Chapter 10:The Night That Changed Everything
562 Words
The clock struck midnight.
Inside the design studio, everyone was exhausted, but Cinta refused to stop.
Pieces of fabric covered the tables. Sketches were scattered across the floor. Crystal beads sparkled beneath the bright lights as her sewing machine hummed steadily.
Daniel yawned.
"Cinta, you've been working for twelve hours without resting."
She smiled weakly.
"I'll rest after I finish."
Emmanuel walked over with a cup of hot coffee.
"You need this."
"Thank you," she said, accepting it with grateful eyes.
She took one sip and returned to her work.
This gown had to be more than beautiful—it had to tell a story.
A story of hope.
A story of courage.
A story of never giving up.
By sunrise, the final stitch was complete.
Cinta stepped back and stared at the masterpiece before her.
The gown shimmered like the first light of dawn. Delicate hand-sewn crystals flowed across the bodice like stars, while the long emerald train represented growth, strength, and new beginnings.
Tears filled her eyes.
"I did it."
Everyone in the studio burst into applause.
Daniel couldn't hide his excitement.
"This is even better than the first one!"
Emmanuel smiled proudly.
"I knew you could do it."
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That evening, the Clatford family's grand birthday gala began.
The ballroom glowed with golden chandeliers as celebrities, business leaders, and fashion icons filled the room.
Vanessa arrived in a dazzling designer gown, certain she would witness Cinta's humiliation.
She smirked when she noticed Cinta carrying a large garment bag.
"So... you actually came," Vanessa mocked.
Cinta met her gaze calmly.
"I never quit."
Before Vanessa could reply, Emmanuel walked onto the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "tonight is dedicated to the most wonderful woman in my life—my mother."
The audience applauded warmly.
Mrs. Clatford stepped forward, smiling.
Emmanuel handed the garment bag to Cinta.
"Would you do the honors?"
With trembling hands, Cinta unzipped the bag.
Gasps echoed through the ballroom.
The gown sparkled under the lights like a masterpiece.
Mrs. Clatford's eyes widened.
"It's... breathtaking."
After she changed into the dress, the audience fell silent.
She looked elegant, graceful, and radiant.
Moments later, the room erupted into thunderous applause.
Guests rushed forward to admire the design.
"Who created this?"
"It's extraordinary!"
"I've never seen anything like it."
Fashion journalists immediately surrounded Cinta.
"Miss Cinta, can we interview you?"
"Will you be launching your own fashion brand?"
Vanessa watched in disbelief as the spotlight she had wanted for herself belonged to Cinta.
Then Emmanuel stepped onto the stage once more.
"I have one more announcement."
He looked at Cinta with a proud smile.
"From today onward, Cinta will become the official lead designer for the Clatford Fashion House."
The audience cheered even louder.
Cinta covered her mouth in shock.
She had arrived at the gala as an unknown dreamer.
She was leaving it as a rising star.
As the celebration continued, Vanessa quietly slipped out of the ballroom, anger burning inside her.
"This isn't over," she whispered.
"I'll make sure Cinta loses everything."
Little did she know, an investigative officer had already begun looking into the stolen gown.
The truth was about to catch up with her.
End of Chapter 10
Cliffhanger: Vanessa's secrets are on the verge of being exposed. Will justice finally be served, or does she have one last plan to destroy Cinta's dream?
- Writer
