Chapter 47. The Results

Camila Martinez stood in the center of the gallery, her elegant frame poised despite the thrumming of her heart. The polished wooden floor reflected the overhead lights, bouncing soft illumination across the carefully arranged displays of fabric, sketches, and completed garments. She had pinned her final design to the display board, the fabric catching the light in a way that made it seem almost alive. Every fold, every subtle shimmer, had been meticulously considered, and yet, as she glanced around the room, a ripple of unease coursed through her.

Around her, the other contestants buzzed with anticipation, their nervous energy palpable in the air. Some adjusted their garments, smoothing hems or fussing with accessories, while others whispered quietly to one another, casting quick glances at their peers. Camila observed them with a detached awareness, her own anxiety tempered by the calm she cultivated like armor.