The Spark of Success

The sun streamed through the high windows of the Mily building as the staff bustled around the showroom and work floor. The scent of fresh fabric and the sound of machines humming filled the air. The entire structure seemed to pulse with life — anticipation clung to every corner. Lily sat in her design studio on the third floor, a pencil tucked behind her ear and a sketchpad in her lap.

Their first collection was nearing its debut. Ten signature pieces — a combination of flowing gowns, enchanted coats, and elegant tunics. But the real challenge wasn't the design. It was translating her futuristic vision into something her staff could understand and create with the tools available.

"This doesn't work," murmured Maren, one of the senior seamstresses, holding up a half-finished coat.

Lily frowned. "It's supposed to look like it's folding into itself, not like it's melting. Let me show you."

She took the coat and began adjusting the seams, redrawing a section of the pattern on the parchment beside her. Maren watched closely, her initial frustration turning into curiosity. The two spent the next hour experimenting with enchanted thread and structural reinforcements. When they were done, the garment shimmered under the light, perfectly formed.

Meanwhile, Michelle and the marketing strategist launched their campaign. Posters were distributed across the city, enchanted to subtly shimmer and capture the attention of passersby. At night, magical projections danced on street walls — animated glimpses of Mily's designs glowing in soft hues.

"You're attracting attention," Aiden said later that evening, standing beside Lily in the design studio.

She looked up from her sketchbook. "That's the point."

He sighed. "Yes, but not just from customers. There are whispers. The business registry office has ties to nobles loyal to the fake princess. One wrong step and they'll come sniffing around."

Lily's face hardened. "Let them. I'm not hiding forever."

Still, his words lingered. That night, after the building had gone quiet, Lily locked herself in her office, pulled her laptop from its hiding spot, and began to dig.

She bypassed the imperial firewalls with ease. Years of hacking experience guided her fingers as she slipped into encrypted files and internal memos. What she found made her stomach churn — the business registration board had flagged Mily's file for observation. More troubling, the approval had been signed off by a known supporter of the impostor princess.

They were watching.

The next morning, Lily buried the information in her memory. No one could know — not yet.

Later that day, a former palace maid came into the store.

She introduced herself politely, asking if there were openings. Her eyes lingered a bit too long on Lily's face.

"You look familiar," the woman said, brow furrowed. "Were you ever in the palace?"

"I'm Lady Everen distant relative of the Virellion family," Lily lied smoothly. "I lived far from the capital."

The woman didn't look convinced, but she nodded and left soon after. Lily's heart pounded. One mistake, and it could all fall apart.

But she pushed through. The launch date was set for the following week, and they had work to do.

As the staff prepared the final pieces, Michelle arrived with good news: they had secured a partnership with a reputable supplier guild, ensuring a constant flow of high-quality fabrics.

The showroom gleamed. Mannequins were dressed in the full collection, and magical lights enhanced the sparkle of each piece. Invitations had been sent to influential figures — nobles, artists, merchants.

That night, Lily stood at the top floor window again, watching the city lights twinkle below.

Mily wasn't just a fashion brand.

It was a movement.

And it was only just beginning.