Chapter Twenty Three

Adora

I stepped into the kitchen and the aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air. My mom stood by the oven, wearing an apron.

Not speaking a word, I headed to the refrigerator, reaching for the door handle, but then noticed a sketchbook lying on the counter.

Curious, I grabbed it, flipping through the pages and admiring the very beautiful designs. They looked magazine-worthy, and I wondered who drew them and why they were here.

"Did you buy this?" I asked my mom. She turned around, blushing and looking very nervous.

"Hold on, Mom. You own this?" I asked her, my mouth gaping open in shock. "They are so amazing."

Caught off guard, she scratched the back of her neck. "Oh, they're not. Just some basic designs that I do."

"But why are you hiding this? I had no idea you could do this. This is incredible!"

"It's just a little hobby of mine. I've always dreamed of having my own fashion store."

"Then why haven't you opened it?"

"It's not that easy, honey," she shrugged. "I don't know. Ma