The Ghost in the Room

“Don't be naughty when Mama's busy, okay? If you need anything, just ask Brodie.”

“Can I ask for an iPad and a toy?!” Matilda's eyes lit up.

I squatted in front of Matteo and Matilda, smoothing Matilda's slightly messy hair with a smile. “Ipads and toys are not ‘needs’, Tilly,” I said softly, pinching her nose, immediately making her giggle. “I will be gone for a while, you have to promise not to trouble Brodie, okay?”

Matteo nodded seriously, but I could see his eyes glancing at Harry, who stood behind me with a relaxed expression.

“If Brodie allows it, how about it?” Matteo asked, his voice full of anticipation.

Harry chuckled softly, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest. “I always allow it if it's something reasonable,” he said teasingly, then looked at me. “So, is there a list of special instructions, Ms. Marsh?”

“Nothing in particular. Just make sure they eat lunch and dinner on time, no snacks before bed, and—” I turned to them who were already making annoyed faces. "—don't spoil them.”

“Mama!” exclaimed Matteo in protest, while Matilda nodded quickly with a sly smile.

“See, Tilly agrees,” Harry added with a lopsided smile, glaring at the kids who looked ready to take advantage of any little loophole. “I promise I'll look after them as best I can.”

I let out a long breath, allowing myself to feel relieved, even a little. “Thank you,” I said, grabbing my bag from the table by the door. “I'll be back as soon as the event is over. If anything happens, give me a call.”

Harry nodded as he took over, lifting Matilda onto his shoulder in one fluid motion, making the little girl laugh loudly. Matteo, not to be outdone, jumped to his feet.

“Brodie is a horse!” Matteo exclaimed, making Harry almost lose his balance.

I just shook my head. “Don't jump on him too much. I need Brodie to stay healthy, you know?”

Matilda laughed again while Matteo acted like a little cowboy. I stepped towards the door, but before I got out, Matilda called out to me in a tiny voice. “Mommy?”

I turned my head, seeing her eyes shining with curiosity. “What, Sweetheart?”

“Can I try on one of your dresses when I grow up?” she asked, her cheeks flushing slightly.

I chuckled, walking back and nuzzling her forehead. “Of course. But you'll have to keep the dress clean, okay?”

Matilda nodded enthusiastically while Matteo added, “Me too! But I want a cool suit, Ma.”

“Alright, suit for you, Theo,” I replied, glancing at Harry, who chuckled and shrugged.

After making sure they were all fine, I walked out of the door, taking a deep breath to calm myself down.

I stepped out of from home with measured steps. It's a chilly morning, but the air from the sea does little to calm my pounding heart, which won't stop. My high heels clicked softly on the sidewalk as I stepped toward my car.

"Ky." Harry's voice calls out to me in a low, soft tone.

I turned around to find him standing in the doorway. His brown hair was messy, and his big hands were tucked into his pants. He stepped out, his bright green eyes looking at me intently.

"Are you okay?" he asked as he slipped his hands into his pants pockets, fighting the cold of the Los Angeles winter.

I nodded, too quickly, perhaps, because he immediately squinted like he knew I was lying.

"I'm fine," I replied shortly, looking at the road ahead.

But he remained unmoving, leaving me no choice but to turn my head again. "You forgot one thing," he said.

I frowned. "What?"

He smiled faintly, walking closer until he was only a few steps away. "You forgot how to breathe properly when you're nervous." He pointed at my chest, which was rising and falling too fast. "See? Even I can see it."

I opened my mouth to argue, but no words came out. Instead, I found myself chuckling, faint, but enough to loosen a little of the tension hanging in the air.

"You care too much," I muttered, ducking my head slightly.

He shrugged with effortless ease, his calloused hand brushing against my arm. The touch was feather-light yet magnetic, commanding my full attention.

“I just wanted you to know, it’s okay to feel nervous. This moment is incredible, Ky, but so are you. Nothing and no one will stand in your way.” His voice was steady, warm, and laced with conviction.

His words pierced something inside my fragile self. I looked at him, trying to read his face, but he was always hard to guess, even when he was obviously sincere.

"I'm just... worried," I whispered. "I'm afraid that something ... or someone will show up. From the past.”

He didn't answer right away. Instead, he just looked at me, his gaze soft. "If anyone shows up," he said, "I'll be there to make sure they don't mess with you."

I blinked. He said it like an undeniable fact like his promise was a sure thing. And somehow, I believed him. I'll always believe him because he's the one who's always by my side when I am vulnerable and when no one sees me.

Always.

"Raquel," he said softly, stepping closer until the warmth of his body cut through the icy air. "You are the most formidable woman I've ever known. Nothing can hold you back now. Nothing ever will."

The words echoed inside me, filling a void I didn't even know existed. Before I could process it, he leaned in slightly, his lips brushing against my cheek softly.

Warm, brief, but enough to make my chaotic thoughts stop for a moment.

I looked up at him when he pulled away. My lips parted slightly, but no words came out. He just smiled a little, his eyes full of confidence.

"Go," he said softly, nodding towards the car already waiting for me at the curb. "You'll amaze them, Raquel."

I could only nod, my body moving automatically towards the car.

When I got in, and the door closed, I looked at him through the window, seeing him still standing there, watching me with the same intense gaze.

Somehow, that cold morning felt a little warmer.

↞⇝⋆⇜↠

In the crowded backstage, I moved quickly from one side to the other, ensuring all the details were met. Bright lights illuminated the narrow aisles while the sounds of quick steps and hurried conversations echoed around me. Magnificent gowns hung neatly on the shelves, ready to be worn by the models who were busy getting primped in their respective seats.

"Make sure the lace on this part of the skirt doesn't snag," I said to one of the assistants, pointing out a detail on the dress that had been prepared for the third session. My hands didn't stop working, smoothing the fabric, adjusting the pleats, and checking the beads that reflected the lamplight like little stars.

Anna stood beside me, the tablet full of schedules and notes in her hand. "We’re done with the first session. All the models are ready for the second, and..." She glanced at me, squinting. "You haven't eaten anything, have you?"

I sighed, busying my hands to avoid the question. "We don't have time for that right now. Are all the accessories properly placed?"

She shrugged. "Yes, the accessories are set. But I'll make sure you eat after this, or I'll stop the show myself."

Becca appeared from the right, her steps quick. "Okay, done, I managed to drive three reporters away from this area. You're the target of the day," she said as she handed me a small list of what appeared to be the names of major media outlets trying to force an interview with me.

"Good," I replied curtly. "Our focus is this show, not interviews."

"Security is pretty tight," Becca added as she glanced at the black-uniformed guards near the entrance. "But you should know, some of them almost tried to sneak in through the logistics area."

I just nodded, my mind too full of the list of tasks still to be accomplished. The first model stepped out from backstage, wearing one of my favorite dresses, and I held my breath for a moment before pulling Anna aside to ensure all the sessions went smoothly.

The clock is ticking, and session after session goes smoothly. The guests in the huge auditorium in Hollywood seemed mesmerized by every collection on display. I stood near the backstage curtain, hearing the applause echo every time the last model finished her round. A sense of pride began to rise in my chest, but I couldn't relax yet. I still had one last thing to do.

Anna, who was standing next to me, suddenly straightened up. "Raquel," she said in a slightly panicked tone, her eyes wide. "We almost forgot!"

I turned around, looking at her confusedly. "About what?"

"Finale!" Becca's voice cut in, appearing with hurried steps. "You're part of the finale, Raquel! The final dress is the one you wear, and you have to perform with that collection at the end of the show!"

I felt my body stiffen. I had been so busy making sure everything went smoothly that I had almost forgotten that I was also part of the show. Becca looked at me like I had just committed a major crime, while Anna had already started pulling the last dress from the rack.

"You have five minutes to get ready," Becca says quickly. "Take off that t-shirt and get into a dress now."

I opened my mouth to argue, but Anna was already pushing me backstage into the small dressing room. "No arguments," she says. "This dress is your masterpiece. The world needs to see you in your best work."

I stood transfixed for a moment before finally giving in and letting them help me into the dress. The fabric was soft against my skin, and every beaded and lace detail felt like a dream come true. I looked at myself in the mirror, seeing someone different from the old Raquel.

This was me, Raquel Marsh, finally standing on this big stage.

"Alright," I let out a long breath, trying to calm the pounding in my chest. "Let's get this over with."

<<<>>> 

The hall was full of glittering lights that reflected off every gilded and crystal surface. The guests stood, raising their champagne glasses as the emcee, in a firm and passionate voice, called out my name.

"And tonight, we all celebrate the extraordinary work of the woman who has changed the fashion world with her magical touch. Please welcome... Raquel Marsh!"

Thunderous applause fills the room, roaring like a crashing wave.

I step onto the stage, trying to look confident despite the small tremor in my knees. Every eye is on me, and warm smiles graze the guests' faces. I straighten my shoulders, letting my self-designed black dress sweep gracefully across the floor as if it were my final shield tonight.

The spotlights felt hot on my skin, but I smiled anyway, giving a small bow to show my gratitude.

As I stood up again, the boisterous welcome grew louder. I glance at Becca, who stands among the other guests, nodding vigorously.

The main event ended, and the hall transformed into a party arena. Light jazz music replaced the host's voice while servers passed by with trays of drinks and snacks. The models who had previously worn my pieces mingled with the elite guests, laughing lightly and talking about the designs they wore.

I tried to find a quiet corner to rest my aching legs after hours of standing. However, that plan was quickly dashed when a well-dressed young man approached me with a friendly smile.

"Raquel Marsh," he said, his tone full of admiration. "I've long admired your work. May I introduce you to some important people here?"

I almost wanted to refuse, but her smile was genuine, and I didn't want to seem impolite. "Sure," I replied, putting on a practiced, professional smile.

The next few seconds were a blur of camera flashes and waves of brief conversations. Guests came and went, introducing themselves with various compliments about my work. I smiled at them all, replying politely, even though my brain was getting tired of searching for new words.

"Raquel, Bebe!" A soft, cheerful voice interrupted. I turned to see a famous Hollywood actress wearing an alluring red dress that was one of my designs. She walked over confidently, flashing a smile that made everyone turn their heads.

"Congratulations on a great night," she said, giving me a light hug. "I must say, this dress is a work of art. But I'm not just here to compliment you. I want to introduce you to someone."

"I think I've met enough people tonight," I replied with a smile, trying to decline subtly.

"Oh, but this is different," she said teasingly. "He's one of the richest men in Italy, and he's very interested in meeting you. You can't say no."

I sighed, knowing that I had no choice without appearing impolite. "Alright," I said, glancing around the hall for a quick way out after this introduction.

She enthusiastically patted my arm and led me through the crowd. I kept smiling, even though fatigue was starting to grip my body. As she stopped, I noticed a man standing with his back to us, talking to another guest. His dark hair was neat, his suit looked expensive, and he was well-built.

"Alvaro!" the actress called cheerfully, making the man turn around.

The world around me seemed to stop.

He turned with a casual gesture, a smile on his face that looked so familiar.

Too familiar.

My eyes widened involuntarily, and my breath caught. That face ... the face that destroyed my life five years ago, was now standing just a few steps away from me. His gaze met mine, and for a moment, I saw something flicker there.

Surprise, perhaps, but only briefly before he returned to his cold, controlled expression.

"Raquel," he said in the same low tone I remembered. "It's been a long time."

The sounds of laughter and party music faded in the background. It felt like we were the only two people in the room. I stood my ground, refusing to show any reaction other than calmness.

"Alvaro," I finally replied, my voice barely more than a whisper.

He smiled slightly, tilting his head slightly like he was learning something new. "I never thought I'd see you here."

I lifted my chin, trying to grip myself even though the hands I held at my sides began to tremble. "I didn't expect to see you either," I replied.

The actress looked at us in turn, oblivious to our tension. "You two know each other?" she asked in a playful tone.

Alvaro smiled slightly, but his eyes remained fixed on me. "Oh, we have history."

My heart was racing, but I stood my ground, holding back the storm of emotions that began to roll through me.

This was the moment I had been dreading all along, but now, I had to face reality.

                                                                             ↞⇝⋆⇜↠

                                                                  ⋆✧ To Be Continued ✧⋆