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.

not easy to deal with.

about him," I replied. "Let's focus on

we returned to the classroom to

a group of people suddenly appeared at the door. Leading the pack was none

gaze landed on me. His lips curled into a

overseas and even caught the eye of the new

that got

feisty, aren't we?" Carlos

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

He stepped closer and

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

a deep breath, trying to

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

fight here, why not let our work do the talking? How

I'll show you what real design

heel and marched out, leaving behind a tense, suffocating