The participants gathered in the workshop, each holding their designs with them. Cassia set her sketch and drafted patterns on the table, her mind busy with ideas for the next phase. She stood with the other contestants, waiting for instructions, while those who had been eliminated began leaving—exc
Cassia offered a soft smile, already knowing Samantha was here to mock her—just like always. But Cassia wasn’t ready to back down. She wasn’t going to tolerate any more insults from her. "I didn’t realize the contest was looking for something... different this year," Samantha said with a pointed t
Nora's eyes returned to the designs in front of her, a slight smile forming on her lips. "What about something simple yet difficult? I'm eager to see who will actually become the face of the design world this time around," she muttered, rising to her feet. A small smile lingered on her lips as she
"It's chilly outside," his voice came through gently. "But, can you come out for a bit?" He asked, and once again, silence took over. Cassia raised a brow, wondering if he’d hit his head. The gentleness in his tone was unfamiliar. Before she could respond or break the silence, Darvan spoke again.
Felicia gave a final smile and turned to the remaining participants. "Good luck with the competition," she said warmly. "Thank you," they replied with a nod as Felicia left with Damien. Aliyah’s gaze remained fixed on the piece of paper detailing the design type, fabrics, and theme to be used. S
"I.. won?" She murmured in disbelief, blinking as if she couldn't believe her ears. Adeline’s eyes burned with fury as she glared at Cassia during the announcement of the competition results. Her expression darkened as cheers erupted from the crowd, and quiet whispers filled the room. Other contest
Cassia stood on the stage, her heart swelling with a mix of triumph and relief as the judges took turns offering their congratulations. Each word of praise felt like a warm embrace, validating not only her talent but the long, difficult journey that led to this moment. "Your innovation and craftsma
"She’s... alive?" he muttered under his breath, his voice barely a whisper. Cassia arched a worried brow, turning fully to face the waiter in front of her. "What did you say?" "Nothing." He cleared his throat, his gaze darting everywhere but at her. "I said you're... pretty." Her eyes narrowed sl
Cassia stepped into the glass-paneled building of Martinez's company, heading straight to Martinez’s office, hoping to find him there. But when she got there, the office was empty. The lights were off, and the space was far too quiet and organized. She looked around, confused, then walked out of t
Mrs. Sinclair sat on one of the couches, her phone in her as she read through the documents that had just been sent to her. At first, her expression was calm, plain. But as she read through each paragraph, her face changed...her brows furrowed, her eyes widened in disbelief, and her mouth fell open
Darvan pushed the sheets aside and got out of bed. He showered, dressed, and stepped out of the room he was staying in. In the sitting room, he found Justin, busy with a bowl of cereal and his gaze fixed on his phone. "Are you going home now?" Justin asked. "Yeah... I'll see you later," Darvan rep
Martinez clenched his fists tightly as the news anchor continued speaking. In anger, he snatched the remote from the table and turned off the TV before moving away from the window to grab his phone. He picked it up and decided to call his sister but there was no answer. "Pick up, God dammit," he m
Cassia took a few slow steps toward the nun, stopping just in front of her. Her eyes searched the old woman’s face, as if trying to confirm what she had just heard. It didn’t feel real. Her heart was racing, and her mind was spinning. "Can you... tell me more about it?" Cassia asked, her voice soft
Fredrick and Marc arrived not long after, bringing the familiar noise that always followed them. Fredrick’s laughter echoed down the hallway before the door even opened, and Marc trailed behind him quietly. "Yo!" Fredrick called out, stepping in with open arms. "What’s up, you two? It’s been a whil
Darvan remained in the driver’s seat, his forehead still pressed against the steering wheel, the truth continuing to haunt him. Just then, his phone buzzed beside him, vibrating insistently until he finally glanced over and picked it up. He sighed, pressed the answer button, and lifted the phone to
Mrs. Sinclair reached out, her fingers brushing lightly against Darvan’s arm. But he shifted away, creating space between them. "What were you and Martinez talking about just now?" he asked, both brows arching. Mrs. Sinclair opened her mouth to speak, but hesitated. “Where exactly did you hear it
Cassia stared at him, surprised by her own words, but regret? No. She felt none. Darvan, still visibly stunned, drew in a breath. She was right. He had no right to expect her to care anymore. "You should go home... it's late," she muttered again. Darvan nodded but didn’t move toward her like he u