Dresses and Dreams

Five Years Later.

The room was filled with soft light that bounced off the tall glass walls, giving it an airy and elegant feel.

In the center stood a mannequin in a dress that looked like a work of art. It had layers of floating silk fabric and beads that sparkled like stars. The dress was unfinished, but it already exuded undeniable luxury and elegance.

I stood in front of the mannequin, intently watching every detail. My fingers touched the fabric, fixing the slight crease at the waist before I stepped back to look at it from a different angle. My boots clicked softly on the smooth wooden floor, and a sound drowned out in the low rumble of my team's discussion behind me.

"Add a little more volume at the bottom," I say, more to myself than to anyone else.

But one of my assistants, Grace, notes it right away. She's always alert, and so are the others. My team, little family, the ones who always believed in my vision, even when I doubted myself at times.

I took a deep breath, feeling a bit of fatigue creeping up on me. My schedule is busy, but I never allow myself to stop, not now, when the name "Éclat" is the talk of the fashion world.

My designs are everywhere: on the red carpet, in major magazines, even in the window displays of luxury boutiques. But few knew who I was. I kept my distance from the media, making sure my face remained anonymous.

 I wanted to be known for my work, not for myself.

The large mirror next to me reflects a figure I barely recognize anymore. My black hair is now thick, I tied in a messy bun, and my face is flawlessly clean with perfect minimalist makeup.

My body? It is no longer the body I used to hate but the one I built with hard work and dedication.

I was the new Raquel.

Not the Raquel Renaud who always stood in Camille's shadow.

I'm just Raquel Marsh.

A sound of footsteps approached from the direction of the door, and I heard someone stop beside me. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was. A familiar scent, a mix of masculine cologne, and a hint of coffee told me it was Harry.

"Drink this," he said quietly, his voice low but warm. He held out a bottle of cold water to me.

I took it without saying anything, but I couldn't help the smile that appeared at the corner of my lips. I sipped the water slowly, the cold refreshing my dry throat.

"This dress will be your masterpiece," his eyes fixed on the mannequin before us.

I turned slightly, seeing her standing with her hands in her pants pockets, her demeanor relaxed. His brown hair was somewhat disheveled, and there were small bags under his eyes, probably from working too hard, like me.

"Thank you," I replied simply.

He turned to me, his green eyes looking at me intently. "Don't forget to rest, Ky. Even a legend needs time to breathe."

I chuckled, a sound I rarely heard from myself. But around Harry, the laughter came quickly, as if the world wasn't too heavy to bear.

"I'll think about it," I replied, looking again at the dress in front of us.

But I knew, even though I didn't say it, I appreciated his thoughtfulness more than I could put into words.

Five years ago, I never imagined I would be standing in this place, being a woman who could finally love herself.

<<<>>> 

The sound of cheerful laughter echoed from the direction of the entrance.

I lifted my head from the sketch I was drawing, seeing Anna and Becca appeae. With her curly hair cut short and fashionable look, Becca wore a bright orange suit that contrasted with her glistening brown skin.

Meanwhile, Anna, as usual, wore jeans and an oversized T-shirt, she didn't care about fashion trends—an ironic attitude considering she worked in the same circles as me.

"Raquel, honey! You wouldn't believe how many DMs I've gotten about Éclat!" exclaimed Becca, immediately dropping her Hermès bag onto the sofa. "So, this is the dress everyone is going crazy over?" she asked, glancing at the mannequin. She folded her arms, looked up, and smiled with satisfaction. "Genius, as always. But seriously, we need to talk."

Anna followed her with a cup of coffee. "I knew she'd start this," she muttered as she flopped onto the sofa. "Prepare yourself, Ky. She’s already spent half the way here practicing her arguments."

Becca threw a sharp look at Anna. "Of course, I'm practicing! It's important! The world needs to know who Raquel is or who's behind Éclat."

I sighed, already knowing where this conversation was going. "Becca, I told you, I'm not interested in appearing on camera. I'm more comfortable like this."

Becca clucked loudly, almost like a mother annoyed with a stubborn child. "You can't keep hiding, Ky. After that last catwalk, social media exploded! Everyone wants to know who you are. They're calling you the mysterious designer who changed the face of modern fashion. This is a golden opportunity!"

Standing near me with a smile while observing the situation, Harry finally spoke up. "He has a point, Ky. But you're also entitled to your privacy. So... I'm in the middle on this one."

"Of course, you're in the middle. That's a polite way of saying you don't want to get involved." Anna chuckled.

Becca glanced sharply at Harry before turning back to me. "I even have an idea for the interview. Let's make it casual like friends chatting over tea. And I'll be the host. You know I can make things look glamorous but still comfortable, Ky."

I tried to suppress a smile. "And you think that will convince me?"

Becca dramatically pointed at me. "Oh, I knew that would convince you. Because I know a little part of you wants the world to know how awesome you are right now."

Anna held up her hand to stop Becca. "Okay, okay, I get that you're excited, Becca. But if Ky says no, so be it. It's her choice. We can't force her."

"But it's for her own good!" Becca exclaimed, rolling her eyes. "Imagine the impact, Anna. We could create a new icon in the fashion world."

"Or she could remain the mysterious designer that everyone is curious about. That's cool, too." Anna sipped her coffee casually.

"It's like watching a live talk show. Who's going to win?" Harry crossed his arms, enjoying their argument.

"Shut up!" Becca and Anna exclaimed simultaneously, Harry raising his hands in surrender as he rolled his eyes.

I stared at those still busy arguing, their voices sounding like distant murmurs even though they were standing only a few steps away. Becca argued passionately, her hands twitching in the air, while Anna countered calmly, sipping her coffee between sentences. Harry stood in the corner, enjoying this little show with a tired but amused smile.

I shifted my gaze to the mannequin in the center of the room. The dress reflected who I was now—luxurious, elegant, and full of details that would only be recognized by people who paid attention to it.

But me? I remained hidden behind this piece. No one knows who created it. Only rumors and speculations and the name "Éclat" keep echoing in every corner of the industry.

What would happen if I stopped hiding?

I thought of my family—my mother, my father, my sister : Camille—those who never really saw me as anything significant.

Five years ago, I didn't just lose a husband when I decided to leave Alvaro. I lost my family, or at least the people I used to think of as my family. That decision made them turn away as if I were a stain too difficult for them to erase.

And Alvaro...

I closed my eyes briefly, remembering his phony smile, piercing words, and how he destroyed every part of me that once believed in love.

What if he saw me now?

What would he think if the world knew that Raquel, whom he once called useless, was the woman behind all this?

I let out a long breath, opening my eyes again. My mind kept scrolling. Was I ready to face all that?

Do I want to open myself up to the world, to those who used to not care about me?

"You heard us, right?" Becca suddenly asked, her voice cutting through my reverie.

I turned my head, finding them all staring at me—Becca with an urgent look, Anna with a raised eyebrow, and Harry, who was still leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.

I let the silence hang for a moment, observing them.

These were the people who had become my family for the past years—those who see me as Raquel, without any frills, Camille's shadow, insults, or judgment.

It was probably about time.

"I'll do it," I said finally.

The room was instantly silent.

Becca froze with her mouth slightly open, Anna almost dropped her coffee, and Harry even straightened his body away from the wall, his eyes widening slightly.

"You're going to... what?" Becca finally managed to speak, her voice sounding like disbelief.

I looked at her directly, the corners of my lips curling slightly. "I'll do it. The interview."

"I knew you couldn't refuse!" Becca jumped up immediately, throwing a small punch like a winner. But then she stopped, looking at me carefully. "Wait. You're not messing around, are you? Is this serious?"

"Hundred percent," I replied shortly, my little smile told her I meant it.

Anna shook her head softly, putting her coffee down on the table. "Okay, this is... unexpected. But good for you, Ky. I'm glad you finally decided this because you wanted to, not because of pressure from this fashionista." She glanced at Becca with a slight grin.

Harry came closer, looking at me with an expression that was hard to guess. "Are you sure? This is a big step."

I nodded slowly. "I know. But maybe it's time. Maybe it's time for the world to know who I am."

Becca cheered again, while Anna chuckled, shaking her head with a smile. Harry just stood there, looking at me with a small, understanding.

I knew they all had their reasons for supporting or protecting me. But now, the decision was mine, and I felt stronger than ever.

"Let's make this awesome," I said finally.

<<<>>> 

A gust of sea breeze greets my face as soon as I leave the car, bringing a soothing, salty scent. In the distance, the lapping waves sounded like a melody dancing along the shoreline.

I clutched my handbag in one hand, my shoes tapping gently on the cobbled path leading to my house. The house stood majestically with large windows overlooking the ocean—my sanctuary of quiet and peace.

As soon as I opened the front door, shrill laughter greeted me, flowing from the living room. The clinking of plastic toys was followed by the sound of little feet running around.

Before I saw them, a scene came to mind—the twins, cheerful and full of energy, like waves that never stop rolling.

I stepped inside, leaned my bag on the chair by the door, and waited momentarily. From the kitchen, a soft but authoritative voice echoed.

"Theo, Tilly, don't throw that pillow! It will hit the window!"

It was the voice of Ms. Florinda, my nanny since childhood. She now helped take care of my children, and her tone was still as warm as ever.

I held back the smile beginning to form at the corners of my lips.

My steps slowed as I approached the living room, stopping right before the door. I gripped the handle, taking a deep breath before pushing it open, shouting, "Walla!"

Two small heads immediately turned toward me. Matteo's bright blue eyes met mine, while Matilda's curly hair skipping like small waves immediately widened her smile.

"Mama!" they shouted together.

They ran towards me, their tiny footsteps sounding like the rhythm of sweet chaos on the wooden floor. Matteo arrived first, leaping with all his might into my arms until I almost lost my balance.

"Wait, Theo, it's Tilly's turn, too," I laughed, trying to hug them together.

Not to be outdone, Matilda hugged my waist from the side, her tiny face pressed against my stomach.

"I brought something for you guys," I whispered, making them release their hugs and look at me enthusiastically.

"What is it, Ma? Toys?" asked Theo excitedly.

Tilly cut in immediately. "Or chocolate cake? I love chocolate cake, Ma!"

Ms. Florinda appeared at the kitchen door, wiping her hands with a napkin, her eyes flashing warmth at the sight of us. "Look who's finally home. They have been waiting all afternoon."

I nodded to her with a smile. "Thank you for looking after them."

"As always, dear," she replied with a smile. "Now, I'll make some tea for us, and you three can enjoy your time first."

I looked at them, who were still looking at me expectantly. Now, all worries about the outside world were gone. It was just the four of us, the sound of the waves and the warmth of the house embracing us.

"Alright, you must close your eyes first," I said.

They squealed, closing their eyes with their hands, and I laughed, reaching into my bag for the small gifts I had prepared mini doll for Matilda and a wooden airplane for Matteo.

"Ready? One... two... three!"

When they opened their eyes and saw the gifts in my hands, cheerful laughter filled the air, flowing like music that made the whole room feel more alive.