“Ah—Nina.”
Julia appeared with her polished smile, already guiding us forward. “I’d love for you to meet our director of event coordination and operations, Ms. Hana Zhou.”
The woman beside her was stunning. Her silk-satin gown was a deep, luxurious red, rose-shaped appliqués climbing the skirt before trailing into a dramatic train. The craftsmanship alone made my fingers itch to touch the fabric.
This was serious work.
I extended my hand. “It’s a pleasure.”
She took it with a firm, elegant grip. “Ms. Moretti, I’ve beeneager to meet you. Your show and theVoguebehind-the-scenes footage were extraordinary. The industry is buzzing about you.”
I exhaled slowly, only then realizing I’d been holding my breath. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
I turned slightly. “This is Inaya Abbas, my right hand and the true genius behind my brand.”
Inaya shot me a look that said,don’t you dare, but Ms. Zhou smiled warmly.
“A pleasure, Ms. Abbas.”
“Nina and her team are expanding here in New York,” Julia added.
“Oh?” Ms. Zhou’s gaze sharpened with interest. “Opening a boutique?”
“I am,” I said, swallowing. “We’re still hunting for the right space.”
“You will find it,” she said with quiet confidence.
“And your dress,” I added, unable to help myself. “It’s beautiful.”
Her lips curved. “Do you recognize the fabric?”
“Silk satin,” I replied. “At first glance, it reads red, but it’s really a blend of maroon and crimson.”
Her eyes lit with approval. “A true designer’s eye. You’ll do very well in this industry, dear.”
Then she left.
I stood there for a moment, my pulse still racing, before scanning the room. Designer showcases lined the walls, mannequins draped in masterpieces I’d studied for years. Faces I’d only ever seen on screens now passed me in real life.
Then I saw two designers who inspire me the most.
Melaine Christie.
Justina Devereux.
My breath caught.
Inaya nudged me. “Go.”
So I did.
They greeted us warmly, their attention focused on me in a way that felt unreal.
“It’s an honor to meet you,” I said, shaking their hands. “Your work has inspired me for years.”
“We’ve heard wonderful things about you, Ms. Moretti,” Justina said. “We’re excited to see what you bring to the runway.”
Pride flared through me, followed quickly by doubt.
