Chapter 20
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Natalie and Sherry made the decision to start their company because they both felt it was time for a change. The competition on online platforms was getting brutal, and they knew they needed to carve out their own niche. That was when they decided to launch their own brand, creating their studio, “Mystique Atelier.”
Sherry, with her background as an executive assistant, had a contact list packed with some seriously wealthy and influential individuals. In her previous role, she often found herself assisting her boss with his social engagements, which involved interacting with a variety of high–profile ladies and celebrities. She considered those connections the only valuable takeaway from her old job.
These connections turned out to be a goldmine for their new verture. Mystique Atelier quickly became known for designing clothes for the rich and famous, as well as social elites. Over two years, they built a solid reputation.
A big part of their charm was the air of mystery around the designer–no one had ever laid eyes on Natalie. Plus, Natalie had a real knack for creating designs that not only fit each client’s personal style but also showcased their best features perfectly:
At the most recent film awards ceremony, Meghan, who took home the Best Newcomer award, stole the show in a gorgeous outfit crafted by Natalie. The paparazzi went wild, clicking away as she upstaged even the Best Actress winner of the night.
As the crowd tried to figure out who designed Meghan’s dress, Mystique Atelier was thrust into the limelight, piquing everyone’s curiosity about the elusive designer.
Truth be told, Natalie wasn’t being enigmatic to generate buzz. Her low profile was all about keeping her two kids safe, away from Shawn, who didn’t know they existed.
Natalie came back to Janisburg because Sherry had landed a significant client, and this one required a face–to–face meeting with the designer. The deal was so profitable that it could sustain their business for six whole months. Even though a trip to Janisburg wasn’t on Natalie’s agenda, she was aware that the expenses for her twins were bound to rise. All she wanted was for everything to go smoothly so she could return home as quicdy as possible.
“Mom, are you ready yet? Sherry said she’s taking us out for something delicious!” Emma’s excitement was bubbling over. When she saw her mom was still in the room, she rushed in to give her a nudge.
Natalie let go of her thoughts and smiled, “All set, sweetheart.” She lifted Emma into her arms and carried her out of the room, where Zayn and Sherry were already dressed and raring to go.
Sherry decided to take them to a popular restaurant. She let the three go ahead and enter the restaurant while she searched for a parking spot
As they entered the bustling place. Natalie scanned the room and spotted a table for four. She led Emma and Zayn to it. When the waiter came by with menus, Natalie glanced through and picked out a few signature dishes, intending to add more once Sherry arrived.
Finding a spot to park took some effort, but Sherry eventually scored a spot. “Hey Nat, have you ordered yet?” she asked as she entered the restaurant.
“Just a few starters. Feel free to add whatever you like, Natalie said, passing her the menu.
“Don’t be shy it’s on me. Let’s get a bit more. They’re known for their flavors, and they’ve got some mild options for Zayn and Emma too,” Sherry said, adding a few more dishes to their list.
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Chapter 20
Natalie looked around at the crowded restaurant, “Look at this place. It’s packed. We’re lucky we got a table; there’s a line out the door,” she commented.
Sherry continued to mark more dishes. “I think we’ve got enough. We don’t want to overdo it,” Natalie cautioned.
“Okay, let’s go with this Sherry agreed, then flagged down a walker. “Oh, and we’ll start with a pitcher of fresh orange juice.”
Meanwhile, the kids were having a great time, happily munching away with their mouths full. They were sipping orange juice to cool down from the spicy food, their faces beaming with each bite.
Once they had their fill. Emma couldn’t wait to hit the little cars on the plaza. She’d been watching them since they got there. While Natalie went to the restroom, Sherry took the kids up from to handle the bill.
“Hey, Miss Pretty! You eating here too?” Emma’s voice chirped up
Sabrina, who was with Shawn and her folks, turned around to see a familiar face.
They’d planned on going to the Guzman manor, but it was getting late, so they decided to grab a bite here instead. The food had been great the last time she was here with her friends.
They got there early and were chilling in one of the private rooms. Once they polished off their plates, Shawn made a beeline for the car while her folks held down the fort by the entrance, waiting for her to square away the check.
Seeing the familiar little face from the airport got Sabrina all excited. “Hi there, kiddo! What a lucky break running into you here
Sherry was surprised to see Emma chatting up a stranger so effortlessly. It was a cool sign that Emma was making friends in Janisburg already. Seeing that Sabrina was all dressed up and seemed super friendly, she decided to let the two chat without butting in.
“Yeah, I’m here with my mom, my godmother, and my brother, Emma said.
Sabrina grinned. Tm here with my family too.” Her gaze flicked over to Zayn, and that deja vu feeling hit her again. It was weird, like she’d seen him somewhere before
Spotting Sherry hanging around, she figured she must be Emmas mom or godmother and decided to give a friendly greeting, “Hi there! I remember running into this little cutie at the airport restroom. What a crazy coincidence to see her here again!”
“It really is. The world’s smaller than we think,” Sherry replied, her smile as warm as a summer day.
“What’s your name, little one? I’d love to hang out with you next time,” Sabrina said, totally charmed by Emma’s cuteness.
Tm Emma Emma beamed
Just then, a car horn blared, grabbing Sabrina’s attention. She spotted Shawn’s car out front, her parents already inside, ready to roll.
“Gotta bounce! Here, Emma, if you ever want to hang out, text mel” She snatched a pen from the bar and jotted her number on a receipt, then handed it to Emma.
As Sabrina headed out, Natalie came out of the restroom. “All se. You two, let’s hit the plaza and ride those little cars
Emma was a bundle of joy. For kids, life was all about the simple pleasures–good food and fun times. Zayn, though usually the quiet type, had a grin too. After all, he was still a kid at heart They came from the rural areas of Yvengard, and Janisburg
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was a treasure trove of cool, new toys they’d never seen.
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Sherry was determined to make this trip a real adventure for the kids. As for the little chat Emma had with Sabrina, Sherry. figured it was just a random encounter. She didn’t think for a second that Emma would actually reach out to a stranger to hang out. So, she decided not to bring it up to Natalic.
The quartet moved toward the little cars, their steps light and laughter ringing out.
“Hey Shawn, guess what? I bumped into that little girl from the airport again, and her brother too. Crazy, right? Mom, Dad, trust me, you’ve never seen such adorable kids. They must be twas, I think.” Sabrina chattered away in the car, her excitement practically palpable as she tried to convey the serendipity of her encounter.
Spotting Shawn’s silence, she turned to her parents. “Every time see her brother, I get this weird vibe like we’ve met before, but it’s just out of reach.”
Unknown to Shawn, he had just crossed paths with his kids once more..
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Chapter 21
