na's

ceilings. The space was massive-easily three times the size of my apartment-with designated areas for cutting tables, sewing stations, and even a fitting ro

already racing with possibilities. The sewing stations here... the c

lled out my phone and scrolled through my contac

re you still l

came almos

For you

people who actually believed in my designs before anyone else did.

just got a loft in Bur

urj Vista? Wh

made a deal wit

as a lo

I'll book

appening. Really happening. And I wasn

___

d be the understatement of the century. The silence was bliss. No blunt questions, no piercing stares, no impossible expec

at nearly knocked the wind out of me. He was ecstatic- arms flying, words tumbling, sunglasses halfway off his head like he'd just step

. He doesn't care about boxes or expectations. He's loud, proud, and the last person you'd expect. With his 6'1" frame, bulging muscles, and deep voice, w

nce to take up space exactly as he is. If the world had more Mass

Between scouting spaces and brainstorming launch campaigns, I

r the loft we were transforming into Alpha's base. I let her do her thing - because when she gets

n my hands and made my way into the living room,

th that cheeky grin of his. I placed the mugs on the glass coffee table and gr

. "You told him about Ciro?!" I took a sip of my hot chocolate - perfectly creamy, by

ry together and that at one point in time, he was her potential lover, but he stopped pursuing her because of her boyfriend at the time. The guy hurt her

"Nothing is going on between me and Ciro. Got that?!" I gave her the most unimpressed side-eye I could manage. "Loo

e this project started. And now... it seems like he wants to talk." Oh yes, Evara has been a

lly happened between you two? And is this Ciro guy h

d yes, Ciro is straight, Massimo. "Okay, girl, I respect that," he said, m

a asked, peering suspiciously into her cup. "Just admit it tastes good and stop looking at it like it's

os ever pisses you off, just poiso

I said,

my phone buzzed. I checked the screen and groaned so

in surrender. "I'm innocent! I didn't summon him." I rolled my eyes and picked up the call. "What do I o

s, in that maddeningly calm voice, replied, "Your d

had been sweet. And short-lived. "Now is that any wa

clasped, thinking he was God's gift to the entrepreneurial world. "I was enjoying my peace without you

ks. They hadn't expected that tone, not from me. But hone

tting my words marinate. Then came the low, deliberate reply

nfused. "Need

floor. Bring your sketchbook," he said

ke some intern," I replied, half-exas

cancel

if I

re not ready for this

ctically hear the arrogance

l be there

're already late," h

ne like it had ins

w. "Well... someone

oing to strang

s his love language," Evara mut

______

or, the air feels heavier than usual. Eros doesn't waste time. He's pacing in

Or rather... an opportunity that's about to s

ens. "Okay, I

to face me. On the screen is a sleek deck titled: "Ma

breathe.

t continents. One from Europe, one from Asia, one from the Middle East. They're scouting now, and I p

sbelief. "You got Al

There's a final round of submissions due in 72 hours. If you're chosen, they'l

ame - my brand - on the global stage. "Why didn't you

u passed - barely. Now, I need five final sketches and fabric b