Nadia really hoped she could succeed."No way." Xavier cut in before Quinn could respond."Why not? Quinny, can you bear to see my dreams shattered before they even start?" Nadia's voice was filled with desperation."I said no," Xavier insisted. He didn't want other men to see Quinn in such a stunning outfit. If she became a model, she'd attract too much attention from others.Quinn, though not particularly interested in modeling, felt guilty for turning down Nadia given her pitiable expression. "If you can't find a model, I'll step in to help.""That's great!" Nadia exclaimed. She threw her arms around Quinn in a grateful hug. "Is there anything about the dress that doesn't fit? If so, I can make adjustments."This dress was tailored according to Quinn's measurements, but she seemed to have lost a bit of weight recently."It's perfect as is. I'll go change now." The gown was handmade and precious.Quinn headed to the dressing room.Meanwhile, Victor suddenly complained of a s
Quinn was upfront with Nadia. "I called for you, but Xavier came in instead.""Xavier seems like the type with a strong desire. Can you handle that?"Nadia had never been in a relationship, but she enjoyed reading smutty books. She had plenty of theories but no practical experience.Quinn honestly didn't know how to respond. Nadia always managed to surprise her with her bold statements."Quinny, the books say it's really great. How do you feel about it? I'm in my 20s now, and I want to find someone to try it with."As people reached a certain age, desires became more apparent, and women were no exception."Do you have someone you like?" Quinn asked when she noticed her shy expression. It was clear Nadia had a crush."Yes, but he doesn't know I like him." Nadia blushed at the mention of her crush. She was conflicted. She wanted him to know but also feared it."Who is it? Do I know him?"Over the past five years, Quinn had no idea who Nadia had been around. Nadia was such a wond
But what did that really prove?Maurice loved Araminta. In the end, the result was still the same. He could betray his wife for his first love, and he'd also abandon her for another woman.Maybe it was just in some men's nature to prefer novelty over familiarity.Nadia knew that Quinn didn't believe in love, especially after being betrayed by her own father and Simon. It was indeed cruel.But some things could only be left to time. Time could prove everything. Until the final verdict was given, no one knew exactly how things would turn out.That was just how life was.Xavier and Victor emerged from the changing rooms. The two models, once dressed in Nadia's designs, really elevated the look of her clothes.Xavier walked up to Quinn. "How do I look?"It was his first time wearing this type of outfit. He usually favored black shirts. Today, however, he wore a green shirt paired with a well-tailored suit. The green gave Xavier a whole new look."It looks good," Quinn said honestl
Xavier was in a great mood. He was humming a song as he drove. His voice was deep and sensual, and the song he was humming was one that used to be Quinn's ringtone. She knew it well.His baritone was perfect for it. He easily matched the original artist.It was rush hour, and the traffic was heavy. When someone tried to cut in, Xavier didn't give an inch. The other driver got frustrated and started cursing.Xavier stopped the car, got out, and walked over.The sight of Xavier's tall, intimidating figure startled the other driver. "I-I…""Who are you cursing at? You think cutting in line gives you the right?" Xavier had no patience for people who didn't follow the rules."I'm sorry." The other driver immediately apologized, even though he had a lady in the passenger seat he was trying to impress. But in front of Xavier's imposing presence, he chickened out."Let's go, Xavier." Quinn was a little hungry. She wasn't the type to snack often, but she couldn't stand being hungry."Yo
Quinn felt quite fortunate. During her most challenging time, she had met Frederick and her seniors."What do you mean? Are you leaving, Victor?" Nadia caught on to something. She had hoped Victor could be there to back her up when needed, but it seemed that wouldn't happen now."Yeah, there's some business abroad that I need to handle. But if you miss me, just give me a call. I'll come back once I'm done," Victor teased her.Nadia raised her glass. "Victor, I wish you a safe journey." Nadia already liked someone, so Victor was never on her radar.Victor raised his glass too.The person who was most happy about Victor leaving was Xavier. Finally, the eyesore would be gone. He couldn't be more thrilled."Let me toast to you as well, Victor."The moment Victor saw Xavier raise his glass, he felt a pang of dread. The last time at Nocturnal Club, Xavier had nearly drowned him in drinks."Thanks," Victor said while trying to hide his fear. He felt that he couldn't show weakness.Fo
"What are you doing here, Nadia? Aren't you supposed to be preparing for your graduation showcase? How do you even have time to hang around in a place like this? Why aren't you saying anything? Didn't you say you'd go all out with the preparation?"The moment the man approached, he bombarded Nadia with questions.Quinn frowned deeply at his attitude."What's your problem? Why can't Nadia be here if you can? What kind of place do you think this is?" Quinn didn't like how aggressive he was being.Nadia squeezed Quinn's hand. She didn't want to attract too much attention."Go back and work on your designs. Are you planning to screw up your graduation showcase? Don't start picking up bad habits from the wrong crowd," the man continued. He cast a glance at Quinn.Just from a look, he'd already decided she was bad news. Why was Nadia even associating with someone like her?Quinn was about to respond when Nadia suddenly stood up and rushed to confront him."Who the hell do you think y
Even though Quinn and Nadia were incredibly close, she couldn't make decisions for her."Alright." Xavier didn't press the matter further. He dropped them off at home.Nadia immediately grabbed a sheet of paper and a pencil. She was adamant about working on her designs now. Quinn had no choice but to let her have at it."You should go back," Quinn said. She was staying here tonight to support Nadia. She couldn't just leave her alone when she was so heartbroken.Suddenly, Xavier pulled her into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her for a moment.She'd been staying with Nadia for two days straight."What do you want?" Quinn tried to push him away."Nothing. Just feeling a bit neglected given our 'friends-with-benefits' arrangement," he said with a playful tone. He only held that casual status, after all."You can find someone else."They weren't in a committed relationship, so she wouldn't ask him for anything. She had never made such demands.Hearing h
"Quinny, my chest feels so tight. It's like I can't breathe," Nadia said, panicked.What if she died over someone who didn't like her?"Don't worry; you're fine. Just hang in there. You'll find that any man is better than that jerk," Quinn reassured her.Nadia cycled between crying and laughing. She was a mess of emotions, but Quinn wasn't bothered.She stayed by her side and waited for Nadia to exhaust herself. After that, Quinn went to get a hot towel to wipe her face.Nadia's eyes were likely to be puffy the next day.As expected, the next morning, Nadia looked at herself in the mirror and felt like crying again.How could she face anyone today? She had planned to go with Quinn to the airport to see Victor off.Quinn was brushing her teeth, and she couldn't help but laugh when she saw Nadia's condition.Seeing her laughing, Nadia pinched Quinn's waist."How can you laugh at me like this? Heartless woman!""I'm not laughing at you, I swear." Quinn begged for mercy. "Alrigh