Chapter 19
On the final day of fashion week, Juliet’s Broken Wings collection took the closing slot.
On the runway, models moved with the steady beat of the music as they showcased the gowns she designed. Black gauze fluttered like broken wings of a butterfly as crystals and pearls glittered under the lights. The deliberate asymmetry and fractured lines stitched back together spoke of a story about pain and rebirth.
Backstage, Juliet nervously bit her lip and kept her eyes locked on the audience’s reaction. Nate stood beside her and tapped her fingers lightly before gently clasping her hand.
Pointing at the end of the runway, he murmured, “Look. That’s your work and story out there.
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When the final piece appeared, the hall fell into a hush.
It was a pure-white wedding gown embroidered with countless butterflies. Starting near the hem, the butterflies slowly became whole as they climbed upward. At the bodice was a golden butterfly that had spread its wings and was ready to take flight.
“That’s…” Nate’s pointing finger faltered.
“It’s ‘Eclosion.’ Marilyn came to me and told me about the idea you once mentioned, so I added it to the collection. It felt like the perfect final touch,” Juliet explained.
A soft laugh rang in her ears. “Then I must say… this is an honor.”
Juliet turned to him and caught the exceptional warmth in his eyes.
His grip on her tightened slightly, and his voice was solemn as he continued, “You deserve a brand new beginning, Juliet-not as someone’s shadow or as the one left behind but as yourself. As a talented designer, you need to believe that you’re someone worthy of being loved wholeheartedly.”
As the words left his lips, the show ended with thunderous applause from the audience.
During the curtain call, Juliet stepped onto the runway. Under the dazzling lights, she narrowed her eyes and spotted Henry and Nate sitting in the front row. They clapped profusely for her as their smiles brimmed with pride.
Right now, all the applause and praise in the room were meant for her alone.
In a daze, she seemed to see a familiar figure standing in the shadows at the back of the hall. It was Damien, who was standing motionless, his eyes carrying complicated emotions as they
locked on her.
Chapter 19
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Juliet looked away and gave the audience a deep bow. At that moment, she felt the butterfly inked behind her ear grow warm as if it had finally been reborn.
At the celebration party after the show, Nate found Juliet alone on the balcony. Dunmoor’s night sky was clear and sparkling with starlight for once.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked, stepping closer to hand her a glass of champagne.
Juliet shook her head. “It just feels… strange. A year ago, I was still trapped in that rainy night, stuck in a love that would never reciprocate. Now, my work has made it to the international stage.”
“That’s how life is,” Nate said, leaning against the railing. “Some wounds might seem impossible to heal, but it’s the cracks that let the light in.”
He paused and took out a tiny velvet box from his pocket. Then, he said with a smile, “Don’t get the wrong idea, Juliet. This is just an invitation. I have a project in Synovalle next month, and I’m wondering if you’ll come with me. The beautiful Wishwing Vale is there, and I think you’d love it.”
Juliet looked down at the butterfly-shaped brooch in the box. It had silver wings that were embedded with tiny sapphires, glinting under the starlight.
She heard herself say, “Sure.”
Hearing her affirmative answer, Nate subtly exhaled a relieved sigh. Then, he carefully pinned the brooch to her collar and gently pulled her into his arms.
Juliet closed her eyes and breathed in his faint scent of pine that was, for some reason, comforting and reassuring.
