Epilogue
5 YEARS LATER- NADINE
N adine sat on the balcony of their New York City apartment, looking out at the skyline. She reflected on the last five years and smiled. It felt like just yesterday that she’d been on a sandy beach in Bora Bora, where she’d gotten engaged to the love of her life, Cassandra. The memory of that fancy evening, with the sunset painting the sky in beautiful colors, filled her heart with warmth. Cassandra had looked so stunning with her long silver hair catching the light. Nadine had felt like the luckiest woman in the world.
When they returned to New York, they’d moved into a new apartment together. It was a special moment for them. Nadine remembered how excited they’d been to merge their two very different styles. Nadine’s short brown hair had grown so long that now it reached her chest, and every time she looked in the mirror, she felt a sense of pride. She loved how Cassandra’s timeless, classic style blended perfectly with Nadine’s more modern and playful vibe. Their apartment was a reflection of both of them, with colorful artwork from Nadine’s family and antique furniture that belonged to Cassandra.
After three years of being engaged, they’d finally tied the knot at the Ritz Carlton. It was one of the happiest days of their lives. Nadine recalled how beautiful the venue was, filled with flowers and candles. She wore a flowing white dress that made her feel like a princess, while Cassandra looked elegant in a classic suit. Cassandra insisted they follow some traditions. They had exchanged vows surrounded by their closest friends and family, and the love in the room had been overwhelming.
Nadine looked back on how their relationship had grown during those years. As they shared their lives, they’d learned so much from each other. Cassandra brought out a more professional and stable side in Nadine. Nadine used to be a bit carefree and sometimes reckless, but Cassandra’s calming presence helped Nadine to focus. She’d discovered new ways to connect with her work and had become a confident leader in the fashion industry.
On the other hand, Nadine had helped Cassandra embrace her vulnerable side. Cassandra had always been strong and composed, but with Nadine, she’d found the courage to share her feelings more openly. Their love had allowed Cassandra to show her emotions, and Nadine loved seeing that softer side of her partner. It made their bond even stronger.
Life together was not just about work; it was filled with fun and joy. They had decided to merge their businesses to form Wynter Pulse Media. Nadine remembered how excited they’d been about the idea. Nadine was great with digital media and marketing, while Cassandra had a timeless look and a wide reach in the industry. Together, they’d created something amazing.
Wynter Pulse Media grew rapidly, and Nadine had never been more thrilled. They’d worked long hours, but it never felt like a chore. They had fun bouncing ideas off each other, brainstorming projects, and laughing through challenges. Nadine cherished those moments when they would collapse on the couch after a long day, exhausted but happy, snuggled together watching their favorite shows.
Of course, being in a relationship had its challenges, too. They had to learn to compromise and collaborate closely. Sometimes, they disagreed on how to approach a project or a new idea. But every time they faced a bump in the road, they found a way to work it out. Nadine had learned the importance of listening and being patient, and Cassandra had grown to value Nadine’s creativity and fresh perspective. Their love and respect for each other made the hard times easier to handle.
Nadine also cherished the small moments in their daily lives. She loved waking up early and making breakfast while Cassandra prepared for her day. They often had coffee together on the balcony, watching the sunrise paint the sky with brilliant colors. Those quiet mornings filled Nadine with happiness.
On weekends, they enjoyed exploring New York City together. From art galleries to cozy cafés, there was always something new to discover. They loved going to fashion shows, hand in hand, supporting each other’s work. When they walked through the city, it always felt like an adventure, with their laughter echoing in the air.
Nadine felt incredibly grateful for the life they’d built together. They’d created a beautiful partnership filled with love, growth, and understanding. And now, at forty, she could see how far they’d come. Their relationship was deep, and their connection was stronger than ever. They’d created a life that brought out the best in each other. As she looked out at the twinkling city lights, Nadine realized she was truly living her dream with Cassandra by her side.
Nadine and Cassandra sat together at their dining table, enjoying the cozy atmosphere of their apartment. It was a beautiful evening, with soft lights illuminating the space and a delicious smell wafting from the gourmet meal Nadine had just cooked. Nadine had spent the afternoon in the kitchen, carefully preparing each dish, and she felt proud as she served Cassandra a plate.
Cassandra took a bite and closed her eyes in delight. “This is amazing, Nadine,” she said, her voice full of appreciation. “You’ve really outdone yourself this time.”
Nadine smiled, feeling a warm glow in her heart at her wife’s praise. “Thanks! I tried my best,” she replied, picking up her own fork and digging in. She watched as Cassandra enjoyed her meal, the woman’s joy shining through her blue eyes.
After they savored their dinner, Cassandra put her fork down and leaned back in her chair. “You know,” she began, “maybe we should use our private chef more often. We have more money now than I ever expected.” She raised an eyebrow playfully as she studied Nadine’s face.
Nadine laughed and took a sip of her wine. “Is that your way of saying I’m a bad cook?” she teased, pretending to be offended.
Cassandra laughed, shaking her head. “Not at all! I love a home-cooked meal, especially when it’s from you. But I think our energy should mostly go toward the business. After all, we’ve built something amazing together with Wynter Pulse Media.”
Nadine thought for a moment. She and Cassandra had worked hard over the years to be successful in the fashion business. They’d established their company from the ground up, and while they loved their work, they both knew that their time was limited. “You’re right,” she finally agreed. “But we need to focus on promoting new leaders and making sure the business can run without us. We can’t keep doing this forever.”
Cassandra nodded, her silver blonde hair catching the light. “It’s hard for me to get on board fully, but I know we need to be strategic with this growth. I don’t want to retire just yet—if ever. But I also want to make sure Wynter Pulse can thrive even when we’re not there every day.”
Nadine smiled at Cassandra, and they shared a moment of understanding. There were many challenges ahead, but the two of them were ready to tackle them together. They were passionate about their work, and they both knew it was more than just a job; it was a part of who they were.
After finishing dinner, Nadine stood up to clear the dishes. Cassandra joined her, and before long, they found themselves laughing and joking as they washed the plates together. The love they felt for each other radiated through the apartment.
Once the kitchen was clean, Nadine turned to Cassandra, who was wiping her hands on a dish towel. “How about we celebrate this delicious meal with a kiss?” she suggested, grinning widely.
Cassandra’s eyes sparkled as she stepped closer. “I’d love that,” she said softly. They leaned in and shared a sweet kiss, feeling the warmth of each other’s affection. It was a simple moment, but it reminded them of the love and partnership they’d built over the years.
After their kiss, they settled onto the couch with their glasses of wine, the cozy atmosphere wrapping around them like a hug. “Let’s talk about fashion,” Nadine said, her excitement rising. “There are so many new trends out there right now.”
Cassandra smiled, her interest piqued. “Oh, I’ve been thinking about that too! Have you seen the new styles coming out for the spring season? I think we could really make a statement with our next collection.”
Nadine nodded eagerly. They began to share ideas, bouncing thoughts back and forth as they described the styles they admired and the designs they wanted to create. The room buzzed with energy as they imagined the possibilities for their business.
As they talked, a sense of joy washed over Nadine. She adored these moments of sharing and dreaming with Cassandra. Their life together was not just about the work—it was about the love they nurtured and the dreams they built. They were reaping the rewards of the hard work they’d put into their lives and their company, and it all felt more beautiful than ever.
They dreamed big, as they always had, ready to face whatever challenges life and business threw their way. In that moment, surrounded by laughter and love, Nadine knew that no matter what the future held, they would tackle it together. After all, they were partners in love and in business—a perfect team.
Nadine sat on the couch with Cassandra, their bodies curled comfortably against each other. The light of the setting sun filtered through the window. They’d spent the last hour discussing their fashion business, sketching new designs and planning their next collection. But now, their conversation drifted to other topics, moving to deeper things—their families.
Nadine glanced at Cassandra’s beautiful hair, a striking contrast to her own dark locks. It shimmered in the sunlight, reminding Nadine how much she loved the way Cassandra carried herself. Yet today, as they talked, Cassandra seemed lost in thought.
“Can you believe how quickly your parents took to me?” Nadine asked, breaking through the silence.
Cassandra smiled, recalling the first time her parents met Nadine. “Yeah, it surprised me, too. I thought they would be more traditional and reserved. But they just seemed happy to see me in love.”
Nadine nodded. “They’re so classy, and they liked me right away. I thought your dad would be tough to please.”
Cassandra’s face softened as she remembered her father. “He was tough, sometimes. But he was always, you know, protective of me. Once he saw I was truly happy, he opened up completely. He loved to see me smile.” Cassandra’s eyes glistened with tears.
“I’m really sorry about your dad,” Nadine said quietly, reaching out to squeeze Cassandra’s hand. “I can’t imagine how hard losing him is for you.”
Cassandra took a deep breath, wiping away a tear that trailed down her cheek. “Thank you, Nadine. I’m just glad he was there to see us get married. He always wanted to approve of the person I chose. I’m really grateful that you gave him that chance before he passed away.”Nadine felt a wave of warmth for Cassandra, and also a pang of longing. “It was important to me that he met you. You made him happy, and that meant everything to me.”
After a moment, Cassandra’s expression became serious. “But now I feel like I need to win over your parents, too. I really want their approval.”
Nadine’s brow furrowed at the mention of her parents. “I’ve noticed they’ve been acting differently lately. I don’t know why, but they have higher expectations now. It’s baffling. They’ve always been laid back, but now…they seem less welcoming to you.”
Cassandra sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of that revelation. “Some days, I talk more about your parents to my therapist than I do about my own father passing. I just can’t figure them out.”
Nadine glanced down at her hands, troubled. “I didn’t think they would be like this. I mean, you’re amazing. They should be happy that I found someone like you.”
Cassandra smiled softly at Nadine, sensing their shared frustration. “Maybe it’s because they’re worried about you. They want to see you in a stable relationship, and I’m a bit older.”
“That makes sense, but it’s frustrating,” Nadine replied. “I wish they could just see the love we share. It’s real. We’re a team, and we both care for each other.”
“Exactly,” Cassandra agreed. “But it can feel like they’re judging me. Sometimes, I think they see only the age difference.”
Nadine nodded. “I get it. I think they worry about how the world sees us. And what disappoints me even more is that they don’t really know you.”
The room fell silent for a moment as both women processed their feelings.
Cassandra wiped another tear, then took a deep breath. “Maybe we should talk to them again. I want to show them that I’m here for you, that I love you.”
Nadine considered it, her heart racing a little. “I want that, too, but it’s hard. What if they shut down again? What if it doesn’t work?”
Cassandra smiled gently, her confidence shining through the sadness. “We’ll never know unless we try. It would really give us both peace to resolve this.”
The thought stirred hope in Nadine’s heart. “You’re right. They need to see how happy we make each other. There’s so much love and support between us.”
“I can even bring cupcakes,” Cassandra teased with a playful wink.
Nadine chuckled, shaking her head. “That could be a solid bribe.” She paused, feeling her heart lighten at the idea. “Let’s make a plan. We can visit my parents next month.”
“Sure! I’ll be ready,” Cassandra replied, her silver hair catching the light again.
Nadine leaned in, hugging Cassandra tightly. “Thank you for being so brave. We’ll figure this out together.”
Cassandra wrapped her arms around Nadine, breathing in the comforting scent of her partner. “Always, my love. We’re a team, remember?”
“Yes,” Nadine answered, grinning, realizing that together they could tackle anything—even parents who might not quite understand them yet.
Nadine stood outside her parents’ new house, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The big, beautiful home was a symbol of the success she and Cassandra had achieved together. Just a few years ago, merging their companies had given them more money than they’d ever imagined having. They’d decided to use some of their wealth to buy this house for Nadine’s parents, hoping it would make their lives easier.Nadine looked at the house with pride, waiting for her parents to settle into their new surroundings.
As soon as they stepped inside, Nadine noticed her mother, Helen, bustling around, trying to organize the space. Her father, Gary, sat in the living room, looking a bit lost and unsure of what to do. He’d always liked being busy, but now he seemed overwhelmed by the size of the house. Nadine’s heart went out to him as she watched him squirm in his seat.
“Mom, Dad, how are you liking the house?” Nadine asked, trying to lift their spirits.
“It’s...it’s very big,” Gary replied, scratching his head. “I’m just not sure where everything goes.”
“Yeah, and we miss the smaller place,” Helen added, her eyes darting over the piles of boxes that still needed unpacking.
Nadine exchanged a glance with Cassandra. Her presence was calming, and Nadine was grateful for her support.
As they moved deeper into the house, Gary grumbled a bit about the yard and how it needed mowing, along with a few other things. Nadine bit her lip, trying to decide how to approach the topic. Finally, she took a deep breath. “Dad, if you need it, we can hire some help, like a housekeeper or a landscaper,” she suggested, hoping that would ease his worries.
Gary shrugged, but he looked unconvinced. “We don’t want to spend your money, Nadine.”
Nadine felt a little frustrated. After all, they’d bought this house to help her parents, and she’d hoped they would allow themselves to accept some help. She decided to pull Gary aside for a moment. “Dad, can I ask you something?” she said, her voice quiet as they stepped away from the others.
“Of course, sweetheart,” he replied, looking concerned.
“Why have you and Mom been so unwelcoming to Cassandra?” she asked, wanting to understand. “You two never used to act like this with my partners.”
Gary sighed, looking uncomfortable. “It’s not really me, Nadine. Your mother...she’s feeling all sorts of things with this change.”
Nadine felt her heart race. She turned, then walked back to where her mother was trying to organize some boxes. “Mom, can we talk?” she asked, her voice firm yet calm. Helen looked up, surprised, but nodded, sensing the seriousness in Nadine’s tone.
“Everyone, why don’t we take a break for a minute?” Nadine called out to the others. The atmosphere became tense as everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to watch.
Nadine faced her mother. “I’ve noticed you seem uncomfortable with Cassandra. Can you please tell me what’s going on?”
Helen shifted uncomfortably, her hands fidgeting with a piece of cardboard. “Nadine, it’s not about the age difference or anything like that,” she admitted, her voice wavering. “I just worry about you.”
“What do you mean?” Nadine pressed further, feeling a swell of frustration and sadness.
“I know you’ve said you don’t want kids of your own, but you’ve always loved being around children and helping the younger generation,” Helen explained, her eyes softening. “I think Cassandra is...well, she takes that away from you. It feels like you may not be able to give back to the world in the ways you really want to.”
Nadine was taken aback. She hadn’t thought about it that way. “Mom, I appreciate that you worry about me, but I’m happy with Cassandra. She makes me a better person. It doesn’t mean I can’t help younger people or do good in the world.”
Helen opened her mouth to say something but closed it again, considering her daughter’s words. “I just want what’s best for you,” she finally said.
Nadine took a deep breath. “I know you do. But I need you to try to accept my choices. Cassandra is family to me, and I hope she’ll be family to you, too.”
Helen nodded slowly, and Nadine saw a flicker of understanding in her mother’s eyes. A sense of relief washed over her. They could work on this together. After all, family was worth fighting for, and she was determined to make sure they all learned to embrace each other as they navigated this new chapter in their lives.
A week had gone by since the couple had visited Nadine’s parents. Music filled the air and everyone was dancing, talking, and enjoying the flavorful appetizers at Nadine and Cassandra’s anniversary party. The walls of their apartment were adorned with colorful artwork, many pieces made by their talented friends. It was a night of vibrant energy, and Nadine felt grateful for the people around her.
Nadine noticed a shift in the atmosphere when they started talking about serious topics. One of their friends, Vivienne, brought up the current wars in other countries. “It’s hard to believe people in the fashion industry often come from wealthy families,” she said. “Breaking into fashion isn’t easy unless you have connections. Many people face hardships and don’t have the same opportunities.”
Nadine turned to Cassandra, who’d suddenly become very serious. She watched as a thoughtful expression crossed Cassandra’s face. Nadine recognized that her partner often took these discussions to heart, and tonight was no different. Cassandra nodded slowly, her silver hair catching the dim light, giving her an almost mystical appearance. Nadine wondered why this conversation felt heavier than usual.
They returned to dancing, shaking off the seriousness of the conversation. Nadine and Cassandra spun around, laughing and twirling with their friends. Nadine felt light and carefree, forgetting the worries of the world outside for just a moment. The music pulsed through her, and she lost herself in the rhythm. Cassandra held her close, and their bodies moved as if they were one.
Time passed quickly, and as the night wore on, the laughter began to fade. One by one, their friends started to leave, giving hugs and thanking Nadine and Cassandra for the wonderful evening. By the time the last friend stepped out the door, Nadine felt exhaustion creep over her like a cozy blanket. She began to clean up the clutter left behind, but her eyelids grew heavy.
“This was the best party ever!” Nadine exclaimed, but soon she found herself yawning. Cassandra smiled, looking exactly as she had in their younger days. Her hair moved gently as she helped Nadine with the last of the dishes.
“I had a great time, too,” Cassandra replied softly, her voice soothing. “But I couldn’t help thinking about what Vivienne said. It’s just…it’s so unfair.”
Nadine nodded, though she could barely keep her eyes open. “The fashion world seems so glamorous, but…” She trailed off, feeling the weight of sleep pulling her down.
After they finished cleaning, Nadine leaned against the sofa, her body enveloped in exhaustion. “Cassandra, I think I need to sleep,” she murmured, feeling herself slip away. The last thing she heard before drifting off was Cassandra’s tender voice, barely above a whisper.
“I just want to impress your parents, you know?” Cassandra said, her tone heavy with emotion. “I want them to see how happy you are with me. I want them to know that I’ll always take care of you.”
Nadine wanted to respond, but the heaviness of sleep had already embraced her, and she succumbed to it. She dreamed of laughter echoing in their apartment, vibrant colors swirling around her, and Cassandra’s loving gaze upon her.
In her dreams, Nadine felt the warmth of Cassandra’s presence beside her. She knew that even though the world outside was filled with troubles, their love was a sanctuary.
Nadine woke up in the middle of the night. The glow of the skyline slipped through the curtains, casting a soft light into the room. She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the drowsiness that still clung to her. Her mind slowly began to process the sounds coming from the dining room. It wasn’t just the usual creaking of the house settling at night. It sounded like someone was busy at work.
She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and shuffled toward the sound. As she entered the dining room, she spotted Cassandra sitting at the table. Cassandra was surrounded by papers with her laptop open and a phone pressed to her ear. Nadine blinked, still trying to wake up fully.
“Who are you on the phone with?” Nadine asked, her voice thick and sleepy.
Cassandra, looking very wired, held up a finger to signal her to wait. Nadine couldn’t help but notice that her partner had a sparkle in her eyes that made it hard to ignore the energy buzzing around her. She watched as Cassandra wrapped up her conversation, her fingers tapping nervously on the table.
“Okay, I’ll follow up with you tomorrow,” Cassandra said before hanging up. She turned her attention to Nadine, her face lighting up. “You won’t believe what I just thought of!”
“What is it?” Nadine replied, leaning against the doorframe, intrigued and a bit worried at the same time.
“I had a crazy idea,” Cassandra explained, her excitement bubbling over. “What if we started an immigrant apprenticeship program for young adults from war-torn areas? They could come here to New York City and gain experience in the fashion industry through Wynter Pulse Media!”
Nadine’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “An apprenticeship program? Here? For refugees?” She couldn’t wrap her mind around it.
“Yes!” Cassandra said, her voice almost a squeal as she jumped up from her chair. “I’ve already been in touch with some government agencies to discuss logistics. It’s still a bit rough around the edges, but I’m convinced it could work. Other companies have done similar programs, and they usually have less money and connections than we do.”
Nadine crossed her arms, still trying to process all of this. “But it sounds like such a huge task. Have you thought about the challenges?”
Cassandra nodded enthusiastically. “Of course! We’ll need to consider funding, housing, and support for the young adults when they arrive. Still, I think starting this program could make a real difference in their lives. We could provide mentorship and valuable industry experience. Imagine how fulfilling that would be!”
As she listened, Nadine’s heart swelled with admiration. Cassandra had always had passion and drive, but this was something different. This idea brought out a sense of purpose in her partner that Nadine found truly inspiring. “It’s amazing that you’ve already started thinking about how this could work,” Nadine said softly. “It’s a really big commitment, though. Are you ready for that?”
Cassandra took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling. “I’m ready to try. And I think we can do it together. It won’t be easy, but what good thing ever is?”
Nadine smiled, feeling warmth spread through her. “You know you don’t have to do this to make my parents or me happy, right?”
“I know,” Cassandra replied, stepping closer. “But I couldn’t do any of this without you.”
They locked eyes, and Nadine saw the determination and hope shining in Cassandra’s gaze. It filled her with joy. Without thinking, she leaned in, and their lips met in a gentle kiss.
Cassandra pulled back slightly, her face lighting up with a mixture of excitement and sweetness. “I just feel so alive right now…like we could change the world if we wanted to!”
Nadine laughed softly. “Maybe we can start with just a few lives, one step at a time.”
“Exactly.” Cassandra grinned, her energy infectious. “What’s crazy about this isn’t even really the technical side of things…or how unnecessary some more conservative people may think this is. I really do feel for people who are like us and love fashion. The barriers to entry in this industry are unfair. I really feel like this could give more meaning to what we do. Your mom and our friends all lead me to this idea, and it feels like it’s meant to be…just like you and me.”
They wrapped their arms around each other, sharing another kiss filled with promise. In that moment, the quiet chaos of the late-night work faded into the background. It was just the two of them, standing together with dreams taking flight.
As they held each other, Nadine felt the weight of the world lift a little. The excitement of the unknown spread through her veins like electricity. They both knew that this was just the beginning of something bigger than themselves, and it thrilled her to think about how many lives they could impact by working together.
With hearts full of hope and a shared dream ahead of them, Nadine and Cassandra found comfort in each other’s embrace. Everything felt possible, and they knew they would stop at nothing to support each other in living fulfilling lives full of love and hope.