65
Rachel opened her eyes and let out a contented sigh. The medicine her mother had given her was starting to work its magic and she finally felt like she was on the mend. She was still a little groggy, but she could feel the familiar itch of creativity starting to stir inside her. She reached for her sketchbook and pencil and began to draw.
As she worked, the outside world faded away and she became completely absorbed in her art. She was creating beautiful designs, the likes of which she had not seen in a long time. The sketches came to life on the page and she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.
****
Rachel took a deep breath as she stepped out of the Uber and onto the busy New York City street. She had been waiting for this meeting with CREED X for weeks, and now the day had finally arrived. She had prepared for this moment, and now it was time to make her pitch.
The Uber driver helped Rachel gather her things before she headed towards the entrance of the CREED X building. The exterior of the building was a towering glass structure that glistened in the afternoon sun. It was surrounded by manicured greenery, and the entrance was flanked by large, modern sculptures.
Rachel walked towards the entrance and noticed the tight security. She had to present her ID and confirm her appointment before she was allowed in. Once she was cleared, the large glass doors slid open, and Rachel stepped into the lobby. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior. The lobby was expansive and open with sleek, futuristic design elements. There were large screens displaying images of CREED X’s latest projects, and a group of people sitting in comfortable chairs on one side of the room.
As Rachel made her way towards the elevators, she couldn’t help but feel intimidated by the grandeur of the place. However, she knew that she had to focus on the task at hand, so she took a deep breath and stepped into the elevator.
The elevator shot upwards, and soon Rachel was on the floor where she was scheduled to meet the CREED X agent. The hallway leading to the meeting room was just as impressive as the lobby, with glass walls showcasing the company’s projects and a view of the city below.
As she approached the meeting room, Rachel’s heart was racing. She had never been in a meeting like this before, and the pressure was on. However, she was confident in her designs, and she knew that if she could convey her passion, she would be able to secure the investment she needed.
The meeting went well. The agent was impressed with Rachel’s designs and vision for her fashion brand. They discussed the potential for a partnership and the details of the investment. Rachel was thrilled with the outcome and left the meeting feeling like she was one step closer to achieving her dream.
However, there was a catch – they wanted her to enter her designs into a fashion competition.
Rachel was not too thrilled about the competition, but she knew it was a good way to get her designs out there and get noticed. She decided to give it a try.
Celine called her later that day to check in on her and, in the midst of their conversation, announced that her wedding date had finally been set. Rachel was overjoyed for her friend and they made plans to go shopping for wedding gowns the next day.
Rachel poured herself a cup of tea and settled into her studio, surrounded by sketches and fabric swatches.
Her mind was racing with ideas, and she began sketching three different gowns that she knew would be perfect for Celine.
The first gown was a classic and elegant A-line silhouette made of soft tulle with a sheer illusion neckline. The dress had intricate floral lace appliques scattered throughout, and a delicately beaded belt that cinched at the waist. The skirt flowed into a long, sweeping train that would add a touch of glamour to Celine’s wedding day. Rachel envisioned Celine wearing her hair in a low chignon with diamond stud earrings to complete the classic and timeless look.
The second gown was a modern and sleek sheath style made of silk charmeuse with a plunging V-neckline and a daring thigh-high slit. The dress was adorned with delicate crystal beading, which shimmered in the light. The back of the dress featured a unique and dramatic cowl detail, adding an unexpected element of sophistication to the design. Rachel pictured Celine wearing her hair in loose waves with statement drop earrings to complete the modern and chic look.
The third gown was a romantic and whimsical ball gown made of layers of delicate organza with a strapless sweetheart neckline. The dress featured a beautifully detailed bodice with intricate beading and embroidery. The skirt was voluminous, with cascading layers of ruffles and a subtle train. Rachel imagined Celine wearing her hair in loose, tousled waves with a simple yet elegant pair of drop earrings to complete the romantic and ethereal look.
That night, she hung out with Will and his sister and finally headed home, feeling much better than she had in a long time.
The sun was shining brightly as Rachel and Celine stepped out of the car, giggling and chatting excitedly. Celine was holding a shopping bag and a credit card, which she waved around jokingly. “William is going to regret giving me his credit card!” she said with a smile.
They made their way into a trendy boutique and browsed the racks, trying on different outfits and accessories. Celine was in a playful mood and tried on a hat that made her look like a movie star from the 1920s. “What do you think, Rachel?” she asked, twirling around in front of a mirror.
“You look gorgeous, as always,” Rachel replied with a smile.
Celine beamed and continued shopping, picking out a few more outfits and some jewelry. “Okay, now it’s time for the spa,” she announced, leading the way.
*****
At the spa, they changed into plush robes and slippers and were escorted to a relaxing room filled with soft music and the scent of lavender. They chatted and sipped on herbal tea as they received their treatments, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. {EPLAI
After the spa, they made their way to a seamstress shop where Rachel had bought her wedding gown. Celine tried on a few gowns, but none of them seemed to fit her just right. Rachel, meanwhile, was feeling nervous. She had been working on some designs for Celine’s wedding gown, and now was the moment of truth.
“I have something to show you, Celine,” she said hesitantly, pulling out a portfolio filled with sketches.
Celine’s eyes lit up as she flipped through the pages, admiring the intricate details and beautiful styles. “Oh, Rachel, these are amazing!” she exclaimed. “I want to choose all of them!”
Rachel laughed. “You can only choose two, remember?”
Celine pouted, but then her eyes landed on two gowns that she simply couldn’t resist. “These two, Rachel,” she said, pointing to the sketches. “One for the white wedding and one for the reception party.”