It had been days since Ryan and Elina's court marriage. The house was quiet, almost robotic—just like the people living in it. Lia went about her daily chores like clockwork, silent and strong. No one asked how she was doing. Maybe no one cared to. Or maybe... they just assumed she was okay.
But behind that composed face, there was a storm—a silent, heavy one.
Then one morning, her phone rang.
"Ma'am, it's me—Rahil." It was her assistant, loyal and ever-respectful.
"It's been a while since your wedding. The team really misses you. If you're feeling better... we'd love to have you back at the company."
Lia paused for a moment, phone still at her ear. Something shifted inside her.
"Maybe it's time," she thought.
"Maybe I need to stop sitting in this silence and return to where I belong—to the place I built with my own hands. My company. My people. My identity."
She smiled faintly.
"I'll be there tomorrow."
---
The Next Day – At L&X Headquarters
The entrance of L&X was buzzing with activity. Employees rushed through glass doors, assistants carried fabric samples, designers reviewed sketches—all moving under the giant gold logo that read: L&X – Wear Your Power.
As Lia stepped out of her black SUV, the heels of her stilettos clicked confidently against the marble floor. She wore a sleek black blazer over a tailored white shirt, paired with high-waisted beige trousers. Her hair was neatly tied in a ponytail, face glowing with strength—not makeup.
The receptionist stood up instantly.
"Welcome back, Ma'am."
Everyone seemed to pause for a moment. Her presence was magnetic, commanding. People whispered, smiled, nodded—the queen had returned to her throne.
She walked straight to the 12th floor—her office. The glass door opened with a soft click, revealing the familiar space. Her desk, her mood board, the hanging sketches, the soft lavender scent—everything just as she had left it.
Rahil entered with a tablet in his hand.
"Ma'am, we've got a few things to go over: upcoming launches, the Paris collaboration, and an urgent model replacement for the new campaign shoot."
Lia sat down, crossing her legs, flipping open her planner.
"Alright. Let's get to work."
---
Hours passed.
Meetings. Sketches. Edits. Model selections. Photo shoot coordination. Lia moved from one task to the next like a machine—but inside, it was healing her. Every fabric she touched, every decision she made—it reminded her of who she truly was.
Not just Ryan's wife.
Not the girl who got replaced.
But Lianxu.
The founder of L&X. The woman who never needed anyone to define her.
And in that moment, she realized—
maybe pain doesn't always need revenge. Sometimes, it just needs purpose.