Next day Anya quickly got ready for office and completed the work on that project. in front of everyone present Today was Phoenix's last meeting.
The main hall of Z.Y Empire looked like a battlefield today. Large charts were spread everywhere, fabric samples lay scattered, and laptop screens glowed brightly. The most important segment of 'Project Phoenix' was about to be presented today—"The Royal Wedding Collection."
Anya was completely immersed in her work. Her hair was tied into a loose bun, and a pencil was tucked behind her ear. On her desk lay a large white canvas, upon which was sketched a wedding dress that looked straight out of a fairy tale.
👗 A Design of an Unfinished Desire
Anya traced the fine details of the sketch with her fingers. It wasn't just a dress; she had poured into it her favorite flowers, shades of white, and the colors of her innocence.
Just then, a familiar heavy set of footsteps echoed down the corridor—
"Tap… tap… tap…"
Zain Yan entered.
He was wearing a navy-blue suit today, and his presence seemed to freeze the air in the room. Anya tried to stand up nervously, but Zain gestured for her to stay seated. He quietly came to stand behind her and began observing the sketch.
👁️ A Silent Exchange
Zain's gaze lingered on the neckline and sleeves of the dress. He was reminded of his sister Jia, who used to dream of dresses just like this.
"What fabric will this be?"
Zain's voice was very close to Anya's ear. She could feel his warm breath, making goosebumps rise on her skin.
"S-sir… I've planned French lace and Italian silk, with hand embroidery," Anya replied without turning around. Her voice trembled slightly.
Zain leaned over the table and touched a corner of the sketch.
"This design… feels very personal. It feels like you didn't create it for a company, but for yourself."
Anya turned, and her eyes collided directly with Zain's icy gaze.
"Sir, a designer succeeds only when they put their soul into the design. Is that wrong?"
Zain remained silent for a moment. There was a depth in his eyes that Anya couldn't decipher. The memory of that 17-year-old girl and this hardworking woman before him—something inside Zain, hardened like stone, was slowly melting, even though he didn't want to admit it.
🌸 Kiyan and Jing's 'Office Fun'
At that moment, Kiyan and Huan Jing walked in with cups of coffee. When Jing saw Anya and Zain standing so close, she mischievously nudged Kiyan with her elbow.
Kiyan cleared his throat.
"Sir, the Board of Directors is waiting for you in the meeting room."
Zain straightened up and adjusted his coat. Before leaving, he looked at Anya and said in a very low voice,
"The sample of this dress should be ready by next week. I don't want any excuses."
As soon as Zain left, Jing ran up to Anya.
"Oh my God! Anya, that tension! I seriously thought the boss would kiss you right there!"
"Jing! Shut up!"
Anya's face turned red with embarrassment.
Kiyan smiled and handed Jing a file.
"Miss Jing, if you talk a little less and complete this data entry, maybe we can go for coffee again this evening."
Jing's eyes lit up.
"Done, sir! Absolutely done!"
🌙 The Shadow of Night and a Decision
It was already 9 p.m. The office had emptied out, except for the light glowing over Anya's desk. She was joining pieces of lace for the sample of her dress.
Just then, Zain stepped out of his cabin. He noticed that Anya was still working. He thought about telling her to go home—but then stopped. Quietly, he placed a small box on Anya's desk and walked away without saying a word.
When Anya finally paused and opened the box, she found the finest quality Italian silk needles and silver threads inside. Along with them was a small note. There was no name on it—only these words:
"A phoenix needs the finest wings to fly."
Anya looked out the window at Zain's car disappearing into the distance and smiled. She was now beginning to believe that behind that harsh face was a heart that had perhaps forgotten how to love.