Woke Up and Left the Cage of My Marriage 19
Chapter 19
Soon, his team reported back with new intel: a rising jewelry brand called “Aurora” was making waves in Europe’s boutique scene. In just half a year, it had captured a loyal following with its bold, uninhibited, and energetic designs.
And behind this brand was a mysterious designer, code name “Lark”-who, after careful investigation, turned out to be none other than Natalie Bennett.
She had truly returned to the dream she cherished in her youth.
Ethan remembered how, years ago, she’d eagerly shown him her sketchbook-page after page filled with all kinds of fantastical jewelry designs.
What had he said then? He’d dismissed it, claiming a Mrs. Fletcher shouldn’t put herself on public display. He’d brushed it off with a cold, “You should focus on something proper.”
But now, she wasn’t just doing it—she was thriving.
That kind of talent, bursting forth after breaking free from every shackle, was like a resounding slap across his face.
Jealousy and a sharp, abandoned fury burned through him, scorching what was left of his
reason.
Ethan’s voice turned icy as he gave his orders: “Use all Fletcher Group resources and influence. Crush the ‘Aurora’ brand completely.”
Cut off their raw material suppliers. Pressure their partners. Poach every promising designer and steal away every potential client, no matter the cost.
He’d make sure her dream withered the moment it took root, until there was nowhere left for her to run-nowhere but back to him.
“Keep a close eye on her. I want to know her every reaction.” He stood in front of the giant window, eyes fixed on the still surface of the lake. His voice held not a single trace of warmth.
He waited-hoping she’d get angry, that she’d call to demand answers, that maybe she’d point at his nose and call him shameless.
Because even that would mean she still cared.
But, once again, Natalie’s reaction caught him off guard.
Faced with Fletcher Group’s overwhelming assault, Aurora didn’t crumble. Under her lead, the brand showed surprising resilience.
She seemed to have anticipated that Ethan would never let things go and had made
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She abandoned all traditional channels connected to Fletcher Group. Instead, she used social media and online platforms to talk straight to customers, sharing the story and meaning behind every piece-
Stories of freedom, rebirth, and breaking free.
Her jewelry no longer tried to fit the old-money idea of luxury. Each piece was wild, powerful, and unique.
She used gold scorched by fire to create flowers blooming from the ruins. She used flawed stones on purpose, showing that imperfection can be beautiful. She shaped birds breaking free from cages, expressing the deepest longing.
Her designs radiated real emotion and raw energy. They struck a chord-especially with young people hungry to stand out and break the rules.
Ethan’s suppression became a whetstone, making “Aurora” shine even more brilliantly.
The negative press turned into free controversy marketing, while supply chain blockades
forced Natalie’s team to devise more innovative alternatives.
Natalie Bennett even made the crisis part of the story, releasing a limited collection themed ” Rebellion” and “Rebirth”–and every piece sold out the instant it dropped.
Éthan sat in his office, watching sales charts for Aurora rocket upward, while the internet exploded with praise for “Lark’s” talent. His expression was so dark it looked like a storm.
He not only failed to force her back, but instead had personally pushed her onto an even bigger stage, making her brilliance impossible to ignore.
The loss of control made him nearly lose his mind.
Just as Ethan’s war against Aurora reached a stalemate, an even bigger threat appeared.
Derek Lawson, current head of the Lawson Group.
Young. Handsome. A model’s build, strong jaw, striking features—and an empire’s worth of business connections and resources at his fingertips.
He wasn’t just Aurora’s top angel investor and strategic partner-he’d also become a constant presence by Natalie’s side.
Photos sent by Ethan’s people showed Derek and Natalie Bennett front-row at Milan Fashion Week. Derek was seen draping his jacket over her shoulders with quiet care.
There were pictures of the two having dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, sharing an easy, lively conversation.
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Even late nights at Aurora’s studio, when the team worked around the clock, Derek would bring her late-night snacks and quietly take care of his own work in the corner, just to keep
her company.
But the thing that unsettled Ethan most was this: every report suggested Derek was the only one who knew everything Natalie Bennett had been through over those three years in the Fletcher family.
He understood her pain. He cared about her scars. He stood by her, respectful and protective, supporting her career and her talent-never trying to control her, but helping her dreams grow even bigger.
It was a cruel, glaring contrast to everything Ethan had ever done.
Then, one day, Ethan’s assistant, hands trembling, placed a new tabloid photo on his desk.
In the photo: on the terrace of a private art exhibit, Derek leans in, murmuring something in
Natalie’s ear.
Natalie’s face is turned to the side, lips curved in a light, genuine smile. The evening breeze lifts her hair, making the scene beautiful enough to be a movie poster.
Ethan stared at that photo until his eyes were bloodshot.
A jealousy as fierce as volcanic lava erupted within him, instantly burning away all his reason.
He suddenly swept everything from his desk-including the expensive computer monitor — sending it all crashing to the floor with a deafening shatter.
He couldn’t stand it. He couldn’t stand another man by her side, possessing her smile, taking part in her new life.
That was supposed to be his place. He was the one who’d met her first. He was the one who’d
married her.
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