Rewriting My Heart's Fate

"Absolutely." Austin nodded firmly. "But I've got a small condition." "What's the condition?" Ethan and I asked at the same time.

Austin grinned and said casually, "I want you to wear your best gown and close out the night at Lendora Fashion Week. If you can nail it and show what you're made of, I'll help clear your name. Sound good?"

I was blown away. Walking the runway at Lendora Fashion Week in a gown I designed myself? That was every designer's dream! Plus, this was about whether I could clear my name and restore my reputation! But the problem was I wasn't a professional model and didn't have a nice gown for this. Caroline, that backstabber, ruined my best work.

The best I could do for the stage was throw on some half-decent stuff made from leftover scraps. If I screwed up at Lendora Fashion Week, wouldn't that just prove the whole "plagiarism" accusation? I found myself in a tough spot.

Ethan saw the worry on my face. He took my hand and calmly said, "Evelyn, don't worry. I'll get you the perfect gown. Just trust yourself and go for it."

I gave him a grateful look and nodded firmly. It was do or die at this point, so I decided to go all in. I had to take the stage tonight, even if it meant risking embarrassment in front of those real models or that impostor! I faced Austin and said, "Alright, I'm in, but I might need some time to get things together..."

"No worries," Austin said, waving his hand. "The finale's at 8:00 pm. You've got five hours to get ready. I'll have the staff set up a dressing room and backstage access for you. Just focus on getting ready." Ethan and I shared a look.

Everything was on the line, and even

the smallest mistake could have huge consequences. It was also possible that Austin was setting me up, but I had no other choice. There was no backing out!

After parting ways with Austin, Ethan and I quickly made our way to the backstage. I was surprised when Lianne came through with a simple, elegant white gown-just what I needed for the moment.

"I wore this for a university theater performance. The style is simplez and the quality's nothing special, but it's better than nothing," Lianne said apologetically. "I'm sorry, Evelyn, this is the best I could get."

I shook my head, my eyes brimming with tears. "No, this is more than enough. Thanks, Lianne. I'm really lucky to have a friend like you."

I hugged her tight, our tears flowing together.

After that, Lianne and I dove right in and worked nonstop.

I took my time tweaking the gown's details to make it look more refined. I took extra care with my hair and makeup to make sure I looked perfect on stage.

Ethan stayed with me, silently handing me coffee whenever I needed it.

Time flew by, and soon it was evening. The Lendora Fashion Week venue was glowing with lights and buzzing with activity. It was a vibrant and grand scene.

I was backstage, getting everything ready for the show.

Lianne made a few final touches on my makeup, then gently said, "Relax, Evelyn."

I forced a smile, but the anxiety swirling inside me was hard to calm.