Chapter 3 Eliza's New Life

As the early morning light reflected off the dazzling glass doors of her flagship store, Eliza Callahan stood in front of them. She felt her heart racing with nerves, excitement, and a sense of fulfilment she had never realised was possible as the city woke up. It was this. The result of years of suffering, sacrifice, and hard labour. The store was her message, not just a place of commerce. A representation of everything she had created since leaving the ruins of her marriage to Noah.

The store's sleek, contemporary design, which was bold, sophisticated, and unabashedly ambitious, stood boldly on Madison Avenue as a tribute to her ambition. From a modest collection of designs, her company *Callahan Couture* has become a globally renowned name in high fashion. However, this store belonged to her. Hers alone. A physical outcome of her tears, blood, and sweat.

The most recent assortment of finely created items, including elegantly fitted suits, lavish evening gowns, and accessories that blended traditional elegance with contemporary flair, graced the inside walls. Every article of clothing was a reflection of the woman Eliza had grown into, one who no longer required the approval of others, least of all Noah.

As the door swung wide and her crew streamed inside, their excitement evident, she stood at the doorway of her new life and took a deep breath. The air was already humming with anticipation, even though the formal opening was still hours away.

"You look so amazing today, Elizabeth!" Her head of public relations, Mia, remarked as she approached her beaming. She was tall, graceful, and impeccably dressed in a black power suit that exuded self-assurance. Since the beginning, Mia and Eliza have been together, and their relationship has grown beyond their work relationship. They were friends, sisters in arms, and partners.

Eliza grinned at her, feeling even happier because of the positive mood in the room. "Thank you, Mia. Isn't that right? It's finally happening after all the late hours and effort.

"It's not just occurring." Mia winked and pointed to the thoughtfully chosen displays that now occupied the floor, saying, "It's a takeover." "Eliza, your designs are going to be a huge hit in this metropolis. Here, you've produced something classic.

Even while the words made Eliza happy, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty. Did she feel prepared for this next step? Could she bear this empire's burden? She ignored the ideas. There was nothing she could do but prepare.

"Have you watched this morning's press coverage?" With sparkling eyes, Mia enquired. On all of the big platforms, we are trending. It's not real.

"I understand," Eliza said, attempting to conceal the butterflies of anxiety in her breast. In actuality, though, she had been anticipating this day. The world and herself had been waiting for her to show that she was more than just Noah's ex-wife. *Eliza Callahan* was a woman who had paved the way for her achievement.

Focussing on the busy city street outside, she looked towards the enormous glass window at the front of the store. Pedestrians rushed down the sidewalk, unaware of the historic event taking place behind the glass. However, it seemed to Eliza that everything had culminated in this. This moment, when she could no longer conceal herself in the shadows of her history, had been the culmination of everything.

"Have the VIPs arrived already?" Despite the whirlpool of emotions within her, Eliza questioned in a firm voice.

Nearly. We have a good number of people that responded to the invitations. The media has already arrived, and I noticed some people I knew from *Harper's Bazaar* and *Vogue* entering. This is going to be big.

A tiny smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she nodded absently. She had meticulously planned every aspect of her preparation over the previous few months. However, the atmosphere today is different in some ways there was something about how everything seemed to fit together as the air's energy had changed. She wasn't only starting a shop. She was announcing her autonomy. She was reclaiming the story of her life.

And she alone was responsible for it.

Mia drew Elizabeth out of her daydream and said, "We need you for a quick interview." "It will just take a few minutes."

Eliza nodded quickly, adjusting her stance and wiping a lock of hair from her face. She had mastered the game, but she wasn't accustomed to the media flurry, the continuous cameras, and the flashing lights. She had mastered the art of projecting the self-assured, unflappable businesswoman she was growing into.

She made her way to the rear of the shop, where many reporters were standing with their cameras and pens ready. To gain insight into the creative process of *Callahan Couture*, they were keen to hear her tale. The questions started coming at her one after the other as she sat down.

"So, Eliza," one reporter started, "you've succeeded in carving yourself a solid reputation for yourself in a highly competitive field. What, in your opinion, has been the secret of your success?

Eliza grinned, her words flowing naturally from their studied elegance. It all comes down to vision and tenacity. I've always had faith in my voice and my creations. Fashion is a way of expressing oneself and goes beyond simple apparel. Others will follow if you believe in what you produce.

Eliza proceeded to ask them questions, and her responses sounded prepared yet sincere. She discussed the difficulties of creating a brand from the ground up, her motivation, and her love of craftsmanship. She made no mention of Noah at all. She didn't have to. She was no longer looking at herself through his eyes.

Eliza thanked the reporters as the interview came to an end and then moved aside to get ready for the opening ceremony. Eliza could see the excitement growing as the buzz in the air became more noticeable.

The sleek black car that drew up directly in front of the store caught her attention as she turned to look at it once more. The tall man in the sharp suit who walked out with a confident stride was visible to her from the backseat. Her chest skipped a beat.

No. He couldn't be the one.

However, Eliza's pulse accelerated as he approached the store, his gaze meeting hers from the other side of the room. Noah.

Her breath caught in her throat as she froze. Why was he in this place? How did he discover her? Neither here nor now had she anticipated seeing him. Not after everything.

He was there, though, his presence obvious, his piercing eyes fixed on her. As though the globe itself had stopped spinning for a moment, the room appeared to tilt slightly.

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

However, Eliza was unable to respond. Not quite yet. Not while he was standing there observing her every action.

And Eliza wasn't sure how to feel for the first time in months.