---- Chapter 9 "You have to believe that you can fly freely on your own wings, Lucy," Leo said warmly. On the night before Fashion Week began, I was struggling to reach the zipper at my back when I heard someone knocking on the door of the dressing room. Leo's warm laughter sounded from that direction. "Does the beautiful princess need a knight to come to her rescue?" "Why is your chivalry only making an appearance now, Leo?" I asked in embarrassment, walking over to open the door for him while holding awkwardly onto the zipper behind me with one hand. "Don't move," he instructed, holding down both sides of the zipper for me. "Relax. I used to help ---- my mother with the zippers on the back of her clothes, so I won't end up scratching you." In the instant he pulled up the zipper, I could feel his breath on the back of my neck. The lights in the dressing room suddenly flickered, and I could see how our figures were practically touching each other in the mirror. Just then, stage music suddenly started playing. "It's about time to head on stage," he informed.. Leo took half a step back and adjusted his wire- rimmed glasses, returning to his usual countenance of a warm and sincere design director. "Remember," he added. "All the applause you receive today will be in celebration of a bird breaking free of its cage and regaining its freedom. " ---- After Fashion Week came to a successful conclusion, I watched from backstage as Leo toasted and socialized with everyone. Dressed ina suit and leather shoes, he had a bearing that was completely different from usual. It wasn't until the crowd had dispersed that he suddenly loosened his tie and turned to wave toward me. "Come here. I have a surprise for you." Soon, a black Rolls-Royce sped through the night and arrived at a lighthouse overlooking the sea. At the top of the lighthouse, Leo brought over a cage filled with more than a dozen white doves that he had gotten from who knows where. "This is the perfect end to the exhibition of the ' Rebirth' series," he announced, opening the cage door. Silver moonlight reflected off dozens of flapping wings.