Chapter 3 Eliza's New Life

Eliza Callahan paused before the shimmering glass doors of her flagship store while the first light of the day cast reflections all around. Eliza Callahan stood in front of her flagship store as her heart thrummed with nerves and excitement while she discovered a sense of fulfilment she hadn't thought possible as the city stirred from sleep. It was this. Years of suffering and sacrifice, combined with hard labour, led to this moment. The store embodied her message beyond its commercial purpose. The store reflected all the creative work she produced after ending her marriage to Noah.

Her ambitious spirit was embodied by the bold and sophisticated contemporary design of the store, which stood out on Madison Avenue. Her fashion house *Callahan Couture* started with a basic design collection but achieved worldwide recognition in high fashion. However, this store belonged to her. Hers alone. This store stands as the tangible result of her tears and blood, and the sweat she endured.

The inside walls displayed Callahan Couture's newest collection of finely crafted suits and evening gowns which combined traditional elegance with modern flair alongside complementary accessories. Eliza's personal evolution manifested through each piece of clothing that demonstrated her independence from needing others' approval, especially Noah's.

When the doorway opened wide her crew poured inside showing their excitement, while she paused at the threshold of her fresh reality and took a deep breath. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement long before the official opening was scheduled to begin.

"You look so amazing today, Elizabeth!" "Wow, you look amazing today Elizabeth!" Mia her public relations director said while approaching her with a bright smile. Her tall and graceful figure was complemented by an impeccable black power suit that conveyed absolute confidence. From their first day working together Mia and Eliza developed a relationship which evolved into something more than just professional. Their bond encompassed friendship and professional partnership while they supported each other like sisters in arms.

Eliza returned Mia's smile, and her happiness increased because of the positive atmosphere around them. "Thank you, Mia. Isn't that right? After countless late nights of hard work, it has finally come to fruition.

"It's not just occurring." Mia pointed to the strategically arranged displays while she winked before declaring, "It's a takeover." The metropolis will embrace your designs as Eliza, because they will become hugely popular. Here, you've produced something classic.

The words brought joy to Eliza, but uncertainty lingered within her. She questioned whether she was ready to move into the next phase of her journey. Could she bear this empire's burden? She ignored the ideas. The only course she had left was to get ready.

"Have you watched this morning's press coverage?" With sparkling eyes, Mia enquired. The major platforms all show our trending status. It's not real.

"I understand." Eliza spoke while trying to hide her anxious butterflies fluttering inside her chest. In reality she had expected this day to come. Both the world and Eliza herself anticipated her demonstration that she had surpassed the identity of Noah's former spouse. The achievements of Eliza Callahan resulted from her own determined efforts and groundwork.

She concentrated on the active street outside as her gaze shifted to the store's massive front window. Unaware pedestrians hurried along the sidewalk while a historic event unfolded behind the glass. Eliza felt that all her past experiences had reached their peak moment here. This moment, where she could no longer hide behind the shadows of her past represented the culmination of all her experiences.

"Have the VIPs arrived already?" Eliza interrogated with a solid tone even while she felt her emotions spinning uncontrollably inside her.

Nearly. A large portion of the invited guests decided to attend the event. The journalists showed up early and I spotted familiar faces from both *Harper's Bazaar* and *Vogue* coming through the doors. This is going to be big.

The corner of her mouth twitched into a small smile while she gave a distracted nod. For several months, she had carefully prepared every detail of her plan. Today's atmosphere stands apart because everything seemed to interconnect perfectly as the energy of the air shifted. She wasn't only starting a shop. She was announcing her autonomy. She took control of her life story.

And she alone was responsible for it.

Mia interrupted Elizabeth's daydream by requesting her presence for a brief interview. "It will just take a few minutes."

Eliza gave a swift nod while she moved her body and brushed her hair aside. She had mastered the game yet struggled with the media frenzy and the constant presence of cameras and flashing lights. She had achieved mastery in projecting the self-assured, unflappable businesswoman she was becoming.

She walked toward the back of the shop, where numerous reporters stood prepared with cameras and notepads. Their curiosity about *Callahan Couture*'s creative journey drove them to listen to her story. As soon as she sat down, the reporters began firing questions at her one after another.

Eliza, one reporter began by saying that you've managed to establish a strong reputation for yourself in the challenging world of your field. What do you think has been the key factor behind your successful career?

Her words emerged from their studied elegance with effortless grace as Eliza offered a smile. The key to success is having vision and tenacity. My creations, along with my voice have always inspired confidence in me. Style serves as a medium for self-expression that transcends mere clothing choices. People will start following your path if you remain dedicated to your work.

Eliza began to question her audience and delivered answers that appeared both well-rehearsed and genuine. She talked about the challenges involved in starting a brand from scratch while explaining what drives her passion and her dedication to craftsmanship. Noah's name never appeared in any of her statements. She didn't have to. She stopped viewing herself from his perspective.

The interview ended, and Eliza expressed her gratitude to the reporters before she stepped away to prepare for the opening ceremony. The excitement increased while the surrounding buzz intensified and became more apparent to Eliza.

When the sleek black car pulled up precisely in front of the store, her gaze followed it again. From her position inside the backseat, she saw the tall man wearing a sharp suit walk out with a confident stride. Her chest skipped a beat.

No. He couldn't be the one.

A racing pulse hammered in Eliza's chest when he headed towards the store and locked eyes with her from across the space. Noah.

She became frozen as her breath stopped in her throat at the sight. Why was he in this place? How did he discover her? She had not expected to see him either here or at this moment. Not after everything.

He stood there where she could see him, and his gaze held her attention with piercing intensity. The room seemed to lean slightly as if the entire world had halted spinning for a brief instant.

Mia said behind her, "Eliza." "Is everything all right?"

However, Eliza was unable to respond. Not quite yet. He remained present, his gaze tracking her movements as he watched her closely.

Eliza faced moments of uncertainty about her feelings after having clarity for several months.