Chapter 6:The Rival's Warning
407 Words
The doors of the design studio swung open.
A tall, elegant woman stepped inside, dressed in a tailored white suit and designer heels. Every eye in the room turned toward her.
Vanessa Laurent.
She was one of the country's most celebrated fashion designers, known for dressing celebrities and socialites. Her confidence filled the room as she walked toward Emmanuel.
"So," she said with a cold smile, "this is the girl replacing me?"
Cinta froze.
Emmanuel stood calmly. "No one is replacing you, Vanessa. I simply chose the designer I believe is right for this project."
Vanessa's eyes shifted to Cinta's sketches. She picked one up and studied it for a moment.
"I'll admit," she said, "she has talent."
For a brief second, Cinta felt relieved.
Then Vanessa dropped the sketch onto the table.
"But talent alone isn't enough. This industry is ruthless."
She stepped closer to Cinta.
"Girls like you dream too big. They always end up disappointed."
Cinta clenched her fists but refused to lower her head.
"I know I have a lot to learn," she replied softly, "but I won't stop chasing my dream."
Vanessa smirked.
"We'll see."
She turned to Emmanuel.
"When this project fails, don't say I didn't warn you."
With that, she walked out, leaving the studio in silence.
Daniel sighed.
"She's not someone you want as an enemy."
Emmanuel looked at Cinta.
"Don't let her words get to you. Every successful designer has faced people who doubted them."
Cinta nodded.
"I won't give up."
Over the next few days, she poured her heart into the design. She carefully selected luxurious fabrics, hand-sewed delicate beadwork, and stayed up late perfecting every detail.
The gown slowly came to life.
It was elegant, timeless, and worthy of a queen.
When Emmanuel saw the nearly finished dress, he was speechless.
"It's even more beautiful than I imagined," he said.
Before Cinta could thank him, her phone rang.
It was her younger brother.
His voice trembled.
"Cinta... come home quickly."
She felt her heart sink.
"What's wrong?"
"Dad... he collapsed."
The phone slipped from her hand.
Everything around her blurred.
Without wasting another second, Emmanuel grabbed his car keys.
"I'm taking you home."
As they rushed out of the studio, Cinta prayed with all her heart that they wouldn't be too late.
End of Chapter 6
Cliffhanger: Will Cinta's father survive, and will this family crisis force her to abandon the biggest opportunity of her life?
- Writer
