CHAPTER 1:

I woke up to the soft glow of dawn, the clock blinking 5 AM, my usual time to rise. My brown hair was a tangled mess, and I could feel my glasses slipping down my nose as I stretched. It was time to start my day, even if I felt like a sleep-deprived zombie.

As I stumbled out of bed, I tripped over Mr. Whiskers, who was sprawled out like he owned the place. I couldn’t help but giggle as I scooped him up, cradling him against my chest. “You little scamp,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to his furry head. “You’re the real reason I’m up so early, aren’t you?”

But as I cradled him, a familiar ache tugged at my heart. Memories I tried so hard to forget crept in, uninvited. Five years had passed since I handed him those divorce papers, and yet the pain felt fresh. I could still see his detached expression as he signed, the coldness in his eyes cutting deeper than I ever imagined.

I had loved him completely, but now all I saw was darkness—his obsession with work and that woman, Victoria. She was everything I wasn’t: stunning, confident, and with a smile that could charm anyone. The way she moved, how she always seemed in control, made my blood boil.

That day at his office replayed in my mind like a horror film. I had been so excited, packing his favorite meal and feeling that familiar flutter of anticipation. But when I arrived and heard those muffled voices, unease crept in like a shadow.

Pushing open the door, I called out, “Honey, I brought your favorite dinner!” The sight before me shattered my world. He was on the couch, hands buried in her skirt, lips locked in a kiss that felt like a knife through my heart. I dropped the container, watching it crash to the floor, and for a moment, I was paralyzed.

That image was seared into my mind: his hands on her, their passion. It felt like the air had been sucked out of my lungs. I turned and ran, fleeing the scene that had just destroyed everything I thought I knew. I collapsed behind the wheel of my car, overwhelmed with grief and rage.

His desperate pleas for forgiveness echoed through the night as I drove away, but I couldn’t look back. When I finally pulled into my driveway, Alex and Mia were waiting for me. I stumbled into their arms, the tears spilling over.

“He cheated on me,” I sobbed, my words barely coherent. “I saw him with her. I’ll never go back to him again.”

They held me tight, their shock and outrage palpable. “We’re here for you, Rach,” Mia whispered. “You’re not alone. We’ll get through this together.”

Even now, years later, the memory haunted me. I couldn’t shake the betrayal; it felt fresh, a reminder of how our love had been a lie.

But I didn’t want to feel discouraged, especially with my new fashion brand about to launch."

Starting my fashion brand, "Elegance & Style," was something I’d always wanted. As the CEO, I jumped in headfirst—sketching designs, sourcing materials, and working with some incredible people.

With the launch happening Today, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. This was more than just a business; it felt like my fresh start. I could feel myself getting happy and I knew I was headed in the right direction.

I’ve been pulling late nights, fine-tuning designs and coordinating everything for tonight’s event. Mia and Alex have been my biggest cheerleaders, helping with everything from marketing ideas to setting up the venue.

And now, here we are—the night of the launch! I’m backstage, my heart racing as I hear the buzz of the crowd outside. There’s laughter and chatter, and I can feel the excitement building. This is it—the moment I’ve worked so hard for.

When it’s my turn to speak, I take a deep breath and step out. “Thank you all for being here!” I say, my voice steadying. I share my journey, the challenges I’ve faced, and the passion behind my designs. The energy in the room is electric.

As people browse the collection, I feel a swell of pride. Each piece reflects my journey, a testament to resilience and hope. Seeing others connect with my designs makes every late night worth it.

After my speech, I stepped off the stage, and Mia and Alex rushed over, grinning from ear to ear.

“You did it, Rachel! You were amazing!” Mia exclaimed, pulling me into a hug.

“Seriously, you crushed it,” Alex added, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Now it’s time to celebrate!”

I laughed, feeling a mix of relief and joy. “You think so? I was so nervous!”

“Of course! And we have to celebrate this win. It’s Friday, and we’re hitting the club tonight!” Mia declared, her enthusiasm infectious.

“Absolutely! You deserve a night out after all the hard work,” Alex chimed in. “Let’s make this a weekend to remember.”

I hesitated for a moment, the thought of a loud club contrasting with the intimate atmosphere of the launch. “Are you sure? I mean, it’s been such a big night already.”

Mia waved her hand dismissively. “That’s exactly why we need to go! You can’t celebrate a major milestone like this by staying in.”

“Yeah, let’s dance, have some fun, and let loose!” Alex added, his excitement making it hard to resist.

I smiled, feeling the urge to celebrate bubbling up inside me. “Alright, you’ve convinced me! Let’s do it!”

“Perfect! I’ll grab my stuff, and we’ll head out,” Mia said, already pulling out her phone to find the hottest club in town.

As we made plans, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for my friends. Tonight was about more than just my launch; it was a celebration of new beginnings—and I was ready to embrace it.