[9]

These eyes stared at the beautiful angelic girls sitting in front of me one by one. They looked so calm, with eyes that scrutinized my every move as if I were an interesting subject worth observing. I swallowed, an uncomfortable feeling running through my chest. Maximilian's request sounded completely ridiculous to me.

“Look at the three of them. Imagine they are wearing the dresses that are now attached to your body. And give your assessment from my point of view, which I think is quite observant in judging color,” Maximilian said without hesitation, as if his request was so reasonable.

I could only stare at him in disbelief. Since when did I become a fashion expert? I am not someone who has ever been involved in a world full of admiration and the demands of a busy schedule. Oh my God! If only I could refuse! But, unfortunately, the opportunity never came. I was even pushed out of the car that stopped in front of this luxury apartment.

A girl immediately picked me up, claiming that she was Maximilian's representative. She took me into this room, where three extraordinary women were waiting for me.

“What do you think?” Giselle asked, gracefully flicking her long hair.

I took a deep breath. ”I don't know. I don't really understand what Maximilian really wants.”

Harley chuckled. “You really have a lot to learn about Maximilian.”

“He's outrageous,” said Ursula, who was now getting up from her seat. With graceful steps, she walked towards the table where various snacks were presented. Her hand deftly picked up one of her favorite bags of potato chips. I could smell the savory, appetizing aroma of the chips. Ursula took a deep breath, seeming to enjoy the moment.

“Ah ... the taste of seaweed never fails to turn me away,” she said softly. However, before she put a piece in her mouth, she spoke again, ”So, you're just being asked to judge whether we deserve to wear the color Maximilian wants, right?”

I blinked twice, then nodded slowly. To be honest, I still don't understand why I have to do this. Why did Maximilian choose me to give an assessment that even I am not sure I can give objectively?

“So, tell me honestly, Eva. Because that's what Maximilian asked for,” Giselle continued.

“Ah... lavender, right?” Harley snapped her fingers, as if remembering something. ‘I saw that beautiful dress in Maximilian's design room.”

“The show is in a month, and it will be a big event organized by Trinity Fashion this year,’ Giselle added enthusiastically. Her smile grew as nostalgia began to flood her mind. “I still remember the first time I presented the 'Returning Angel' collection two years ago.”

“That's right. That show made your name skyrocket. Beating Ursula,” said Harley with a laugh. However, Ursula only responded with a shrug. There was no expression of annoyance or anger on her face.

“But what impressed me the most was when Ursula came down from the ceiling of the building, fluttering in her black chiffon,” Giselle said again, her eyes sparkling as she reminisced. ”That elegant black evening dress with a scattering of red pearls was a trend for almost two years.”

Ursula put down her chip bag and stared at Harley. “Then what about you? You came in a truck, didn't you? Holding on like crazy? You know ... you look a lot like Cruella de Vil.”

The whole room was instantly filled with their laughter. Joyful, without any awkwardness or feelings of jealousy between them. There were no envious stares, no compliments delivered with ulterior motives. They were true friends, and I could see that very clearly.

I could only stand by and watch how easily they shared their happiness. They danced, laughed, and mocked each other carefree. Their bond of friendship was so close, so strong. I couldn't help but wonder to myself—what was it like to be part of this circle? What was it like to have someone who truly understood and supported you selflessly?

It feels good, doesn't it? But ... I'm not part of them. I'm just a bully who happened to be dragged into their circle.

“So ... what do you think, Eva?”

Their voices echoed simultaneously, dispelling my reverie. I gasped, staring at them with surprise clearly etched on my face. They looked at me expectantly, waiting for my answer.

“We're waiting, you know,” Giselle teased, her eyes mischievously twinkling.

I cleared my throat, trying to calm myself down before finally saying, ‘You all certainly look beautiful in that dress.”

Harley waved her hand, seemingly dissatisfied with my answer. ’That means you don't understand what we've been talking about all this time, Eva.”

I was silent. No, I understood very well what they were saying. I knew one important fact—Maximilian built a different image for each of them. An image so strong, as if it had become one with them and become an inseparable identity.

As for me ... I was nobody in this world. I was just a stranger trying to understand a world that wasn't even mine to begin with.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my heartbeat, which suddenly felt so loud in my ears. Their gazes—Ursula, Harley, and Giselle—were fixed on me, waiting for something I had to say. I could feel the tension hanging in the air, almost stinging the skin.

Why did Maximilian trust me so much to convey something that was so crucial to them? I had just joined, and now I was at a point where my words could determine something big. No, I couldn't back out now. I had to say it, whatever the consequences.

Ursula was the most vocal in rejecting my presence before. I understood her concerns. She didn't want this fashion show to lose its essence. For Maximilian, this was more than just a fashion show—it was a masterpiece that had to be perfect. Ursula, Harley, and Giselle had already tried Maximilian's latest design. They certainly had their own judgment. However, now all eyes were on me.

“We await your answer, Eva,” said Harley as she leaned comfortably in her chair.

I swallowed. My throat felt dry. My hands were clenched together, trying to channel the nervousness that was stirring inside me. I looked at them one by one, looking for courage in their eyes that showed not the slightest impatience. Even though the room was quiet, I felt as if there was an echo pounding in my mind.

“Just tell them honestly, Eva.” Giselle smiled, gently but giving an unexpected boost. I took another breath before finally daring to speak up.

“You guys... none of you are suitable for Maximilian's latest design.”

The sound that came out of my lips was almost trembling. I was ready to face cynical, scornful, or even angry stares. I was ready to hear them question my capacity and courage in correcting them, professionals who had long been involved in the world of fashion. However, the reaction I got was truly unexpected.

“Praise God!” ‘Ahhh... how happy!’ ”Thank God. Maximilian won't torture me for a long time.”

I was stunned. I'm sure my expression was full of surprise. There was no anger, no hatred, no rejection. On the contrary, they seemed relieved—even happy. I didn't understand. They should have been angry, shouldn't they?

“You... aren't disappointed?“ I asked, still not believing it.

The three of them shook their heads in unison, their faces still beaming as if I had just brought them good news.

“Why should we be disappointed?” Ursula looked at me calmly. “In fact, we are happy not to be the main stars later. It's nothing, Maximilian's design this time has a strong philosophy. I'm not sure... I don't know about Giselle and Harley, but for me, I felt out of place after trying on the dress.”

“I agree with Ursula.” Harley smiled even wider. ‘The cut of the dress is too feminine for me. And yes... even though lavender is in the color palette that I can wear, but not for that one.’ He shook his head firmly.

Meanwhile, Giselle just smiled so wide that her laugh lines were clearly visible.

“Phew... I'm free from the main bench. At least even if I participate in the show later, I won't appear as the opening, closing, or even the main star.”

I'm still trying to understand everything that's going on. No resistance? No debate? In fact, they seemed to accept very well what I had just said?

“I guess Maximilian has found someone who deserves to present his latest design, right?“ Harley said with a meaningful look.

“Ah, you're right.” Ursula added teasingly. “What do you think, Ursula?”

“Me?” Ursula stared at Harley in disbelief. “I always support Maximilian's decisions, including this one. So, you know my answer.”

“One moment, one moment,” I interrupted, still with a look of confusion. ”I don't understand where you're going with this.”

For the first time since this meeting began, Giselle took a step closer. She sat down next to me, embracing my shoulder with unexpected warmth. Her attitude was so familiar, as if I had long been part of them. I'm not used to this kind of intimacy.

Usually, everyone who manages to meet the three of them is surprised by the energetic atmosphere they create. In fact, it is not uncommon for someone to ask questions in a tone that makes them feel uncomfortable. But me? I was treated differently.

What does this mean?

I looked at Giselle, looking for an answer that might be hidden behind her big smile. Something in the gaze of the three of them made my chest pound in a different way.

I wasn't just accepted... I was chosen.

This dark-haired woman was so calm, spoke as little as necessary, and I couldn't deny that her eyes had a charm that was hard to ignore. Eyes that seemed to hold deep secrets, eyes that could hypnotize anyone, both opponents and the same sex. There was something in her gaze that made her seem so precious, so exclusive—as if the world didn't deserve her.

“Maximilian will make you understand later. But before that happens, I can only give a warning,” Giselle's voice sounded calm, but I could feel the warning tone implied in it. ”Maximilian is not a person who gives up easily even if he is rejected many times. Only a person who wastes an opportunity will just get rid of Maximilian's offer.”

I sighed slowly, staring at Giselle with an unreadable look. Her words, although spoken calmly, sounded like a subtle threat that crept into my mind. However, I am not someone who is easily intimidated.

“I don't really need an opportunity, Giselle.” I gave a slight smile, a smile that contained more understanding than happiness. I knew exactly where this conversation was going. I knew exactly who Maximilian Von Ziegler was. And more importantly, I knew very well that nothing in this world is truly free.

Giselle smiled faintly, as if she had already guessed my answer. “Tell me what you want, and Maximilian will do his best.”

Her words echoed in my mind, creating a strange emptiness in my chest. A promise that sounded so sweet, but I knew that every promise had a price to pay. I looked away, staring out the window at the world that never really gave me a place to stand.

“Rest assured, Maximilian is not just a talent scout,” he continued. ”But he is a figure you can call ... home.”

Home.

A word that sounded so distant to me. I had long lost the meaning of that word. Home is not a person. Home is not a tempting offer of gold. Home is something that should give you peace of mind, not something that comes with consequences.

I turned back to Giselle, looking at her cautiously. I never let anyone decide the path of my life, and I don't intend to start now. However, those words have stuck in my mind, like seeds that might one day grow without my realizing it.