บททั้งหมดของ Divorced, Now Watch Me Rise!: บทที่ 91 - บทที่ 100

CLAIRE The next two weeks passed in a blur of fabric samples, fitting appointments, and late nights at the production house. Nina had assembled a small team to help prepare for the showcase, seamstresses who worked quickly and precisely, bringing my sketches to life.I'd chosen eight pieces for the show, a carefully curated collection that told a story from beginning to end, from darkness to light, from broken to whole, from lost to found. It wasn't subtle but it was honest, and that felt right.Julian had been dealing with his own chaos, meetings with lawyers, preparing for the trial that was scheduled to start in three weeks, giving statements to investigators.We saw each other in the mornings over coffee and late at night when we were both too exhausted to do anything except fall into bed, but we made it work, we had to.On Wednesday afternoon, I was at Nina's studio reviewing the final pieces when my phone rang.Unknown number. I almost didn't answer but something made me pick u

CLAIRE"Then we deal with it," Julian said. "But I don't think she will, you set clear boundaries and she agreed to them.""People agree to things and then ignore them all the time," I pointed out."True," Julian conceded. "But you also have the right to end the interview if she crosses a line."I nodded, trying to internalize that. "Come here," Julian said, opening his arms.I walked over and let him pull me close. "You're going to be great," he murmured against my hair. "Just be yourself, talk about your work, and don't let her push you into areas you're not comfortable with.""Okay," I said, my voice muffled against his chest.We stood like that for a while, his arms warm and solid around me. "Thank you," I said finally."For what?" Julian asked."For always knowing what I need to hear," I replied.Julian kissed the top of my head."Get some sleep," he said. "Big day tomorrow."***The next afternoon, I arrived at Nina's studio thirty minutes early. Nina had transformed the space,

CLAIREBy the time I left the studio that evening, my feet ached and my head throbbed but I felt ready. The showcase was in two days and everything was as prepared as it could be.Nina walked me to the door, her expression a mix of excitement and exhaustion. "Get some rest tomorrow," she said. "Wednesday is going to be intense.""I will," I promised, though I doubted I'd actually sleep much."And Claire?" Nina added. "No matter what happens, you should be proud, you've built something real."I hugged her tightly. "Thank you," I said. "For everything, I couldn't have done this without you.""Yes you could have," Nina replied. "But I'm glad I got to be part of it."When I got home, Julian was on the phone in his room, his voice low and tense. I didn't interrupt, just went to the kitchen and started making dinner.Twenty minutes later, Julian emerged looking worn down. "My lawyer," he explained without me asking. "More pre-trial preparation.""Are you hungry?" I asked, gesturing to the p

CLAIRE The first model stepped onto the runway wearing the opening piece, a structured blazer in charcoal gray over wide-leg trousers. The room went silent except for the music, a slow instrumental build that matched the pace of her walk. I stood backstage, my hands clasped together so tightly my knuckles turned white, watching through the gap in the curtain, the model reached the end of the runway, paused for the photographers, then turned and walked back. Perfect, exactly as we'd practiced. Nina appeared beside me, squeezing my arm. "Breathe," she whispered. I realized I'd been holding my breath and let it out slowly. The second model walked out in a deep burgundy dress, then the third, the fourth, each piece building on the one before. The audience was quiet but attentive, I could see people leaning forward in their seats, photographers' cameras clicking c

CLAIRE The ride home was silent. Julian had called for the car while police finished taking preliminary statements from witnesses, while Nina coordinated with venue staff to secure the remaining pieces from my collection, while I sat in a chair backstage trying to make my brain work properly.It wouldn't, every time I closed my eyes, I saw that man rushing toward me.Saw the bottle in his hand, saw Julian jumping up from his seat. The car pulled up outside and Julian helped me stand, his hand firm on my elbow.n"Can you walk?" he asked quietly.I nodded.Nina hugged me tightly before we left. "I'll handle everything here," she promised. "The collection, the venue, all of it, you just go home and rest."I wanted to thank her but the words stuck in my throat. She seemed to understand because she just squeezed my hand and stepped back.Julian guided me through the back exit where fewer people were gathered, fewer cameras, fewer questions, but we still couldn't avoid them completely."Ms.