Chapter 8: A new start
The next morning...
Zara stirred awake, brushing the sleep from her eyes. After freshening up quietly, she began unpacking her suitcase.
Her hand paused when it touched a familiar folder of her old design sketches. She pulled it out, settling onto the edge of the bed.
As she opened it, a flood of bittersweet memories washed over her. Each drawing reminded her of the dream she once chased with passion. She recalled the joy of winning the "Best Designer of the Year" award in the early days of her career.
That achievement had propelled her to launch her own fashion company. But her world shifted when her beloved sister, her biggest supporter, passed away from a terminal illness.
Zara had walked away from her thriving career five years ago to fulfill a promise: to raise her sister’s child and devote herself fully to her new role as a wife and mother. But now, looking back, all she saw was sacrifice followed by disappointment.
Still, a quiet fire sparked in her heart. She wanted to reclaim her dream, to breathe life into the career she once let go.
Closing the folder with resolve, she stepped out of the room. Bree was already up, sipping her morning coffee at the table.
"Good morning," Bree greeted her with a cheerful smile. "Did you sleep well?"
Zara gave a small nod. "Yes, thank you."
"Come join me for breakfast," Bree offered, patting the seat beside her.