#Chapter 139: The Visitation

Agnes The morning sun streamed through the tall windows, casting golden light across the polished marble floors of the fashion show venue. Lunas from various packs filled the space, each accompanied by a little girl—daughters, nieces, or younger sisters, all preparing for the mother-daughter showcase. “Look at all the pretty dresses!” Thea squealed, tugging on my hand and pointing at a rack of gowns being wheeled past us. I squeezed her small hand, my chest warming at her excitement. “Wait until you see ours,” I whispered, leaning down to her level. “They’re going to be the most beautiful ones here.” We made our way through the crowd to our assigned dressing area, a small corner space with our names printed on a laminated card. The backstage area was utter chaos, and yet the organized kind—stylists rushing about with curling irons, makeup artists dabbing finishing touches on models’ faces, and designers making last-minute adjustments to their pieces. Litt