Chapter 1: Lei Atelier

DISCLAIMER:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, businesses, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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“I wish you wore the dress I made for you tonight…” said Leila as she held Phyllis' hands.

Phyllis' face crumpled upon hearing Leila. “Are you crazy? I'm in charge of everything here backstage, why would I wear a f*cking gown here?”

Leila pouted. “I made it for you… And I don't think you'll have a chance to wear it in the next ten years for a wedding because you're single as f*ck…”

Phyllis' eyes widened, ready to fight Leila. “Bi—”

“Ladies, your words, please.”

Rui interrupted the two as she walked in wearing the jumpsuit Leila made for her.

Leila rushed to attach the lace cape that she made. Her delicate hands handled the fabric with great care. It flowed down gracefully as Rui twirled to show Leila's work around.

Rui's eyes sparkled as she felt the softness of the lace. “I love it, Lei! It's so beautiful!”

Leila blushed. “Really? I don't think my work is that great…”

Phyllis found Leila's unusual reaction cute and so she pinched her cheeks. “What’s with you?! Why are you acting so shy and demure? Be confident and be proud of your art!”

Leila pursed her lips to try and hide her smile. Her heart was full after seeing her best friends express their support for her work. Opening up an atelier was a big move for her at her young age. She usually works in her apartment’s living room which hinders her productivity since it’s a little cramped. She doesn’t have enough space to fit her personal belongings and everything that she uses for dressmaking.

It was because of her best friend’s convincing words that she took the risk to buy an old house near her apartment and renovate it into a beautiful atelier. It was quite a spacious property so there’s room for a massive garden. She plans to hold fashion shows and shoots here in her garden because of the beautiful landscaping and it would fit a lot of guests. She filled the garden with beautiful flowers like roses and peonies. The good thing about this is that her office directly overlooks this lovely garden. She loves looking at her garden for inspiration and a little breather from an exhausting day.

With all the overwhelming emotions filling up her heart, she couldn’t help but tear up.

“Ah–ah! No! Don’t ruin your makeup!” Phyllis hurried to carefully wipe Leila’s tears away.

Rui pulled Leila for an embrace. “Shh… Don’t cry, we're here…”

“You’re treating me like Eon, Rui…” Leila complained with a pout.

Rui chuckled. “Continue crying and I might just adopt you.”

Phyllis also joined in and said, “Adopt me too, Mommy Rui~”

“I'd rather throw you in my cousin’s house, Lis,” she joked.

Phyllis’ cheeks lightly flushed as she avoided Rui’s inquisitive eyes. “Why—why not?! Throw me to him then!”

Rui smirked. “Sure, I’ll tell Grandma Sandra. That way, you can use the wedding gown that Leila made.”

Phyllis uneasily broke free from their hug and bravely replied, “Go ahead! Tell her! That way I can marry my long-time husband!”

“I’ll check the lights and sounds team! Bye!” She picked up her tablet from the table before storming out.

Rui and Leila both laughed at Phyllis. Her face was crimson red all because of Rui’s cousin, Zacharias.

“She took her parasocial relationship with Zach to the extreme,” commented Leila.

Rui’s lips curled up as she watched Phyllis seriously coordinate with the events manager.

“We never know… It might just come true…” she vaguely said.

Leila glanced outside and saw Zacharias and the other members of Luna from the attendees. “Well… If that happens, I might just give love another shot…”

Rui patted her back. “You should.”

Leila just smiled.

‘I hope I can…’

Love was such a heavy word for her. It’s been a while since she gave it a thought. Every man she dated before never progressed to something more than just a simple crush. Well—except for one man who broke her heart.

Her bitter smile still concealed the pain she was feeling just from recalling that man.

‘It’s been a while… And I think my newest crush is not that bad…’

She shook her head to clear her mind.

It’s a busy night for her. She’s finally back to her hometown. She doesn’t have the time to think about love.

Right now, she only needs to focus on making her fashion show a success, everything else will follow later!

With the gentle harp music filling the chilly night air, dazzling lights lit up the runaway.

One by one, under the starry night, beautiful models wearing flowy lace gowns. Leila’s intricate crystal lace designs were the highlight of the collection. Her technique of making these complex lace designs has become her trademark.

Ethereal and feminine.

That’s how her works were known.

She treated each piece as her child.

Her works were all handled meticulously. She was extremely focused on making every detail perfect. She wanted everyone to appreciate every thread and crystal she had sewn.

And so this show is so important for her brand. This is her official debut in Centriona’s fashion scene. Her credentials overseas are not gonna matter if this show flopped.

Her hands trembled in excitement as she watched her dresses grace the runway.

She bit her lips as she tried her best not to get emotional.

She then felt a gush of warmth from her hands. She looked down and saw her petite friend, Phyllis.

“I’m so proud of you…”

Phyllis’ eyes twinkled as she watched the dresses move with the wind.

Leila couldn’t help but hug Phyllis. “Thank you for helping me out, Lis…”

Phyllis, who supportively helped her with the preparations, witnessed Leila’s passion for her brand. She was extremely hands-on.

She hugged Leila back. “You deserve this, Lei…”

Phyllis glanced at her smartwatch before hurriedly tapping Leila. “It’s time for Rui to come out! Compose yourself.”

Rui waved at the two before making her way out.

The white gold body chain shone under the plunging neckline. Every step that she made was sharp yet elegant. It’s exactly like her personality. The perfectly tailored jumpsuit elongated her already long legs.

Leila’s inspiration for this piece is Rui's qualities. Her intimidating presence is strong yet it cannot hide her innate elegance. She wanted to show how she could add her touch to this style. A jumpsuit is just perfect for a busy mom like Rui. The addition of a body chain did not overwhelm the crystal lace on the cape. It blended perfectly as it flowed through the wind.

Leila squeezed Phyllis’ hands and whispered, “Hurry and let me see you walk down the aisle with my gown…”

Phyllis giggled. “Alright, next year!”

Leila rolled her eyes at her friend. She knew that it was too much to ask her this. It’s impossible for Phyllis, who only has her idol in her heart and her online friend to fulfill her request next year.

‘I know it’s selfish but I just want to see you girls wearing the pieces I made during my hardest times…’

‘These two pieces brought me back from an awful art block… You girls kept me going to this extent…’

‘So, please…’

Still, in her heart, she quietly wished for it to come true.