Love in a spotlight

Abigail was engrossed in her design collection, perfecting every detail. She then headed to a meeting with Caleb, who scrutinized each design with a professional eye. Abigail anxiously awaited his feedback.

"It's not good," Caleb said, his tone firm. "These products have been around since last season, so a latecomer won't have a competitive edge."

Abigail's face fell, but she quickly composed herself. "I'll need some time to revise," she said.

Caleb nodded. "I'll give you two days for a new proposal."

Abigail hesitated. "Could I have three days instead?"

Caleb's expression turned stern. "Two days. Quit now if you can't do it."

Abigail's determination kicked in. "No, I'll do it. I swear I'll get it done."

For the entire week, Abigail, Harper, and their team worked tirelessly to revamp the designs. Finally, Caleb accepted their new proposal and scheduled a live sale again.

Abigail's eyes darted between the big screen displaying the sales and Caleb's notebook, where he was meticulously recording the numbers. As the last product sold out, Abigail's face lit up with excitement.

She quickly turned to her employee, Dimple, and together they efficiently tidied up the studio and packed away the remaining products.

After a hectic morning with no time for breakfast, Abigail's stomach growled with hunger. She headed to a nearby cafe where she settled into a table outside and savored a delicious sandwich.

Abigail's eyes widened as she struggled to catch her breath, her hand instinctively hitting her chest. Just as she was about to panic, Caleb appeared out of nowhere, holding a bottle of water.

Abigail grabbed the bottle from him and took a few desperate gulps, feeling the cool liquid soothe her parched throat.

As she chewed her food, Caleb's dark expression made her feel a bit uneasy. "Sorry, I almost choked," Abigail explained, trying to downplay the incident.

Abigail, noticing Caleb's dark expression, slowly offered him her sandwich. "You can have it."

"Don't you have lunch?" Caleb asked, his tone firm.

Abigail hesitated, slowly bringing her sandwich back. "Oh, I was busy ironing and getting the tops ready."

Caleb then went back to the cafe, returning with a juice. He sat down at the next table, and Abigail got up to join him, sitting across from him.

"What now?" Caleb asked, his expression still serious.

Abigail's eyes locked onto his, filled with sincerity. "MD, about my birthday... I'm really sorry. I was out of it when I heard my brother had fainted. By the time I got home, he was fine, but my adrenaline was still pumping, and my mind was blank. Thank you so much for understanding, and I'm truly sorry."

Caleb cleared his throat, his expression softening. "Although it's late... Happy birthday."

Abigail's eyes widened, surprised by the warm gesture. "Are you wishing me a happy birthday?"

Caleb's demeanor turned slightly defensive. "Why? Should I take it back?"

Abigail's smile was gentle. "No, I think I just misheard."

She leaned in, her voice barely audible. "You know how to wish someone."

Caleb's expression turned stern, his tone firm. "Did you finish your proposal? Tomorrow's meeting is crucial. Make sure you come prepared."

Just then, Olivia and Sasha approached, greeting Caleb warmly. Abigail smiled, exchanging greetings with Sasha and Olivia. However, Olivia paused for a moment, her expression hesitant, before returning Abigail's greeting. The brief delay was noticeable, and Abigail's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing a hint of awkwardness.

With a polite smile, Abigail excused herself and walked away, leaving Caleb, Olivia, and Sasha.

"Isn't that the Shine Boutique owner?" Sasha asked.

"She owns a boutique," Olivia stated.

Sasha nodded. "Yeah, she designed everything herself. My niece loves her designs and visits her boutique often. It's a very small boutique."

Olivia looked slightly uncomfortable at the mention of Sasha's niece frequenting the boutique.

"Maybe we should visit her boutique someday," Sasha suggested. "The product reviews are excellent. MD Caleb, you made a great choice."

Caleb responded with a small, subtle smile.

Olivia's curiosity got the better of her. "Does she have any other branches open?"

Sasha shook her head. "I don't think so."

"Her parents must be rich," Olivia said, raising an eyebrow. "She's very young and already runs a boutique."

Sasha nodded in agreement, while Caleb remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Caleb visited his mother's mansion again, summoned by her maid. He sat beside her bed, letting out a deep sigh as he gazed at her motionless form. Her eyes were closed, and she didn't respond to his presence.

"Mom, did you have dinner?" Caleb asked, but the only response was silence.

"Mom!" Caleb tried again, concern etched in his voice. "Let's have some dinner together. I haven't eaten yet either."

His mother slowly opened her eyes, her voice weak but firm. "I don't have an appetite. Go and eat yourself."

Caleb emerged from his mother's room, looking concerned. Natalie, the maid, approached him, worry etched on her face.

"Did she agree to eat?" Natalie asked.

Caleb shook his head. "No, I'll call Barron." He reached for his phone, but Natalie's words stopped him.

"Caleb, Ma'am hasn't been like this because of her illness," Natalie explained. "Yesterday, she attended her gathering and received a wedding invitation from Tira's mom. When she returned, she didn't say a word and went straight to her bed."

Caleb's expression changed to one of understanding, and he let out a sigh. He realized that his mother's behavior was likely due to emotional distress rather than physical illness.

"She hasn't eaten a single bite since yesterday," Natalie said, her voice laced with concern. "Caleb, I know it's not my place to say, but if Ma'am continues like this, her health condition might worsen."

Caleb stood lost in thought for a moment before turning to Natalie. "Please take good care of my mother," he said, before exiting the mansion.

As soon as he was gone, Amelia emerged from her room, a hint of curiosity on her face.

"Did he buy it?" Amelia asked, her voice low.

Natalie smiled, pleased with herself. "Yes, Ma'am. Caleb looked very concerned."

Amelia's eyes sparkled with approval. "Well done, Natalie. That was a great idea."

Amelia dialed Sophia's number and recounted the scene with Natalie and Caleb. "You're sure, right? Your brother has a girlfriend?" Amelia asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes, Mom. I told you, Lily told me that Caleb's girlfriend showed up when Caleb and Lily had a date. And Caleb himself said that the girl was his girlfriend," Sophia replied.

Amelia's face lit up with a bright smile. "Seriously! What was that boy thinking? If he has a girlfriend, why can't he introduce her to us?" Amelia exclaimed, her voice filled with amusement and annoyance.