Calysta places the wine glass down with a smile that refuses to fade. Her eyes gaze joyfully at the conversation partner who just provided crucial information.
"You really are reliable, Aunt Samantha."
The middle-aged woman smiles proudly. "I'm much happier when you can rely on me."
"Why would I reject your help?" Calysta chuckles. "You've always supported me for a long time, Aunt. There's no way I could just forget you."
Samantha waves her hand with a blushing face. "I always felt you were the most deserving to be Austin's wife, not that burdensome woman. Why would my nephew be foolish enough to accept her just like that?"
The smile on Calysta's face disappears, replaced by a look of sadness and melancholy. Even her shoulders seem to sag weakly, as if Samantha's words had genuinely hurt her deeply. "Austin said he did it all reluctantly."
"You're right. It's all because of Kate's persuasion! That woman is no different from Jane. Just a burd
"You haven't slept, Giselle?" Harvey asks, having just woken up and finding his friend on the balcony, enjoying the night alone."Ah, not sleepy yet." Giselle turns and gives a faint smile, although her hand immediately grips her mug of warm chocolate, a sign that she's surprised by Harvey's arrival. "Why are you awake?""Thirsty," Harvey replies, squinting a bit suspiciously. He chooses to approach Giselle, who remains in her position."Nothing," Giselle shakes her head quickly, still displaying the best smile she can muster. Their work will resume on Monday, and she doesn't want their mood to be ruined by what she's holding back, even though... she can't bear to keep silent.She decided to leave Harvey because she was sure her friend wouldn't easily let her go. She doesn't want to be bombarded with questions about what she's feeling. Truly, it's quite disturbing."You're not someone who easily bluffs like that, Giselle. It takes a skilled teacher
Jane takes a deep breath, exhaling slowly. Once again, she ensures that the dress she's wearing fits perfectly, and none of her accessories are loose, including the straps of her heels this time. Her training session is nearing its end, and she needs to master the stage quickly. Brina mentioned that Jane's mistakes have been decreasing.Brina herself is amazed; Jane quickly grasps everything she directs. Could it be because of the week Jane spent with those three noisy models? If it could bring such a drastic change, maybe Brina would loosen the training schedule a bit. Three days have passed, and Jane has truly impressed her. Oh, it's not just Brina who's impressed but also Nico. Many poses can be captured from various camera angles, and like a model with extensive experience, Jane can do it."I'm ready," says Jane after making sure everything is in place. Her self-confidence is always at its maximum, even though fatigue hits her hard at the end of the training sessio
Jane sighs deeply as Kate Don William's car exits her garage. Her mind suddenly fills with thoughts, and the fatigue only adds to her depleted energy. "I never thought Austin could be that crazy."But just as she's about to step back into the house, her eyes catch the red car she recognizes and the figure emerging from it. "Am I disturbing?" he asks without a hint of guilt.The intimidating gaze from earlier, the commanding voice that couldn't be disobeyed, has been replaced. Jane identifies it as belonging to the irritating Fabian."If I say you're disturbing, you'd probably force your way in," Jane says irritably. She pushes the gate open again with a single shove. "Come in. Luckily, Mommy Kate brought cake. You'll probably like it.""Your ex-mother-in-law?"A thin grin appears on Jane's lips. "I can't see her that way. Our relationship was good long before my marriage existed.""But can I enjoy that cake with a cup of coffee? You know, I'
Days passed quickly. Practice after practice, Jane became more confident and much calmer in facing her nervousness. She tried various fashion styles just to enhance her walk on the catwalk. Brina even intentionally created an outdoor area so that Jane could get used to facing any possible mishaps during the show.Although Brina said the likelihood of such things happening was very slim, there was no harm in being prepared."I think I don't need to worry too much," Brina says while handing over a bottle of mineral water. Their last practice session has ended. Joy and relief are clearly visible on Jane's face."I'm trying to do my best, Brina. Without you, I'm nothing."Brina laughs. "Say that after all the events are over, Olive. This is just the beginning; there will be many stages to go through until you reach the safe point."Jane laughs, enjoying the refreshing water that moistens her throat. Some people are busy tidying up the remnants of their
Calysta walked with a cheerful step. Her smile refused to fade. Occasionally, she hummed softly but full of joy. The sound of the apartment's password, a sign that someone is coming, made her smile even wider. Clearly, Calysta knew who her guest was tonight.Austin. Her future husband."Hey, Love," she greeted, immediately immersing herself in his embrace.Austin laughed at the antics of his future wife, the woman he loved with all his heart. The one who would soon always be by his side in reality, no longer in hiding. No need to worry about others taking advantage of their relationship. "Seems like you're really happy, Love. Is something happening?"Calysta nodded without hesitation. She gestured for Austin to follow her to the kitchen, helping him take off the coat still clinging to his sturdy frame. She also placed his work bag near the front door. "I asked Maria to teach me some recipes at your home, Austin. So I can start getting used to taking care
Four hours before the event.Once again, Jane scans the well-arranged stage. Some staff members are seen checking and ensuring various things around."Are you nervous, Olive?"It feels like that question is completely unnecessary. Jane turns to where Brina is nearby. She smiles with a slow exhale, as if experiencing the same thing as Jane. "Not just you, Olive. Me too."Jane smiles faintly. "I thought you wouldn't feel that way."Brina sighs irritably. "The only person Fabian will look for if there's a tiny mistake is me, Olive. You know, Fabian turns into a monster if that happens."Jane laughs. She can already imagine if Brina's words come true. "So, I really have to focus here.""You have to." Brina says with a final tone. "Don't let all your rehearsals go to waste. We're all counting on you, Olive."Actually, for Jane, this trust is very heavy. The most fundamental and essential reason is because she's new to this world. Sh
The sound of music begins to play, and the welcoming speeches have been going on for a while. The backstage commotion adds to the list of anxieties hitting Jane. She repeatedly tries to calm herself while waiting for her turn. Brina has actually forbidden her from leaving the room, but Jane is still Jane.She wants to check with her own eyes how the stage is being visited by the guests. Jane can clearly see some staff in special uniforms escorting them to their designated places. Some faces are vaguely familiar to Jane's memory. Although she rarely attended business events with Austin in the past, Kate sometimes invited her to more private meetings.And it is in such places that Jane got to know some faces that are now sitting around the stage."Don't worry, everything will be fine," Jane says, squeezing each other's hands."Olive," calls Brina, making Jane turn. "Your turn is in five minutes."This is the moment. As soon as Jane steps out from bac
The world Jane steps into now seems to stop. There's only her, staring at the man in front of her. He sits calmly, with a faint smile, occasionally engaging sweetly with the woman beside him. When Austin is with her, he never acts gentle. What she sees feels like her heart being roughly squeezed."I'm here to save you, Olive."That's Fabian's voice. It sounds clear, making Jane immediately realize she shouldn't stay silent here. Jane blinks twice, convincing herself that Fabian is indeed there. She gives a faint smile while reaching out her hand. No, Jane is sure Fabian doesn't want that hand to be greeted but signals her to continue walking.So that's what Jane does. Even though she feels like her feet aren't touching the ground anymore, she tries hard to minimize any mistakes that could happen due to her silence earlier. Brina's voice giving instructions, Nico directing how she should pose appropriately with its own aesthetic value, and the voices of the noisy