As dawn broke over the villa, the estate began to stir with an air of quiet anticipation. Nestled amid lush, manicured gardens, the villa was a masterpiece of elegance, its architecture a seamless blend of classic sophistication and modern luxury.
The grand entrance, framed by towering cypress trees, led guests through iron gates that whispered secrets of the evening to come. Soft, ambient light danced across the stone paths, casting a gentle glow that promised an evening of unparalleled glamour.
Inside, the villa's grand hall was transformed into a runway of dreams. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, refracting light into a million dazzling fragments, creating a celestial glow that enveloped every corner.
The runway itself, a sleek ribbon of polished marble, reflected the elegance of the night. Every detail, from the meticulously arranged seating to the subtle scent of blooming jasmine, was curated to perfection.
As the evening unfolded, the anticipation built. The crowd, a blend of fashion elites and industry insiders and expensive celebrities, whispered excitedly, knowing that tonight's show would be more than just fashion. It would be a vast experience.
As the evening reached its crescendo, the anticipation in the air was almost tangible. The audience sat in eager silence, eyes fixed on the runway, waiting for the last, most breathtaking reveal.
As the final model stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere shifted. With every graceful stride, the model moved as if the runway itself was a stage set for a grand finale. With a final turn, the model disappeared behind the curtain, leaving the audience breathless.
Just when they thought they had seen it all, the atmosphere in the villa shifted almost imperceptibly. The curtains closed slowly and the lights dimmed, enveloping the room in a soft, expectant darkness. The audience, still buzzing from the stunning collection, fell silent, their anticipation building with each passing second.
Then, out of the silence, a single spotlight pierced the darkness, casting a brilliant beam onto the stage. The murmurs of the crowd grew into excited whispers as Moon Ga-young emerged, bathed in the spotlight's glow. She wore a flowing ivory gown, stitched with fine gold threads that caught the light with every movement. The fabric clung softly to her waist before cascading down in delicate layers, swaying like waves with each step. Her shoulders were bare, adorned only with a thin crystal chain that glimmered against her skin. Her hair was swept back into a low, elegant bun, revealing her calm, confident gaze.
She was not just walking. She was floating.
Gasps rippled through the audience. Cameras clicked wildly.
Before the whispers could settle, the lights shifted again.
A second spotlight ignited.
Jang Ki-yong emerged from the shadows. He was dressed in a sharply tailored midnight-black suit, redesigned with Maison Éclat's signature twist. One side of the jacket was embroidered with silver constellations while the other remained sleek and minimal. Beneath it, a silk charcoal shirt lay unbuttoned just enough to hint at danger and charm.
His hands were tucked casually into his pockets. His walk was slow. Controlled. Effortlessly powerful. Every step screamed confidence. Every glance made hearts stumble.
The crowd was losing it.
And then the lights went out completely. For one breathless second, the villa disappeared.
Boom.
A final spotlight burst to life.
Park Seong-hwa stood at the entrance. He wore the masterpiece. A long, tailored coat in deep wine red draped over his shoulders, its edges lined with subtle gold detailing. Underneath, a fitted black ensemble hugged his frame perfectly, balanced between softness and strength. A silk scarf was tied loosely around his neck, fluttering slightly as he moved.
He looked like royalty. Like the final chapter of a story.
When he began to walk, time seemed to slow. Every camera followed him. Every eye stayed locked. Every heartbeat matched his pace.
Ga-young reached the end of the runway first. Ki-yong joined her, standing tall at her side. And finally, Park Seong-hwa stepped between them.
Three figures. Three signatures. One unforgettable moment.
The lights flared. The crowd erupted.
Then the twenty-four child models marched out, followed by the other sixty-seven models trailing behind them, making a mesmerizing formation behind the three signature models.
Applause thundered through the villa. It was exceptional. Maison Éclat had just made history. But it was not over yet. The light went out completely, giving the audience a moment to hold their anxious breaths. Then the light went on, presenting Madam Han Ok-sun in front of all the models. She bowed slightly, presenting a smile.
The crowd took a moment to fully understand what their eyes saw. Was it possible the legend herself who promised to never go back to designing? They all gave a standing ovation, clapping as loud as they could.
At the corner of the villa, Ga-young exhaled loudly and squealed with excitement.
"We did it," she screamed.
Ji-hye laughed. "I cannot believe it."
Ye-seul passed a glass of wine to Ji-hye and Ga-young. "Cheers to the great Secretary Choi," she said dramatically.
"Hey, I did nothing," Ga-young chuckled. "Cheers to Min-jae will make more sense."
"Well," Ji-hye said, pointing to the stage where Min-jae stood giving his speech with her glass. "Behind every great businessman is a Secretary Choi."
---
A few hours after the show, the crowd moved to the villa lounge. Glass chandeliers floated above like constellations. Warm amber lamps lined the marble pillars. Tall windows revealed the night skyline, glittering like a second audience.
Outside, the pool reflected everything, lights, laughter, silhouettes, and introductions.
Inside, waiters in tailored black moved like shadows, balancing trays of champagne, rose-gold cocktails, and crystal glasses that chimed softly with every step.
A live DJ mixed slow house and soft jazz beats, the music wrapping around the room like silk.
Ga-young stood near the center of it all, having her own dose of fun, laughing and chattering with some old acquaintances. She was halfway through her second sip of champagne when her phone vibrated again.
She barely glanced at it at first. Probably another editor. Another stylist. Another "please could you tell Seong-hwa oppa I love him."
Then she saw the name. It was a call from Ji-hoon.
Her fingers froze around the glass.
"Excuse me," she said with a quietly setting her glass down carefully. She slipped away from the crowd, heels clicking softly against the marble as she headed toward the balcony corridor.
The music faded behind her. The laughter blurred.
By the time she reached the quiet corner near the glass doors, she answered.
"Ji-hoon?"
For a second, there was only static.
"What are you up to Mrs. Choi?" he questioned smoothly.
"Hey, how dare you talk so casually after not reaching me for the past month," Ga-young immediately scolded.
Ji-hoon smiled, the type you could hear through a phone. "Turn around," he said.
"What?" Ga-young said immediately, turning. Her jaw dropped when her gaze met his. He smiled softly.
"So, what were you saying, Ms. Choi?" Ji-hoon said smoothly, walking towards her.
"When did you get here?" she questioned, eyes still wide with shock.
"This evening," he replied with a nod.
"Hey, you didn't tell me you were coming," she nagged.
"Would you have saved me a seat?" he questioned curiously.
"No. I would have saved you a fist punch," Ga-young said, folding her arms. "Seriously, it has been like forever."
"I'm sorry," he said with a chuckle.
"Have you met with Ji-hye?" she questioned curiously.
He shook his head. "I would be leaving in a minute. A conversation never ends with Ji-hye," he replied.
"You're leaving already?"
He nodded. "I have a meeting in Dubai in eleven hours."
Ga-young slumped. "That's just sad."
Ji-hoon smiled. "I really just wanted to say hi before I leave."
"Don't make me feel sentimental," she said teasingly.
He smirked. "They are going to start bursting my phone with calls soon. I should leave."
"Oh, let me escort you out," Ga-young suggested.
"No. It is going to be difficult to get back in. Plus, there are many men outside. It will be awkward to have you return alone," he said thoughtfully.
Ga-young nodded. "I guess we will keep in touch then."
"Sure," he said and looked at his phone. "I told you they would start calling."
"Go then, quickly," Ga-young said.
"By the way, you look nice today," he said and without giving her room to speak, he waved and walked away.
She stood almost speechless as he disappeared into the crowd.
Just as she was about to walk back inside, a waiter stopped her.
"This is for you, ma'am," she said quietly, handing her a gift box.
"Me?" Ga-young said, puzzled.
"The man that was just standing here said to give it to you," the waiter said with a bow before walking away.
Ga-young gave out a smile, a pure and unforced smile. The type friends gave to each other after a sentimental moment. She held it gently before walking back into the lounge.