SWNOVELS Chapter 3
Chapter 3 Charlotte’s Stunning Comeback
Three years and two months later.
Liene City was holding the International Wedding Exposition. It was the quintessential grand event, featuring top bespoke wedding dress designers from around the world. Luxury cars littered the place, and celebrities floated around the venue.
Stepping onto the red carpet, Charlotte—now going by the name of Georgia Lynn—stole the spotlight. Wearing her confidence like a cloak, she gracefully accepted the arm of her companion, a man named Gordon Wright. His question was simple. “You ready?”
“Of course,” her reply was laced with a serene smile. All eyes were on her, spellbound by her beauty. She had built a name for herself as a talented designer, but her real identity remained a mystery.
Georgia Lynn had made quite a stir when her wedding dress design, titled “Destiny,” became a global sensation. Her subsequent design, “Elapse,” only furthered her stardom. And there she was, basking in the limelight, looking more stunning than ever.
Bathed in the bright lights, Charlotte exuded grace. Her eyes sparkled, mirroring her elegance and grit, gleaming against the big screens adorning Leine City. “It’s your turn to go on stage,” Gordon whispered.
“I know,” she replied, her polite smile never fading. Alone, she stepped on to the stage with an air of grace.
Her first public appearance in three years, and as her identity as Georgia was unveiled, every person in the venue finally put a face to the famous name.
She had such eye-catching features: radiant skin, clear eyes, and a dazzling smile. Donned in a long white strapless gown, each step revealing a tantalizing slit up her leg, she looked ethereal.
The crowd went numb, engrossed in the spectacle of the radiant woman on stage. Whispers flew around as recognition dawned. Georgia Lynn—could it be?
“She resembles Mrs. Sullivan—the one who disappeared after that ghastly car crash three years back, don’t you think?”
“She does look like her, but that can’t be, right?”
Memories of the horrific accident at Ruby River Bridge began drumming up again. Stories of Zachary’s pregnant wife, allegedly swept away in that accident, and her body never found, started surfacing.
“A woman, nine months pregnant in a river at full spate—there’s no way she could have survived.”
Yet, the woman on stage, introducing herself as Georgia Lynn, was casting a shadow of doubt. And then, the doors swung open.
A figure in a sharp black suit walked in—Zachary Sullivan. His entrance made the room go silent. All eyes were now on him. Zachary seemed unmoved by the crowd, his gaze fixated on the stage. What he witnessed there made him stagger.
Time seemed to stand still as Zachary and Charlotte’s eyes met. A flurry of emotions roared between them. She then shifted her gaze towards an unexpected sight—Annie hanging onto Zachary’s arm.
She was surprised that Zachary was still with Annie after so many years. ‘True love, right? Zachary once abandoned a family for this woman,’ she reflected with a hint of sarcasm. ‘I was indeed naïve.’
Charlotte dismissed Zachary with an aloof look, treating him like a stranger. Holding the microphone, she announced, “Thank you for your support of ‘Destiny’. I assure you that more great designs are to come.”
As she handed the microphone back to the MC, applause exploded from the audience. Offstage, Gordon was waiting, extending his hand respectfully. “Congratulations on your success, Georgia,” he said warmly.
“I’m glad you were here to see it, Gordon,” she replied. Their shared smile had photographers going wild, capturing a perfect moment.
Meanwhile, Zachary was stone-still, trapped in his thoughts. ‘Charlotte is alive. She returned.’
Buzz circulated around the venue. “Mrs. Sullivan is alive! And she’s an internationally celebrated wedding gown designer named Georgia!”
“But Mr. Sullivan proposed to Ms. Lopez just a month ago. This exhibition was arranged to exhibit her designs!”
Nevertheless, everyone’s attention was now on “Destiny,” the masterpiece crafted by Charlotte. Her incredible skill and triumphant return captivated the crowd.
“Ms. Lopez must be fuming! Is ex-Mrs. Sullivan here to get back at her?”
Ignoring the whispering, Charlotte and Gordon mingled among the guests, their comfort and confidence apparent to all.
Caught in a whirlwind of feelings, Zachary found himself drawn towards Charlotte, only to be intercepted by Leo Howard, his assistant. “Mr. Sullivan,” Leo called quietly, drawing Zachary’s attention.
Zachary turned, “It’s her, isn’t it?” Leo solemnly confirmed, “Yes, it’s Mrs. Sullivan.”
Regaining his composure, Zachary’s gaze found Charlotte again, now deep in conversation with Gordon. His eyes reflected a tumult of feelings.