A protective interest.

Abigail entered her registration number and collected her ID card. She then carefully hung the ID card around her neck, making sure it was secure and visible, as required.

Abigail's chest heaved rapidly as nervousness washed over her, scanning the room filled with contestants. She swallowed hard, composing herself in an effort to calm her racing heart. There were 25 contestants in total, each exuding an air of confidence and skill. They all seemed impeccably prepared, their poise and determination only adding to Abigail's growing anxiety.

The highly anticipated competition was officially opened with great fanfare, as renowned designer Jennie and stunning model Shara took to the stage as hosts. With their charismatic presence, they effortlessly commanded the attention of the eager audience.

With a bright smile, Jennie welcomed everyone to the event, while Shara explained the rules and requirements of the competition. Now that all the contestants were ready, the hosts declared the competition officially open, and the room erupted into a thunderous applause, setting the tone for an exciting and unforgettable event.

Abigail took a deep breath, steadying her nerves, and began meticulously cutting out the delicate fabric with her scissors. Her hands moved with precision and purpose, following the intricate pattern with ease. Next, she expertly draped the fabric over the mannequin, carefully smoothing out any wrinkles or creases.

With precision and patience, Abigail stitched the delicate seams, her needle dancing in and out of the fabric with a soothing rhythm. She added intricate embroidery, her hands moving deftly as she wove a intricate pattern of threads.

As the gown began to take shape, Abigail added delicate layers of tulle, carefully gathering and draping the netting to create a soft, romantic silhouette. Finally, she added a delicate sprinkle of sequins, their subtle sparkle catching the light as the gown shimmered to life. Throughout the process, Abigail's focus remained unwavering, her eyes shining with determination as she worked tirelessly to bring her vision to life. With each passing minute, the gown grew more breathtaking, a true masterpiece of elegance and sophistication.

As the time drew to a close, Abigail hastened her pace, expertly steaming the gown with her iron to smooth out any wrinkles and creases. With swift, precise movements, she carefully shaped the fabric, adding a flawless finish to her already-stunning creation.

As the time expired, all the contestants finished their gowns, and Abigail delicately wiped the sweat from her brow, her lips pursed in nervous anticipation. Taking a deep breath, she scanned the audience, her eyes locking onto a familiar face - Caleb's. Standing in the audience area with some members, Caleb caught her gaze and flashed a thin, encouraging smile. Abigail's heart skipped a beat as she struggled to process the unexpected surprise. She had no idea Caleb would be in attendance, and the brief, fleeting moment they shared left her both stunned and grateful.

Abigail's eyes flickered, and she quickly averted her gaze, her attention shifting to Shara, who was hosting the event. Shara's voice rang out, clear and confident, as she announced, "And now, ladies and gentlemen, it's time for our contestants to showcase their creations! Each designer will have a chance to describe their gown, the inspiration behind it, and the techniques they used to bring it to life." Abigail's heart skipped a beat as she took a deep breath, preparing herself to confidently present her design to the judges and the audience.

As Abigail listened to the other contestants confidently present their gowns to the judges, one by one, her mind began to go blank. She felt a wave of panic wash over her, as if her carefully prepared words had vanished into thin air. Her hands grew sweaty, and her heart pounded in her chest, as she frantically tried to recall the key points she wanted to highlight about her own design. With each passing moment, her anxiety grew, threatening to overwhelm her.

Meanwhile, Gabriel nudged Caleb with his elbow, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, it's not a serious relationship, but you're still protecting her?" he teased.

Barron, sensing the tension, shook his head, "I stay away from his relationship matters."

Gabriel flashed a thin smile, "She seems pretty talented." He added, with a hint of playful teasing, "and young." Barron chuckled at the jab, while Caleb's expression turned stern, his brows furrowed in annoyance.

Abigail stepped forward, her eyes locking onto the judges as she took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She began to explain her design, her voice trembling slightly at first, but growing stronger with each word.

"My gown, 'Sunset Serenade,' is inspired by the warmth and beauty of a sunset," she said, her hands fluttering slightly as she gestured. "The delicate yellow fabric is draped to evoke the soft, flowing curves of a summer breeze."

As she spoke, Abigail's confidence grew, her words flowing more smoothly, her gestures becoming more assured. "The intricate embroidery and beading are reminiscent of the twinkling stars that appear in the evening sky," she continued, her eyes shining with passion. "I wanted to capture the essence of a serene summer evening, and I hope my gown conveys that sense of peace and tranquility."

Despite her initial nervousness, Abigail's confidence and creativity shone through as she presented her design, and the judges listened intently, their faces thoughtful and impressed.

As the explanation round came to a close, Abigail felt her legs tremble beneath her. But before she could even process her emotions, Shara's voice rang out, announcing the final round of the top 10 contestants. Abigail's heart skipped a beat as she heard her name called, and she couldn't help but tremble with excitement.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Abigail pushed out a wide smile, closing her eyes for a moment to savor the feeling. She took a deep breath, letting the tension ease out of her body, and sat down in the designated area to collect her thoughts.

Just as she was starting to calm down, Ethan appeared beside her, offering a bottle of water to help her recharge. "You did great," he said, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat. Abigail smiled gratefully, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.