CHAPTER 346

Emily’s POV

I woke up with that familiar wave of nausea, but it was nothing new. Morning sickness had become an old friend since I’d found out about the baby. I grumbled as I sat up in bed, trying to shake off the dizziness.

I was still basking in the afterglow of my recent win—first prize in the costume design competition. It had been unexpected and thrilling, and my heart still fluttered with pride every time I thought about it.

Shuffling into the kitchen, I prepared a quick breakfast, my mind already replaying the congratulatory messages I’d received over the past few days.

With a half-eaten slice of toast in one hand and my phone in the other, I sat at the kitchen table, scrolling through social media. The news about my win was everywhere, but I stopped cold when I saw the latest headline: “Design Contest Winner Accused of Plagiarism”.

“What the—” I exclaimed, my voice coming out as a strangled whisper. My heart raced as I tapped the article, my fingers trembling slightly.

The