Chapter 49

This was it. It was the day, the hour, and I sat on a leather seat between two curved couches. Rinka and her family sat on one, Ethan and his family on another. Hugo and his clients were right across from us on a similar couch. It wasn’t entirely unbearable, the set. It was quite lavish, actually. A rose gold stage, black couches with gold accents, and white flowers. Crystals hung low from the chandelier above us, illuminating the studio in a soft, bright light.

Everyone was dressed well. Hugo was literally in an aqua colored suit with pink and purple floral print on his tie. His dark hair was gelled back and his eyes sparkled like dew drops on a mint leaf. He looked nice. I, on the other hand, was dressed in a sleek black chiffon dress with a halter neck and gold jewelry. My hair was pulled back into a chignon, revealing a face with soft rosy make-up.

My heart was drumming against my chest. Anxiety? Excitement? I couldn’t be sure at this point. I wasn’t even hoping to win. Frankly, I