“Welcome to the party!” Giselle squealed with excitement as soon as she opened the door to her apartment. She first checked who the guest was who came this afternoon, just to make sure that the awaited figure was indeed Evangeline Rutherford.Eva just chuckled, accepting Giselle's outstretched hand, who looked so excited to pull her in. Since this apartment is located in a high-security neighborhood, Giselle seemed to deliberately open the door wide, as if to let it be known that something fun was going on inside.As Eva remembers, Giselle's living room usually has a large L-shaped sofa. On the wall is a large TV that she believes also functions as a mini home theater. The surrounding equipment is sophisticated and complete enough to relax, spending time watching the best movies released this year.But now?The room has been decorated in such a way. The sofa was moved, giving more space that should have been occupied by a glass table, now spac
Evangeline read the sheet that Brina shared, which listed the schedule and preparations for the upcoming show. Since this was the first time she had been exposed to the modeling world, her schedule was so busy and tight. Nevertheless, she couldn't complain. Everything that is beautiful at the end of the rainbow is certainly not easy to achieve.“I'm only being tolerant today, Eva.”Brina finally spoke to him after previously being preoccupied with three girls who were so noisy. They complained incessantly, from things that made sense to things that sounded like excuses. But Brina was not someone who was easily subdued. For her, enough time had been wasted having fun.Harvey already had a busy schedule for next week. Giselle was preparing for a grand event in the Western States. Meanwhile, Ursula had an agenda as an inspirer on one of the well-known fashion channels. Considering that the event would be broadcast live, Ursula's performance had to be pe
It seems that the words of the three girls who have recently entered Evangeline's life are true. Brina is a cruel stepmother. I don't know how many times Evangeline has fallen, walked against Brina's will, and little—goodness gracious—only a little bit has Evangeline lowered her hands, she was given a stern warning.The cane that Brina carried along with her during Evangeline's training sessions had hit her hands and feet countless times. No. Not to be hit as a form of warning, but the tip of the cane had a dye that immediately stuck to Evangeline's skin. Signaling so many mistakes she had made.“Once again, Eva.” Brina pointed to the end of the branching catwalk in front of her. The branches also formed other angles connected to each other. So once around practicing walking there, Evangeline stopped several times right at the intersection. Making some standard poses as Brina directed.Not only Brina was there. The style director was also
The heat that greeted him this afternoon did not dampen the intentions of the neat man wearing an expensive suit to get out of his car. He didn't need a headgear just to ward off the heat that could make his head dizzy. The problem that came to him was far more dizzying than simply avoiding the heat of the sun.His steps continued towards a tomb he had not visited recently. The familiarity that had developed over the past few years made him feel that occasionally coming to visit was not a problem in the midst of his busy work schedule.Once again he checked his luggage. “Hi, Uncle,” he said quietly as he placed the bouquet of flowers he had kept with him all the way here. “How are you?”Nothing said, only the breeze greeted him. Cool but a little chilling. Did the greeting get a response? I don't know. Gustav didn't want to find out.“Does Rick visit often?” He chuckled. ”I don't think so. He visits when he needs you. But you take it easy. Rick still can't accept your departure. He st
Isadora didn't want to just wipe away her smile. Her eyes had been satisfied with a bundle of books about wedding venues and all the arrangements. Roderick said that their wedding would not be delayed again.“This is all interesting,” said Isadora as she closed the book in her hand. ”I'm impressed with all the models you showed me. The explanation that you've been babbling about. And well ... some of the concepts you proposed piqued my interest.”Marguerite pulled the corners of her lips up. “We have experience handling the wedding events of many influential families in this country. You can check our profile yourself and coincidentally, we handled some of the parties that the Langley family organized.”Isadora crossed her legs and leaned comfortably. Her eyes stared at her interlocutor with a calm look, but one thing was certain in her mind; she didn't want to use Marguerite for her party.“You mean that everythi
Giselle invited Evangeline Rutherford to join the group.At first, Eva doubted whether she should accept Giselle's request to join the group chat room that might have been created a long time ago. Who was she that she was suddenly in their social circle? To be honest, Eva was happy to be well received by the three of them.After Max's return, she just wanted to rest because she knew she had a long day ahead of her. She couldn't even close her eyes, her thoughts were focused on Giselle's messages on her cell phone.(Giselle: Why haven't you answered for so long?)(Giselle: Are you asleep yet? Ah, I'm sure Brina's stepmother has tortured you to death. I am very sorry for your fate, Eva.)Eva couldn't help but laugh. Her hand involuntarily replied to Giselle's message.[Evangeline.R: You're right. Brina is a little cruel.]Giselle replied with lots of rolling eye emoticons.(Giselle: Hurry up and accept my request to join the grou
“Your work today was truly extraordinary, Giselle. All the photo shoots went perfectly and I think everyone involved in this project agrees that you are shining brighter than ever.”Giselle just chuckled lightly. She received a bottle of mineral water in her hands, which she immediately drank without hesitation. The midday heat was really scorching, burning the skin and leaving a thirst that never went away. Tiana, her loyal assistant, immediately came with a large umbrella, shading the model's head from the excruciating heat.I just observed from a distance.They praised her. As if everything was perfect. But behind the dazzling light of the camera flash, there was something that the outside spotlight couldn't digest. I knew her well enough to know that Giselle's smile didn't always mean happiness.“Thank you. You guys worked really hard today too. I feel very comfortable,” Giselle said with a big, warm smile while still keeping her distance. She is a star who knows how to shine, but
Actually, I never wanted to get back in Maximilian Von Ziegler's car. I refused many times, but he always managed to find a loophole to get me to sit in the passenger seat next to him. Including covert methods, almost resembling threats, regarding my performance in training sessions in the past few days. Even though I still clearly remember how Brina and Nico sincerely praised me. That I had crossed a line that I had previously been unable to cross.But still, I chose to remain silent. Refraining from the complaints that wanted so badly to come out of these lips—because in the end, this was the path I chose for myself. There was no turning back. I had already paved the road behind me. Besides, even if I turned back, the question of how I would support myself would always loom.“At the end of the road, there is a fairly popular bakery. Would you like to stop by?” Max asked, breaking the thick silence between us.This time, I preferred to silence my voice. Not because I was reluctant to
Isadora's hands were clenched tightly. Her heart began to race, and she felt an overwhelming urge to vent all the frustration building up inside her. Her attendance at this fashion show was not only to solidify her relationship with Roderick—oh, anyone would want to be with a man like Roderick, whom she had already conquered. Besides, the Langley family held significant influence in the country's business circles, and which woman wouldn't be captivated by Roderick's good looks?Even as she stepped out of the car, Isadora could already see many eyes fixed on her future husband. It didn't matter. Isadora wasn't bothered. After all, she was certain Rick wouldn't be able to stay away from her. She hadn't come here without a purpose.Every time Trinity Fashion held its latest fashion show, it was always surrounded by many businesspeople and prominent figures in the country. Isadora wanted to take part in getting to know them better. So that she could be better known and accepted among the
Maximilian glanced at his watch. He had five minutes left before the press conference he had to attend. This conference was crucial for Trinity Fashion's sales this season. The Trinity executives were surely waiting to hear what he would say during the conference. They might even be watching to see how the event, which had started less than an hour ago, was going.“Sir,“ Irena greeted him, out of breath.“Did you see a ghost?” Max asked, pulling out a cigarette. “You're five minutes late, Irena.”Irena groaned in frustration. ‘I can't move freely, you annoying Trinity Fashion boss!’ She tapped her foot slightly. ”This dress is really getting in my way.”Max wanted to laugh but only managed a thin smile. Imagining Irena running around in a dress that was a bit tight around the legs seemed quite difficult. But in Max's eyes, Irena looked different tonight. Much more elegant than when she wore pants and a stiff blouse as her everyday attire.“But it's okay once in a while, Irena. You loo
The world Evangeline stood in now seemed to have stopped. There was only her, staring at the man in front of her. He sat calmly, smiling slightly, occasionally responding and acting sweetly toward the woman beside him. When Roderick was with her, he had never acted so gently. What she saw made her heart feel like it was being squeezed roughly.“I'm here to save you, Eva.”It was Max's voice. It sounded so clear that Eva immediately realized she shouldn't be standing there in silence. She blinked twice, convincing herself that Max was really there. He smiled slightly and reached out his hand, gesturing for Eva to come closer. No. Eva was sure Max didn't want her to take his hand, but he signaled for her to continue walking.That's what Eva did. Even though she felt like her feet weren't touching the ground, she tried her best to avoid any mistakes that could happen because of her earlier silence. Brina's voice giving instructions, Nico directing her on how to pose appropriately and aes
The sound of music began to be heard, and the welcoming speeches had been going on since earlier. The commotion behind the stage added to the nervousness that was overwhelming Evangeline Rutherford. She repeatedly tried to calm herself down while waiting for her turn. Brina had actually forbidden her from leaving the room, but Eva was Eva.She wanted to see with her own eyes how the stage was being visited by invited guests. Eva could clearly see several staff members in special uniforms escorting them to their designated seats. She also recognized a few familiar faces. Although she rarely attended business events with Roderick Langley in the past, Marguerite Langley sometimes invited her to more private gatherings.And it was in such places that Eva had come to recognize some of the faces now seated around the stage.“Don't worry, everything will be fine,“ Eva said, clenching her hands together.“Eva,” Brina called, causing Eva to turn her head. “Your turn in five minutes.”This was
Four hours before the event.Once again, Evangeline glanced at the neatly arranged stage. Several staff members were seen checking and confirming things around them.“Are you nervous, Eva?”The question seemed unnecessary. Eva turned to Brina, who was standing nearby. She smiled softly, as if she felt the same way as Eva. “It's not just you, Eva. Me too.”Eva smiled faintly. “I didn't think you would feel that way.”Brina clicked her tongue in annoyance. ‘The only person Maximilian will look for if there's even the slightest mistake is me, Eva. You know, Max turns into a monster if that happens.”Eva laughed. She could already imagine Brina's words becoming reality. ’That means I have to really focus here.”“You have to.” Brina said firmly. ”Don't let all your training go to waste. We're all counting on you, Eva.”Actually, this trust was very heavy for Eva. The most important and fundamental reason was that she was new to this world. She had no experience, especially walking in front
Isadora walked with a spring in her step. Her smile wouldn't fade. Every now and then she hummed softly but joyfully. The sound of the apartment doorbell rang, signaling someone's arrival, making her smile even wider. Isadora knew exactly who her guest was tonight.Roderick. Her fiancé.“Hi, honey,” she greeted him, immediately throwing herself into his arms.Rick laughed at his fiancée's antics. The woman he loved with all his heart. The woman who would soon be by his side forever, no longer hiding. No more worries about certain parties taking advantage of their relationship.“You seem happy, honey. Did something happen?”Isadora nodded without hesitation. She took Rick's hand and led him to the kitchen. She helped him take off his coat, which was still hanging on his sturdy frame, and placed his briefcase on the side table near the main door.“I asked Maria to teach me some recipes at your place, Rick. So I can start getting used to taking care of you when it comes to meals.”Rick b
The days passed quickly. Practice after practice that Evangeline went through made her more confident and much calmer about her nervousness. She had tried various styles of clothing just to smooth her steps on the catwalk. Brina even deliberately created an outdoor area so that Evangeline would also be accustomed to facing all the bad possibilities that could happen during the show.Although Brina said it was very unlikely, there was no harm in preparing.“I don't think I need to worry too much,” Brina said as she handed over a bottle of mineral water. The last training session was over. A look of joy and relief was clearly visible on Evangeline's face.“I'm trying my best, Brina. Without you I am nothing.”Brina laughed. “Say that after all the events are over, Eva. This is just the beginning, there will be many stages to go through until you are safe.”Evangeline laughed. Enjoying the refreshing water as it moistened her throat. Some people were busy tidying up the rest of their tra
Evangeline took a deep breath as soon as Marguerite Langley's car pulled out of her garage. Her thoughts were suddenly full and fatigue was eating away at her remaining energy. “I didn't think Rick was really that crazy.”But just as she was about to step back into the house, her eyes caught sight of the red car she knew so well. As well as the figure getting out of it.“Am I interrupting?” he asked innocently.The intimidating glare and the undeniably commanding voice were gone. Evangeline recognized that tone as Max's annoying one.“If I said I was interrupting, you would have forced your way in.” Evangeline hissed angrily, then opened the gate again with a single push. “Come in. By the way, Mommy Rita brought you a cake. You'll like it.”“Your ex-in-law?”A slight grin formed on Evangeline's lips. ”I can't think of it that way. We had a good relationship long before my marriage.”“But can I enjoy the cake with a cup of coffee? You know, I've been stressed out this afternoon.”Evang
Evangeline took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Once again she made sure that the dress she was wearing was appropriate, that none of the accessories were loose, including the straps of her heels this time. The training session was coming to an end and she had to master the stage immediately. Brina said that Evangeline was making fewer and fewer mistakes.Brina herself was surprised that Evangeline was so quick to master what she was directing. Could it be because of the week Evangeline spent with the three noisy models? If she could bring about such drastic changes, maybe Brina would loosen up the training time a little. Three days had passed and Evangeline really amazed her. Oh, it wasn't just Brina who was amazed, but Nico too. Many angels can be taken from various camera angles, and as a model who already has a lot of experience, Evangeline is able to do it.“I'm ready,” said Evangeline after making sure everything was worn properly. Her confidence was always at its maximum limi