Couture and Consequences

My five-year marriage with Alexander was like a couture gown, ripped to shreds.

"I want Victoria to showcase your collection for the New York Fashion Week spring preview."

My husband Alexander's voice cut through the sketch I was working on.

I stopped drawing. I must have heard him wrong.

"What did you say?"

"Victoria is new. She needs a platform. Your new spring collection is the perfect springboard for her."

"You're a showstopper every year. What's the harm in giving her one shot?" He said it so casually, like he was talking about the weather.

"Besides, the brand needs new blood."

I stared at the man I'd spent five years with. Suddenly, his face looked sharp, unfamiliar.

"Do you have any idea how many nights I've stayed up working on this collection? And you want to give it to some new assistant?"

"Evelyn, don't be so petty. It's just a preview."

His expression turned cold. "I've already decided."

I clenched my fists, a thousand emotions churning inside me.

Fine. If you're going to treat me like this, don't blame me for leaving you.

I never thought that my husband of five years would take the collection I poured my heart and soul into and just hand it over to an assistant who'd been here for two weeks.

When the spotlights came up for the preview, and Victoria glided down the runway in the silk gown I designed, the feeling of betrayal was like a bucket of ice water dumped over my head.

The fashion critics in the audience looked at Victoria with awe. Brand owners nodded again and again.

I even heard someone whisper, "This new talent is one to watch."

"Her design language is so mature and bold, on par with a senior designer who's been in the business for over a decade!"

I sat in the last row, watching a girl seven years younger than me wear the suit I had cut with my own hands.

She lifted her hand gracefully, showing everyone the details that were mine, explaining her design concept.

Alexander sat in the front row, his eyes filled with an unconcealed pride, as if he'd just discovered a diamond in the rough.

At the party after the show, he even raised a toast, calling Victoria the brand's brightest new star, an example for everyone.

My nails dug into my palms under the table, hard enough to draw blood.

When the party was over, I waited for Alexander right outside his private lounge.

He saw me, his face still flushed with excitement, his eyes shining. He had no idea a storm was coming.

"Evelyn, did you see that? Victoria is so talented! Your designs looked perfect on her!"

I took a deep breath. The sweet smell of champagne made me sick.

"Alexander, those are my designs."

He paused for a second, then waved his hand dismissively.

"Oh, that."

"I just thought Victoria needed a chance, so I let her try out your collection."

Try out.

The