Page 63 of To Hell

I step into the driver’s seat, “Congratulations, ladies.”

I start the engine of the car.

They both stare at me in shock through the rearview mirror.

Valerie’s stoic expression twitches for a second, “You mean…”

I simply nod, “You'll get the money, that is, if you haven't already.”

“How did you do it?” Zoe gulps.

“I told him to look at the numbers again,” I shrug.

Zoe holds my gaze, but her phone buzzes in the clutch beside her. She reads something on the screen, and her eyes dilate, her breath catching.

“What is it?” My tone sharpens. “You should let the trolls be.”

She shakes her head, looking up from her phone, her eyes twinkling with a mix of disbelief and excitement.

“It’s not the trolls,” she places one hand on her chest, “I just received a booking request for a lingerie fashion show,” she swallows, her voice wobbly.

“That’s wonderful!” I exclaim, pride rising to my throat as I watch her blink unbelievably at her phone.

Valerie explodes in cheers beside her, and Zoe keys into it, their excitement filling the car. Valerie grabs Zoe's hand, her eyes shining with pride.

“We did it! This is incredible.” Valerie laughs for the first time since I have known her, and she should laugh more because it’s one of those laughs that makes anyone listening smile, “Let's celebrate properly. Lunch is on me!”

“Alright, where are we eating?” I gear the car, and Valerie lists some of the best restaurants around. As Zoe asks about the menu for a particular clam sauce I haven’t heard her mention in years, I feel my heart shooting like a rocket out of my chest and heading for outer space.

It’s happening.

And just like I had always wanted, I’m here to witness it.

Chapter Thirty-Three

ZOE

Fifteen years late, but it is finally here.

My debut.

It’s been weeks since the confrontation with Jack, and my life trajectory has changed completely. I have spent the past weeks preparing for my debut fashion show. My days have been filled with fittings, final touches, and media engagements.

Valerie has evolved both as a sponsor and mentor, guiding me through the complexities of the fashion industry. I feel like I’m trekking through the galaxy, having stars for a meal.

My dream is finally within reach. And hopefully, this time it will all go as smoothly as planned. No funny tricks being pulled from under life’s hat.

Zoe Gray’s debut collection, Slavic Elegance Meets Futuristic Chic, is being released today, and I feel like I’m in a deep trance.

I feel like, at any moment, someone might wake me up, and I will see myself back in that cramped room with the other girls. At any moment, I will wake up to see that I fell asleep making costumes for the girls, daydreaming about this day.

I chose the name as a pun. The Slavic is both to support the girls who had to endure what I endured and came out to the other side as I did and also because the fabrics used for the collection were handmade in the Czech Republic by a group of widows.

A smile stretches across my face as I stand behind the stage, peeking at the darkly lit venue adorned with luxurious decor.

The ambiance is electric, filled with the buzz of excitement and anticipation. Models, designers, and fashion enthusiasts mingle, creating an air of glamor and sophistication.

I decided no seats would be needed as this is not exactly a catwalk. It’s a pathway with curves that forces the model to catwalk through the sprawling audience in the hall.

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