Chapter 2

Three days before the start of Paris Fashion Week, I dragged my temperature-controlled case filled with couture designs to JFK Airport, dripping with sweat.

Carter and I had agreed to meet at Terminal 3.

I had spent countless sleepless nights on this collection, working until my retinas were bloodshot, just to win this invitation to the international showcase.

But when I stood in front of the self-service kiosk, it didn't print my boarding pass.

Instead, a cold notification popped up on the screen: Flight canceled. Ticket refunded.

I called Carter. His phone was off.

Fifteen minutes later, I saw him through the glass wall of the VIP lounge.

He was wearing the black trench coat I had personally tailored for him, leaning down to tenderly adjust a scarf around Chloe’s neck.

Chloe was holding my sketchbook in her hands.

Around her neck hung my official entry pass.

And in the temperature-controlled case next to her feet was Grandma Evelyn’s final masterpiece, which was supposed to be in my hands!

Before I could even get close, Chloe’s eyes welled up with tears, and she shrank behind Carter.

"Maya, please don't be mad. I just... I just wanted to see Paris so badly."

"My anxiety has been so terrible lately."

When Carter saw me, his gentle expression instantly hardened into a scowl.

"What are you doing here?"

I pointed at the case by her feet, my fingers trembling.

"That’s mine."

Carter took an impatient step forward, blocking Chloe from my view.

"Chloe is in a bad mental state. The doctor said she needs to travel and clear her mind."

"What's the big deal if she borrows your dress just to take some photos outside the venue and make herself feel better?"

"Then what about my plane ticket?"

Carter paused, pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket, and shoved it into my hand.

"I bought you a ticket back home. You've been too tired lately. Go back and get some rest."

He looked down at me, his voice low, but every word stabbed like a dagger.

"Paris is a shark tank. Even if you go, you’ll just be a nobody in the background."

"Chloe is different. She needs this exposure to apply to Parsons. Don't be a party pooper."