I peek through a narrow slit in the curtain just in time to see Bianca step onto the runway in one of my dresses—a sleek crimson backless design with strategically placed slits. It flows around her like liquid fire.
The reaction from the audience is instant.
Gasps.
Applause.
Someone whistles.
“Oh my God,” I whisper.
The sound of appreciation rolls through the room like a wave, and my chest fills so fast I almost feel dizzy. They love my design. They actually love it.
Bianca reaches the end of the runway, spins with practiced elegance, and struts back with absolute confidence. The moment she disappears backstage, we descend on her again like a pit crew.
“Arms up,” I say.
She laughs as we yank the dress off and slide the next one over her shoulders.
Across the room, Tony is doing the same thing with another model while Chill stands nearby watching the chaos like an amused parent.
“Thirty seconds!” someone shouts.
Viper steps forward.
Her next outfit is one of mine—a black jacket with a tailored waist and sleek lines. It looks amazing on her fit body. Her blonde hair cascades down her back like a sleek waterfall.
“You ready?” I ask.
Viper flashes a dangerous smile.
“Always.”
The music swells again as she strides onto the runway. Another burst of applause rolls through the curtain.
I clutch the edge of the garment rack, barely able to contain the excitement bubbling inside me. The excitement is wild. I’ve barely had time to breathe since the show started. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t loving every minute of it.
Models change. Clothes fly. Laughter fills the room as the show builds toward its finale. Every time Viper or Bianca steps onto the runway in one of my designs, the audience reacts louder.
By the time the final walk begins, the entire venue feels electric.
Then the music fades.
Applause explodes through the room.
“Designers to the stage!” the coordinator calls.
Tony grabs my hand before I can lose my nerve.
“Come on.”
We step out onto the runway together.
The lights are blinding for a second, but then I see the crowd rising to their feet, clapping and cheering along with the other designers standing beside us. My heart feels like it might burst.
Then I see him. Bush stands near the front of the crowd. He has his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes fixed on me. He’s grinning like he just won the lottery.
And the look of pride in his eyes makes my chest tighten in the best possible way.
