The Once Brightest Star
Story
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Ann was once the brightest star in her college. Her sketches carried the promise of dazzling runways, professors whispered of Paris and Milan. Adrian, her senior, often praised her talent, his encouragement like sunlight on her fragile dreams.
But fate was cruel. In her first year, her mother — her anchor, her strength — was taken away in a sudden accident. From that day, the colors of her life drained into shadows. Her career collapsed into obscurity, and every insult from classmates cut deeper than needles.
Years later, Ann stood quietly at the back of a glittering wedding hall, wearing a modest navy dress. She wasn’t here to celebrate; Evelyn, her old classmate, had hired her to design the bridal gowns. Her boss had promised payment if she accepted, but Ann soon realized it was no honor — it was a trap. Evelyn had never liked her, not since Adrian — now the groom — had encouraged Ann in college. Tonight, Evelyn intended to humiliate her.
The bride, Evelyn, swept across the room in the gown Ann had stitched. Every seam carried Ann’s skill, yet Evelyn’s smile was sharp, her eyes gleaming with cruelty. Suddenly she gasped dramatically, clutching the fabric.
“Oh no! Look at this — it’s torn!”
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Evelyn turned sharply toward Ann, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Ann, how careless can you be? You stitched this, didn’t you? And now it’s ruined!”
Ann’s heart dropped. She hadn’t touched the gown since finishing it. But Evelyn’s glare left no room for defense.
“I… I’m sorry,” Ann whispered, her voice trembling.
Evelyn refused to remove the gown, insisting Ann fix it immediately. So Ann knelt on the floor, needle and thread in hand, stitching carefully while Evelyn stood tall above her, basking in the attention.
Then, deliberately, Evelyn shifted her heel — pressing it down hard on Ann’s hand. Pain shot through Ann’s fingers.
“Ah—!” Ann gasped, pulling back slightly.
Chapter 1 ends here...
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