One Night

Chapter 119

Audrey

For the next two weeks, I threw myself into my work. The days blurred together, my mind solely focused on one thing. winning this competition.

But despite my best efforts, Edwin lingered in the back of my mind every step of the way. I didn’t see or hear from him again, and I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or disappointed.

Being close to him that night he drove me home had made my heart feel more at case than I wanted to admit. He had seemed almost… desperate when he asked me to listen to him. The memory of his voice, low and urgent, kept replaying in my mind. “Audrey, please. Things aren’t… they’re not what they seem.”

“I don’t know, Tina.” I sighed, rubbing my eyes as I sat across from her outside our favorite cafe. “He says it’s complicated, and I want to believe him…”

Tina stirred her latte absently, the spoon clinking against the sides of the cup. “I understand. But even if it’s complicated, he shouldn’t have slept with you, Audrey. Especially not twice.”

I winced at her words, the sting of truth cutting through my lovestruck haze. “I know, I know. It’s just… you didn’t see him that night. He looked so.. torn

“Torn between you and his betrothed?” Tina raised a skeptical eyebrow at me. “That’s not exactly a point in his favor, now, is

I sighed again as I sipped my coffee. Tina was right, of course. He could have at least talked to me, told me the truth when he had the chance. But then again….

My hand drified to the spot where my silver streak of hair normally was, right behind my ear. I had dyed it just last night, not wanting the silver roots to show for fear of being ostracized even more at work.

Silver Star…

“Maybe we’re both hiding things,” I muttered.

Tina scoffed. “You can’t seriously compare the color of your hair to the fact that he’s engaged.”

“I know it’s not the same,” I said, dropping my hand. “It’s just… everything feels so complicated right now.”

“That’s because you’re making it complicated,” Tina said, her voice softening. “Look, I know you have feelings for him. And, hell, maybe he has feelings for you as well. But he hurt you. He lied to you. It should be a no-brainer at this point.”

I nodded, knowing she was right. He had hurt me. Badly. Worse than I wanted to admit.

“Let’s talk about something else,” I said suddenly, needing a change of subject. “How are things going with you?”

Tina’s face lit up, a smile replacing her concerned frown. “Actually, I have some news. I have my first real date with a girl coining up soon.”

“Tina! That’s amazing!” I reached across the table to squeeze her hand, feeling genuinely happy for her. “I’m so proud of you. Tell me everything.”

She blushed, looking both excited and nervous. “Her name is Emma. We met at the bookstore where I’ve been working this summer. She’s smart, funny, and gorgeous. This is… it’s a big step for me. This is the first time I’m really accepting my sexuality enough to go on a date with another woman.”

“How are you feeling about it?”

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Chapter 119

“Excited. Terrified. A little bit of everything.” Tina laughed. “But it feels right, you know?”

“Do your parents know yet?” I asked gently, knowing this was a sensitive topic. Tina’s parents, according to her, were extremely homophobic. It was bound to cause major issues.

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Tina’s smile faltered slightly. She shook her head. “No, I’m not ready to tell them. But… maybe someday. Once I’ve prepared myself in the event of… You know.”

1 did know what she meant: that her parents might disown her. It was a tough pill to swallow.

I gave her hand another squeeze. “Well, whenever you are ready, I’ll be right by your side if you want me there. No matter what happens, you’ve got me in your corner. And Avis, Betty, and Gavin.”

Tina smiled, her eyes a bit misty, Thanks, Audrey. I’m really glad to have a friend like you.”

“And I’m glad to have you,” I replied with a grin. “Now, tell me more about Emma.”

Tina’s face softened. “Well, she has long blonde hair, and she loves fantasy novels, and…”

The next day, the day of the presentation finally arrived. My heart was pounding as I carefully arranged my four outfits on the provided mannequins. Each piece had been painstakingly crafted over the course of countless hours of work and sleepless nights.

The fabric rustled softly as I made my final adjustments, smoothing out wrinkles and ensuring that everything was absolutely perfect. My fingers trembled slightly, but I quelled my anxiety. Today, I would win this competition-I was sure

of it

Over the previous weeks, I hadn’t seen Linda working on her designs even once. Whenever I walked past her desk, she was scrolling social media or online shopping-never actually working.

Honestly, I wasn’t even sure if she had any designs to submit. Not that I cared. All the better for me.

I stepped back to admire my work, my eyes scanning my four outfits one last time to ensure that everything was just right.

A flowing evening gown in deep blue, reminiscent of a starry night sky. A sleek, modern suit in charcoal gray with subtle gold accents. A playful c**ktail dress in vibrant green, inspired by the lush forests surrounding the city.

And finally, an ethereal silk wedding dress in pale gold-a nod to the harvest moon.

The judges would love this. They had adored my Life Cycle dress, after all; so a collection entirely based around werewolf symbolism and culture would be sure to spark their attention.

And soon, hopefully, I would be going to Paris.

Finally, I covered my mannequins with a sheet. It was time.

“May the best woman win,” Linda said as she sauntered past, pushing a large cart with her own four mannequins hidden

beneath a sheet.

I shot her a look as she passed. So she did have some work to show. I wondered if it was actually hers..

Before we were called into the judging room, I quickly ran to the bathroom. After using the toilet, I quickly washed my hands, smoothed down my shirt, and hurried back just in time. Linda was leaning against her cart, a smirk tugging at her Tips

“What?” I asked as I approached.

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Chapter 119

She shrugged one shoulder, checking her nails. “Nothing.”

I rolled my eyes, but said nothing.

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As Linda and I wheeled our covered mannequins into the judging room, I kept my thoughts about her work to myself. Now was not the time to be causing trouble, starting arguments that would only end in her favor. Leo and the other judges would be able to see the difference in passion between my work and Linda’s. I had to have faith in that.

While the judges murmured amongst themselves, Linda and I arranged our mannequins before leaving. We wouldn’t be allowed in the room for the judging so that the judges could privately discuss the outfits before calling us back in.

As we waited in the hallway, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. This was it. My chance to prove myself, to show everyone what I was capable of

But barely a minute had passed when I suddenly heard my voice being called.

“Audrey?” Leo called out. “Can you come here? Now!”

“Uh-oh,” Linda purred as I pushed away from the wall. “Here comes trouble…”

Ignoring her jab, I swung the door open and walked in.

There. I found the designers looking stunned, and Leo with his hand clamped over his mouth. Instantly, I felt a sense of dread wash over me.

“What’s going on?” I asked, my voice small.

Leo just shook his head, pointing behind me. Slowly, I turned to look at my mannequins.

And I felt as if the world was tilting beneath me.

My beautiful outfits, the ones I had poured my heart and soul into for the past two weeks, were ruined. Red paint was splattered across the fabric, made to look like blood. Still wet, it dripped down the mannequins, pooling on the platform. below. And scrawled across each piece were various anti-werewolf words and phrases, each more ugly and hateful than the

last.

“No,” I whispered, stumbling forward. My legs felt weak, and I had to grip the edge of the platform to steady myself. “No. what… Who did this…?”

I reached out to touch one of the garments, hoping against hope that this was just some horrible illusion. But the paint was real, sticky and wet under my fingers. I felt like I might be sick.

“Audrey.” Leo’s voice was low and dangerous. I turned to face him, seeing the anger and disappointment in his eyes. “What the hell is this?”

“1… I didn’t. I would never-

But before I could finish, Leo was suddenly advancing on me. I yelped as he grabbed my arm, his grip tight enough to hurt

We’re going to see Mr. Brooks,” he growled, shoving me toward the door. “Now.”

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