As the time arrived, Levina stepped onto the stage, a graceful smile warming her features. The soft glow of the spotlight bathed her in gold as she took in the view of the crowd.
Her eyes found her family seated in the front row—they were all smiling, their pride unmistakable. She smiled back. Then, as her gaze swept across the room, it landed on him.
Zane.
Seated with elegant ease, legs crossed, he stared at her with unreadable intensity. His stormy gray eyes locked onto hers. Levina's heart skipped—his gaze was overwhelming, pulling her in like a tide.
She smiled awkwardly, brushing away the flutter in her chest and shifted her gaze back to the crowd.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice steady despite the thrum of nerves beneath it.
"Welcome, and thank you for being here tonight. This collection is especially close to my heart—not just because of the designs, but because of the message behind them.
Tonight, we celebrate connection—love, partnership, and the quiet strength of being seen and supported by someone standing beside you. Every look on tonight's runway was created with real couples in mind—because authenticity is the most beautiful thing we can wear.
To our guests, friends, and press from all over the world—thank you again for joining us. I hope you feel the heart in every step, and the love stitched into every seam.
Now… let the show begin."
The room erupted with applause and camera flashes. The music started, rhythmic and powerful, as the first pair of models strutted onto the runway, eyes locked, hands entwined.
Backstage, Levina watched with a proud smile. Everything was unfolding just as she'd imagined.
Until—
"Ma'am!" Sana came running, breathless. "You need to come. There's… there's a problem."
Levina's brows furrowed. "Calm down, Sana. What is it?"
"There's a couple fighting. One of the models and her partner—they're not stopping, no matter what we say."
Levina's eyes narrowed as she quickly followed Sana through the corridor. As they entered the hall, a man's voice cut sharply through the murmurs.
"You little slut! How dare you cheat on me? Was I not enough for you?"
Gasps spread through the crowd. A woman knelt on the floor, sobbing.
"Sam, I didn't cheat on you. It's a misunderstanding…"
"Oh really? Then what are these pictures of you kissing another man? Do you think I'm stupid?" he roared, waving his phone.
"What is happening here?" Levina's voice sliced through the tension. The crowd instinctively stepped aside.
The woman scrambled to her feet.
"Ma'am, please… He misunderstood. Those are old photos of my ex. Someone's trying to frame me."
"Stop lying, Jane!" Sam barked.
"I'm not lying! I hadn't even met you when those pictures were taken—maybe it's your ex trying to ruin us!"
"You—!"
"Enough!" Levina snapped, stepping between them. "This is not your home. If you want to fight, do it after the show."
Sam clenched his jaw, his grip tightening around his phone.
"I'm sorry, Miss Lannister. But I refuse to perform with her. I'm leaving."
"What?" Levina's expression hardened. "We don't have a replacement for you."
"Sam, please," Jane begged. "Let's just finish the show. Think about the penalty for walking out!"
"I don't care. You ruined everything. You'll pay for it."
As he yanked his arm free, Jane stumbled—falling into a nearby table, knocking over glasses of juice. A splash of orange soaked her once-white satin dress.
The crowd gasped.
Jane stood frozen, staring at her now-ruined dress. Levina's eyes flared with fury.
"You bastard! Do you have any idea how much that dress is worth?"
Sam stiffened. "It's not my fault—it's hers! She should pay for it!"
"You disgusting coward," Jane snapped. "I should never have trusted you!"
She marched up and slapped him, the crack echoing across the hall.
His face twisted in rage. "You dare—?!"
He raised his hand, but before he could strike, Levina caught his wrist mid-air.
"Touch her again, and I'll destroy you."
She turned to security. "Get him out of here. Lock him somewhere safe. I'll deal with him after the show."
The guards quickly restrained Sam as he struggled. "You'll regret this! Let go of me!"
As he was dragged out, silence hung heavy.
Perry exhaled beside Levina. "Oh no… Your showstopper dress… It's ruined."
Jane lowered her head, voice barely audible. "I'm sorry, ma'am. It's all because of me…"
Levina clenched her jaw, eyes on the wreckage.