Love In The Middle Of Abuja By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Chapter Twenty-Two

In London, at the show, the last model walked onto the runway, wearing a beautiful black gown with shiny silver designs. The crowd gasped, and Vanessa smiled. It was the highlight of the show, and she knew it. The applause grew louder, filling the room, and Vanessa felt proud.

As the clapping slowed and the lights came back on, Vanessa stood up. Her heels made soft clicks as she walked to the stage to meet the models. She nodded at her team, quietly thanking them for their hard work. She had done this many times before, but the excitement of the moment always felt special.

She stepped up onto the stage, the applause growing louder, and she made her way to the centre, where the spotlight bathed her in its warm glow. The crowd’s admiration was unmistakable, their eyes on her, the woman who had made it all possible. She raised her hand in a graceful gesture, acknowledging their support before speaking into the microphone.

‘Thank you,’ Vanessa’s voice rang clear, calm, and confident. ‘This collection represents everything we stand for: timeless elegance and unrelenting innovation. I’m proud to share this moment with all of you.’

Her words touched the audience, and many people wanted a closer look at her designs. As the models came to stand beside her on stage, Vanessa looked around the room and saw many photographers taking pictures, saving the moment. This was what she loved: getting attention, making beautiful things, and proving she belonged among the best in the world.

But for a brief moment, something unexpected tugged at her. A memory of her daughter, Erimma, smiling during their only family shopping trip came to mind. It was the one and only time Vanessa had agreed to join Erimma and Obinna. She never made time for such family moments. Obinna, on the other hand, always found time to take Erimma out, no matter how busy he was. That day, Erimma had cried for hours, begging Vanessa to come along, even threatening not to eat if she didn’t. Worn down by the tears, Vanessa finally gave in. Erimma had tried the same tricks again afterward, but Vanessa never agreed to another outing. From then on, it was just her and Obinna. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time to make his daughter happy.

Vanessa quickly shook the thought away, refocusing on the task at hand. She had a life to maintain, a brand to nurture. Her daughter would understand, she told herself, just like she always had. With one final smile and a nod to her team, she turned and walked off the stage with the satisfaction of a job well done written on her face.

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