The night finally came. Loud EDM music filled the air. Serene sat in the makeshift tent for the models. She was sitting on a stool as she waited for her hair and makeup to be done.Once finished, she collected her first outfit and changed. She wrapped herself with a robe, feeling the goosebumps forming on her arms from the cold.After a short while, the organizers called them and arranged them in order of appearance. Serene gently blew her breaths as she calmed her nerves. It’s been a long time since she last walked the runway. The task looked and sounded easy, but it was daunting. A lot could happen in a live show, from missing a step to wardrobe malfunction.She heard the emcee introduce the show, and the light from the stage darkened, adding to the drama. One by one, the girls before her disappeared as she found herself closer and closer to the stage.She let out a big sigh, removed her silk robe and gave it to the assistant. The moment she stepp

The weekend came and went. Serene’s heart and head were at odds with each other. Her heart simply reminded her how good Justin felt and how naturally they fit in each other’s arms. It spoke of the hard truth that they were in. He’s Bryan’s brother-in-law. Although it should not really matter since hers and Bryan’s story ended when he chose Chester, it still put her and Justin in a messy situation.Fate just had to bring them all together at such a time and predicament. So what happens when the four of them meet? Wouldn’t it be awkward?Serene mustered all her strength to get out of the bed and ready herself. She had a scheduled meeting with Arthur’s team. As much as she wanted to skip work, she couldn’t. This deal mattered to Al so much, and she did not want him to lose face. So, she dragged herself to the bathroo

Serene and Justin had lunch at the Japanese restaurant at Hotel Le Grande. It surprised her when Justin ordered the same dishes she ordered the last time they had lunch there. It was already a few weeks back since they last dined here, and she ordered quite several dishes‌ then. She cannot help but marvel at Justin’s attention to detail and memory.They ate in silence. Serene did not know what to say to him. The conversation they had in the car kept playing in her mind. She looked at the man opposite her in between bites. At first glance, he looked stoic, but she knew that deep down, he’s warm hearted.She also studied how she was feeling. If she were to compare how she felt during the early stages of her relationship with Bryan and with what she’s feeling with Justin now, she would doubt that she’s attracted to him. Although her heart throbbed when she saw Justin, she was not giddy like when she first knew Bryan. Bry

“Can I borrow your phone? I need to call my family” Serene looked at Justin. Without a word, he reached in his pocket and handed him his phone.  She quickly dialled her mother’s number. After a couple of rings, a panicked voice of a woman answered her. She gave a quick summary of what happened. Her mother wanted to take the next flight to Hyacinth City to see her, but she coaxed her mother and assured her she was out of danger and it’s unnecessary to fly out. She only calmed down and acquiesced when she told her ‌she will come home the following week.  After talking to her mother, she called Albert to inform him of what happened and assured him of her safety.  Finally, she called Mary. Her friend was more hysterical than her mother and was even harder to soothe. After assuring her multiple times, s

It was already dark when they arrived at the entrance of Hotel Le Grande. Justin unloaded her luggage from the trunk while she patiently waited for him.They entered the hotel together. One of his hand clasped hers while the other pulled her luggage. They skipped the reception and went straight to the open elevator.He punched the P button, then swiped his card to the slot. After doing these, the elevator door closed and ascended.Serene looked at him, perplexed. The groves on her forehead formed canals as she searched his face for an answer but got nothing.They walked towards the door to the end of the corridor. Justin swiped his card to open the door. As soon as it opened, Serene felt cold air embrace her. The room looked familiar to her; she thought she had deja vu.&