Hazel barely slept the night before her first day at Valentino Fashion House.
Every time she closed her eyes, the same thought repeated in her mind.
You actually made it.
After years of working in a tiny workspace, sewing clothes for neighbors and small clients, she was now stepping into one of the biggest fashion companies in the city.
It almost felt unreal.
The building itself was intimidating.
Tall glass walls, polished floors, and people moving quickly with tablets and files in their hands. Everything about the place screamed power and success.
Hazel stood among two other new designers in a large conference room, nervously smoothing the fabric of her simple dress.
They were the three new designers selected for the company.
Number one.
Number two.
And Hazel…
Number three.
A tall manager stood at the front of the room.
"You are very lucky to be here," he said firmly. "Mr. Valentino rarely approves new designers personally."
Hazel's heart skipped.
Mr. Valentino…
The owner of the company.
Luca Valentino.
She had heard countless stories about him.
People described him as cold, strict, and impossible to impress. Some employees even said he once rejected an entire fashion line without hesitation.
No one wanted to disappoint Luca Valentino.
"Mr. Valentino will arrive shortly," the manager continued. "When he comes in, introduce yourselves and briefly explain your design philosophy."
Hazel swallowed nervously.
Her palms suddenly felt sweaty.
Design philosophy?
She had prepared designs.
Not speeches.
Just then…
The door opened.
And the entire room instantly went silent.
A tall man walked in with calm confidence, his presence commanding attention without effort.
He wore a perfectly tailored black suit that fit him like it had been designed only for him. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his sharp jawline made his serious expression even more intimidating.
He looked young.
Too young to carry such power.
But there was something about his eyes—cold, observant, calculating.
This was Luca Valentino.
Twenty-eight.
CEO.
Owner.
And the man everyone feared.
Hazel felt her heart beating faster.
Why is he so… handsome?
She immediately scolded herself for the thought.
The manager straightened.
"Good morning, Mr. Valentino."
Luca gave a short nod before sitting at the head of the table.
"Let's begin."
His voice was calm, deep, and firm.
The first designer stepped forward and introduced himself confidently.
The second followed, speaking passionately about creativity and innovation.
Then…
It was Hazel's turn.
Her stomach twisted.
She slowly stood up, suddenly feeling as though every pair of eyes in the room were watching her.
Especially his.
Luca leaned slightly back in his chair, studying her with quiet interest.
Hazel opened her mouth to speak.
"My name is Hazel Hart," she began.
So far so good.
"I believe fashion should… should…"
Her mind suddenly went blank.
Completely blank.
Her nervous eyes accidentally met Luca's for a brief second—and that was enough to destroy the little confidence she had left.
The words came out before she could stop them.
"I believe fashion should… impress rich people."
Silence.
Complete silence.
The manager blinked.
One of the designers coughed awkwardly.
Hazel's eyes widened in horror.
What did I just say?!
She immediately tried to fix it.
"No—I mean not impress rich people—I meant express personality and creativity and—"
Her words tangled together helplessly.
A few quiet chuckles escaped around the room.
Hazel wished the ground would open and swallow her whole.
But Luca didn't laugh.
Instead…
He was watching her.
Carefully.
There was still that cold expression on his face, but something else had appeared in his eyes.
Curiosity.
Because despite the awkward speech…
The sketches sitting in front of him with Hazel's name on them were impossible to ignore.
And Luca Valentino never ignored talent.
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