Ten years ago, she had followed Cedric to Cedar Ridge, dreaming of a brighter future as an apprentice under a master sculptor. In their darkest days, they had slept in a park, surviving on a single pack of instant noodles. She had taken up a job as a dishwasher, scraping together enough to support them. At the same time, Cedric poured all his energy into sculpting under his mentor’s guidance.
Her sacrifices hadn’t been in vain. In just two years, Cedric had mastered his craft, earning international acclaim with a prestigious sculpting award.
With his exceptional talent and striking charm, Cedric soon caught the eye of a media company. They polished his image, and his fame soared to dazzling heights. By their fifth year in Cedar Ridge, he had paid off their first home, a spacious flat, and had it registered under Dione’s name.
At the time, guilt had weighed heavily on him. Holding her close, Cedric had wept in her arms, his voice trembling.
"Dione, you worked tirelessly as a dishwasher just to support my dream. It broke my heart. I swear I’ll never let you down for as long as I live."
The sound of the door creaking open jolted Dione back to the present. Cedric had returned.