CHAPTER 32 – THE SHOWCASE
RINA
Morning came too soon.
The first thing I felt was Lila's little hand pressing against my cheek, followed by Isla whispering dramatically, "Mommy, wake up. We have a big day today!"
I cracked an eye open. Both girls were standing by my bed, already dressed, hair tied up in neat bows that were definitely Liora's work.
"How did you two get ready before me?" I mumbled, sitting up.
"Because you take forever," Isla said seriously, climbing onto the bed. "And because Auntie Liora said today is special."
She was right today was special.
Today wasn't just another meeting with investors. Today was my official presentation at Arden City's Artisan Fragrance Showcase an event where creators from across the country displayed their most innovative works. For me, it was a chance to prove that my perfume wasn't just good for a small boutique audience it was worthy of standing beside established names.
The thought made my stomach twist with nerves.
By the time we made it to breakfast, Liora was already sitting at the kitchen counter, sipping coffee and scrolling through her phone.
"You look like someone who hasn't slept," she said, eyeing me over the rim of her mug.
"I didn't," I admitted, grabbing a slice of toast. "I kept thinking about whether I chose the right presentation notes, whether I should tweak the top notes of the new blend"
"You're overthinking," Liora cut in, setting her mug down. "The blend is perfect. Your presentation is solid. And you, my dear, are about to make the entire city smell like your genius."
I couldn't help laughing. "You're ridiculous."
"Confident," she corrected with a grin.
The twins were practically vibrating with excitement. "Can we come see?" Lila asked hopefully.
"Not today," I said gently, brushing her hair back. "But maybe one day when you're older. Today Mommy needs to focus."
They pouted but didn't argue a rare miracle.
The venue was buzzing by the time we arrived. Arden's grand exhibition hall gleamed under chandeliers, filled with tables lined with bottles, flowers, diffusers, and candles. The air was thick with competing scents florals, spices, citrus bursts.
I set up my space carefully, laying out my bottles like treasures. The centerpiece was my latest creation a blend of bergamot, cardamom, and a hint of smoked cedar. I'd named it "Haven."
Because that was what I had spent five years building a haven.
"Looks perfect," Liora whispered, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze before stepping back to let me take the stage.
Investors and fragrance enthusiasts filtered through. Some recognized me from my earlier meetings and nodded politely. Others stopped, curious, as the scent caught their attention.
"This is unique," one woman said, inhaling deeply. "It feels… grounded but alive."
"That's exactly what I was going for," I said with a smile, nerves fading as I explained the inspiration behind the blend.
By midday, a small crowd had gathered around my table. A representative from one of Arden's luxury boutiques asked if I would be open to a collaboration. Another investor quietly suggested a larger-scale production deal.
Every word of praise felt like a small victory.
When the event finally ended, I stepped outside into the cool evening air, exhausted but exhilarated. The city lights stretched out before me, buzzing with life.
"You killed it," Liora said, looping her arm through mine as we walked toward the car.
"I survived it," I corrected softly, though my heart was still racing.
"You did more than survive. You owned that room."
I let myself smile. Maybe she was right.
As we drove home, I stared out the window at the glowing streets of Arden. Five years ago, I would have been terrified to be here. But today… today I felt stronger.
Somewhere in this city, my past still lurked the stepfamily who had ruined me, the man I had never seen clearly.
But I wasn't running anymore.
I was here. And I wasn't leaving.