Couple of weeks later...
The grand ballroom of the Astoria Hotel shimmered under a cascade of crystal chandeliers, the elegantly dressed guests roaming around freely. The event was the talk of the fashion industry—a night dedicated to honoring Muse, the enigmatic designer whose breathtaking collections had taken the world by storm.
No one had ever seen her face, yet her designs captivated audiences and critics alike.
The anticipation in the air was palpable. Cameras flashed as renowned designers, models, and industry elites sipped champagne, their conversations swirling around the biggest mystery of the night: Who was Muse?
Kate, the CEO of the Lime Art Fashion, took to the stage, her voice echoing through the hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we celebrate a designer whose brilliance has redefined fashion. A true visionary, a force of nature... the winner of the Best Designer of the Year award—Muse."
A hush fell over the crowd as the large LED screen on stage flickered. A montage of Muse’s groundbreaking designs played, followed by a slow fade into a name that sent a shockwave through the room.
Isabella.
Gasps filled the ballroom. A moment of stunned silence stretched before excited murmurs rippled through the audience.
Isabella?
Everyone wondered who she was.
"Yes, the Muse you are looking for is Isabella," Kate announced. "To us, she is Bella. She kept her identity a secret, but tonight, she is here among us. Please welcome Bella aka Muse."
Then, as if stepping straight out of a dream, Bella appeared at the top of the grand staircase, poised and radiant in a custom black velvet gown. Her gaze swept across the room, catching the stunned expressions of the guests.
Theodore stood near the front, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and deep admiration. As Bella descended the stairs, whispers and exclamations filled the room. Even the most seasoned designers, those who had once dismissed the mysterious Muse as a fleeting talent, now looked at her with newfound respect.
Bella reached the stage, her fingers brushing against the golden trophy that bore her name. She turned to the microphone, her voice steady but filled with emotion.
"Thank you," she said, pausing as the reality of the moment settled in. "You all must be thinking why I chose the name ’Muse’...Well, I chose this name to create freely, without expectations. Fashion has always been my passion, and I poured my soul into every design. I never imagined this moment, but I am grateful. Grateful to those who believed in me, and even to those who didn’t—because you all played a part in bringing me here."
She glanced at Kate, who smiled at her with appreciation. "This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without Kate’s guidance and the unwavering support of my teammates. And of course, my friend Willow, whose unique designs and relentless determination always inspired me. I learned from her not to give up."
Willow grinned from ear to ear as she raised her wine glass at her.
Bella nodded at her slightly, her gaze moving to Theodore. "Last but not the least, I want to thank a very important person in my life. Without him, I wouldn’t have come this far."
All were eager to know who the person is.
Bella’s heart raced as she locked her eyes with Theodore. "It’s my husband, Theodore Reid."
The spotlight moved to Theodore, who smiled.
Murmurs and gasps filled the air. Everyone was stunned to know that Bella was actually Theodore’s wife.
"He was my rock, always standing by my side, uplifting and encouraging me," Bella continued. "There were times when I felt broken, when hope seemed lost, but he gave me the strength to keep going. Whenever my confidence wavered, he was there to remind me of my worth. This achievement isn’t just mine—it’s ours. Thank you, Theodore, for always being there for me."
Applause erupted, a standing ovation rising like a wave across the ballroom. The cameras flashed, capturing the moment that would make headlines for weeks.
Bella smiled, contented and satisfied. Her identity was no longer a mystery. Her marital status was also revealed to the world.
Bella’s teammates erupted into cheerful applause, their excitement filling the air.
Kate and Willow were practically beaming, their faces lit with uncontainable joy.
"To Bella!" Willow exclaimed, raising her glass high.
Kate followed suit, her voice ringing with excitement. "To Muse! The best designer of the year!"
Their laughter and shouts blended into the jubilant atmosphere, drawing smiles from those around them. Other colleagues joined in, toasting to Bella’s success.
Unlike the others who erupted in celebration, Theodore remained seated, his fingers loosely curled around a glass of whiskey. He didn’t need to stand or shout to express his pride.
A slow, knowing smile played on his lips, his dark eyes shining with admiration as he watched her soak in the moment she had fought so hard for.
He had never doubted her talent, never questioned her potential. Now, as she stood before the world, recognized for her brilliance, he felt no surprise—only certainty. And tonight was just the beginning.
Bella, still overwhelmed by the moment, glanced toward the crowd, her gaze instinctively searching for one person—Theodore.
Bella caught his eye across the sea of people, and for a brief moment, everything else faded. The applause, the flashing cameras, the excited chatter—all became background noise. It was just the two of them.
She smiled at him, a silent exchange of gratitude and love passing between them. He dipped his head slightly, mouthing, ’I always knew you would shine.’
Bella weaved her way through the crowd, her heart still racing from the overwhelming rush of the night. She had stepped into the light, and the world had seen her for who she truly was.
But amidst all the celebration, there was only one person she wanted to share this moment.
She reached his table, where he sat with that ever-knowing, confident smile. His dark eyes never left her, filled with an intensity that made her breath hitch. She held up the trophy, a proud glint in her gaze.
Theodore’s lips curved into a slow smirk. "My queen." He reached out, tracing his fingers lightly over the engraved letters of her name on the trophy before pulling her close.
Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her, pressing her against him in a way that made her pulse stutter. His warmth, his scent—he was intoxicating.
Dipping his head, he brought his lips to her ear. "You have no idea how proud I am of you," he murmured. Then, with a touch of mischief, he added, "But, my love, if you think I’m letting you stay here any longer, you’re wrong. I can’t wait anymore."
Bella held her breath, her cheeks heating. Her fingers curled around his lapel instinctively, her body betraying her reaction to him. "Theodore," she whispered, a flustered plea hidden in her tone. "Everyone is watching us."
He chuckled, low and deep, his lips barely brushing against the shell of her ear. "If you are too overwhelmed by the crowd, let’s get out of here," he urged. "I have something special waiting for you at home, and I have no patience left to see you in anyone else’s spotlight but mine."
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