THE AUDITION

VANESSA STERLING'S POV

I greet my parents warmly, embracing them as they enter my office. "It's so good to see you both," I say, a smile spreading across my face.

My mother returns the hug, then gestures to the man standing beside them. "Do you remember Cyrus? Your father and I thought it would be nice for the two of you to meet physically."

I turn to Cyrus, he is dressed in the fanciest of all write crisp suits and looks every bit as I remember, tall and muscular. "Glad to see you again?" I say extending my hand for a handshake. But instead of shaking it, Cyrus gently brings my hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss on the back of it.

"Vanessa, you look just as beautiful as I remember," he says, his voice smooth and confident.

"Thank you." I smile politely feeling a twinge of annoyance at his flattery. Abel once told me, that his brother is selfish and vain, but I know better than to judge him based on information given by my unreliable husband, who was probably trying to impress me and thought that Ill-talking about the brother he couldn't add up to was the way to go.

I gesture for them all to have a seat, and my assistant pours them wine before leaving.

"You've built such a big impressive empire here," Cyrus remarks, looking over my expansive office with genuine admiration.

“ I have,” I reply, proudly. I built this fashion empire from the ground up, at eighteen, when I chose to start a fashion brand over going to college. My parents were not happy about my decision but they supported me by providing me with the initial funding. It was tough at the start but once I found my footing, success followed.

“You design as well,” He notes, picking up sketches from my desk. “Is there anything you can’t do?”

“She has remarkable talents." My mother chimes in “We’re so proud of what she’s accomplished. It’s a shame she married a whimp,” 

Whenever we talk about me her comments always seem to circle back to my marriage. She was always so disapproving of Abel from the start.

My love towards Abel was physical, not rational. He had a great face, he was good in bed and had a down-to-earth character. That's all I thought was important at the time. Now I know I made the mistake of marrying a looser that is no good to me.

"Yeah, marrying my dumb brother was one of your few bad choices," Cyrus says to me.

"You should get a divorce darling, it will be for your own good." My father urges.

"I'll definitely find a way to dispose of him," I reply, appreciating their support but feeling annoyed. I'm a grown woman, I can make my own decisions.

"You should pick someone with actual talent and shares your passion." Cyrus advices and I raise an eyebrow. I really don't like people's opinion on my personal life either.

Ignoring my annoyed expression, he continues, "Look, my designs have been selling like hotcakes, Vanessa. Imagine how your brand would grow if you had me as your head designer." 

My parents nod, clearly on board with the idea.

"Alright, Show me some of your work then." I say.

Cyrus pulls out his phone, a confident grin on his face. "Check this out."

I scroll through the images, my eyes immediately widening in amazement as I see the stunning creations displayed on the screen. Each design is stylish, and uniquely crafted. "Wow, these are amazing! You really did this?"

"Yep! Those are just a few of the designs I've sold to top fashion brands in the last two months."

"These are incredible." I am impressed, my initial doubts melts away as I admire his work.

"Imagine what we can achieve together, Vanessa. Our collaboration would be groundbreaking." Cyrus says proudly.

He pauses, then adds with a flirtatious smile, "And who knows, we could even become more than just business partners."

I notice the approving, almost happy looks exchanged between my parents.

Cyrus offer is indeed tempting, both professionally and personally.

After a moment of consideration, I make my decision.

"Welcome to starlight styles, Cyrus. You are the new head designer."

ABEL'S BLACKWOOD POV

I sit in the waiting area, my legs bouncing nervously as I eye the other models who are also awaiting their turn to audition. Even the men in the group are impossibly tall and impeccably dressed. The directors will definitely have a hard time choosing.

One by one, we are called into the audition room, each one emerging a short time later with a frustrated expression on their face. I watch as the third woman grab her handbag and hurry out, her disappointment evident. We all glance at her with a mix of pity and relief, at least it isn't me, yet. Two more men follow, their handsome faces mirroring the same disappointment. Maybe this was a bad idea.

With only one man left before my turn, I contemplate calling Vanessa for reassurance. She always seems to handle situations like this with grace, but she seems to detest me so much lately. I doubt she would even pick up the call.

The man exits the audition room, and now it’s my turn. I catch a glimpse of his face, frustration written all over it. I take a deep breath, I'll give it my best shot, whatever the outcome. 

I step into the well-lit audition room, my heart racing. At the far end, a desk is occupied by two women, one young and strikingly beautiful, the other older. An older man, sits between them, he has a frown on his face, like he doesn't like me already.

The younger woman leans in and whispers something to the older woman, who then turns her attention to me.

"Alright, let's start with an introduction. Tell us a bit about yourself."

I clear my throat nervously. "Hi, I'm Abel. I'm 29, and I've been modeling for a few years now." Well that's a lie. I am glad none flips the papers to look into my bio. "I'm really excited to be here and have the opportunity to audition for you."

The woman nods, her expression unreadable.

"Well, we've certainly been impressed by your portfolio. But as you know, that's not everything. Now, we'd like you to show us what you've got. Go ahead and do a little walk for us."

I take a deep breath and step at the center of the room. Squaring my shoulders, I begin to walk, making sure my strides are confident and my posture is impeccable. I concentrate putting one foot infront of the other until I naturally fall into the right pace and rhythm. I turn and walk back, my movements fluid and graceful.

As I finish, the room falls silent. My heart is pounding in my chest as I wait for their reaction. Finally, the young woman speaks up, a hint of surprise in her voice.

"Wow, that was really impressive. You've got a great masculine presence and a natural talent."

I feel a surge of relief and excitement. "Thank you so much. I'm so glad I was able to impress you."

The older woman nods in agreement. "Well, we'd like to see a bit more. Why don't you try a few different poses and expressions for us?"

I eagerly comply. They all watch intently, occasionally murmuring to one another.

After several minutes, the man speaks up for the first time. "I think that's enough for now. We've seen what we need to see and I believe you might be just what we're looking for.” he says.

"You have done so well with the walk, and you have quite the strong facial features that are visually appealing.You just need a little more practicing. Our agency sure needs a face like yours," the older lady says.

"Come to our agency's office tomorrow and we'll discuss a contract." The young woman adds with a smile.

I nod, unable to keep the grin from spreading across my face. "Thank you, I really appreciate the opportunity. I look forward to working with you, ma'am." I respond with a joyous smile.

I walk out of the audition room, my heart pounding with adrenaline. I just nailed the audition and I am so thrilled. I try to contain my excitement as I pass by the other models still waiting their turn.

But as soon as I turn the corner and out of earshot, I can't hold it in any longer. A huge grin spreads across my face and I pump my fist in the air. "Yes! I did it!" 

I take a few deep breaths to calm down, but the elation is still there. I pull out my phone, eager to share the good news with Vanessa. Dialing her number, I imagine her reaction, picturing her proud smile. But as the call connects, it abruptly cuts off. She must be in a meeting or attending to something important. 

I'll go get groceries, cook her favorite meal so that we can cerebrate the good news together.