The morning sun painted gold lines across my window when I woke up. I stared at the ceiling for a few seconds.
Today wasn't just any day, it was my first official day at VOSS Couture.
The name still sounded like a dream every time I said it.
I took extra care getting ready. My hands shook as I buttoned my soft ivory blouse and smoothed my skirt. My hair was up, my makeup was light, and I went for my favorite perfume: a soft floral scent.
When I stepped into the living room, Arica was already dressed and glowing. She looked effortlessly chic in a black jumpsuit, her long dark hair was tied in a sleek ponytail.
"Wow," she said, smiling when she saw me. "Someone looks like she's about to conquer the fashion world." She teased.
I laughed, though my voice trembled. "I just hope I don't trip in front of the CEO." I giggled.
"You won't," she said quickly. "You'll be fine, Berlin. You're talented and honestly, you deserve to be there." She whispered.
Her words warmed me. Whatever tension I'd felt before seemed to melt away. She was still my best friend, the same Arica who had stood by me through long nights at fashion school.
"Thanks," I said softly.
She smiled wider. "Now, come on. Let's go impress the billionaire." She smirked.
We finally arrived VOSS couture.
"Welcome, ladies," the receptionist greeted with a polite smile. "Mr. Voss has requested to see Miss Berlin as soon as she arrives." She informed.
My breath caught. "Me?" I asked.
"Yes. He's in the design studio on the 3rd floor." She added.
Arica raised an eyebrow. "Straight to the boss on your first day? Impressive." She teased.
I tried to smile but felt my palms growing sweaty. "I… guess so." I muttered.
The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, revealing a wide studio filled with sketches, mannequins, and fabrics so beautiful they looked unreal.
I stepped inside, my heart racing.
Vicar Voss was standing at the far end of the room, looking at a row of designs on the wall. Even from a distance, he commanded attention. His tall frame and his quiet presence filled the space like he owned it: which, of course, he did.
He turned when he heard me approach. Those cold grey eyes found mine instantly.
"Miss Berlin" he said, calmly. "You're punctual."
"Good morning, Mr. Voss." I greeted, swallowing hard.
He studied me for a second longer than necessary before speaking again. "How was your weekend?" He asked.
" It was good, sir" I mumbled.
He gave a small nod. "That's good. I called you up because there's a new collection coming, a project we're calling Ethereal Lines. It will define this season's brand image." He announced.
" Wow! That Sounds exciting," I said, trying to sound confident.
"It's more than that," he said. "It will be personal." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And I want you to be part of it." He said.
My heart stuttered. "Me?" I asked.
"Yes. Your designs show emotion.
That's something this house has been missing lately. You'll work with me directly." He declared.
"I—" I could barely speak. "Thank you, sir. I don't know what to say." I stammered.
He looked straight at me. "Say you'll give it everything you've got." He insisted.
"I will," I said quickly.
He nodded once. "Good. You start tomorrow. We'll be reviewing initial sketches and mood boards together." He urged.
A quiet smile tugged at his lips: barely there, but it made my chest tighten. "Welcome to the real world of fashion, Miss Berlin." He declared.
I left the studio in a daze.
The hallway blurred around me as I tried to process what had just happened. Vicar Voss wants to work with me. Me? a small-town girl with big dreams and second-hand clothes.
When I got back downstairs, Arica was waiting in the lobby. She jumped to her feet as soon as she saw me.
"Well?" she asked eagerly. "What did he say?"
I smiled so hard, my cheeks hurt. "You're not going to believe this, he wants me to work on a big project with him. Personally." I announced.
Her eyes widened for a split second before she caught herself. "Wait, what? With him?" She asked.
"Yeah. It's called Ethereal Lines. He said he liked my work and my designs. He said they had emotion." I said, softly.
"That's… wow," she said, and her voice was full of wonder. She even pulled me into a hug. "I'm so proud of you, Berlin. You deserve it." She said.
Her warmth made me want to cry. I squeezed her back tightly. "Thanks, Arica. I couldn't have done it without your support." I sobbed.
"Of course," she said softly. "We're a team."
And at that moment, I believed her.
The rest of the day was filled with introductions and meetings. I met the senior designers, assistants, and even the head of production. Everyone was friendly, though I could sense quiet curiosity whenever they found out I'd be working directly under Vicar Voss.
"Lucky girl," one of the assistants whispered. "No one gets that close to him."
I just smiled awkwardly. "I guess he just liked my work." I whispered.
By afternoon, I was sketching again: new ideas bursting from my mind.
When Vicar passed through the studio later, he paused by my table.
"That's new," he said, nodding at my sketch.
"Yes, sir," I said quickly. "It's a concept for Ethereal Lines. I wanted to try something…something that feels free." I stammered.
He leaned over the table, close enough that I could smell his cologne: It was clean and expensive. His eyes studied the drawing carefully.
"You think freedom can be worn?" he asked, his tone was quiet.
I hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, sir. If it's designed with truth."
He looked at me for a long moment before saying softly, "You're interesting, Miss Berlin."
My pulse skipped. "Thank you… I think."
He smiled slightly, then straightened. "Keep working on it. I want to see more tomorrow." He said.
When he walked away, I realized I hadn't taken a full breath in nearly a minute.
That evening, Arica and I took the subway home together. The ride was quiet at first.
"You were quiet all day," I said finally. "Are you okay?"
She smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. " I'm Just tired. You know how the first days are." She said.
I nodded. "Yeah. It was really exhausting."
Then she turned to me. "So, what's he like? Mr. Voss." she asked with a light voice.
"He's very serious. But kind, in his own way." I acknowledged.
She smiled faintly. "Kind, huh? That's rare for men like him." She asked.
"Yeah, he's different." I said softly.
Arica nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like he already trusts you." She asked.
"I hope so." I muttered.
"Just don't fall in love with your boss, okay?" she chuckled.
I laughed nervously. "Don't worry. That's the last thing on my mind." I assured.
"Good," she said,
smiling again. "Because love and work don't mix well." She added.
The train slowed, and she turned her gaze to the window.
Then my phone buzzed….