One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 55 Audrey

I held my breath as the judges raised their scorecards. Time seemed to slow down as I watched the numbers appear, one by

one.

9... 9.5... 10!

A perfect score!

For a moment, I couldn't believe my eyes. Then, the reality sank in, and I felt a surge of joy and disbelief wash over me.

"Congratulations, Team Audrey!" the announcer's voice boomed through the microphone. "You have nearly received top marks from our judges! How do you feel?"

I could barely breathe. "I... I feel..." I couldn't even speak. Only one word seemed capable of escaping my lips: "Amazing!"

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers. My friends, too, erupted into cheers around me, hugging each other and jumping up and down. I could only stand there, stunned, until Tina threw her arms around me and jolted me out of my reverie. "We did it, Audrey!" she squealed. "We actually did it! I can't believe it!"

I hugged her back, laughing and crying at the same time. As we celebrated, I caught Edwin's eye. Even with the mask on, I could see the pride shining in his gaze. I wanted nothing more than to throw my arms around him as well, but before I could, the cheers died down and my team turned back to face the judges.

"Audrey," one of the judges called out, bringing me back to the present. "We would love to hear more about your inspiration for this collection. Can you tell us a bit about that?"

I took a deep breath, stepping forward and taking the proffered microphone from the announcer.

"Of course," I began, my voice trembling ever so slightly with a combination of excitement and nervousness. "My inspiration came from a variety of sources, but primarily from some of the fashion icons I've always admired."

I went on to talk about a few designers who had influenced my work, describing how their innovative approaches had

my inspired me to push boundaries in my own designs. I started off as a bundle of nerves, but the more I talked about passions, the more I found myself relaxing.

"But most of all," I continued, my eyes flickering briefly to Edwin, "My biggest inspiration has always been Brooks Designs. The way they blend classic elegance with modern, edgy details is just... incredible. I've admired their work for years, and I think you can see some of that influence in our collection today.

about Edwin's work, I couldn't help but gush a little. Unbeknownst to him, he was one of my greatest muses. My admiration for his designs had only grown since I had started working with him, and it showed in

softened behind his mask. There was something in his gaze that. made my heart skip a beat, but before I could dwell

"Your passion is evident. Now, we have one more

for a moment, panic rising in my chest. I couldn't reveal Edwin's identity-that would ruin

faces or identities. That's why both of our models are wearing masks. It was a last-minute decision, but I believe that true fashion should

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Chapter 55

breath, worried that I had said the wrong thing. But then the judges started

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focus entirely on the designs themselves rather than the models- that is a bold choice, and

judges.

soon as we were out of sight of the audience, my friends erupted into cheers again. I was swarmed by a sea of arms and smiles, practically lost in

we got such high marks!" Betty added, her eyes wide

our victory. "You guys were amazing. I

Edwin slipping away toward a private room. I followed him, glancing over my shoulder to see if

followed Edwin out of view of the others. He didn't seem to notice my presence right away, because he turned his back and slipped off his mask with a heavy sigh as he peered into a nearby mirror. I watched him for a moment as he ran a hand

took a step forward,

"Hey."

true color still hidden behind his brown contacts-momentarily roving over me. He cleared his

a few beats before I took another step

"I thought Claudia was your biggest inspiration," he said. "But it seems like I was mistaken, judging by how passionately you spoke

know what to say; the words wouldn't even come anyway, no matter how hard I tried. I just knew what

hidden from view by a rack of clothes, I couldn't contain myself anymore. Without thinking, I threw my arms around him, hugging him

you," I whispered, my breath brushing

overstepped-yet again. But then his arms

I couldn't help the giggle that escaped me. When he set me down, we were both a little breathless,