Chapter 14

Chapter 14

The café was quiet, a sanctuary tucked away from the busy street. The soft hum of chatter and the hiss of steaming espresso machines filled the air. Nadine sat across from Lia, her hands resting on the blueprint of their boutique laid out on the table. She traced the outlines with her fingers, as if grounding herself in its reality.

"I still can't believe it," Lia said, her tone brimming with enthusiasm as she stirred her latte. "Three years ago, we were cramming for midterms and drowning in fabric samples in that tiny apartment. And now—our own store!"

Nadine couldn't help but smile at her friend's excitement. "It's surreal," she murmured, glancing up to meet Lia's sparkling eyes.

Lia leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Remember our late-night talks? Sketching designs on the living room floor while watching Project Runway reruns?"

"Don't forget the instant coffee," Nadine added, smirking. "The stuff tasted like cardboard, but it got us through."

Their laughter filled the small corner of the café. It felt good to reminisce, to reflect on the journey that had brought them here.

It hadn't been an easy climb. Starting Heira from their cramped apartment in the U.S. had been a gamble—a risk fueled by ambition and an unwillingness to conform to mainstream fashion. They'd poured their savings into their first collection, endured sleepless nights, and faced more setbacks than they could count. But they had persevered, and one serendipitous blog post had turned their fortunes around.

"I think about Stephanie's review a lot," Nadine admitted, her voice soft. "That one post changed everything for us."

"It was fate," Lia said with a grin. "And talent, obviously." She paused, her expression turning serious. "We've come so far, Nadine. This boutique—it's proof of what we've built."

Nadine nodded, her gaze returning to the blueprint. "And we're just getting started."

The Dinner Surprise

Later, they found themselves walking toward a sleek restaurant downtown, its glass façade reflecting the city lights. Lia had insisted on celebrating their latest milestone, and Nadine, though exhausted, couldn't say no.

As they entered, the warm, modern décor instantly set a welcoming tone. A waiter greeted them with a polite bow. "Reservation under Lia Kim," Lia said confidently.

The waiter led them through the bustling dining area to a table near the back. Nadine was busy scanning the elegant details of the restaurant when a familiar voice jolted her out of her thoughts.

"Nadine!"

Her head snapped toward the sound, her eyes widening in shock. "Stephanie?!"

There she was, sitting at their table, her radiant smile as bright as ever. Stephanie rose, arms open, and Nadine rushed forward, embracing her tightly.

"You didn't tell me you were coming!" Nadine exclaimed, pulling back to look at her.

Lia grinned from behind them. "Surprise! I couldn't plan a celebration without inviting the person who helped us get here."

Stephanie laughed, her Korean-German features glowing under the restaurant's soft lighting. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world. When Lia told me about your boutique, I booked my ticket immediately."

Nadine turned to Lia, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you. Both of you."

Old Memories, New Dreams

The trio settled into their seats, laughter and conversation flowing as naturally as it had in their university days. Stephanie's presence brought a lightness to the evening, her energy infectious.

"I still can't believe how much you've done for us," Nadine said, her tone earnest.

Stephanie waved her hand dismissively. "Stop giving me all the credit. You and Lia are the masterminds behind Heira. I just shone a little light on it."

"A little light?" Lia interjected. "Your review went viral. We sold out within hours."

"Well," Stephanie said with a mock shrug, "I do have good taste."

The three women burst into laughter, their shared history making the moment feel like home.

As the meal progressed, talk turned to the boutique. Stephanie listened intently as Nadine and Lia shared their plans for the space, her admiration clear. "I love how you've stayed true to your vision," she said. "It's rare in this industry. You're building something that matters."

Her words resonated with Nadine. It was easy to get caught up in the grind, to forget the passion that had driven them in the first place. Stephanie's encouragement reminded her why they had started Heira.

The Night's End

When the dinner ended, the three women stepped outside, the city alive with movement. Stephanie wrapped an arm around Nadine. "Promise me I'll be at the boutique's grand opening."

"Of course," Nadine said with a smile. "We wouldn't be here without you."

As they said their goodbyes, Nadine felt a sense of clarity settle over her. The road ahead would be challenging, but she wasn't alone. With Lia by her side and the unwavering support of friends like Stephanie, she was ready to face whatever came next.

The boutique wasn't just a new chapter for Heira—it was a testament to the resilience and creativity that had carried them this far. And as Nadine looked up at the city's glittering skyline, she knew they were just getting started.