The glow of the workshop was warm, golden—a stark contrast to the cool evening outside. A single pendant light hung low over the workbench, illuminating the glimmering stones set in intricate goldwork.
Gertrude—Gie, as she preferred—leaned in, her skilled hands carefully adjusting the setting of a deep sapphire, the final touch to a tiara commissioned by the royal family of a small but wealthy Middle Eastern nation.
It had taken months of design, weeks of meticulous craftsmanship, and now, as she gently turned the tiara under the light, it was nothing short of breathtaking.
The piece was inspired by the desert at twilight—the dark blue stones reflecting the deepening sky, the gold weaving like fine sands carried by the wind. A masterpiece.
Gie let out a breath, both satisfaction and exhaustion settling into her bones. She was a jewelry artist, a creator of pieces that would be worn by queens, passed down for generations, hidden in vaults, and whispered about in elite circles.
She had been raised in a family of artisans, each generation crafting for the world's most powerful—their work worn by royalty, empresses, women who held the fates of nations in their hands.
Her mother, a jeweler like her, had passed away five years ago, leaving Gie to carry on their family legacy. But unlike her mother, Gie received commissions not just from royalty, but from anyone who wanted a piece of her art.
She never doubted her place in this world—only resented how small it sometimes felt.
The sharp click of heels against marble signaled the arrival of her younger sister before she even spoke.
"You are going to be soooooo mad at me," Alina's voice sang out, playful and full of mischief—the kind of lightness Gie rarely indulged in.
Gie groaned, already turning toward her sister, who leaned dramatically against the doorway of the workshop. Alina was a vision, as always—her sleek dark hair pinned back, dressed in casual yet elegant loungewear that somehow made her look effortlessly put together. Her striking features, the same ones that once won her a local pageant, were practically glowing with excitement.
Gie raised a brow, wiping her hands on a soft cloth. "What did you do?"
Alina grinned, stepping into the room with her phone in hand. "I may or may not have forgotten to tell you that your latest piece made it onto The Luxe List tonight."
Gie's stomach twisted at the name of the show. It was a high-profile segment covering fashion, jewelry, and all things luxury. She wasn't against exposure—but she preferred her work to be recognized, not herself.
"And," Alina continued, scrolling through her phone, "it was worn by none other than Lady Gaga at the Paris Gala."
Gie's fingers tightened around the cloth. "You're kidding."
Alina beamed. "Would I joke about this? The entire world saw your necklace draped over her perfectly toned collarbones on the red carpet. And—" she turned the phone toward Gie, "—just look at this shot. Absolute perfection."
On the screen, Lady Gaga posed for photographers, the diamonds and emeralds cascading down her chest like a waterfall of light. It was stunning. Gie had designed it for Marina's stylist months ago, not knowing who would wear it. But seeing it now—
Damn. It looked good.
And worn by Gaga herself. Her pieces were often worn by high-profile clients, but Gaga had made it the centerpiece.
Alina plopped onto the stool beside her, smirking. "You know what would make this even better?"
Gie sighed, already knowing. "If you say I should have been there—"
"You should have been there!" Alina threw her hands up. "Gie, you're literally a goddess walking the earth. People should see the face behind the magic. Do you have any idea how insane it is that you hide like the world's ugliest hermit?"
Gie rolled her eyes. "Our family doesn't need two beauty queens, Alina."
Alina groaned. "Ugh, nonsense. And don't make me relive that pageant phase. First of all, I didn't even pursue pageantry. Secondly, you have the kind of face that could make a Miss Universe insecure. And don't give me that 'jewelry should speak for itself' speech. People want to connect with the artist, Gie. You could be trending right now, not just a name on some collector's list."
Gie leaned back against the table. "I like it this way. I want the work to stand on its own. If I put myself out there, they'll stop seeing the pieces and start seeing me. It becomes a brand, not the craft."
Alina folded her arms. "And what's so bad about that? It could mean more influence, more freedom. More power, Gie. You act like staying hidden is a grand strategy when really, you're just... hiding."
Gie narrowed her eyes. "I'm not hiding."
Alina raised a brow. "No? Then name the last time you showed up to an event under your own name. No last-minute cancellation. No 'urgent work' excuse. You should have been in Paris, standing next to Gaga, accepting the praise you deserve."
Gie exhaled slowly, knowing her sister was right—but not quite ready to admit it. "It's just not for me, Alina. I don't need the spotlight."
Alina studied her for a long beat, then softened. "I just wish you'd let yourself be seen sometimes. You deserve it, you know?"
Gie swallowed, the weight of her sister's words settling in her chest.
"I know," she whispered.
A quiet pause stretched between them before Alina finally sighed, standing up. "Fine, fine. I won't push. But just so you know—if you ever decide to become the next big thing, I'll be first in line to cheer you on."
Gie smirked. "Noted."
Alina kissed her cheek and stretched. "Anyway, I have a stupid amount of medical reading to do, so I'll leave you to your royal masterpiece." She paused at the door. "Don't work all night, okay?"
"I'll try," Gie said, but they both knew she wouldn't.
Alina gave her one last knowing smile before disappearing down the hallway.
Gie turned back to the tiara, watching how the gold caught the light—bright, proud, radiant.
It was meant for a queen.
And as her reflection shimmered faintly in the polished surface, she wondered—not for the first time—what would happen if she stepped into the light, just once, and let the world see her shine.