Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

The competition was in full swing, and the moment of truth was drawing near. Alex's design was a breath of fresh air that caught everyone off guard. The murmurs around the hall were unanimous in their prediction that Alex would be the unexpected winner of the day.

It was a shocker, really, that such a dazzling talent had emerged from an obscure little firm. It was the kind of surprise that made the event all the more thrilling.

The contest quickly progressed to the third round, with only five designers left standing.

That's when the host sauntered over. "Congratulations to our finalists," she boomed, her voice echoing through the space. "Welcome to the grand finale. For this round, we're going off-script with some improvisation. You've got one hour on the clock."

A collective gasp filled the room. Ruby's mind was racing. This wasn't what Erica had told her. Designing on the fly? That might as well be a death sentence for her.

Catching Ruby's eye, Erica subtly gestured toward the design sketch in her hand. The realization hit Ruby like a bolt of lightning-she just needed to bring the third design sketch to life.

As Ruby's panic subsided, the host chimed in again. "Our theme is 'Spring.' You've got one hour, and you're on your own."

Ruby's heart sank. Erica was taken aback. This was not the information she had been given. They exchanged frantic glances, both feeling the pressure mounting.

Billy, oblivious to the drama, was all confidence. "Ruby, it's all up to you now. Knock 'em dead. The future of the company is in your hands."

Ruby mustered a brave smile and nodded.

Pulling Ruby aside, Erica whispered urgently, "Don't panic. Just do as I've told you."

Erica shared her plan in hushed tones, urging Ruby to execute every detail if possible.

"This is it, Ruby. Remember, to beat your rivals, you need to believe in yourself. With that mindset, you'll outshine them all."

A new surge of energy coursed through Ruby.

The designers' workroom was under constant live feed, every move broadcasted on a giant screen for the audience to watch. Before entering, they would all surrender their electronic devices. Josefina watched this unfold and turned to Alex, "Good luck."

Alex responded with an easy grin, "Ms. Josefina, aren't you afraid I'll flunk out?"

Josefina's smile was knowing. "What's failure? As long as you've given your all, it's not a defeat. You're young. Take this as a learning experience. Don't pressure yourself-just go with the flow." With a nod, Alex said, "Ms. Josefina, I'm heading in." Steps confident, Alex entered the room that was to be his crucible.

Xavier, with his mother Marina in tow, arrived at the venue. Ruby puffed up with pride upon seeing them. "Mom, Dad, look-Xavier and her mother are here."

Ruby was determined. Soon, she'd show Marina, who had always looked down on her, just how brightly she could shine on this stage.

Lauren didn't even grace Marina with a glance, dismissing her outright. "That woman was just a homewrecke. How could she scorn our Ruby? I won't even dignify her with words." Billy cautioned her, "Zip it, Lauren. Walls have ears. Keep it down."

Ruby interjected, "Mom, please. What if someone hears? It could affect my relationship with Xavier."

Lauren relented, forcing a smile. "Alright, Ruby. If you are into Xavier, I'll play along. You focus here. I'll go exchange pleasantries with Marina."

Ruby nodded, grateful.

With a sigh, Lauren made her way to Marina and sat beside her, steeling herself for the encounter with a woman whose beauty was as striking as it was sultry.