Chapter 21: The Window on Fifth Avenue
Chapter 21: The Window on Fifth Avenue
It was a rainy Tuesday evening.
Regina was walking down Fifth Avenue, holding a plain black umbrella. Her posture was no longer razor-sharp. The exhaustion of constant rejection had softened her shoulders.
She stopped at a red light.
When she looked to her right, she froze.
Through the sheets of rain, the glowing, elegant storefront of Brooks Atelier’s new flagship boutique illuminated the wet pavement.
In the center of the massive glass window stood a single mannequin, draped in a breathtaking, ethereal gown of midnight blue silk. It was a masterpiece of structure and flow.
Regina stared at it. The sheer, undeniable genius of the design struck her like a physical blow.
Then, movement inside caught her eye.
Maya was standing near the display, adjusting the draping.
Maya looked up.
Through the rain-streaked glass, the two women locked eyes.
There was no dramatic confrontation. There was no smug smile from Maya. There was no theatrical glare from Regina.
May you like
Maya just looked at her. A quiet, steady gaze of absolute peace.
Regina lowered her eyes first. The humiliation was total, silent, and final. She tightened her grip on her umbrella and walked away into the rain, disappearing into the crowd.
