I finally agreed at a friend's gathering. I was late, eerily similar to the past, and overheard his friends teasing him. "Winston, it's been years. Are you just going to wait around for Vivian? Not looking at other girls?"

"I used to think he wasn't into women, but turns out he's been smitten for a while."

Winston's low, cool laugh responded, "Yeah, I'm not looking at anyone else. If I can't fall for even one, how could I like several? I wouldn't waste anyone else's time."

"Don't give me that," he replied with a smirk. "I'm happy to let her hold me up. I'd wait for her my whole life if I had to."

It felt like his words let a little sunshine into my closed-off heart.

Down by the apartment building, I looked at Winston, "I heard what you said to your friends before I arrived." Winston froze for a moment, and I continued, "Don't push me away. Liking you is my choice; you don't need to feel pressured." "Winston, are you going to confess to me?"

"What?" He was startled, then his eyes brightened. "Vivian, are you serious? I love you. I really, really love you!" His eyes turned misty, and he hugged me gently.

"Vivian, there's no backing out this time."

I had no intention of backing out, but I also didn't slow down. My work had gained international recognition, and industry insiders said my creations were priceless. Many tried to reach out, hoping for a custom piece, but I declined every request. It was time to return to Seattle - the company's fashion show needed me, and I wanted to break into the domestic market.

The night before my departure, Professor Murphy held my hand with tearful pride, grateful he hadn't misjudged me. In the car, Winston tossed his phone to me, showing a paparazzi photo of Alex drinking alone late at night, with the headline: "Five Years Without New Work, Alex Seen Drowning His Sorrows." I looked at Winston with a playful grin, "Are you jealous, Winston?"

Watching him scowl like an old man, I leaned over and kissed his che ek. He huffed, "I hope you'll be a considerate woman and remember you've got a devoted fan waiting on you." I couldn't help but burst out laughing.

The following evening, Winston and I

arrived in Seattle. After dressing up,

he dropped me off at the press conference. I took the stage calmly, microphone in hand, "Hello,

everyone. I'm designer

Our

company's new Dream Collection has launched, with each piece as unique as the next. The inspiration for this collection came from a

conversation with a friend..."

Before I could finish, the crowd suddenly grew restless. Security guards and a team of bodyguards moved to contain the situation as Alex, looking half-mad, rushed onto the stage. "Vivian, I finally found you! I miss you so much..."

Winston blocked his outstretched hand, pulling me closer, "Mr.

Carter, Vivian is my girlfriend now. Please show some respect."

Alex stared at me, eyes wide with disbelief. "Impossible. Vivian would never betray me."

Winston had, indeed, prepared enough security for any unexpected drama, which turned out to be needed. "Please escort Mr. Carter out. Unrelated individuals are not permitted inside."

Alex was eventually carried out in a pitiful state, held by bodyguards. I turned back and gracefully apologized to the journalists.

"Now, where was I? Ah, yes, my design concept is this: I hope all girls know they don't need to tie their self-worth to anyone else's expectations. Whether you're in love or not, you have every right to give yourself a dreamy, romantic surprise."