CHAPTER 437

Chapter 437

For a long while, Bryant didn’t respond.

I wasn’t sure what he was pondering over; after a lengthy pause, he finally spoke in a low voice, “Does it hurt?”

I shook my head, replying, “It hasn’t hurt for a while now.”

He also shook his head. “No, I mean, did it hurt at the time?”

“It was bearable.”

Licking my lips, I added, “That wasn’t the worst pain for me.”

“I remember…” Bryant’s voice was nasal, “You used to be scared of even a needle prick when getting blood drawn.”

I chuckled lightly, “I was afraid of pain back then, not so much anymore.”

Everything that happened thereafter made me realize that pain was the simplest, most straightforward thing. Nothing to be afraid of.

Especially after sinking into depression, during my initial days in France, I secretly stopped my medication and couldn’t control my emotions. At that time, I couldn’t even bother thinking about pain. Before my mind could even process it, the cut was already made.

As I was talking, the car had already stopped under the porte–cochere, and the driver came around to open the door for me. I grabbed my clutch and lifted the hem of my dress as I stepped out, took a few steps, and looked back at Bryant, who had also exited the car, “Thanks for the ride, I’m off to find Ms. Taylor now.”

Without waiting for his reply, I walked away in my high heels.

It was only as I turned around that I suddenly realized, I was different from before. Couldn’t quite pinpoint how.

I entered the gala, my gaze sweeping over the crowd, recognizing most of the celebrities and directors present. Only a few fresh faces, probably newbies brought along by some big shot to get acquainted. They looked unfamiliar.

Bella, with a champagne flute in hand, stood casually in a less conspicuous

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spot, yet still drew a crowd:

“Jane? Bella, seemingly keeping an eye on the entrance of the hall, spotted me quickly and waved, “Come over hered

“Ms. Taylor 1 approached her with a smile, only then noticing the dress th wore was one i designed for the fashion week, “That CHER

“Yes!” Bella beamed casually, “W’s your creation, arrived from overens just the other day How do i look? Fits well, dosent #?”

I sincerely exclaimed, “It fits perfectly

“Ms. Johnson” Someone I didn’t recognize spoke up, looking at me. “This lady is a fashion designer?”

“What do you think?” Bella chuckled, skillfully pulling me closer and wrapping an arm around my shoulder, before introducing me, “This is Elene, the prodigious designer I managed to sneg from abroad, a done deciple of Days, also known by her Chinese name, Jane?

She subtly initiated the conversation, waiting for others to inquire before making introductions. This approach was entirely different from a diverz introduction. Moreover, her words were aimed at setting the stage for me.

“Becky! I was wondering why your dress today seemed so different from your usual style. You met such an incredible designer and didn’t think to introduc me?” Actress Becky playfully scolded Bella, half-joking, “Don’t tell me you’re planning to outshine us all at the end of month red carpet ever?

It was clear she and Bella were close. After all, with Belld’s status, only flattery was expected from casual acquaintances, not jokes,

“Outshining you guys just this once isn’t too much” Bella releed en eyebrow, “But I don’t keep secrets, She’s available for work, but just a heads up, she doesn’t come cheap”

An A–list actress like Becky wouldn’t fret over the cost. Belle’s comments were meant to smooth the path for me,

Becky immediately added me on social media, Gratefully glancing at Bella, before I could speak, Becky patted my shoulder, “Girl, I rarely see Bella spect so highly of someone. Tell me, are you her secret daughter or something?