“Emma, you should be happy with what you have. If you keep trying to further your career, there’s no telling what Amber will do to you,” Nathan said anxiously, staring at Emma’s back.
“Stop trying to get revenge, Emma,” he kept walking.
After all the painful things Nathan had done and said to her, she found his warning ridiculous. She paused briefly, her gaze falling on the bin in his office. Her gala invite was still in it, but she could see it torn to pieces. Was that his version of revenge?
“Nathan, can you honestly say you’ve been fair to me? I just want to be treated with respect. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about,” Nathan blinked slowly as he tried to follow her gaze.
Unfortunately, she had already turned away. He found himself staring at the back of her head instead. Is it possible she already knows about her invitation to the gala? he wondered.
Emma left Nathan’s office and headed for the main entrance. However, Amber, who was still strutting around Global, stopped her at the front door. Her smile was mocking as she said, “Well, if it isn’t New York’s newest and upcoming model. You’re just so popular these days.”
“Move, Emma,” said evenly. “I received an invitation to the Bright Night Gala. Did you, miss up-and-comer?” Amber laid her head on Emma’s shoulder as she continued, “You might have started several trends, but it didn’t matter in the end, did it? You’re still not welcome in the modeling industry. I’m sure even you can understand how important the gala is to a model’s career.”
She pulled out her invitation, waving it in Emma’s face. “Not only do you not have an invitation, you don’t even have a manager who’ll negotiate your contracts.”
Now, Emma remained calm as Amber continued to lean on her and gloat. When she finally stopped talking, Emma leaned in with a slight smile on her face and whispered, “So tell me, is the judge’s bed softer than Nathan’s?” Amber froze, eyes wide. “The Bright Night Gala and my non-existent manager should be the least of your worries. You should be more concerned with hiding the smell of deceit clinging to you. It’s such a strong smell, don’t you think? How long do you think it will take before Nathan figures it out?”
Amber’s career had remained stagnant for so long because of her pride, her constant attempts to destroy the careers of her competitors, and her relationship with Nathan.
She’d spent more time trying to catch and keep him than on her own work. If she’d put the same amount of focus into her modeling, she’d already be at the top of her game instead of just a B-grade model. A guilty look crossed Amber’s face.
Emma laughed as she pushed her aside, walked out of Global, leaving her cursing behind her.
Lisa was waiting for her in the car with a mysterious smile. Emma looked at her curiously as she asked with a laugh, “What’s going on?”
“I’m taking you somewhere,” Lisa replied vaguely as she started the car. She drove toward downtown New York, parked, and led Emma to one of the most expensive brand name stores in the city.
“Why did you bring me here?” she asked as she looked at the different displays. She was a little afraid she’d be seen by fans.
“We’re buying your battle gear,” a familiar deep voice came from the direction of the VIP area. It sounded like Eric had been here for a while. He was wearing a dark blue suit that clung to him like a second skin. He walked toward her with a seductive smile on his face, his steps confident.
“Eric,” Emma breathed his name as he came closer.
“They may not want you to attend the Bright Night Gala, but I plan on making you the center of attention.” Eric said, hugging her from behind. She had a figure that God would be jealous of, with perfect curves and long slender legs.
Lisa silently left the store, giving the affectionate couple some time alone. “I thought you were busy at work,” Emma said, snuggling into his warmth. “I will never be too busy for you,” he murmured gently, biting her earlobe. “By the way, did I tell you that I’m the gallus special guest?”
Emma was stunned for a moment before shaking her head. She didn’t know why she was surprised; Kaleidoscopes won a lot of awards, so of course, he’d be there.
“This will be our first time sharing a stage since we got married. I don’t count the Bellamy show, so this is really important to me.”
“I had Lisa bring you to this store because they have a high degree of confidentiality. Also, they just released a series of designs, and there’s only one of each.” He wanted them to wear matching one-of-a-kind clothes and jewelry.
They may not be able to announce their relationship, but this was his way of showing a subtle yet united front despite his position in the industry. Emma was the only one he wanted by his side, and he wanted her to know that. She saw the clothes as a symbol of his undying love and support, and it made her feel warm and safe.
“So, sounds like you already picked some outfits out,” Emma said, chest warm with affection. She’d never expected him to be so thoughtful. She had no doubt that he had everything prepared and ready to go. “Follow me,” Eric grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the dressing room.
As she walked behind the partition, she gasped, stunned as she got her first look at the dress on the mannequin. “Go ahead, try it on,” her eyes burned as she entered the dressing room, trying to hold back tears. Her hands trembled as she removed the dress from the mannequin. She’d been a model for several years and had worn thousands of beautiful clothes, but this was the first time a piece of clothing made her feel like crying.
The dress was a champagne-colored mermaid gown with transparent shoulders. The cut of the dress accentuated her slender form, and the body had bright, elegant pearls woven in instead of crystals. It made her look soft and graceful, like a goddess. She was speechless, heart pounding, as she stood in front of the huge dressing room mirror.
Eric changed into his suit and stepped out behind her. He was wearing a gray retro-style handmade suit with a leopard print tie and a matching handkerchief in his breast pocket.
He looked like an English aristocrat. She grabbed his hand as she studied them in the mirror. “We look like the perfect couple. What do we do if someone puts two and two together?”
<< Previous Chapter
Next Chapter >>
