Days passed quickly. Practice after practice, Jane became more confident and much calmer in facing her nervousness. She tried various fashion styles just to enhance her walk on the catwalk. Brina even intentionally created an outdoor area so that Jane could get used to facing any possible mishaps during the show.
Although Brina said the likelihood of such things happening was very slim, there was no harm in being prepared.
"I think I don't need to worry too much," Brina says while handing over a bottle of mineral water. Their last practice session has ended. Joy and relief are clearly visible on Jane's face.
"I'm trying to do my best, Brina. Without you, I'm nothing."
Brina laughs. "Say that after all the events are over, Olive. This is just the beginning; there will be many stages to go through until you reach the safe point."
Jane laughs, enjoying the refreshing water that moistens her throat. Some people are busy tidying up the remnants of their
Calysta walked with a cheerful step. Her smile refused to fade. Occasionally, she hummed softly but full of joy. The sound of the apartment's password, a sign that someone is coming, made her smile even wider. Clearly, Calysta knew who her guest was tonight.Austin. Her future husband."Hey, Love," she greeted, immediately immersing herself in his embrace.Austin laughed at the antics of his future wife, the woman he loved with all his heart. The one who would soon always be by his side in reality, no longer in hiding. No need to worry about others taking advantage of their relationship. "Seems like you're really happy, Love. Is something happening?"Calysta nodded without hesitation. She gestured for Austin to follow her to the kitchen, helping him take off the coat still clinging to his sturdy frame. She also placed his work bag near the front door. "I asked Maria to teach me some recipes at your home, Austin. So I can start getting used to taking care
Four hours before the event.Once again, Jane scans the well-arranged stage. Some staff members are seen checking and ensuring various things around."Are you nervous, Olive?"It feels like that question is completely unnecessary. Jane turns to where Brina is nearby. She smiles with a slow exhale, as if experiencing the same thing as Jane. "Not just you, Olive. Me too."Jane smiles faintly. "I thought you wouldn't feel that way."Brina sighs irritably. "The only person Fabian will look for if there's a tiny mistake is me, Olive. You know, Fabian turns into a monster if that happens."Jane laughs. She can already imagine if Brina's words come true. "So, I really have to focus here.""You have to." Brina says with a final tone. "Don't let all your rehearsals go to waste. We're all counting on you, Olive."Actually, for Jane, this trust is very heavy. The most fundamental and essential reason is because she's new to this world. Sh
The sound of music begins to play, and the welcoming speeches have been going on for a while. The backstage commotion adds to the list of anxieties hitting Jane. She repeatedly tries to calm herself while waiting for her turn. Brina has actually forbidden her from leaving the room, but Jane is still Jane.She wants to check with her own eyes how the stage is being visited by the guests. Jane can clearly see some staff in special uniforms escorting them to their designated places. Some faces are vaguely familiar to Jane's memory. Although she rarely attended business events with Austin in the past, Kate sometimes invited her to more private meetings.And it is in such places that Jane got to know some faces that are now sitting around the stage."Don't worry, everything will be fine," Jane says, squeezing each other's hands."Olive," calls Brina, making Jane turn. "Your turn is in five minutes."This is the moment. As soon as Jane steps out from bac
The world Jane steps into now seems to stop. There's only her, staring at the man in front of her. He sits calmly, with a faint smile, occasionally engaging sweetly with the woman beside him. When Austin is with her, he never acts gentle. What she sees feels like her heart being roughly squeezed."I'm here to save you, Olive."That's Fabian's voice. It sounds clear, making Jane immediately realize she shouldn't stay silent here. Jane blinks twice, convincing herself that Fabian is indeed there. She gives a faint smile while reaching out her hand. No, Jane is sure Fabian doesn't want that hand to be greeted but signals her to continue walking.So that's what Jane does. Even though she feels like her feet aren't touching the ground anymore, she tries hard to minimize any mistakes that could happen due to her silence earlier. Brina's voice giving instructions, Nico directing how she should pose appropriately with its own aesthetic value, and the voices of the noisy
Fabian glanced at his watch. The press conference he had to attend is just five minutes away. This conference is crucial for the success of SEO's season turnover. Surely, high-ranking SEO officials are eagerly awaiting what he will talk about during the conference. They might even be watching to see how the event, which started an hour ago, has successfully unfolded."Sir," gasps Irena."Did you meet a ghost?" Fabian smirks while pulling out his cigarette. "Five minutes late, Irena."Irena groans in frustration. "I can't move freely, that annoying SEO boss! This dress is really hindering me."Fabian wants to laugh, but only a thin grin appears. Imagining Irena running around in a slightly tight dress around her legs seems quite challenging. But in Fabian's eyes, tonight, Irena looks different. Much more graceful than her everyday tight pants and stiff blouse."But occasionally, it doesn't matter, Irena. You look different."Irena smirks. "I
Calysta's hands clenched non-stop. Her heart began to feel hot, and she really wanted to vent all the frustration that was hitting her. Her attendance at this fashion show, besides solidifying her relationship with Austin—oh, anyone would want to be connected to a man like Austin whom she has already conquered. Apart from the fact that the Don William family has a significant influence in the business in this country, what woman wouldn't be fascinated by Austin's charm?Even when she got out of the car, Calysta could already see many eyes looking at her future husband. No problem. Calysta isn't a real issue, actually. After all, she's confident that Austin won't be able to stay far from her. She came to this place not without purpose.Every time SEO holds a showcase for the latest designs, it is always surrounded by many business people and prominent figures in the country. Calysta wants to take the opportunity to get to know them better. So that she can be more
The whole event is over, and the woman didn't expect to endure until the last session; the lively closing ceremony. Fireworks lit up as a sign that the hard work of most SEO staff had paid off. And almost none of them finished the event until it was truly over.Still, the main boss is still there, occasionally greeting the workers warmly. Instead of receiving a warm welcome, Fabian is met with puzzled looks. Also, the staff quickly leaves him. As if Fabian's friendly greetings were the weirdest thing in the world."Why are they acting like this?" Fabian mutters in surprise. He loosens his shirt, rolling up the sleeves to his elbows. Fabian doesn't pay too much attention to his appearance at this final session. He just wants to ensure that his guests are well taken care of."I think you should head back to the hotel, Olive," Fabian approaches Jane, who is sitting at the edge of the banquet area. Most guests have already left, leaving the workers to tidy up everyt
Austin pours himself more wine, his companion for the night. Glancing at the large bed in the middle of the room, Calysta is already fast asleep, wrapped in a blanket. He recalls what happened before she truly went into the realm of dreams, engaging in an activity that Austin always enjoys every time he's with Calysta.Whispering each other's names and reaching the peak of pleasure together. Moreover, tonight's atmosphere is very conducive for Austin to fulfill his desires, although... something bothers him. He tries to push it away, but still, the uneasiness returns. It forces him to step aside for a moment, pondering what is really happening.In his other hand, a tablet plays the replay of the press conference that SEO Fashion held. It hasn't been twenty-four hours since he attended the event. From the opening session to the Q&A, Austin doesn't miss a single part. Occasionally, he sips wine from his glass. He waits for something that will undoubtedly surface duri