"And lastly... Rosalia and Alex."

The kind-hearted female professor smiled warmly from the front of the lecture hall as she finalized the practical exam pairings at 3:00 p.m.

"Since this project accounts for your entire final grade, the department has arranged for the top three creations to be featured in an exclusive spread for Vogue Italia and showcased at the upcoming Milan Fashion Week," the professor announced, turning to write on the whiteboard. "Your assignment is to design and construct an original couture dress centered around the theme: 'Two Worlds.' You have two weeks. Class dismissed."

Rosalia let out a soft breath, packing her sketchbook into her bag before pulling...