Beneath The Mask

Chapter 6

That evening, Abigail sat with Olivia in their dorm, sipping on cups of hot chocolate. Olivia was scrolling through her phone when her face lit up with excitement.

"I know things have been tough lately," Olivia said, glancing at Abigail, "but I've got something that might cheer you up."

Abigail raised an eyebrow. "What now?"

"I’ve been talking to a friend, and guess what? There’s an event happening next week—a fashion showcase—and you can be a part of it!"

"A fashion showcase?" Abigail echoed, surprised. "How does that help?"

"It’s a fresh start! You love fashion, remember? This could be your chance to step out of all this mess and focus on something you're passionate about."

Abigail thought about it. She hadn’t considered fashion since everything fell apart, but Olivia was right. It was something she had always loved—designing, creating, imagining. Maybe this was the distraction she needed.

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The week passed by slowly. Abigail couldn't shake the thought of the fashion showcase. Olivia’s suggestion lingered in her mind, a small spark of excitement amid the emotional storm caused by Raymond and Annabella. Her relationship with Raymond had ended in heartbreak, yet here she was, trying to rebuild herself, piece by piece.

One evening, while sitting in the dorm room with Olivia, Abigail received a message on her phone. She opened it, and to her surprise, it was an official invitation to participate in the fashion showcase.

Fashion Showcase Participation Confirmation

"Dear Abigail, we are excited to inform you that your submission has been accepted for the upcoming fashion showcase! Please be prepared to present your designs this coming weekend. We look forward to seeing your creativity shine!"

Abigail’s breath caught in her throat. She looked over at Olivia, her hands trembling as she held the phone. "I got in... for the showcase."

"I told you! This is exactly what you need, Abigail! This is your chance to focus on your future, on what you love. Fashion is your passion!" Olivia's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Abigail smiled faintly. "Yeah, but what about Raymond? Annabella? Everything is still so complicated."

Olivia put her phone down and leaned closer. "You need to focus on yourself right now. Forget about Raymond and Annabella for a second. This is about you—about reclaiming the part of you they can’t touch. You deserve this."

Abigail sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I know, but it’s hard seeing them together, pretending everything is fine... I still can’t believe he betrayed me like that."

Olivia reached out and squeezed her hand. "Look, I know it hurts. I know you still love him, but you have to take this chance to heal."