Rewriting My Heart's Fate

"Especially what?" Kevin and I asked in unison.

"Especially you, Evelyn." Lianne looked at me and smiled cryptically.

"Me?" I pointed at myself. I was utterly bewildered.

"Exactly. The professor was deeply impressed by the unique design concepts and aesthetic vision in your portfolio," Lianne continued.

My eyes widened as a wave of indescribable excitement surged within me. To be recognized by such a renowned industry figure was an incredible honor. "Wow." I clenched my fists in exhilaration.

"It's absolutely true," Lianne said, grinning. "But it seems like the professor's compliment has rubbed someone the wrong way."

"Who?" I asked, puzzled.

Lianne sighed. "Who else? Carlos."

Of course. Carlos Miles, another top student in our department, was also my rival.

He had always been critical of my design philosophy. He accused me of being overly unconventional and straying too far from mainstream aesthetics. "He just can't stand seeing someone else succeed," Kevin muttered.

easy to deal with. What if he causes trouble for us?" Lianne

"Let's

lunch, we returned to the classroom

had we settled in when a group of people suddenly appeared at the door. Leading the pack was none

the room until his gaze landed on

and even caught the eye

"What's that got

aren't

full of yourself just because the professor likes you. Design isn't as simple as you think." "Thanks for

my demeanor. He stepped

think you're something special? You're just a hack who cobbles together ideas to impress the professor. Your designs are

a deep breath, trying to tamp

standard in design. You're not the authority to judge it. My concepts may not conform to mainstream standards, but that doesn't make them any less valid I said,

a fight here, why not let our work do the talking? How about we settle

"Fine. Let's see what you've got. I'll show you what real

and marched out,