Chapter 2 (Fashion And Betrayal)
Selina's heart raced as she entered L'Atelier Boutique. Sunlight reflected off polished floors, mingling with the scent of flowers and fine fabrics. Her first chance to impress an international client.
Claudine, the sharp-eyed manager, flipped through Selina's sketches. "Bold colors, daring cuts. Paris isn't always kind to boldness."
"I wanted something fresh," Selina said.
Claudine nodded. "Show me the samples."
Selina lifted her dresses. Each shimmered under the lights, every stitch perfect.
Then she froze.
Cole.
He walked in effortlessly, smirking. "Selina, I see you've made it to Paris in style."
"What are you doing here?" she asked, trying to stay calm.
"I could ask you the same. But don't worry—I'm not here to sabotage. Not… yet."
Claudine cleared her throat. "Who is this?"
"A friend," Cole said smoothly. "An admirer of Parisian fashion talent."
Shaking off distraction, Selina turned to Claudine. "Shall I demonstrate the fabrics?"
Hours passed in fittings and critiques. Then Claudine's eyes narrowed. "One of your patterns… it looks almost identical to another designer's collection."
"I created these myself," Selina said, stunned.
"I'll need proof before ordering. Paris can be unforgiving to newcomers," Claudine warned.
Her phone buzzed. Daniel's message:
"Trust yourself. I know it's yours."
Selina glanced at Cole, leaning casually against the wall, smirking. Her pulse raced.
She clenched her fists. "I didn't come all this way to fail. I'll prove it."
[To be continued…]