Chapter 3

The next day, my fever still hadn't broken, and my whole body ached. But that night was the final showcase for our three-year program. It was the first time we would present our work to brands, the press, family, and friends as independent designers.

I had my armor ready. A silver-gray gown I'd designed and sewn myself. I had chosen the cut, fabric, and embroidery entirely on my own. Adrian's cuffs carried the same silver thread, and we'd planned the whole look together. He'd laughed and promised that after the showcase, we'd take a proper set of photos as a couple.

But when I came out of the shower, the closet was empty. The gown was gone.

I could hear a stylist working downstairs. I hurried down, and the first thing I saw was Sophie standing in front of the full-length mirror. She was wearing my silver-gray gown. The stylist had already taken in the waist and adjusted the back closure, and it fit her perfectly. My mother stood beside her, helping her choose earrings.

My mother saw me on the stairs as if she'd only just remembered I was there. "You're up?"

I looked at the gown. "Why is she wearing my dress?"

Sophie turned around at once, guilt written all over her face. "The zipper broke on the gown the brand sent me. Your mother said yours was better suited to tonight's stage, so I borrowed it. If you mind, I'll change out of it now."

As she spoke, the stylist fastened the last hidden closure, completing the look. If Sophie changed now, she would have nothing to wear. My mother frowned. "There will be press everywhere tonight. If you make her change, what is she supposed to walk out in?"

"I made it for myself."

Adrian came downstairs just then. He looked at Sophie first, and admiration flashed in his eyes. "That suits you." Then he noticed me but barely gave me a glance. "Elena, you've got other clothes. Don't make a thing of it."

I looked at the silver thread on his cuffs. "That was our matching look."

Half a second of silence. "Tonight is a professional event. Don't get hung up on personal things."

There was nothing left to argue about. I dug out a black suit I never wore and stood in the crowd with no spotlight on me.

The showcase went exactly as I'd expected. The brand trained every spotlight and camera on Sophie and Adrian. Silver and gray, matching embroidery, flawless together under the lights.

The host teased them. "You're both moving to New York, and you're this coordinated tonight. Did you two plan to dress like a couple?" The room whooped, and that settled it for everyone.

Adrian smiled, unbothered. "We've known each other for years. We have similar taste."

He didn't mention that the look had originally been mine. He didn't mention that I was his girlfriend. People in the industry began to whisper. "Are those two together? They make a good couple."

I stood in the shadows outside the interview area, watching the two people everyone else was watching. All I felt was exhaustion.

The best seats in the family section, reserved for my parents, stayed empty all evening. I checked the VIP area and found them at Sophie's table. My mother held up her phone to film. My father had a glass in his hand and was laughing with a brand executive.

My friend Mia followed my gaze. "Weren't your parents your biggest supporters? Why have they been with Sophie all night?"

"There's a moment they'd rather witness tonight."

As we wrapped up backstage, Vivian, the creative director, stopped me. "Why did you turn down the senior assistant position in Manhattan?"

"I accepted the Grand Fellowship."

She looked at me for a few seconds, unsurprised. "You're sure?"

"Yes."

"Eighteen months in San Francisco. Once you commit, you'll be putting down roots there."

"I know."

She nodded. "Go do it. The official list of winners comes out in two days. Before then, the foundation will confirm your family's attendance details. Remember to reply to the email."

On my way out of the backstage area, I saw Adrian draping a wrap over Sophie's shoulders. My parents stood beside them, talking about New York listings, commutes, and work plans. Every sentence was about Sophie's future. Nobody asked about the theme of my closing collection. Nobody asked why I hadn't worn the finale gown. Nobody cared about my work, my results, or my future.

That was when the last tie holding me there finally snapped.