An hour passed, maybe two. I lost track of time as I sketched, filling page after page with ideas that flowed out of me in a way they hadn't in days.
These designs were different from my first collection. Softer somehow, but still strong. Flowing lines paired with structured elements. Gentle but unapologetic.
I didn't realize Julian had moved until I felt him sit down on the floor beside me.
"Can I see?" he asked quietly.
I handed him the sketchpad without hesitation, watching his face as he flipped through the pages I'd just filled.
His expression was focused and thoughtful as he studied each sketch.
"These are beautiful," he said finally, looking up at me. "Different from your other designs, but still you."
"They feel different," I admitted. "Lighter somehow. Like I'm designing fo
