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Novel Catalog
Chapter 31
“It’s a female. A woman, and a beautiful one at that. She’s very capable, and it took a lot of convincing to get her to work here,” Joe explained.
At 10 o’clock in the morning, the newly appointed female director arrived at the jewelry department, stepping in with poise and confidence.
“Hello, I’m Summer Avelos, and I will be assisting Mr. Joe in managing the jewelry department. I hope we can all work well together to strengthen and improve our brand,” she announced.
The colleagues applauded warmly, welcoming her with genuine enthusiasm.
Gale’s lashes fluttered as she turned her head.
It couldn’t be…
There, standing in front of her, was none other than Summer. Her former college classmate. Her roommate. The one who had been by her side through everything. They had once been inseparable, sharing their lives and secrets as if they were sisters. Now, it seemed that Summer had become a star in the jewelry industry, her name known far and wide for her talent and success, while Gale remained a shadow, unheard of.
Two years in the mental hospital—the years that should have been her best—had been ripped away by Shawn, leaving her life in ruins.
“Director Summer is well-known in the jewelry industry. Her presence here is a huge favor to me. She’ll take some of the workload off my shoulders!” Joe said cheerfully, his voice light with praise.
“Yes, Joe, you’ve always had the money and vision. Just focus on being the boss and enjoy the show,” Summer replied, her tone playful. The two clearly shared a good rapport, exchanging jokes as if no time had passed.
“Come here, Summer. Let me introduce you to someone. This is our Chief Designer, Gale,” Joe said, motioning toward her.
Summer’s expression faltered for just a moment at the mention of Gale’s name, but she quickly regained her composure.
“Hello, Gale,” she said, her smile a little too stiff.
“Hello, Summer,” Gale responded, her heart pounding in her chest.
Summer studied her for a moment, as if weighing her thoughts, before speaking again. “I have some ideas I’d like to discuss with you, Gale. Would you mind if we spoke privately?”
Before Gale could even respond, Joe nodded eagerly. “Of course! You’re my right-hand woman. Go ahead!”
“I’m still learning,” Summer murmured with a smile, before turning toward Gale. “Let’s go to my office.”
“Alright,” Gale said quietly, following her.
As they walked away, Joe muttered to himself with a grin, “Two beautiful ladies… I’m lucky! Shawn will be so jealous.”
In the Office
As soon as the door shut behind them, Summer’s smile vanished, replaced by a cold, angry look.
“Gale! I can’t believe it’s really you!” Summer’s voice was sharp, and Gale could feel the tension in the air.
“Well…” Gale hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
“Don’t even say it,” Summer cut her off, walking toward her. “Did you ever consider me a friend? You just disappeared after graduation. No word, no goodbye. Did you know how many nights I cried, wondering what had happened to you?”
Gale lowered her head, unable to meet her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“What happened to you, Gale?” Summer’s voice cracked with frustration. “I went to your house, and it was sold. I asked your neighbors, but they all kept silent. You just vanished, without a trace!”
“Summer…” Gale started, but she was cut off again.
“I can’t stand hearing you call my name like that,” Summer spat, her voice full of bitterness.
Gale fell silent, guilt weighing her down.
Summer’s eyes burned with anger. “Okay, fine. You don’t have to explain. You can leave now. Just pretend we never knew each other.”
Gale nodded quietly, turning to leave, but Summer’s voice stopped her. “Hey! You…” Summer’s voice cracked with emotion. “You really don’t want me as a friend?”
The words hit Gale like a punch to the gut. She felt a pang of discomfort, a knot tightening in her chest.
“Summer,” she began, her voice soft but firm. “I have a very bad life. I’m an unfortunate person. Just… stay away from me. It’s safer for you that way. I don’t want to drag you down with me.”
“Are you kidding me?” Summer’s tone was incredulous. “You’re the Chief Designer of the jewelry brand under Wood Group. What’s so bad about your life? Back in school, you were unbeatable! With your talent, you could create your own brand, run it, and make it thrive. You’re not even reaching your full potential!”
Gale could only smile bitterly, the weight of her reality crushing her. “Well, there have been a lot of things that happened. It’s better if you don’t know.”
“Okay,” Summer said, though her words were laced with frustration. “See if you can hide it from me forever.”
Gale felt the discomfort deep within her. She didn’t want to drag Summer into her mess, into the chaos of her life. But the more Summer pushed, the more Gale realized how much she had changed. She had once been full of hope and ambition—someone who could conquer the world. Now, she was nothing more than a broken woman, trying to survive.