Chapter 16%
After the show, Erika’s world shifted.”
Paris saw her.”
Her name started appearing in articles, fashion forums, and designer bulletins. Influencers tagged her on social media, showcasing pieces she’d barely had time to finish. Boutique owners began requesting consultations. Stylists sent emails, eager to have their clients wear her designs.”
Within a week, Atelier d’Horizon’s phone wouldn’t stop ringing.”
People wanted her. She hadn’t expected it. Not really. Not this fast. And yet, here she was–standing at the heart of a world she once only dreamed of.”
It reminded her of college. She had been that girl once–the girl who drew attention with her sketches. The girl professors praised. The one whose designs earned front–page spreads in campus magazines. She used to walk the corridors holding her sketchpad to her chest, shy but proud, wide–eyed and alive.}
But even then, her light never fully belonged to her.
Camille had always found a way to step in.”
Her adopted sister. Her father’s “miracle child.” The one he had adopted after her mother died, and Erika had always been blamed by the death of her mother, when it was never her fault. She also didn’t want it to happen.}
So Camille seemed to be the one everyone said was destined for more. Erika used to believe it too. She used to convince herself it was okay to stand a little behind, to let Camille shine, to let her have the last piece, the bigger slice, the louder applause.}
Even when she won awards, she was often told, “Camille would’ve done better,” or “You’re both so talented–but Camille has that extra something.”
She remembered one night in particular. It was after a campus fashion exhibit.
Erika had just won best collection. She’d spent three months crafting every stitch, hand–painting details no one else would’ve dared attempt. Her classmates congratulated her. Her professors clapped her on the back.
Then Camille arrived, late but glowing, and everything shifted.}
Someone whispered, “I heard she helped Erika with the designs.“>
Another added, “Camille’s always been the visionary.“}
The compliments faded. The attention turned.}
That night, Erika cried in the bathroom stail, clutching her certificate like it meant nothing. And even now–even in Paris, even after headlines and clients–those memories clung to her like old, wet cloth.
That morning, she had received her tenth order in a single day. A celebrity stylist had name–dropped her on a podcast. The atelier’s board had sent flowers with a card that read: “Our Star.“}
She should’ve felt proud.
But instead, in the quiet of her office, she sank into the chair and cried.}
Because even with all of this… she still felt like the girl in the shadow.
Still afraid Camille would take it all again.
The door opened suddenly, breaking her spiral.”
It was Riley. His brows furrowed the moment he saw her face.”
“Enka?”
She quickly wiped her cheeks, turning away. “I’m fine.”
“You’re crying ”
“It’s nothing” She tried to smile, voice trembling. “I’m just tired. I didn’t sleep much. That’s all.”
Riley stepped closer, gently closing the door behind him. “Talk to me.“}
She shook her head. “It’s stupid.“%
“Try me “B
She looked at him–kind eyes, steady presence, the one person who’d seen her without judgment since she arrived.
“I used to love this,” she whispered. “The spotlight. The pressure. The creation. But every time I feel like I’ve made it, I remember how much I’ve lost. And how, no matter what I do, I’ve always been second.“%
“Second to who?” he asked
“To Camille,” she replied. “Everyone always loved her more. My family. My classmates. Even Kier, once upon a time.”
Riley was quiet for a moment. Then he said, “You’re not second to anyone. Not here. Not now Not anymore.”
Tears welled again, but she nodded. “Thank you. For giving me a chance. For believing in me. I never thought I’d get to do this again.” “You’re not just doing it, Erika You’re owning it ”
She laughed softly through her tears, and Riley moved closer, offering her his hand. She took it
It felt warm. Steady £
Then, without warning, Riley leaned in %
Wit line truurhed here &
12:39 PM
“You’re not just doing it, Erika. You’re owning it.”}
She laughed softly through her tears, and Riley moved closer, offering her his hand. She took it.”
It felt warm. Steady.
Then, without warning, Riley leaned in.
His lips touched hers.
Soft. Tentative.§
For a split second, she froze. Not because she didn’t want it–deep down, she knew she had. But because for the first time in years, someone saw her. Chose her. Not out of pity. Not out of guilt. But because he wanted her.
And then-
The door slammed open.
A fist landed straight across Riley’s jaw.
Erika screamed.
“What the hell are you doing with my wife?!“}
It was Kier.”
Breathing hard. Face twisted in fury. His presence filled the room like a storm.
Riley stumbled back, hand on his cheek, shocked.
Erika stood frozen, the taste of the kiss still on her lips, and her past suddenly standing in front of her like it had never left.
