Chapter 128
128
~Elara’s POV
Every day seemed longer than the last, yet somehow the hours passed too quickly. Now, the final preparations for the fashion week were here, and I could feel the tension in the office like an electric current. The team moved around me, bustling and humming, each person aware of the stakes, each person invested in making this the most perfect show we could create.
Janae was already in the fitting room when I arrived that morning, clipboard in hand, adjusting hems and checking accessories on the models. Their dresses sparkled under the bright lights, the fabrics flowing like liquid silk, sequins catching the sun in flashes that made the room feel like it was shimmering. I couldn’t help the small thrill that ran through me; everything was coming together.
“Elara,” Janae called, not looking up, “the cobalt gown for model three, it fits perfectly. But I think we should adjust the shoulder straps slightly. They keep slipping during the walk p>
I smiled, walking over to examine it. “Yes, I noticed that too when I did the mock walk yesterday. Let’s adjust them now. I don’t want anything to go wrong on stage p>
Janae glanced up at me, her eyes bright. “You’re calm, Elara. I thought you’d be panicking at this point p>
I laughed softly. “Calm? Maybe. But my stomach is doing cartwheels anyway. This is our first big show, and I want it to be perfect p>
“Then we’ll make it perfect,” she said, adjusting the straps with precision.
I moved to the models, checking each look, making small notes about their hair, makeup, and accessories. Every detail mattered. The way the light would hit the sequins, the movement of the fabrics as the models walked, the alignment of shoes and gloves, it all had to be perfect.
Later, when the models were practicing their walks, I took a moment to watch. The floor had been cleared, and we had set up markers for every model’s cue, for every turn and pause. Janae guided them through the choreography, giving gentle corrections. The swish of the fabrics, the rhythm of the steps, the confident expressions on the models’ faces, it all made me swell with pride.
“You’re doing wonderfully,” I told the models. “Remember, this is more than just a walk. This is a story we’re telling. You are the voice of our designs. Own it p>
One model, nervous and biting her lip, paused mid-step. “Luna Elara, what if I mess up p>
I placed a hand on her shoulder. “Then we adjust. But we won’t know until we try, and every try gets better. Trust yourself. Trust us p>
Later in the afternoon, we shifted to sending out invitations. I pulled out my phone and tablet, double-checking the list of dignitaries, media personnel, and special guests. I had personally ensured that the invitations reached the people who mattered most: my father, Alpha Rowan, and Luna Elena. I wanted them to see how far I had taken the company as its new head, how the months of hard work, sleepless nights, and stressful decisions had finally paid off.
“Elara,” Janae said, leaning over my shoulder, “don’t forget to include the press contacts. They’ll need photos and previews to cover the event p>
“I haven’t,” I replied, typing quickly. “They’re already on the list. But you’re right, we should also send previews of the designs p>
Janae grinned. “They’ll love it. These designs… honestly, I don’t think anyone has seen anything like this p>
I laughed softly, feeling my cheeks warm. “We hope so. But it’s not just for them. It’s for everyone who believed in us, everyone who worked with us. They deserve to see the final product, too p>
After finishing the invitations, I sat back and rubbed my temples. The anticipation was almost painful, but in a good way, like standing on the edge of something beautiful and terrifying at the same time.
The models practiced again, this time with music playing through the speakers. I walked among them, guiding, adjusting, and encouraging. The sound of heels against the polished floor, the swish of fabrics, the quiet murmur of Janae’s instructions, it all felt like the heartbeat of the event itself.
“Luna,” one of the junior designers whispered, showing me a small adjustment she had made to a dress, “do you think this neckline works better p>
I leaned in, studying it. “Yes, it’s better. It frames the design without overpowering it. Excellent job p>
She beamed. “Thank you, Luna p>
The evening wore on, and we finally took a short break. I sat at my desk, reviewing one last set of sketches while Janae coordinated the final fittings. The models were restless, excited, and slightly nervous, but under Janae’s guidance, they moved smoothly, practicing their turns, their pauses, and their entrances onto the stage.
“Elara,” Janae said, approaching me with a small notebook in hand, “I’ve marked every adjustment we need for the final fittings tomorrow. Once the models try everything on, we’ll have the perfect alignment. The show will be flawless p>
I smiled, feeling a weight lift off me. “Thank you, Janae. I couldn’t have done this without you. Honestly, I don’t know what I would have done without your guidance p>
She laughed softly. “You did most of it, Sweetie. I just helped steer the ship. And… Alpha Darlon, too, I have to say. He’s been a huge support p>
“And David too,” I said.
She smiled and then continued what she was doing.
By the time we finally closed for the day, the office was quiet, the models had gone, and the designers were packing up their notes and fabric samples. My head was spinning from the sheer number of details we had checked and rechecked, but there was a quiet satisfaction in the exhaustion.
Darlon came to my office just as I was about to leave, his long strides closing the space between us quickly. “I’m here to take you home, my Luna,” he said, his voice low and full of warmth.
“I’m sure you did well today,” he added. “I know it was exhausting, but He hesitated, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “And I’m proud of you p>
I smiled tiredly, leaning into his touch. “I don’t know if perfect is the right word. It’s just… done. For now p>
He chuckled softly, the sound grounding me in a way I hadn’t realized I needed. “Done is better than perfect, my Luna. And what you’ve done… It’s incredible p>
When we arrived home, the maids and guards bowed as soon as we stepped through the door.
Darlon waved toward one of the maids. “Bring us something to eat,” he said casually, his eyes on me.
I shook my head, giving a small smile. “I’m fine, Darlon. Really p>
His hand found mine, squeezing gently. “Are you sure? You need to eat. For you… for the child p>
I looked up at him and smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m probably just nervous. There’s a big event in two days, and I keep thinking about everything that can go wrong. I’m fine, really p>
He pulled me closer, wrapping his arms around me in a hug that was both protective and warm. “Nervous or not, Sweetheart, you’ve put in more effort than anyone could imagine. Every late night, every adjustment, every call, it will all pay off p>
I let myself lean against him, the tiredness in my bones mingling with relief and a small spark of pride. “I hope so,” I murmured.