Chapter 169: Tell Me You Want Me
Brooke paced anxiously in her office studio, fabric swatches scattered across every surface, the sewing machines humming a frantic tune in the other room. The fashion competition loomed just weeks away, and a cold dread settled in her stomach. She was nowhere near ready. Her initial excitement had given way to a paralyzing panic. The designs that had once flowed effortlessly from her mind now seemed muddled and uninspired.
She glanced at the half-finished dress on the mannequin, a sigh escaping her lips. It was a beautiful piece, but it lacked the spark, the originality she needed to stand out in the competition. She felt a wave of self-doubt wash over her. Had she bitten off more than she could chew? Was she truly cut out for this?
A call on her phone startled her, pulling her from her spiraling thoughts. She picked it to find Kim, Lyse’s assistant, calling her.
"Can we meet up at the usual place?" He asked.
Brooke immediately left her office and headed out.
"Brooke?" Kim asked, holding a large portfolio case. "I wanted me to show you something."
Brooke placed the portfolio case on the table and opened it, revealing a collection of stunning sketches and fabric samples. She gasped, her eyes widening in surprise. The designs were breathtaking, intricate and innovative, exactly the kind of work she admired.
"These are... incredible," Brooke breathed, her fingers tracing the delicate lines of a sketch.
"These are Lyse’s designs for the competition," Kim explained.
"This is really amazing," Brooke murmured, her voice filled with admiration.
Kim nodded in agreement. "It is," she said. "She’s also been working incredibly hard on these designs. She’s been staying late at the studio every night, barely sleeping."