Chapter 20: Threads and Thunder
The boardroom at FireThreads had never felt so full. Melissa stood at the head of the table, a giant mood board propped behind her featuring swatches, fabric samples, concept sketches, and digital slides. A blend of FireThreads originals and new touches from the Botho Group's Innovation Division colored the air with excitement.
This wasn't just a fashion launch being anticipated,no it was a dream unfolding.
Melissa had always wanted her brand to be more than beautiful clothing but a voice. Now, thanks to the integration with Botho Global's fashion and innovation department, that voice was going global.
"The theme is Bold Beings," she said, her voice steady, her fingers moving along the edge of a concept board. "We're showcasing strength. Every design reflects resilience and power. And not just maternity wear as our launch includes postpartum, transitional, and even fourth-trimester pieces. All wrapped in unapologetic flair."
The room buzzed with nods and murmurs. Max's presence at the back of the room hadn't gone unnoticed. Dressed in all black and watching silently, he'd let her lead. For once. But she could feel his stare like a hand at her lower back , warm, constant,and a little irritating.
"Question," said Lame from Botho's branding department, adjusting his spectacles. "Do we get a preview of the wearable tech you teased in the early proposal?"
Melissa smirked. "You'll see prototypes next tomorrow. Rama and I are finalizing the flexible heat panels for temperature control. There's also posture correction features in select pieces, discreetly embedded."
Murmurs turned to impressed silence.
It felt good to stand in her own storm and not flinch.
Later, in her office, Melissa closed the door and leaned against it. Dineo handed her a smoothie and a stack of samples to review.
"You okay?" Dineo asked.
Melissa nodded. Then shook her head. "No. I mean... yes? Everything is moving fast. The launch is weeks away. Botho's team is folding into ours like puzzle pieces, and I..."
"You haven't had time to breathe."
"I haven't had time to think about the baby."
Dineo looked up sharply.
Melissa placed a hand on her stomach. The baby wasn't showing yet, not really. But she could feel the shifts her body working overtime to prepare a home for a soul she hadn't even met.
"I talk to them sometimes," she whispered. "At night. Like, 'Hey little human, it's just you and me. I hope that's enough.'"
"You're more than enough," Dineo said quickly.
Melissa looked away. "I know. I just sometimes I wish I didn't have to do it alone."
She didn't cry. She never cried in front of Dineo. But the emotion hung heavy in the air between them.
"I get it," Dineo said, softer now. "And maybe one day, someone will show up not just to love you, but to love them too."
Melissa gave a small smile. "Maybe."
She turned to her laptop and opened the updated launch plan. It was stunning. Venue confirmed. Runway layout finalized. Digital invitations ready to go live. She was curating a list of models of all sizes and postpartum stages, each with their own powerful story.
The Botho Group's innovation team would handle the showcase of new materials, weaving in their smart-fabric data with visual effects. There would be a projection screen behind the runway displaying the real-time adjustments of the garments temperature sensors, stretch capacity, biometric tracking.
The technical meets the intimate.
"Let's reach out to Mpho Mohlakane from Lekgapha magazine," Melissa said. "She's been trying to get an exclusive for a year. She can follow us for two days. Behind-the-scenes, fittings, the whole thing."
Dineo nodded. "I'll set it up."
The door opened and Lorato slipped in, holding a fresh folder.
"I've got the collab notes from the Botho team. They're calling the innovation segment Evolve."
Melissa smiled. "Not bad. Sounds like a tech superhero."
Lorato lingered by the desk, flipping her braids back. Melissa glanced up, narrowing her eyes.
"You're being cagey."
Lorato blinked. "Me?"
"You went to see Rama last time. I asked for details and you have given me nothing."
Lorato bit her bottom lip. "It wasn't what I expected."
"That vague tone tells me everything and nothing."
"Let's just say... I went hoping for something. He wasn't in the same headspace. We talked. He was polite. Distant. It's fine. Really."
Melissa didn't press. She could feel Lorato wasn't ready to talk about whatever happened or didn't happen with Rama. And she respected that.
Instead, she handed her the tablet. "Help me review the walk order for the models. We need a balance of shock value and heart. Start strong. End unforgettable."
For the next hour, they worked in a rhythm that felt like family. Like something chosen and fought for.
At 7 PM, Max entered her office again without knocking. Melissa didn't look up.
"Still allergic to knocking, I see."
"Only when I bring good news."
Lorato made a quick exit, murmuring something about approvals.
Melissa leaned back in her chair. "What news?"
"The custom light panels from Seoul arrive Friday. We can install them around the runway for real-time textile response. Botho Group paid for express freight."
"That's actually... brilliant."
He leaned against her desk. "I can be useful, you know."
"I'll alert the press."
He laughed. Then paused. "I meant what I said in that text."
"I haven't responded."
"You didn't have to. Your silence was louder than most people's novels."
She stood slowly, walking around the desk, stopping just inches from him. Close enough to smell his cologne. Close enough to remember.
"This baby," she said, "has no space for games. If you're here for business, let's keep it there."
Max didn't move. But something in his eyes flickered, softened and broke.
"Copy that," he said.
Melissa turned away first. But her fingers trembled on the edge of the desk.
Later that night, alone in her penthouse, she stood by the window and looked out at Gaborone's city lights. Her phone buzzed. A voice note from Max. She didn't open it.
She placed a hand on her stomach instead.
"Just you and me, baby bean," she whispered. "And a world to conquer."