CHAPTER 21AMAZED“Let us all welcome the new members of our team, Ria and Ashley.”Everyone in the office clapped with excitement as they went in front of them.Ria felt very proud of standing as their new staff, even with one of the lowest positions. She was ready for the self-introduction but the head of their department never spoke more of who they are and what is their job.Even Ashley gave her a confusing look like asking her “Is that it? It feels like we won’t feel at home here.”Ashley was an average tall young lady around her age. Her vibes are so bright with the rainbow dress she wears. Even her curly hair was full of rainbow clips.Their department head, Miss Hanna, faced her. She was wearing a tailored suit that accentuated her slender body, topped with a silk scarf to match her outfit. Her hair was styled in a sleek bob that made her look younger than her real age. She was the one who interviewed her yesterday.Miss Hanna looked up to her so she could see her face clearly

CHAPTER 23WHORia felt her blush rise to her cheeks as she heard a chorus of oohs and aahs from her team. They just saw that Justin, their director, drink the glass for her, and saved her from getting drunk. He even bought him a Sprite.“What’s with you two? Looks like the director is into our darling, Ria,” France giggled.And Ria just laughed it off.“Oh.” Ashley stared at her with a teasing look. “The director just drank your glass. I wish he would drink mine.”Ria just smiled plainly. She doesn’t want to make herself special. She and Justin doesn’t even have a special something going on between them. They are just friends.The party was a blast. Ria came to know a few things about her coworkers. They have enjoyed delicious wings and drinks, and even each other’s company.These people around the table were happily holding bottles and glasses, raising their toast to their arrival as new members of the team. They even played some games and tried their luck on the karaoke. But then f

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 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 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