Zoe's POV
The first thing I heard was applause.
It echoed through the tiny speaker of my phone as though it belonged to another world.
I stood alone in the driveway outside the police station, my feet rooted to the concrete while patrol cars rolled in and out behind me. Officers walked past carrying folders. Some people were conversing somewhere near the entrance.
The world kept moving.
Mine didn't.
It just stood still and unwavering
On my screen, bright studio lights flooded a polished stage.
A giant backdrop displayed the competition logo behind a semicircle of white chairs.
The audience clapped again while the host smiled brightly into the camera.
"Ladies and gentlemen..."
He spread both hands dramatically.
"The winner of this year's London fashion fest..."
"The girl everyone has been talking about..."
"Please welcome..."
"Chloe Hawkins!"
The applause grew even louder.
My heart immediately tightened
Then she appeared.
