Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eighty-six

Freya led Celeste and Clara down a narrow cobblestone street lined with flower boxes and old brick buildings. The air smelt faintly of lavender soap from a nearby laundress. Eventually, they stopped before a quaint little apartment with peeling blue paint and a faded sign that read Tailoring & Repairs-Temporarily Closed.

Freya knocked twice. "Rhea! It's me!"

After a moment, the door creaked open to reveal a woman in her mid-twenties with wild chestnut curls tied in a messy bun.

"Freya?" She blinked, eyes widening. "What are you doing here? Don't tell me you tore another coat."

"Not this time," Freya grinned. "I actually brought someone who might change your luck."

Rhea tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her hazel eyes. "Oh? And who's this?"

Celeste stepped forward with quiet poise, extending her hand. "I'm Celeste... Just Celeste. I'm starting a fashion and beauty business-and I could use a talented designer to assist."

Rhea's expression shifted between surprise and disbelief. "You're... offering me a job?"

"If you want it," Celeste said simply. "Freya spoke highly of you."

Rhea blinked rapidly, then laughed a little. "Well, that's a first."

Celeste smiled faintly. "You'll be paid fairly. We'll build something new-elegant, bold, and entirely our own. What do you say?"

Rhea's eyes softened, and she nodded. "You've got yourself a seamstress."

"Perfect," Freya said with satisfaction. "Now that's settled, I'll handle finding your location and suppliers. You'll have your first workspace by the end of the week."

Celeste's face brightened with excitement. "Thank you, Freya."

Freya shrugged with a smirk. "Don't thank me yet. Wait until you see the rent prices."

Clara laughed, and even Celeste couldn't help but join in. For the first time in days, the heaviness she'd been carrying seemed to lift, replaced with a quiet sense of purpose.

✦ ✦

"Thank you all for coming to celebrate my engagement," Lady Ria said graciously, raising her glass as sunlight streamed through the glass ceiling of her greenhouse. The space was fragrant with roses and orchids, a perfect backdrop for noble gossip and polite flattery.

The other ladies smiled sweetly, each eager to earn Ria's attention and favour.

"I still remember the last time we were here," Evelyn said with a teasing grin. "Celeste poured tea on me."

Victoria chuckled. "And now you two are best friends. Life is full of surprises."

Evelyn laughed softly. "Things have definitely changed a lot." Her gaze drifted across the room.

"I only wish she were here today," Victoria sighed.

"Me too," Evelyn agreed. "But she's been busy lately-with a project, apparently."

Victoria raised a brow. "A project?"

"She told me she's starting her own business."

Victoria's expression brightened in surprise. "Really? That explains why she's been scarce. Usually, she drops by at least once a week."

Evelyn smirked. "You miss her, don't you? Celeste would be thrilled to hear that."

Victoria gave her a mock glare but couldn't suppress a smile. "You are something else."