The venue was larger than Grace expected.
Bright lights hung from the ceiling. A long runway stretched across the hall, surrounded by neatly arranged seats. People moved around quickly: organizers, models, assistants, everyone focused, everyone busy.
Grace stood near the backstage entrance, holding her file.
For a moment, she just looked at everything.
This was real.
Amber stood beside her, practically vibrating with excitement.
“Grace,” she whispered, “this is huge.”
Grace nodded slowly.
“I know.”
Lina stood slightly behind them, holding a garment bag carefully, as if it were something fragile.
“I’ll be careful,” Lina said softly.
Grace glanced at her and smiled faintly.
“I trust you.”
*
Backstage was crowded.
Designers moved around, checking their models, adjusting fabrics, giving last-minute instructions.
Grace didn’t move much.
She simply watched.
Observed.
Her five designs were already prepared.
Hanging neatly.
Ready.
