I walk straight to my office leaving Neil in Gaby's knowing that if I stay here longer he'll just want to inquire more about everything.

I reach for my phone when it chimes and I answer it as I close the door of my office.

"Hello, dear," Daisy says on the other side.

"I checked in with my Secretary and you haven't contacted her at all," I say as I pace around. "You lied."

"At least you realized this on time." She mumbles and I can almost feel she's smiling. "I am glad. You are progressing in life."

"What do you want?" I ask clenching my jaw.

"You know darling I haven't had people talk to me so rude in a while and it's a little hard to keep up with you but- I will." She sighs. "You are special after all."

"I am sorry that I can't agree with that," I say.

"I figured that." She chortles slowly. "I just wanted to acquaint you if you have your ex-boyfriend's phone you need to return it."

I feel tense. "That's none of your concern."

"You need to listen to me. Trust me-"

"I can't." I interrupt. "I can't trust someone who lied to me on the very first conversation."

And because I don't want her to infer I know about her and Jason I add, "I don't know how Jason is related to you but still if you want to know- I don't have his phone."

"Are you sure?"

"Now, am I allowed to ask you to trust me?" I implore.

She laughs. "When are we meeting? I am here so whenever you want I am ready."

"I didn't want you to be here. I said I'll meet you later." I ask feeling tensed.

"I am not going to look out for your family here." She halts. "I am here for you."

I can feel myself begin to soften at her words and I have to push myself to recall who I am speaking to.

"I'll meet you outside after the Fashion Show is done." She says before she disconnects the call.

I let out a breath as I turn around and my phone rings again. It's an unknown number and I am not sure who to expect so I answer the call.

"Hey." A voice says.

"Uh, hello, who is this?" I ask confused.

"I am Daisy Reed." Someone says and I straighten up.

I feel my head going crazy and I sit down on the couch. I know this woman is not Daisy Reed. Erica has been checking up on me for the past few days asking me if I got a call and I have been lying to her. Maybe she's trying to see if I am sincere with her.

"Okay, how can I help you?" I ask being careful.

"I was wondering if we could meet. I know something about you and your family."

Alright, women, I don't care.

"Uh- like what?" I ask trying to give my best act.

"You'll know." She says after a pause. "I'll see you in a few days."

And just like that she disconnects the call.

Erica should know she isn't really doing a good job right now but I am going to make her believe the contrary.

I walk out of my office to check on Rose once and I call Erica on my way there.

"Avni." She says as she answers.

"Hey, I just wanted you to know I got a call from Daisy Reed and she wants to meet me in a few days," I say.

"Thank you for letting me know. I hope she's helpful." Erica says.

She's good at pretending too.

I push the door open and step in. "Let's hope for that."

Rose stands up when she sees me and a devilish smile creeps on her lips instantly.

"I will let you know if she contacts me again," I say to Erica before I disconnect the call.

"Who contacts you?" She asks me as she arches an eyebrow at me.

"So you could go update your mother?" I raise my eyebrows.

"Don't-"

"Yeah, yeah. I won't bring her up again." I interrupt her. "How's your leg?"

"What do you think?" She asks as she spins around. "You didn't believe me when I said I really broke my leg, did you?"

"Our friendship might not have been real but I know you enough, Rose," I say as I walk closer to her. "You won't ever cause harm to yourself not intentionally at least."

"I am pleased to know you know me enough." She smiles. "So how are you dealing with it? Or you are here to plead?"

"Maybe," I say. "It's a little bitter you ruin my special moment."

"Come on, I knew you'll find a way." She says. "All you have to do is call your brother for help. Lee sleeps around with hot models anyway and somehow those bitches agree to him."

"I wouldn't blame them." She shrugs. "Lee has a charm and he knows specifically how to get the task accomplished. That cocky smile-"

"Enough." I cut her off.

"If I am not mistaken Ruby is currently his bedmate and if she wasn't already a part of this show trust me Lee would have managed to persuade her."

She's right, I know.

I know Lee would do it for me and he will manage to get a model. He's the first person that came to my mind but Gaby suggested I can do it too.

It won't be easy to get a supermodel in a short time considering they all have schedules already. If Gaby managed to convince Ruby then we will also have to fill someone in her place so according to Gaby the best case is for me to do it.

I am not really excited about it but I am not ready to take his help now. He wouldn't stop ranting about how he saved my big day.

"How about I utilize the inspiration I got from sticking around you all these years?" I cross my arms on my chest.

"You... are not, are you?" She frowns.

"Why not?" I shrug. "Any tips?"

"I would never give one." She rolls her eyes.

"Right," I say.

She begins to walk past me and I raise my foot in front of her as a result she trips and falls.

"What the fuck!" She glares at me.

I reach out and hold her knee with one hand and ankle with the other one before I twist it hard.

"Ah!" She whines. "Avni, don't."

I stand up and look down at her. I wish I could feel bad for doing this to her but the thing is she has done worse so I just don't.

"Just in case anyone comes out looking for you," I say. "I don't want anyone to know what a liar my former best friend is."

I turn around and walk out. I stay by the doorway and twist to look at her.

"I'll send your doctor for real treatment this time," I say and she glares at me as she struggles to sit up. "I seem to care somehow."

☄☄☄

The backstage is packed with models, managers, stylists, makeup artists, hairdressers, publicists, and other fashion elite. Photographers are trying to squeeze in a few dozen shots.

Everyone's scrambling here and there. The stylists stay focused despite how hard the models make things for them. Everyone's getting in the fitting room and changing into their dresses. Gaby seems to go crazy with the numbers wondering who was at position five and six.

My Secretary tells me that two models are late and Gaby asks her to not stress me out with this. One model doesn't show up and her look is suddenly passed onto a model who had only one appearance on the show and then the stylists go on with doing her fitting.

I can feel my head spinning with all the last-minute changes that happen. My fitting had to be changed too because apparently Rose and I don't have the same figure. I have always maintained myself but I haven't had the special model diet.

"You think I look good?" I ask the stylists as they are done with me.

"You look glamorous." One of them says.

"I don't believe they'll be honest considering it's their hard work," Ruby says as she walks to me.

She looks at me and raises her eyebrows impressed. "The smoky eyes have all the points."

"You look amazing," I say to her as I admire my design.

"I know right." She chuckles softly as she looks down at her.

She's wearing a halter neck short and a sexy shimmery gold color dress.

"You actually look sexy." I laugh.

"I will give less than half of the credit to you." She chuckles. "I am gonna make a quick reel."

Despite the madhouse atmosphere here models are trying to have fun. Ruby and I click a few pictures together when a photographer approaches us.

"Don't post that out if we look like best friends together because we are not," Ruby says to him jokingly and I shake my head.

The stylist grabs my dress and leads me to one of the fitting rooms. I quickly change into the outfit feeling the excitement dying and nervousness attack.

I look at myself in the mirror admiring my design, it's a one-shoulder black sexy long dress with a slit that goes up to my thigh. I stand there as the stylists help me finish my look with the golden bracelet matching the golden decks on the costume.

"I am not sure I can do this, Gaby," I say to her as she walks in.

"This is your show and you just have to make sure you rock it. You have been around models I am sure you know a thing or two about it."

"I do know how to walk and I am not going to trip thanks to my obsession with heels but I am still worried," I say to her as we walk outside.

Everyone is ready and looking at them standing in line makes all of it so real. I stand at the beginning of the line not able to believe I am doing this. We do a quick rehearsal before Gaby says we are ready to go.

"Just a small tip stay calm and positive," Ruby says to me as we get into our positions. "Relax so that you can get in the mood to model."

I just nod at her then I peek outside to glance at the stage. It's a good thing we have been rehearsing the walk in the past few days because I am aware of where I need to stop and turn on this stage. I get a glimpse of Lee and Alice sitting in the front row while Neil is standing there looking tensed.

I don't have enough time to think about what their reaction will be as the music begins and Gaby and I step forward.

This was supposed to be Rose and me and I was supposed to introduce my clothing line. It's a little unbearable that I am not able to do that but I block that thought out of my head as soon as the room grows dark and the spotlight hits on us.

I have been with Rose from the beginning of her career and tonight I am taking advantage of it.

Sway your hips and put one foot right in front of the other to scissors your legs.

Even before I take a step forward I hear Lee and Alice cheering loudly. I restrain myself from glancing at them as I take a step forward with Gaby. The slit goes up my thigh and I can feel goosebumps on my skin as we walk.

I listen to the music, feel the beat, and walk in time with that. Taking long strides smooth and confident. At the end of the runway, we stop and face the cameras.

I don't pay attention to anything Gaby says as she introduces me and my clothing line or the sounds of my siblings or the applause of the audience because I am too focused on trying to be the right model here as I am opening the show- my own show.

As she finishes introducing I start posing shifting my weight to the other foot and posing again and moving off.

I use one of Rose's tricks- Count to three in my head after each pose allowing time for pictures to be taken before I turn to walk back.

I walk past Ruby on my way but I don't glance at her not wanting to distract her or myself.

"You are going great," Gaby says before she gets back to the other models.

"Your back looked pretty hot as you walked," Ruby tells me when she gets back. "No idea about the front."

"That motivates me enough," I say and we laugh.

I start feeling good and excited as we start changing into the next outfit.

Fashion shows seem like an effortlessly classy way to bring together models, designers, celebrities, editors, and the latest styles. However, there is a battle blustering behind the curtains.

With the chain of models flowing up and down the runway, fashion shows are a very chaotic initiative to produce. Behind the scenes, there's a squad of people working frantically to make sure the show goes off without a hitch.

This time when I get on the runaway I don't have Gaby on my side and I feel a little more conscious.

I keep my back straight, core tight, and shoulders back and down in a relaxed way. I swing my arms slightly and keep my hands relaxed keeping a strong pace and placing my feet with confidence and style.

I keep my expressions strong and look ahead at all times. Models aren't really supposed to smile because the prime purpose is to attract people to our costumes not our faces. Anything and everything that distracts from the outfit is a big no.

As I stand at the end of the runway and pose for the cameras. I am aware of all the eyes that are on me but the eyes of people sitting in the front row make me mindful.

I restrain myself from glancing down at them and I turn around and walk down the runway. I don't have much time to talk with anyone as I am changing into my previous outfit again for closing the show.

It takes time as the models come and go and the rush continues until it's my turn to walk again. I maintain myself and keep the flow going as I did for the past thirty minutes. Gaby walks with me this time to close the show.

"That's my sister yo! My sister!"

I hear Lee cheer as I pose for the camera and no matter how hard I scold myself to not look down at any of them I just do.

I take a quick glance and I catch Neil's charming and proud smile in the dark room before I look at the cameras again. My mind is suddenly blank because I haven't bypassed all of his I's confessions.

I need you, I want you, I desire you and I love you.

I gulp slowly not wanting to ruin my model mood being well aware that the spotlight is on me. I raise my hand and press my fingers against my lips before I glimpse at Neil and blow a kiss at the camera.

Gaby speaks a few words and I feel bad for not paying attention to them again but I thank her and smile as she hands me the flowers and just like that we walk back inside.

"That was great." Gaby smiles as we get backstage.

"Thanks." I hug her. "I gotta go change first."

"Do I need permission to get in with you?" I turn to look at Neil as he steps in with me into the small fitting room.

"You are already in." I point out and he grins before he shuts the door.

I gasp as he pins me against the wall and crashes his lips against mine taking me by surprise.

"You were so fucking hot and amazing." He says against my lips as his hands move all over my body. "You rocked it."

I force myself to pull back. "I gotta get rid of this dress first."

"I will help you." He says breathlessly as he tries to unbutton it.

"I got it." I laugh as I unbutton it and pull the dress off of me.

"You have me all turned on with that hot walk." He mumbles as he picks me up.

I put my arms around his neck and wrap my legs around his waist as he pushes me against the wall kissing my neck and then chest before he unbuckles his belt and pushes his way inside me.

"Keep it low." He mumbles before he kisses my mouth.

I run my hand through his hair as he thrusts his hips against mine harder. I try to keep up with him as he kisses me but I can't. My breathing is heavy and all I can feel is heat and pleasure.

The room just frows hotter and I throw my head back against the wall as he continues to fuck me hitting my spot each time. I bite my lip hard when I feel the orgasm and he goes on until he finishes up.

He rests his forehead against mine as we catch our breath. He strokes my cheek with his thumb as he looks into my eyes.

"That was crazy and... amazing." I smile at him before I kiss him again.

We clean ourselves and I change into the dress I wore before Fashion Show while he fixes his tuxedo. Everyone is having fun backstage when we get there and they all look at us as we step out.

"What gave away?" Neil asks me slowly.

"Your hair." I laugh.

"I'll see you out, come soon." He says before he walks out.

"Cheers!" Ruby lets out as she pops up the champagne.

She pours a glass for her then she looks at me and hands me a glass before she gives champagne to one of the models.

"You rocked." She says. "The sudden sex says so."

I roll my eyes. "Try not to sound jealous."

"Oh, no, if it's about sex I have that in my life." She smirks at me.

I look at her as I take a sip. "Uh, are you sleeping with Lee?"

"Why snooping on your brother's sex life?" She raises her eyebrows. "Focus on yours, Avni."

"It's not the sex you are jumpy about, I know. You don't want him to acquire feelings for me." She looks at me.

"That's not true." I look away from her.

"You appear to not like the girls your brothers are with." She says. "What has Nora done to you? Nothing."

"And what makes you think that?" I ask.

"According to my observation, you are just insecure." She shrugs. "Maybe because your brothers will start focusing on their girls and forget about you that's why you start disliking any girl that your brothers like. You are insecure."

"That's not true." I glare at her even though I know she's sort of right.

"That's my observation as I mentioned already." She says before she gulps down the glass.

I look at the phone screen when it vibrates and it's a text from Daisy Reed.

Where are you?

I put it away before Ruby notices and I try to think about what I am going to say to Neil if I go missing tonight.

I would ask him to leave me alone and not question me pretending to be mad about his little confession earlier but I don't want to hurt him.

If I don't inform him he might follow me discreetly as Jason's phone mess has already pissed him off.

"Hey, can I throw a party at your place?" I ask Ruby.

"Why?" She looks at me curiously.

"I don't have a place of my own," I say slowly. "I mean it's my husband's. His family is there and I don't think they would appreciate it."

"You know your husband isn't big on parties right?" She asks confused.

"Yeah. One more reason why I want it to be at your place." I say.

I did know Neil isn't big on parties considering he never took me for one and thanks to Ruby for confirming it. I can say I am at the party and go meet Daisy Reed.

She looks at me for a moment before she nods slowly. "Okay."

"Everyone, Ruby and I are throwing a party at Ruby's place and you are all invited," I announce, cheerfully.

☄☄☄