Fenella’s POVAlan wanted to pull out the weeds, as Jessy explained beforehand. I thought Alan was the type of person who was laid-back and liked to party. Who would have thought that he was actually being cold-blooded in his work? Alan demanded perfection, and that's what the models and actors at Gene had to show.Ms. Lola used to promote Yuri Wu as the top model. Unfortunately, Yuri Wu stopped being a supermodel ten years ago. She was now more focused on being a housewife to her husband—a vocalist in an international rock band—and their two children.Because of that, Alan wanted to re-evaluate which models would be prioritized in promotions. He was looking for new faces as Gene's management icons to replace Yuri Wu.To vie for that position, we had to showcase our talents. One by one, we would demonstrate our abilities in photoshoots. The camera would take our photos five times automatically, with a three-second interval between poses. All we had to do was display our best pose each
Fenella’s POV"What's wrong with her? Why does she always feel unhappy seeing others doing better than her?" I asked Jessy, watching Kiara walk away.Really, it reminded me of Amy, my bully in high school. Why is there always someone like her in this world? Is this the effect of unhealthy teen movies?"Pfft, that's called being toxic. Don't mind her." Jessy waved his hand and focused again on watching the other models.I waited until the second session started for the models. In the second session, Alan asked the actors to portray one of their favorite scenes. For the models, Alan asked us to walk on stage to showcase the clothes we were wearing."I've seen what your fashion tastes are like. The next question is whether you can persuade others to wear that outfit just by walking on the catwalk," Alan said to the 20 Gene models, including Kiara, who insisted on returning as a model."Start!" With one shout from Alan, we began to line up beside the main stage.One by one, the models sta
Fenella’s POVAlan walked onto the main stage. He cleared his throat and suddenly put on a friendly smile. He clapped his hands and rubbed them together."I deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused. Especially to Fenella, who has acted very professionally despite the unexpected changes during her performance. Applause for her."Alan's palms opened, gesturing for the audience to clap. I smiled with flushed cheeks. I clasped my hands in front of my chest, bowed briefly, and whispered my thanks to Alan and the audience."We'll take a 15-minute break. After that, we can continue the show with the models who haven't walked yet. Thank you."Alan then walked off the stage. He approached me. "You're amazing, Fenel
Fenella’s POVJessy knocked on Alan's office door on the third floor. As usual, after knocking on the door, he would immediately enter the office.When the door opened, we immediately saw an unexpected sight. Kiara was leaning over Alan, who was sitting in a chair. Her one hand was trapping Alan in the chair, while her other hand was on Alan's blazer collar."Oh, sorry. We didn't mean—" Jessy stuttered and quickly tried to close the door again."It's okay, Jessy. Kiara was just leaving," Alan said with a wry smile."What? But our talk isn't over," Kiara protested to Alan."Yes, we're done. You're fired," Alan said, still with his arrogant smile."What? You're firing me?" Kiara stepped back from Alan with a surprised shriek. Jessy and I were also surprised by Alan's words. We looked at each other without knowing what had actually happened."Yes, Kiara. I won't take back my words or reconsider," Alan said, rising from his chair and straightening his white suit.Both of Alan's hands wen
Jessy’s POV“I actually have no problem at all with Kiara. I also don't know why she's so mean toward me. She was three years younger than me when she joined here as a junior.""I only knew when she first entered that many of my projects had been replaced by her. I didn't retaliate or anything for that. I thought it was her chance. But the longer she stayed, the more hostile she became towards me and other models, especially after her films failed."Fenella told Alan everything as it was. I didn't know why Kiara's attitude was so annoying towards others, especially towards her. Fenella didn't even try to reclaim everything Kiara took from her. I just tried my best to find new projects for her. Oh, poor girl."So, she was jealous of you?" Alan asked again."Yes, I think so." Fenella shrugged."Is that true, Jessy?" Alan asked me this time."Yes, that's all true. Fenella didn't protest at all when Kiara took over her project. In fact, I protested to Kiara's agent and Ms. Lola, but they
Jessy’s POVThat man had shoulder-length curly hair, a sharp square jawline with a thin beard, and a sturdy physique. I could clearly see his broad chest under the white shirt he was wearing. His shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, emphasizing his strong forearms, adorned with blue veins.Even his blue jeans couldn't hide the bulge at the base of his thighs. And the gold zipper further emphasized the treasure map-like pattern behind it.When the man raised his hand to sweep his long hair back, I felt a refreshing breeze with a fragrant scent hitting me.Oh, God… What kind of tremor is this?"Hello?" The man spoke again while my mouth was still agape.
Fenella’s POV"How about it, Fenella? Will you allow Jessy to handle Mike as well?" Alan asked me."Er... Sure. No problem. Jessy used to handle two models at once anyway," I replied, occasionally glancing at Jessy.I knew very well that Jessy must be thrilled. It was evident in my eyes how Jessy blushed every time he glanced at Mike. It could be said he had fallen for the guy. Would I be willing to stand in their way? Of course not."Then it's settled. Jessy, please take Mike to start preparing for his debut," Alan requested with a friendly smile."Now?" Jessy asked hesitantly."Yes, now," Alan affirmed."What about Fenella's new projects as the face of Gene?" Jessy asked."I'll have a more detailed discussion with Fenella first before offering her the best contract. I'll get back to you later, Jessy," Alan said patiently."Alright. Please follow me, Mike." Jessy stood up from the sofa, and Mike followed suit.Jessy and I exchanged meaningful glances. From Jessy's gaze, I knew he was
Fenella’s POVI finally followed Alan down to the second floor. On the second floor, I could see Mike and Jessy chatting at Jessy's desk. Jessy looked embarrassed, while Mike clearly teased Jessy.Wow. Happy for you, Jessy."I feel like Jessy has already forgotten me in her mind," I told Alan after we reached the office lobby."Ah, you sound jealous," Alan chuckled.As soon as Alan stepped out of the door, a black Range Rover immediately approached us on the side of the road. Alan opened the passenger door just before the driver got out to open the door."Please," Alan said to me."Thank you." I got into the car somewhat awkwardly, trying to maintain politeness because the passenger seat was higher than my butt. After we sat in the car, the driver immediately drove the car away from the office. Alan and I sat side by side in the passenger seat.Honestly, I didn't know Alan, and this made me a little uneasy because I wasn't with Jessy. Whenever there was a work meeting, Jessy always ac
Fenella’s POVThree months later…“State of New York vs. Alan Schmidt! All rise, and please be quiet!”The bailiff announced the case name in a loud voice. I sat in the audience with my heart pounding and my feet restless. The reporters waiting in the back of the room fell silent, capturing every moment as the judge entered.I squeezed Laird's hand to quell my nerves. He smiled at me and whispered that everything would be okay. I nodded and offered a small, reassuring smile in return.This was the final appeal at the Supreme Court. After this, Alan wouldn’t be able to appeal again until his sentence was served. After two long years of a drawn-out case with various appeals from Alan’s side, we had finally reached the finish line.The judge began reading various considerations and court notes. They took turns reading the decision documents. Time seemed to crawl, and I began to feel drowsy.I occasionally glanced at Alan, who sat in his prison jumpsuit. His once curly, neat hair had grown
Fenella’s POVTwo years later…I held Laird's hand, squeezing the palm that felt damp with sweat. A smile appeared on my lips as I tried to calm the nervousness he had felt since we left the house. This was the first award ceremony for him, Dave, and Rowan. They couldn’t sit still in their seats either.I couldn’t deny that I felt the same. My heart raced, even as the host made jokes that had the audience laughing. Still, I tried to remain calm because I didn’t want to make him more anxious than he already was.“The winner of the Best Mobile Game of the Year is...” The music stopped, the announcer paused, tension built, “My Supermodel!”“Oh! Thank God!” I exclaimed behind my hands that covered my open mouth.“Congratulations, honey!”I immediately stood up and hugged Laird tightly beside me. I cupped his face in my hands and kissed his lips strong and quick. He smiled broadly and whispered for a moment, “I love you, baby. Thank you.”“Congratulations!” I shook hands with Dave and Rowa
Fenella’s POVI stood at the edge of the balcony. My hands are firmly gripping the iron rail of the balcony as my eyes gaze at the nighttime scenery in the distance. Puerto Vallarta, a cliff with a stunning coastal view that showcases the beautiful side of Mexico.Perhaps there is truth in the saying—including Lloyd's yesterday—that bad memories must be replaced with good ones.Since arriving in Mexico until now, all the bad memories have been erased and replaced with the beauty of a honeymoon vacation with the love of my life. It's not bad, really.Despite the heavy trial we went through yesterday, we finally had some peace of mind. The night breeze blows through my hair. There's a strange sensation, but I don't want to go into the room yet. Until Laird came from the balcony door and immediately hugged me, enveloping me in soothing warmth.“Hey,”“Hi, baby. Are you done showering?” I asked, raising my head to look at Laird's face for a moment.“Yup.”“You smell nice,” I said as I inh
Fenella’s POV“Oh, sweet Mother, that was divine!” Jessy took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Then he opened his eyes wide while his mouth continued chewing my mother’s crab cakes. The murmurs and cheers were still heard until he finally finished his last bite.“I was glad you liked them,” my mother smiled broadly.“I didn’t just like them. I loved, loved, loved them!”Everyone around us laughed at Jessy’s confession. We felt the same way because my mother had succeeded in making a super delicious wedding reception dish. Truly, our Baxter family home was filled with guests. Even though we had invited only a small number of people, our home had never been this lively.The decorations of pink, white, and red flowers and balloons filled the entire room. The furniture had been rearranged to create enough space for the guests to dance or chat. Soft music played through the speakers set up in the corner of the room.Occasionally, guests would step up to change the music, hold the microph
Fenella’s POV“Honey, you looked absolutely stunning,” my mother said. “Thank you, Mom.” I smiled wide upon hearing my mother's compliment. She handed me a bouquet of wedding flowers that was a mix of pink, red, and white colors. I then grabbed the small bouquet and held it tightly. “I couldn’t believe we pulled this off all in just a week.” My mother shook her head, her eyes wide. “We even thought to get married the day after he proposed, but I remembered your words about wanting to prepare every detail of my wedding. You only have one chance because I'm your only daughter, so here we are.”“I just hoped those fruit tarts and crab cakes would be enough for all the guests.” “It’s okay, Mom. If the food wasn’t enough, we could stuff them with the wedding cake. That’s the job of the five-tier cake you ordered.”“You're right. I'm grateful that Mrs. Maddox's bakery shop is willing to take on the order." She sighed and stared at my face."Oh, I wish your father could see you, even th
Fenella’s POV“Fenella.”“Yes, Laird.”Laird called me right after I arrived at the apartment.“Where are you right now?”“I'm at the apartment,” I replied quickly as I grabbed a glass of mineral water from the dispenser.“Oh, thank goodness. I'm on my way home,” he said.The apartment door opened, and I immediately saw Laird's figure enter. My mouth was slightly agape, with my eyes widening. My forehead wrinkled as I watched him walk in. I glanced at the clock on the table and realized it was 2 p.m.“Fenella,” he called in his distinctively low voice.He stepped inside and met me in the kitchen. I hurriedly set my water glass down on the dining table. For some reason, Laird's face looked different. There was a hint of a happy smile on his face, though the look in his eyes was dark, and I couldn't describe the meaning behind it.“You're home? One second you're calling me, the next you're standing in front of me,” I chuckled.Suddenly, he let down his backpack on the floor. Then he hug
Laird’s POVI took several deep breaths and let them out. I couldn't help but feel uneasy and anxious, and various bad thoughts were raging in my mind. My hands repeatedly smoothed my tie or combed my hair. Hell, I couldn't calm myself down!This wasn't the first time my father had gone this far. Using bodyguards to pick up other people by force, who does he think he is?I hate his methods. He's called the shark of the legal world for a reason. This is how he acts. Stalking, coercing, and making people bend to his will until they're crushed by Hugo Evans' ambition.Now he was after Fenella. He flew from Boston to New York for her. I just knew it.I almost know what my father wants from my girlfriend. Maybe he wants to tell her to stay away like some of the girls I dated at university. It could also be that he wanted to ask about the case involving me and Malgolm Golden together.Whatever it was, I was waiting for a call or mes
Fenella’s POVMy eyes blinked after hearing Mr. Evans' words. My brow furrowed as I tried to understand his reasoning and failed miserably. I remained silent, but eventually, my heart was stirred to dig deeper.“Excuse me? Why is that?” I asked slowly, being careful not to make a misstep.“Because he helped my enemy,” Mr. Evans replied firmly.Again, I could only blink. An enemy? Yes, Laird had told me how Mr. Golden had an affair with his mother. But wasn’t that ten years ago? In fact, Mr. Evans had been busy with his young girlfriend.Still, Laird had helped to do the right thing. I didn’t want to argue with him, but I began to feel that Mr. Evans' disappointment in Laird was beyond reason.“But he helped capture criminals. He has contributed to the community.” I voiced my opinion again and swallowed to ease my nervousness.“You don’t know anything, kid. He helped my arch-enemy without considering my feelings.” Mr. Evans scoffed in frustration. “How dare he? Sometimes Laird can be u
Fenella’s POVI willingly got into the black van, leaving Jessy alone on the sidewalk. I was sure he would immediately contact Laird. Maybe he would explain the situation to him, and Laird would call me right away.Sure enough, my phone rang just minutes after the van had driven away from Laird’s office building. I answered the call immediately.“Hello, Laird.”“Hey, Fenella. What is this about Jessy seeing you being abducted by a black van? He said you willingly got into the vehicle and mentioned it was my father’s men.”Laird asked with tension in his voice. His breath sounded hurried on the phone, but I didn’t want to make him more anxious.Well, yes, I was panicking too because suddenly I had been approached by men in black suits who resembled mafia. However, they mentioned Hugo Evans, Laird’s father. I didn’t want to give his father a bad impression, or I would lose th