Between Lies and Hatred [Jenlisa]

PART 8

JENNIE'S POV

Footsteps fill every corner of this designing area, papers go flying, and some are spread across the table, and broken pencils clutter the floor. I couldn't even understand everything that everyone was saying. My eyes followed their motions as I contemplated how to resolve this dilemma. Everyone is talking, everyone is making ideas, and every paper that has been torn reduces my chances of participation in Designers Week tomorrow.

"Jennie. Hey, cheer up. We'll come up with new designs." Irene comforted me. I assumed she had noticed my silent behaviour since this morning.

"Even if we make it, we would end up presenting a common design." I responded disappointingly.

"Can't we just create the same exact design that has been stolen? Can't you remember some of it?" Mina swiftly sat beside me and joined our conversation.

"No, we can't." I shook my head and looked up to them.

"They have the graphic and sketched copy of it. They might accuse us of copying it, and worst, we might get disqualified and banned from participating again." I heave a heavy sigh.

"I think it's better if we just skip this one." I uttered weakly, and everyone turned their heads to me.

"Jennie. You understand how significant this event is to us. This event occurs once every two years. We succeeded in enhancing our firm this time, and now, this is an excellent opportunity to broaden the reach of our brand name." Irene responded.

"Irene is right, Jennie. Let's just try it. Rather than giving up without doing anything." Kai uttered too. I guess everyone is eager to join the event. They are determined, so why would the CEO give up. Right?

"I'm sorry." I said softly and stood up. I picked up my pencil and looked at everyone.

"Let's do this shit." I encouraged.

We worked all day, swapping ideas and attempting to come up with new styles. We just took a few minutes to recuperate before drowning ourselves in papers and pencils again. Kai and Mina worked on the graphic copies of the approved drawings, while Irene, myself, and the other members brainstormed and tried everything to sketch out the intricacies of their ideas.

We needed 30 designs but only got 15. It's already late at night. Rushing a summer, winter, and fall outfits in only a few hours is exhausting. I'm now sitting in this vacant chair in the corner, looking down as everyone holds their foreheads. I know they're all exhausted like me.

"We did well today. I really, really appreciate your efforts and everything, guys." I broke the silence.

"But sadly, we couldn't make it. At least we tried." Even though it's breaking me inside, I showed them my sweet smile, hoping to lessen the agony inside them.

"Thank you so much." I added and walked towards them.

"I understand that the participants at the event may overshadow our impending new releases, but let's be positive. We will not allow our sales and stocks to drop. I believe in what we established and created. I understand how you all feel right now, but let's move on. We will come back stronger." I announced. Despite being tired, they managed to shriek and applauded me.

The designing team went home already, and here I am, standing beside my car in our parking area. I need a break. I need to let out this stress inside me. Maybe a couple of drinks would suffice. I was about to hop inside my car when Irene called me.

"Jennie. I believe our new releases will fill up everything. Don't worry and don't think about it too much." Irene hugged me.

"Thank you. Thank you for not giving up easily." I said when we broke our hug.