Elians watched the interview with complete composure. Most of it focused on Lomína Stiedios work, with only brief mentions of her past marriage to Miln
The segment generated buzz online, but after scrolling through some comments, Eliana completely lost interes. Her past fals like ancient history–irrelevant to who she’d become,
Seeing her indifference, Nathan approached with something behind his back, then dramatically revealed an elegant black invitation
As he’d expected, her eyes went wide with excitement.
“No fucking way. Is that -7”
Nathan’s grin was pure satisfaction. “Just delivered this morning.”
Eliana grabbed the invitation, reading the embossed gold lettering: BoF 500 Gala – Business of Fashion. This was the fashion industry’s most exclusive annual event, limited only to the 500 most influential people in global fashion–designers, executives, investors, digital innovators who shaped the entire industry.
She actually squealed and spun around holding the invitation like it was made of gold.
“Nathan! We made the Bor 500 list! Do you know what this means?” Her voice cracked with emotion. “We’re officially part of the fashion elite now.”
She’d dreamed of this since design school. The BoF 500 wasn’t just recognition–it was validation that she belonged among the industry’s most powerful players.
Without thinking, she threw her arms around Nathan in pure joy.
“I can’t believe this is real,” she whispered against his shoulder, fighting back happy tears.
Nathan held her close, breathing in her happiness. “You earned every bit of this, Eliana. Your talent got us here.”
When she pulled back, her eyes were shining with a confidence that took his breath away. This wasn’t the broken woman who’d fled New York two years ago. This was Eliana Hart in her full power–radiant, successful, completely herself.
“We need to tell everyone!” She immediately FaceTimed Darcy, who screamed so loud half the studio probably heard her through the phone.
Unfortunately, with fashion week prep consuming everyone’s time, only Eliana and Nathan could attend the gala.
The night of the event, they arrived at the Beverly Hills Hotel looking like they owned the place. Nathan in a custom Tom Ford tux, Eliana in a show–stopping emerald silk gown that made her look like a modern–day goddess.
After presenting their coveted invitation, they stepped into a ballroom filled with fashion royalty.
“Holy shit,” Eliana breathed, spotting Anna Wintour across the room. “Is that Virgil Abloh? And Marc Jacobs?”
She was starstruck for about thirty seconds before her natural confidence kicked in. These people were her peers now. She belonged here.
Within an hour, Eliana was holding court with some of the most influential buyers and investors in fashion. Her natural charisma and obvious expertise had everyone wanting to work with Lumina.
“Ms. Hart, your sustainable luxury concept is exactly what Bergdorf’s has been looking for,” gushed one department store executive.
“We’d love to discuss a multi–million dollar partnership,” added a venture capitalist who’d been trying to get her attention all evening
Nathan watched from nearby, nursing his champagne and admiring how effortlessly she commanded the room. Every gesture radiated confidence, every laugh was genuine. She was magnetic
“Crushing it as usual,” he murmured when she finally returned to his side, practically glowing with success.
“Did you see me close that deal with Neiman Marcus?” She accepted his champagne flute, their fingers brushing in the exchange. “Eight figures, Nathan. Eight fucking figures.”
15:20
Sorry Captain Milo, Our Love Score Has Hit Zero
11.9
“I saw everything. You’re incredible. The way he looked at her–like she was the most amazing thing he’d over witnessed–made wa
her chest.
They stood close together, sharing the champagne and the moment, completely absorbed in each other.
Neither noticed the figure watching them from across the room, his face a mask of regret and desperate longing.
Chapter 21
