Ellen didn’t go home that night to cry herself to sleep. Instead, she walked with purpose, each step taking her further away from the past and closer to something new. By the time she arrived at her family’s estate, she was exhausted, but her mind was clear.

As soon as she stepped through the grand doors, her mother, Vivian, rushed to her side.

“Ellen! We’ve been worried sick—what happened?” Her voice was filled with warmth, her eyes scanning Ellen’s face for answers.

Ellen took a deep breath.

“Rick cheated on me with Alexis,” she said bluntly. “They’ve been seeing each other for months.”

Her father, Robert, who had been reading in the lounge, set his book down with a thud.

“That bastard.”

Her younger brother, Ethan, let out a low whistle.

“Knew I never liked that guy. Want me to make his life miserable?” he asked, only half-joking.

Her mother pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Sweetheart, I’m so sorry. You deserve so much better.”

Ellen closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of her family’s support. It was in that moment she realized she wasn’t alone. She had people who truly loved her, who would stand by her no matter what.

Lifting her head, she made a decision.

“I’m done wasting my time on people who don’t deserve me,” she declared. “I want to focus on something that truly matters. I want to build something of my own.”

Her father studied her, pride flickering in his eyes.

“You have the mind for business, Ellen. If that’s what you want, we’ll support you.”

Ellen nodded, determination burning in her chest.

“Then let’s get started. It’s time I create something that no one can take from me.”

Ethan, still sitting on the couch, grinned.

“So, when do we start? You’ve got a whole army ready to back you up.”

Her father raised an eyebrow, still sizing up the weight of her words.

“Building a business is no small task. What are you thinking of starting? What’s your vision?”

Ellen’s mind raced with possibilities, each more exhilarating than the last.

“I’ve been thinking about the fashion industry, actually. There’s a gap in the market for luxury clothing that’s both sustainable and affordable. Something that doesn’t compromise on quality but isn’t inaccessible for most people.” She paused, seeing the skeptical expressions on her family’s faces. “I know it sounds ambitious, but I think it could work.”

Vivian exchanged a look with Robert before speaking.

“Sustainability and fashion? That’s a growing trend. But you’ll need connections, resources…”

Ellen cut her off with a confident smile.

“I’ve got all that. I know people who can help with materials, design, and marketing. I just need to focus on the strategy and the heart of the brand.”

Ethan raised his hand like a schoolboy eager to contribute.

“You’ve already got the heart, sis. Look at what you’re doing now—starting fresh, building something real.”

Her father leaned forward, his tone thoughtful.

“Alright. We’ll support you. But remember this: It won’t be easy. And there will be moments when you’ll want to quit.”

Ellen locked eyes with him, her resolve unwavering.

“Then I’ll push through those moments. This is my time.”

The following weeks were a blur of meetings, research, and late nights spent sketching ideas. Ellen threw herself into the project with a laser focus, gathering a team of talented individuals who shared her vision. Among them was Maya, a skilled designer with a passion for sustainable fashion, and Daniel, a tech-savvy marketer who could craft a social media campaign that would make waves.

The more she immersed herself in the project, the clearer her path became. She wasn’t just building a brand—she was building a legacy. But despite the excitement, the ache of betrayal from Rick and Alexis still lingered. There were moments when she would catch herself lost in thought, the sting of it all creeping up unexpectedly. But each time, she would remind herself why she was doing this: to prove that she didn’t need anyone to validate her worth.

It was a rainy afternoon when she received the first batch of prototype designs from Maya. Ellen sat in her office, surrounded by samples of fabric and design sketches, each one more beautiful than the last. Maya had captured the essence of what Ellen wanted perfectly: elegant, timeless pieces made from eco-friendly materials, with a sleek modern touch.

She held one of the pieces—a black dress with clean lines and a subtle shimmer—up to the light. It felt like a turning point. This was real.

Her phone buzzed, snapping her out of the moment. It was a message from her mother:

“Your father wants you to join us for dinner tonight. He’s been saying you’re working too hard, but I think he’s just worried.”

Ellen smiled, her heart warm. Her family had been nothing but supportive. But despite their concern, she knew she needed this. It was her future she was building.

As she slipped the dress back on the mannequin, her mind wandered to the next steps. The designs were just the beginning. The real challenge was going to be turning her passion into something that could stand the test of time. But she wasn’t scared anymore.

She was ready for this.