The Contract Bride of Mr. Reid-Chapter 276: The hope

Bella pondered over his words, letting them sink in. Perhaps returning to work would inject some vitality into her hollow existence. Maybe it would trigger the return of her lost memories. And if it didn’t, at least she could carve out new ones.

"Okay," she said with newfound determination. "I’ll start working."

A satisfied smile tugged at the corners of Alan’s lips. "That’s the spirit. I’ll have Philip make all the arrangements."

Bella nodded and went back to her room.

Selena, however, remained still, watching her daughter disappear into the room. A deep-seated worry flickered in her eyes. She turned to Alan. "Are you sure this is the right choice?" she asked, her hesitation clear. "She has only just come home. Is it really necessary for her to start working so soon?"

"Selena, you are worrying too much." Alan met her gaze with calm reassurance. "She may have lost her memory, but she is not physically weak. If she stays home doing nothing, she’ll dwell on what she has lost. That’s not good for her. Work will keep her mind engaged. It might even help her recover what she has forgotten."

A spark of pride glinted in his eyes as he continued to speak. "Besides, her designs were the highlight of the recent fashion show. People are still talking about the brilliant and mysterious designer Muse. Now is the perfect time for her to step forward and claim her identity. The world needs to know that she is Muse—the rising star of the fashion industry."

A slow grin spread across his face. "I’ll soon hold a grand banquet and announce her as the rightful heir of the Waltons. And then—" he reached for Selena’s hand, his grip was warm, firm—"I’ll take you home as my wife."

Selena’s heart swelled with warmth. A gentle smile graced her lips.

The next day, Bella arrived at the Limeart Fashion with Philip. She looked around in awe as soon as she stepped in. The sheer grandeur of the fashion house left her breathless.

Had she really been a part of this world?

The thought felt surreal. The high ceilings, the elegant displays, the air buzzing with creativity—it all felt strangely familiar, yet distant, like a dream she couldn’t quite grasp.

"Don’t look so surprised," Philip murmured beside her, pulling her from her daze. "You’re a rising designer, Bella. Many people want to work with you and collaborate with you. Several offers are waiting for your approval. You should review them and decide which ones you want to pursue."

A wave of anxiety crashed over her. Bella swallowed, her fingers instinctively tightening around the strap of her bag. "But I barely remember anything. How am I supposed to handle all of this?"

Philip’s expression softened. "Don’t panic. You’re not alone in this. Kate is here to help you."

"Kate?" 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Philip nodded reassuringly. "Kate has been managing this company in your absence. She is thrilled that you’re back and ready to work. She’ll guide you every step of the way, so don’t worry. Just take it one step at a time, okay?"

Before Bella could respond, a group of people approached them, their presence momentarily breaking the conversation. A woman at the front of the group smiled warmly.

"Welcome back, Bella. It’s good to see you again."

Bella turned to her, her mind scrambling for recognition. Did she know this woman?

Sensing her unease, Philip placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey, Kate. Bella is in your hands now. Make sure she doesn’t face any difficulties."

Kate’s smile remained unwavering as she nodded. "You can count on me, Mr. Walton. I’ll always be here for her."

Philip turned to Bella once more. "I need to go now. But if you run into any trouble, call me."

Bella nodded hesitantly, watching as he walked away.

As soon as Philip left, Kate turned to Bella with an encouraging smile. She gestured toward the group of eager young women who had gathered around them.

"These are the talented interns you selected," Kate said. "They’ll be working with you as a team."

Bella blinked, stunned. ’I chose them?’

The realization made her stomach twist. She studied their bright, expectant faces, all filled with admiration. She forced a smile, but no words came out. Everything was moving too fast, which overwhelmed her.

One of the interns took a step forward. "Hello, ma’am, I’m Saira."

"I’m Lina," another girl chimed in.

"I’m Kim."

...

...

...

One by one, they introduced themselves, their voices brimming with excitement. Bella could only nod, still struggling to find her footing in this overwhelming moment.

Kim’s eyes sparkled as she spoke. "We saw your designs. They’re masterpieces!"

"I can’t believe I get to be a part of your team," Lina added, practically bubbling with enthusiasm. "It’s such an honor to work with you."

Saira nodded eagerly. "You’re the top designer now. You defeated all those big names in the competition! But..." She hesitated, her excitement dimming just a little. "It’s a shame you weren’t there to accept the award."

Bella’s breath hitched. In an instant, her mind reeled back to that dark memory—Zack locking her away, keeping her from the world, from her family. His selfishness had nearly destroyed everything she had built.

Observing the change in her expression, Kate stepped up. "Let’s not dwell on that, alright? We’ll make up for it. How about we throw a success party? We can officially reveal the true identity of Muse!" She beamed at Bella, her tone full of warmth and encouragement. "What do you think?" she asked cheerfully, trying to dispel the tension.

Bella inhaled deeply, pushing the dark thoughts aside. She managed a small but genuine smile. "Whatever you say, Kate."

Kate grinned. "That’s the spirit! Now, come on, let me show you your office."

She led Bella down the sleek hallway, past bustling workspaces filled with designers and staff, until they reached a door. Kate pushed it open, revealing a stylish, sunlit room.

Bella stepped inside hesitantly, taking in the elegant desk, the sketches pinned to the walls, and the mannequin draped in an unfinished gown. Several dresses hung neatly on the hanger. It was like stepping into a life she couldn’t remember but had somehow created.

A thought whispered through her mind as she ran her fingers over the smooth wooden desk. ’Maybe this is where I’ll find myself again.’

Kate’s voice broke through her thoughts. "Here it is—your office. Finally, this space has its rightful owner again."

Bella turned to her, offering a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, Kate. You know my condition... With this memory loss, I have no idea how I’m going to manage all this."

"There is nothing to worry about. I’m here to help you." She walked over to the sleek worktable and rested a hand on a neatly stacked pile of folders. "First, go through these design drafts. These sketches will give you a reference point, a place to start. I’m sure they’ll help."

Bella nodded, "Alright." A hopeful glint flickered in her eyes.

"I’m right next door. Call me if you need anything." With that, she turned and stepped out, leaving Bella alone.

For a moment, silence settled over the room. Bella let out a slow breath, her gaze wandering once more, taking in every detail. ’This is my world... or at least, it used to be.’

She finally sank into the plush chair behind the desk. Tentatively, she reached for a folder, flipping it open.

Sketches filled the pages—elegant silhouettes, intricate patterns, delicate embroidery details. As her eyes traced the lines, something stirred deep within her.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the edges of the paper. ’Maybe...this is where I’ll start to find myself again.’