Chapter 29: Standing Strong Together
***Vanessa’s POV***
It started with a feeling or a premonition, like before a storm. I was in the studio, almost ready to stop the design process when, at last, I received Emma's anxious call on the phone.
“Just watch the news," she begged, her face, too, a picture of distress.
I grabbed the remote and clicked on the TV. My stomach clenched as Alexei Kozlov's sneering grin invaded the screen. He stood at a press podium, flanked by reporters, accusing Ivanov Designs of stealing his company’s designs.
“This is a horrible attempt at plagiarism,” Alexei said, his tone dripping with histrionic indignation. “Eterna Luxe, from day one, has been a beacon of inventiveness, and we cannot be quiet as Ivanov Designs tries to wash our tears.”
My stomach churned. Sergie didn’t deserve this—no one did.
I grabbed my phone and texted him:
**Vanessa**: “I just saw the news. Are you okay?”
His reply came almost instantly:
**Sergie**: “Don’t worry. We’ll handle it.”
But I could sense the tension behind his text. By noon, the situation had escalated. Social media networks were ablaze with conversation among people, and the hashtag #DesignDrama was a trending topic worldwide. Ivanov Designs made headlines, and not the positive kind.
Julian called an emergency meeting, and I found myself sitting in the boardroom with Sergie and the rest of the team. His jaw was set, his hands gripping the table as Julian laid out the destruction.
“We need to respond quickly,” Julian said.
“What about a press conference?” someone suggested.
Sergie nodded. “We’ll address this head-on. Vanessa, I’ll need you there.”
I blinked in surprise. “Me?”
“You’re a key part of this team,” he said, his voice steady. “And the public knows it. Your presence will show our confidence.”
I hesitated but finally nodded. “Okay. I’ll do it.”
***Sergie’s POV***
The presser was to be done at 3 PM, but less than two hours of preparation time remained. The team went to great lengths to collect evidence to refute Alexei and Vanessa’s accusations while Julian, with Vanessa’s help, prepared the talking points.
Seeing her navigate through the chaos with equanimity and purpose lifted me to surprising exhilaration—and something else. But she was far more than just my work partner; she was my partner in all aspects.
When we arrived at the scene, the room was a sea of reporters, each with a camera that seemed ready to burst. Vanessa stood beside me, her chin held high despite the pressure. She wore a sleek black dress that exuded confidence and professionalism, her auburn hair pulled back in an elegant ponytail.
When I approached the stage, the pressure of the situation hit me. Objectively speaking, Alexei's allegations were incorrect; in the fashion world, reality is not supreme power—what is seen dominates.
We have never plagiarized and shall never do so.
Hissing filled the space surrounding me, but I pushed onward, presenting our data—timestamps, sketches, and internal communication describing our creations' individual nature.
And when I finished, I looked back at Vanessa as she approached to express herself.
***Vanessa’s POV***
Standing in front of the press felt surreal, but I refused to let fear show.
“Since the opportunity to collaborate with Sergie Ivanov and his team has been afforded to me,” I assured them, my voice steady. “Ivanov Designs is built on innovation and authenticity. It is not simply wrong; it borders on absurdity.”
I focused on the interviewer's gaze and called out for myself. “Fashion is about more than competition; it's a question of taste and creativity—and we at Ivanov Designs are grateful to admit it right to the end.”
As soon as I stepped back, Sergie made a barely noticeable nod with a grateful gaze.
***Sergie’s POV***
Vanessa's speech profoundly affected the room, leaving everyone speechless and restoring our story's favor. At the conference's conclusion, I extended my hand and touched her back while pulling her away from the exit.
“You were incredible,” I said, my voice low so only she could hear.
She glanced up at me, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “I just said what needed to be said.”
“No,” I said firmly. “You did more than that. You defended me when I needed it most.”
The intensity of my gratitude—and my feelings—must have shown because she looked away, her lips curving into a shy smile. We then went back to the office that night to discuss everything. Julian was already compiling media coverage; by chance, current sentiment was swinging toward us.
"It's just a start," Julian continued, "but there's still work to be done; this is certainly a step forward."
After the team dispersed, I found Vanessa in the design studio staring at a blank canvas.
“Long day,” I said, leaning against the doorframe.
She turned; her expression softened when she saw me. “You could say that.”
I crossed the room and stopped a few feet away. “I owe you, Vanessa.”
“For what?” she asked, tilting her head.
“For standing by me—for believing in me.”
Her eyes locked onto mine; for a brief second, the stress of the day dispersed. “Always,” she said simply.
***Vanessa’s POV***
Sergie stepped closer; his presence was commanding yet comforting. My heart skipped a beat when he brushed a strand of hair back from my cheek.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he murmured, his voice laced with emotion.
Before I could answer, he leaned in; his mouth closed around mine in a kiss that was both gentle and strong. Instinctively, my body shifted; arms wrapped around his neck as deep kisses took place.
The world seemed to fade away—leaving only us.
When we finally pulled apart, I looked up at him; my cheeks flushed. “Go to sleep,” I told him softly.
He chuckled softly; his forehead resting against mine. “Only if you promise to do the same.”
“I will,” I responded—but I did not know if I would even be able to get one wink of sleep or fight the tremors in my hands.
As I got out the door, I couldn't help but smile. No matter what Alexei threw at us—I knew we would cope together.