CHAPTER 25FAKEIt’s been more than a week since Ria was accepted on her new job at La Grace. And every day feels like unending for her.She sometimes runs around their office delivering fabrics to various requesters. She seldom did some clipboard assignments whenever her co-worker is not around. And most of the time, she keeps on obeying orders from Miss Hanna, trying to keep up with her endless demands.Deliver fabrics, pick up samples, book appointments, make coffee, and do anything else that is needed to keep the fashion line running smoothly. Those were her daily job.But she got the hang of it. She loves it there, watching models and fashion designers compelling to make masterpieces.One day, Ria was sorting through some papers on her desk when she heard a loud squeal. She turned around to see Miles approaching her table.“Ria!” Miles is even panting after taking her steps in haste. “You won’t believe it! They loved the new revision that I made on the dress.”That made her happy
Chapter 26SADDER“You heard me, right? Bend down and tie my sandals,” Bianca ordered, her lips grinning.Ria gulped before she decided to bend down. She doesn’t want any issues in her workplace.“Because if you don’t, then I’ll the director that you don’t like me.”And she can’t risk Justin knowing what really happen back in Paris.“You should know that your director takes care of his models very well.”Miles looked at her and shook her head slowly. “You don’t have to do this, Ria.”“It’s okay.”Her knees felt the coldness of the floor. She did lowly jobs before, like swiping the floor with her bare hands and even cleaning someone’s bathroom. But those jobs were easier to do than being humiliated like this. But she got no other choice.Her hands were about to touch the lace of her sandals when someone grabbed her hand. And pulled her up angrily.“What do you think you’re doing?!” he asked, raising his voice. Their director, Justin just roared like a lion inside that very room.“Direc
Chapter 27STRIKED“Ria, would you mind helping me here, darling?”Ria went back from her thoughts when France asked for her. The rolls of fabrics were still in her arms, as she went near him.“You got some serious headache, huh?”But deep inside her, she felt guilty. Everyone is getting busier since the day their model, Bianca, rejected to return. Almost all of them were getting headaches because of the stress. They were rushing everything to meet the deadline.“Well. It’s been like this for a couple of days now. But don’t worry, darling. It’s always like this with the last two weeks before the events.” France looked at her. “You were watching the models’ auditions?”She nodded.“What can you say about it?”“Miss Hanna sure is strict. She was really looking for a perfect figure and a walking mannequin for the show.”“Did someone cry already?”“I guess so. Almost.”“I always told her not to act like that. She will be getting more wrinkles because of that.” France took a sigh.“So, any
CHAPTER 28DRAWINGA week after.Ria slowly walked towards her cubicle as she noticed everyone gathering to France’s computer monitor. With curiosity, she went to know what was going on.“Is something going on? Why is everybody here?” she asked.Miles looked at her. Her eyes grew wider. “I can’t believe you’re already here.” She got everyone’s attention. “Everyone, the star is here!”“What are you talking about?” confused, she looked around. All eyes are now on her.The way was given to her. She came to have a view of the screen they have been looking through.And there she was on the monitor, on make-up and up-do hair, laying in silks and other different colors and textiles.“You sure, you weren't a model?” Miles asked.France spoke up. “Oh, darling. You look like a professional model with the pictures that Luci sent us.”“Why are my pictures here? Gosh! This is embarrassing.” She sat beside France and began to look at the pictures.“Oh, darling. Your pictures will be featured in the
CHAPTER 29SEPARATERia brushed her hair to the side as she looked again in the mirror.“Wow! You are gorgeous.” Gwendolyn entered the room.“Is this too much?” she asked and stood up on her heels. Her red evening gown is flattering her curves and skin tone.“No, Ria. You were made to be that way. Someone to be dressed up.” Gwendolyn looked at Lumiere. “What do you think of Mommy? Is she pretty?”“She’s the prettiest girl in the world!” Lumiere exclaimed.Gwendolyn raised her eyebrow. “I thought I was pretty in your eyes.”“Yes, you are. But my mom is the prettiest. You’re second.” Lumiere tilted his head and started thinking. “But I think you’re now third.”“What was that?” Gwendolyn squinted her eyes.“Nothing…” her kid whistled.“Tell me. Who’s your second prettiest girl now?” Gwendolyn crossed her hands.That made Ria laugh.“Oh. So our little man is now having his first crush.”Lumiere blushed.“Stop teasing me. Uncle Justin is now waiting outside.”“Okay. Okay.” Ria grabbed her
PROLOGUERUNAWAYSix years ago.As the music starts thumping, Valeria started to step onto the runway stage with effortless elegance, her silhouette perfectly poised. Her legs seemed to extend endlessly as her stilettos made a click-clack sound on that stage of the gallery hall. She was five feet and nine inches tall after all. She exudes confidence and grace with every flick of her hair and the tilt of her head. Her hips swayed as if she was gliding on clouds. Her facial expressions were fierce and edgy, yet feminine. She wanted others to see her as a work of art, a living canvas draped in fashion.Valeria strikes a pose, arching her back, as their final walk for their practice ends. She can’t make a mess right now. She had taken too many steps just to get where she is. She is going to achieve her dream and nothing can stop her. Even if it means telling a lie.“Okay, models!” the choreographer called out as she clapped her hands for their attention. “Tomorrow is a big day. Give your
CHAPTER 1HUMILIATEDSix years later.As the night progresses, soft lighting and a delicate floral setting in ivory and pastel blue greeted the guests of that magical wonderland made for two love birds who just became one. The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze and warm light filter through the canopy of trees, creating a romantic, ethereal ambiance.The atmosphere is a lively and festive celebration, with the sound of music and laughter filling the air. It was a wedding reception that any girl her age dreams of. But Ria stopped dreaming of this kind of event happening in her life. She will never have a chance to be a bride. That is what she thought.“Ria,” called Trixie, a girl in a solid plain black shirt and pants like hers. “The boss told us to deliver another batch of drinks for the guests by the fountain.”Ria signaled her an “ok” with her fingers. She took a sigh and refilled the wine glasses on her tray just as she was told. Thankfully, Trixie, her workmate for that night
CHAPTER 2CINDERELLAShe trudged wearily up to the stairs of her apartment building, her feet heavy and her shoulders slumped under the weight of a long grueling night. The hum of the city outside was muted by the thick walls, but the fatigue in her bones was palpable.As she fumbled with her keys and pushed open the door to her apartment, the stale air inside hit her like a wall. The dim light of the hallway cast a melancholy glow over the space. She was drained because of what just happened and the giggles inside the room lifted her soul.“I’m home!” she announced upon closing the door, kicking her shoes to the side.A girl in her messy bun and circle-framed lenses was sleeping on the sofa. Beside her was the five-year-old little boy who left his open bag of chips just to run towards her open arms.“Mommy!” he shouted in joy. With that, the girl on the sofa woke up and immediately stood up to recite some scientific words that looks like alien words to her ears.“Gwendolyn,” Ria utte