Chapter Thirty One
Chapter Thirty One
Mr. Belvoir:
“Tasha, just wanted to personally commend you on your incredible work so far. The designs are bold, innovative everything I expected and more. Looking forward to seeing them shine at the upcoming contest. We’re in for something spectacular.”
Tasha’s heart skipped a beat, a mix of pride and pressure swirling inside her. Mr. Belvoir rarely sent personal messages, and his praise meant a lot. It also meant that the stakes were even higher for the upcoming fashion contest, her biggest opportunity yet.
Claire returned from the kitchen with a cup of coffee, noticing the look on Tasha’s face. “Good news?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Tasha held up her phone. “Mr. Belvoir… He’s impressed with everything so far.”
Claire grinned. “See? I told you. You’re killing it.”
Tasha set the phone down, though her mind was already racing with everything left to do. “Yeah, but the contest… It’s still coming up fast. This could either make my career or sink it. Everything has to be perfect.”
Claire took a sip of her coffee. “And it will be. You’ve poured your heart into these designs, Tasha. This contest is your moment. It’s what you’ve been working toward for years. Don’t doubt yourself now.”
Tasha nodded, trying to absorb Claire’s encouragement. But with each passing day, the weight of the event seemed to grow. The fashion contest was more than just a show–it was a proving ground. The entire industry would be watching, and she had to stand out.
“Just think about it,” Claire continued. “This is your chance to showcase your vision on a huge stage. And Mr. Belvoir’s got your back. You’ve got this.”
Tasha smiled faintly. “I hope so. But there’s still a lot to do. Final fittings, making sure the venue’s set up perfectly… and don’t get me started on the models.”
Claire waved her hand dismissively. “All that’s just logistics. The designs are what matter, and yours are brilliant. You’ve got the hard part done.”
Tasha exhaled deeply, running her fingers through her hair, “I know. I just can’t afford any mistakes. This is my one shot.”
Claire leaned in, her voice firm but kind. “No mistakes. You’re ready. Now let’s get everything in place and knock this out of the park.”
Tasha took a deep breath and stood up, straightening her posture. Claire was right. She had worked too hard to let fear or doubt ruin this opportunity. The upcoming fashion contest was her moment to shine.
“I’ll need to head to the atelier soon,” Tasha said, already mentally going through her checklist. “There are some final adjustments I need to make on the collection.”
Claire nodded, setting her coffee mug down. “I’ll take care of things here. You go focus on what you do best.”
Before Tasha could respond, her phone buzzed again. Another message, this time from the event
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Chapter Thirty One
coordinator:
“Finial details are in place for the venue. Expecting a big crowd, including some important industry names. Everything’s coming together nicely.”
Tasha’s stomach fluttered with nervous excitement. Industry names meant potential investors, clients, and influencers, people who could elevate her career to the next level. She had to make sure everything was flawless.
“Looks like the venue’s all set,” Tashá said to Claire, showing her the message.
“Perfect,” Claire responded, “Now all that’s left is for you to knock them dead with your designs.”
Tasha gave a small smile, but the pressure was palpable. This contest was more than just another fashion show. It was a turning point. She had poured her heart and soul into every stitch, every detail of her collection. And now, with the contest just days away, she had to ensure everything was exactly as she envisioned it.
“Do you want me to call the models and double–check the fitting times?” Claire offered, noticing the tension on Tasha’s face.
“Yeah, that’d be great. I need to make sure everything is ready before the final rehearsal tomorrow,” Tasha said. “I’ll head to the atelier now.”
Claire nodded and grabbed her phone to help with the preparations as Tasha quickly gathered her bag and sketchbook.
As Tasha slipped her bag over her shoulder, Claire walked up to her, leaning against the kitchen counter. You know,” Claire began cautiously, “we haven’t really talked much about your time in New York… before
all of this.”
Tasha froze for a second, her hand still on the doorknob. She knew where this conversation was headed, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to go there. Not now, with so much on her plate. But Claire has been her closest friend. She deserved some answers.
“New York,” Tasha echoed, glancing down. “Feels like a lifetime ago.”
Claire nodded, her eyes softening. “Venessa, right? He’s the reason you left.”
Tasha sighed and turned to face Claire. “Yeah, with Daniel Sterling. He was… everything back then. My husband, my partner. We built a life together. But, you know how things went.” Her voice trailed off, the weight of old memories settling over her.
Claire crossed her arms, her tone gentle but probing. “I remember the basics. You were married, then everything fell apart. But you’ve never really told me the full story. What happened?”
Tasha let out a long breath, leaning against the door. “Daniel was… different. When we first met, he was ambitious, driven, kind. But as his business grew, he changed. Became more distant. Then there was his ex–fiancée. She came back into his life, and it all went downhill from there.”
Claire frowned, “Venessa, the one who accused you of pushing her?”
Tasha nodded, the bitter memory of that day resurfacing. “Yeah. It was all lies, Claire. She played the victim, and Daniel didn’t even ask me what happened. He just believed her.” Her voice cracked slightly, but she kept her composure. “That’s when I knew it was over. Even without the divorce papers, I couldn’t
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stay in a marriage where I wasn’t trusted,”
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Claire was quiet for a moment, absorbing it all. “And now… you’re both back in the same city, working on the same project with Venessa, without him even knowing.”
Tasha smiled sadly. “Yeah. Funny how life works, right? I’ve kept my distance, though. Maybe he doesn’t know I’m here but soon and I plan to keep it that way.”
Claire tilted her head, concern etched on her face. “Do you think that’s possible, Tasha? I mean, New York isn’t as big as it seems. And with Ethan-”
Tasha cut in, “I know. It’s risky. But I’ve come too far to let my past interfere with my future.” She paused, her mind flashing to Ethan. “Ethan’s been asking about his real dad. It’s getting harder to avoid those questions, Claire.”
Claire nodded. “He’s a smart kid. He’s going to keep asking.”
Tasha ran a hand through her hair. “I know. I just need to focus on the contest right now. This could change everything for me, for us. And whatever happens with Daniel… I’ll deal with it when the time
comes.
Claire offered a reassuring smile. “And you will. You’ve rebuilt your life before, and you’ll do it again. You’re stronger than you think.”
Tasha smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Talking about Daniel hadn’t been easy, but Claire was right. She had moved on, rebuilt her life. This contest was her moment, and she wasn’t going to let her past define her future.
“Thanks, Claire,” Tasha said, her voice softer now. “I needed that.”
Claire winked. “Anytime, fashion guru. Now go knock ‘em dead.”
