The clock was ticking and with the launch of the next clothing line 24 hours away, the heat in the office was now a blazing fire.

Sweat beaded down Valarie's face like she was standing under the shower. She was working feverishly, trying to add the finishing touches to her designs. Though she had no idea if her work would take a walk down the aisle tomorrow night, she was willing to give it her all.

"Child you are going to pass out if you don't stop working so much" Kyle approached her from behind.

Valarie chuckled. "Don't worry, I will survive."

"Haha. Tell me something though because I don't understand. Your designs are already amazing. Why are you still so worked up about it?"

"Dimitri didn't seem to think that they were so great. I'm just trying to I don't know. Get his ultimate approval. The only time I think I will be satisfied or know that he actually really like them is if he agrees to put them in the show. If he doesn't, then he'll prove you wrong and me right. He doesn't really like my work."

"Aww Val why are you so hard on yourself? I am 100% sure that he will put you in the show. I'm not even worried. He loves your designs but just doesn't like to admit it. He'll prove you wrong. You wait and see."

Her cheeks gave a faint hint of redness and she struggled to leave her face emotionless.

"Please, please, please give it a rest Val. You need rest for the big day tomorrow. Just stop working, go clean yourself up and relax."

"Okay fine but only because you begged me to. I will rest okay? Happy now?"

"Yes. This is the best news for the week. You go relax somewhere. I have to go collect my suit now from the tailor. Send me a pic of what you are going to wear tomorrow madam. I will see you tomorrow."

Kyle embraced Valarie and gave her a small peck on the cheek before leaving. Valarie wiped the mass of the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. She was a complete mess. It was only until she saw her reflection in the mirror that she realized what state she was in. if there was a way there and then to make her teleport to the washroom to clean herself up she would have.

Valarie scoped the surroundings to see if there was anyone around or anyone that was paying attention to her. She slowly brushed her hand over her frizzy hair and began to walk towards the bathroom. Her head constantly shifted around as if she was being hunted by some animal in the wild. All she wished was for no one to notice her in such a state.

Wild, frizzy hair, slippery shiny skin, ruffled clothing. How high fashioned was she? Surely the other designers would not take her seriously. No matter what storm or world you pass through, in their eyes, you are still supposed to look 'good'.

With only a few feet away from the washroom, she began to feel like she'd accomplished her mission but there was one obstacle she wished that she could have avoided completely.

*Thug!* she bumped into a firm wall of muscles. Valarie stumbled backwards and would have fell if two strong hands hadn't grabbed her in time.

"Watch where you are going" a familiar voice grumbled.

"You watch it" Valarie countered trying to raise her voice.

Dark hooded eyed peered down at her. Valarie felt her body stiffen. Solid fingers were still gripped around her waist and she tried to ignore the burning sensation they were triggering.

"Could you like, stop touching me?" she feigned anger.

It was only then that Dimitri had realized that he still held her in a grasp. He immediately removed his hands and scuffed.

"Next time you should be more careful."

"Well next time you should probably invest in a pair of glasses. I see your vision is becoming it bit blurred."

He shook his head in disbelief. It was clear that she was at fault for the collision yet she wouldn't dare admit it. His eyes briefly scan over her being. It was long enough to give him full record of her state. The way her hair and clothes stuck to her wet skin and her breathing exaggerated the movements of her chest flashed wickedly in his sight. Dimitri swallowed a lump in his throat and tried to clear the image from his head. He desperately needed to change the topic.

"Anyway are you all set for tomorrow?"

"All set meaning?"

"Simply ready to enjoy the show."

"Yes, I am excited. I am pretty sure that it's going to be great."

"Good. Oh since you are coming alone, would you like to me to keep you a space around where my dad is going to sit or do you prefer to sit alone?"

Valarie folded her arms. "Wait what makes you think that I am coming alone?"

"Because you are?"

"No way. I'm definitely coming with someone."

"Oh is that so? Who are you coming with then?"

"umm, my boyfriend."

"And who might this boyfriend be?"

Valarie hesitated and searched her memory for some guy in the office that she knew. "Umm...K-Kyle" Kyle is my boyfriend."

Dimitri snorted. "No he's not."

"Excuse me? Yes he is."

"Nope, he isn't"

"And what makes you so sure of that?"

"He's gay" Dimitri responded matter of fact.

Valarie's lips pried open and stared at him dumbly.

She mentally scolded herself for her failed attempt at lying.

Dimitri cleared his throat mockingly. "You were saying?" he prompted.

Valarie clenched her teeth and peered at him. "What concern is it to you whether I attend with someone or not?"

"It doesn't matter to me. Just don't lie about it. You can't lie to me. You are horrible at it."

"I wasn't lying. We really were going as a date. He was planning to be totally straight for me that night and stuff but-"

"Valarie stop."

She held her tongue and sighed in defeat. "Don't you have work to do around here or something?" she inquired.

He narrowed his eyes on her. "Yes, I have places to be. I'll see you around Valarie and you might want to get some rest. It's starting to take effect."

Valarie hurriedly turned her head away remembering the state she was in. she pushed pass him and continued to the washroom. Dimitri shook his head and watched as she disappeared behind the door.

Imagine it was only a few hours away from the show and Valarie still hadn't found something to wear. Her exhaustion caused her to oversleep and she didn't get time to go shopping. She paced the floor frantically thinking up some miracle plan that would save her. The stores that were still opened were too expensive. She couldn't afford to spend more than half her savings on a dress for just one night.

"Okay Valarie think. There must be someone you can call to the rescue." Then it clicked. She dialed in Kyle's number and nibbled her fingers as she waited for him to answer.

"Hey Val. I'm sure you are all ready and waiting like a queen for me to come pick you up." Kyle spoke into the phone.

"Ha...ha....sureee"

"You don't sound so sure. What's the matter?"

"Umm, I would have been ready if only I had something to wear."

"What! What in the world are you talking about? I thought I told you to get your dress on your way home yesterday?"

"Well.....I was sort of tired so I thought that I would get to it this morning but I think someone drugged me or something. I only woke up a couple of minutes ago."

"W- Wha- What! Ms. Valarie Lauryn. What in the actual world is wrong with you?"

"Hey, we still got a few hours right?"

"A few hours? Oh God shine your light on this child. What are you even going to wear even if I magically appear there and get you ready in a flash?"

"I was sort of hoping that you would figure out that part" she laugh boisterously.

"Always Kyle to the rescue huh?"

"Yes there is no one as amazing as Kyle."

"If this was a different case you would have been out of luck but you are lucky that flattery gets you everywhere with me honey. Okay I have an idea."

"What's the idea?"

"You'll see when I get there. Give me half of an hour." The call then ended.

Valarie sat impatiently awaiting Kyle's arrival. After exactly 20 minutes, repeated knocks were heard on the door. She opened the door to find Kyle with a makeup kit and a large black plastic bag in his hand.

"Come on, back inside. We have work to do" Kyle said pushing past her and walking towards her bedroom.

Valarie followed behind and sat at the edge of her bed.

"Makeup first" Kyle kept wasting no time. He proceeded to work his magic on her face. A smile played across his face when he was finished.

"What?" Valarie questioned.

"Nothing. You are just beautiful. Okay dress time now."

"Wait what about my hair?"

"Don't you dare touch your hair? It's perfect like this."

"Hey are you crazy? This is my roll out of the bed, showered hair."

"And it's gorgeous. Now stop talking and smudging your lipstick. I said dress time."

Valarie sat straight like a pin and zipped her lips.

"Are you ready?" Kyle asked as he proceeded to take the dress out of the bag? Valarie nodded.

He opened the bag and pulled out a black and silver shimmery dress and laid it down on the bed. Valarie's jaw dropped opened. The dress was all too familiar.

"Oh my God Kyle. What the hell are you thinking?"

"What? A designer deserves to wear her own creation."

"But- but. How did you even get to take that from the storage room? Dimitri locked it before he left yesterday."

He smiled slyly "I have my ways."

"I can't wear this Kyle."

"Yes you can. Valarie you created it. You are wearing it. The dress is a charm, like you. Now get your butt up and get dressed."

She hesitantly rose to her feet and continued getting ready.

The room was already filling up. Most of the guests were seated and the night was proceeding smoothly. The models were assembled back stage, prepping for the big event. Makeup, hairspray, clothes. It was a chaotic scene. All of the names of the designers that were going to be highlighted were made known except one.

Ashley decided to keep one of the designers as a surprise. Of course there was great excitement to see who that designer was. Cameras flashed as though a thunder storm was brewing inside. Dimitri and Ashley walked with hands interlocked towards their seats near to his father.

"How is everything turning out thus far son?" Nikolai inquired.

"Great! So far no hiccups. We actually have more guests than expected and the media if off the charts.

"Ahh good news. I loved what you did with the designer's list. Keeping one of them a mystery. It's great for show. Even I am excited to see which one of the younger designers you chose."

"Actually it was Ashley that-"

Ashley cut him off my driving her elbow into his side. He paused and looked at her. Under her breath she whispered to him "No, don't tell him. Allow him to believe it was you. He will be proud. Take advantage of the light whenever he shines it on you."

Dimitri narrowed his eyes on her. "Why are you doing this for me?"

"Don't you want to impress your father?" she questioned.

He bit down on his lip. She did indeed hit the nail on the head.

"Fine, since you insist."

She gave him a reassuring smile and he turned back to his father. "Yes, I thought it would have been a great way to introduce the new designer. "

Nikolai patted him on the back "Ahh that's my boy."

He smiled half-heartedly and glanced and Ashley who seemed to be paying them no mind at all.

"Oh the show is about to start. Where is Valarie? Have you seen her?"

"No I haven't seen her yet."

"Ohh. She should be here by now. She said that she didn't want to miss my opening speech. Give her a call and find out where she is."

"Now?"

"Yes now. It's about to start."

Dimitri sighed inwardly and dialed in her number.

"Hello. Good evening."

"Good evening. Valarie? This is Dimitri. I was just calling to find out what time you will be arriving. Where are you now?"

"I'm here. Looking right at you."

"What?" he searched his surroundings but couldn't find her.

"Where?"

"You just looked at me."

"What? No I looked right around. I didn't see you."

"I am standing right here! Lending moral support to Kyle. He is talking to his friend."

Dimitri again looked around. He spotted Kyle but still didn't see her."

"I see Kyle but not you. What colour dress are you wearing?"

"Black and silver."

His eyes focused on the area where Kyle was again. About a meter away from Kyle stood a female figure. The fabric of the black and silver gown mimicked her curves and defined her small waist. A long slit at the side revealed the silky smooth skin of legs. And array of black curly locks spiraled around a head that carried a face with the most gorgeous features. Red lips curled up into a subtle smile revealing white pearls.

Dimitri's lips creased open and his eyes remained fixed on the woman. There were some familiar features about her yet it felt like he had no idea who she was.

"You are looking right at me god dammit" Valarie said agitatedly into the phone. "I'll be over in a sec."

Nikolai looked over at Dimitri. It was like he'd seen a ghost.

"Are you okay?" he questioned.

"Huh?..umm yes. Everything is fine."

"Did you get on to Valarie?"

"Yes, she will be here any moment now."

In that instance, Valarie began walking towards them. Hey hips swayed gracefully as she made her way across. Dimitri was dumb founded. He was still trying to come to terms with the sight he was seeing. Was that really Valarie?" he questioned only a hundred times.

"Ahh Valarie!" Nikolai exclaimed. "You look stunning!"

A warm shade of red surfaced under her skin. "As do you sir!"

She glanced at the seat next to him. "And where is your darling wife?"

"She is down stage. She wanted to hand record my speech herself. You know how she can get."

"Haha yes. She never misses a moment."

"Come on have a seat."

She sat between him and Dimitri. She awkwardly acknowledged Dimitri and embraced Ashley in a one armed hug.

"Valarie I can't help but to mention how amazing your dress is. Who is the designer?"

She blushed further as she thought up the answer to the question. "I am."

"Ahhh! You designed this dress?"

"Yes."

"Where have you been hiding all this time? I think sending you across to fashion was yet one of my best decisions.

She smiled humbly.

Don't flatter me sir. I don't want to smudge my lipstick if my smile turns into a hideous grin."

"By all means, smudge Ms. Lauryn."

"Haha. You are on a roll tonight. Management is calling for you. Go make your opening remarks."

The aura between Valarie and Dimitri was nothing less than awkward. They both kept their eyes forward as if looking to the side was forbidden. Ashley snaked her arms around his right bicep and leaned closer to him. They all listened attentively as Nikolai gave his speech.

Soon it was over and the show started. Models painted the runway and the pieces of each designer took their walk of fame down the aisle. They were all indeed amazing and the audience felt the same way. Of course the excitement grew as time approached the release of the mysterious designer. The host readied to make the announcement just before the models brought light to the designs.

"Ohh I'm really curious now. Who do you think the designer is?" Nikolai's wife asked him.

"Hmm it's hard to tell. I can't read the boy's mind as well anymore. There are some great designers left. But judging by that dress Valarie created..." he turned to her and smiled.

Kyle leaned in from behind. "I am pretty sure that it's Valarie."

"Shhh" Valarie attempted to quiet him.

The announcer drew everyone's attention.

"Now for the grand finale, the heads decided to introduce one of the newer designers as the face of this season's line. This designer is young, vibrant and will stand as the voice for the new generation. Let's wound up a round of applause for...Ms. Ashley Conner!"

Kyle's lower lip immediately dropped to the floor. "What the fudge cakes and brownies are raining today?"

Ashley squealed and jumped in her seat. Her smile was now ear to ear. "Oh my God I can't believe this is happening."

Dimitri's face marked complete confusion. He turned to Ashley and spoke under his breath. "

What are you doing?"

"You said anyone I want" she whispered.

Nikolai leaned across his seat and tugged Dimitri lightly on his shoulder. His eyes were full of questions. "You didn't tell me that she was god with design too" he informed.

The truth is, Dimitri had no idea. He had never seen any of her pieces before. Was she even good? The unknown twisted his stomach violently.

"Come on down Ashley. Where are you?" the announcer continued.

Ashley jumped up from her seat and proceeded to make her way down to the front. Dimitri sat in silence trying to absorb the news. He had no idea at all the she was going to select herself as the mystery designer.

His hairs stood on end as the irking silence beside him seeped through his pores. He turned slowly to the left to look at Valarie. She had sunk low down in her chair, her face sulked, her teeth piercing into her lower lips. Her outer features was like the tip of an iceberg to what she really felt inside. She had been working at it for weeks upon weeks. Driven herself to the point of exhaustion, ensuring that each detail was perfect. Trying immensely to please him yet so proved herself less worthy than a new graduate who had only been there for a fraction of the time that she was.

What else did she have to do to make herself worthy of his ultimate approval? Hot liquid pooled around her eyes and she tried immensely to prevent them from breaking its bank.

To not know how she felt would make any man a fool. Dimitri looked on as her features continued to morph into great disappointment.

"Valarie" her name rolled of his tongue like a whisper. "I-"

"Stop. You don't have to explain. I am not good enough for you. My work is not good enough for you and it will never be good enough for you. I tried to please you but for me, you are incapable of being pleased. I understand now. Your message is clear and I will stop trying now. Thanks."

Her words only made his stomach churn more violently.

"Valarie" he made another attempt to explain.

"Stop. I don't want to hear. Your designer's work is going to walk down the runway now. Have some respect for the choice you made and enjoy the rest of the show in silence"