The runway (1)
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The cold mechanic voice rang from the other end.
“Why can’t I get through this damned man!?” Nina grumbled, running her fingers through her hair.
She dialed his number in an attempt to get through one last time.
Perhaps the heavens finally heard her plea, and the man answered her call.
“Yes?” Jayden’s voice broke through.
Nina swallowed, almost forgetting why she had called him. “Umm… are you busy? If not, I’ll call you later.”
“It’s fine. What’s up?”
“Elysium Couture has organized an event tonight, and it’s really important for me. Can you accompany me there?”
“Tonight? I have important work to attend to later. I don’t think I’ll be able to make it,” he responded, his voice lacking any enthusiasm.
Nina’s shoulders slumped and her grip on her cell phone subconsciously tightened.
Though she had imagined his response, his words still shattered her hopes with disappointment.
“Not even for half an hour?”
“Nope.”
“It’s… all right.” She managed to say, her voice betraying her calmness.
But alas! Jayden, who was working on his MacBook, failed to notice the change.
After a brief silence, she heard him again. “If it’s not a compulsion, you don’t have to attend it either.” He suggested.Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.
Being the financial world’s leading figure, he had to attend numerous boring events. Initially, he would attend them once in a while. Later, he stopped entertaining them since he found it to be a nuisance and only showed up unless it was important.
Nina sneered, feeling a mix of frustration at his words. “I said it’s fine. I can manage on my own.” With that, she hung up the phone.
Jayden looked at his cell phone, which beeped, and was confused. He sighed and focused on his work, pushing her to the back of his mind.
Nina had eagerly dialed his number, hoping that he could accompany her tonight. But his refusal felt like a cold gust of wind, extinguishing the warmth of her anticipation.
She was alone in the world, without the support of her family or the solace of her friends. And this realization further intensified with Jayden’s rejection.
After everything that had happened, she completely gave up on her unreliable father.
Her friends, Kaylin and Tyler, were busy with their respective internships and hence couldn’t be there to cheer on her.
Although she never said it, the absence of her family had always gnawed at her soul. At present, Jayden was her only relative.
She longed for someone to look at her with pride, even if it was her temporary husband.
However, she had once again underestimated the depths of their bond.
Nina took a deep breath to collect herself, wiping away the solitary desolation that filled her heart.
So be it if he was busy. She would not let anyone or anything dampen her spirits for the evening.
She immediately contacted the stylists and started preparing for the event.
Although Jayden always appeared cold and apathetic, he never treated Nina poorly.
In the Meadow residence, he had specially instructed the butler to renovate a dressing room exclusively for her. The dressing room was connected to the study, where she created her stupendous designs.
The room spanned 500 square meters, with rows of wardrobes displaying the latest season’s clothing.
In the middle, there were many glasses filled with all kinds of jewelry, watches, accessories, etc.
The stylists had arrived at the manor and slowly completed their tasks before leaving. In the end, only the makeup artist and a few assistants remained.
As the makeup artist put the finishing touches, carefully enhancing her features, a sense of anticipation filled the room.
The vanity lights glowed, highlighting Nina’s beauty and giving a radiant glow to her flawless complexion.
Nina had an exceptional beauty that surpassed the typical conventional standards in the entertainment industry.
Candace, the makeup artist, worked her magic, accentuating Nina’s already stunning features.
When the last stroke ended, Candace stepped back to admire her final product and was rendered speechless.
She had worked with many clients, including A-list celebrities, but Nina’s beauty was exceptional, surpassing them all. Her features were a paragon, flawlessly balanced, and captivated anyone who looked at her.
Seeing the marvelous creation of God and then her, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.
Nina possessed the beauty that could have launched her into the entertainment industry. Her allure and grace were on par with the most sought-after A-listers, if not surpassing them.
It was a shame that she hadn’t pursued a career in front of the camera, where her beauty could have shone for the world to see.
With a final touch, Candace offered a heartfelt compliment. “You are stunning, Nina. It’s a privilege to have enhanced your natural radiance today.”
Nina, gracefully accepting the compliment, beamed. “Thank you, everyone, for your hard work.”
Next, it was time for the outfit.
Nina slipped into a black-and-white sheer dress, its layers of tulle mesh cascading around her figure. The strapless design revealed her graceful neckline, while a vertical ruffled bodice added a touch of extravagance. The fabric cinched at her waist, accentuating her feminine curves, before flowing down into a long, trailing ruffle tulle.
Completing the ensemble, Nina selected a pair of Chunky Sandals with Bow in Black. The shoes added a contemporary edge to her look, their chunky silhouette contrasting the delicate elegance of her dress.
As she stood in front of the mirror, taking in her reflection, her fingertips brushed over the soft layers of tulle and savored the delicate fabric against her skin.
This was the result of the countless sleepless nights and relentless hard work she had put in for months. The black-and-white maxi dress was also crafted and designed for tonight’s event.
Candace and the people present squealed in excitement when they saw her finished look.
At that moment, Ms. Eva entered the room and couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.
“You look stunning, my dear,” Ms. Eva exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine awe. “You have worked so hard for this event, and it shows.”
As the trusted housekeeper of Meadow Residence, Ms. Eva had witnessed Nina’s tireless efforts in preparing the outfit. From the early morning hours until late at night, she had seen Nina working on every detail, ensuring that everything was perfect.
Nina’s dedication and determination had left a lasting impression on her.
Over time, Eva developed a deep affection for Nina, treating her like her own child. One could even argue that Eva was closer to Nina than she was to Jayden.
“It’s a shame that Master couldn’t be here tonight,” Ms. Eva remarked with a hint of sadness in her voice.
Nina’s smile stiffened slightly.
Though she hoped Jayden could be by her side to share this moment, she understood the responsibilities he shouldered by being at the pinnacle.
“Don’t worry, my dear. Even without my master, I’m sure you will shine through regardless of the adversities.”
Nina nodded at her and, with a radiant smile adorning her face, she stepped out of the room.
—
Stepping inside the venue, Nina felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Tonight’s runway event, organized by Elysium Couture, was a prestigious affair, showcasing the creations of some of the most renowned designers of Spring City.
And here she was, the youngest and the only intern among them, about to debut her very own design.
She made her way backstage to the bustling area where models and designers were preparing for the runway show. The air was filled with electric energy.
Her designs for the night were masterpieces she had meticulously crafted, showcasing her distinct style and artistic vision. Each stitch spoke volumes about her unwavering dedication and boundless creativity, refining every single detail with precision.
She looked around at the other designs and was in awe of her fellow designers. Their creations, each unique and captivating in their way, were hung on the racks, eagerly waiting for their turn to shine on the runway.
“Is this also one of your designs?” A voice full of curiosity cut in from behind. The person shifted his gaze toward the stunning ensemble Nina was wearing.
Nina turned around to see the person.
He was none other than the young charismatic entrepreneur and chief designer, Victor Lavigne.
Elysium Couture, the multinational luxury fashion house, stood as a towering symbol of elegance and style in the fashion industry. Despite his mere age of 31, Victor commanded the reins of this empire, following in the footsteps of his father, who had built the business from scratch.
Under his leadership, Elysium Couture had soared to new heights, establishing itself as the ultimate fashion powerhouse, not just in the country but worldwide.
Nina nodded in response, a sense of pride emanating from her. “Yes, Victor,” she confirmed, her voice filled with quiet confidence. “This is one of my creations.”
Victor examined the dress with keen eyes, carefully observing the intricate details. He appreciated the thoughtful craftsmanship that had been poured into its creation. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of veneration at Nina’s talent and creativity.
Victor was renowned for his exacting standards and relentless pursuit of perfection. He was a man who demanded excellence in every aspect of his fashion empire.
When it came to design, Victor’s discerning eye could spot exceptional talent from a mile away. He had an innate ability to recognize creativity, originality, and the potential for greatness.
It was no wonder that he was captivated by Nina’s remarkable talent, recognizing in her a rare gift for fashion.
From the moment he laid eyes on Nina’s designs, Victor knew there was something special about her work. And hence, he took a personal interest in selecting a few of Nina’s designs for the prestigious runway event.
“I must say, Nina, you have an extraordinary eye for fashion,” he remarked, his voice tinged with genuine admiration. “In time, you’d definitely be on par with me if not surpass me.”
Nina’s smile widened, a sense of pride swelling within her.
A fleeting thought crossed Victor’s mind as he observed Nina standing before him. “Are you sure you won’t go on the ramp?” he suggested, his tone gently coaxing. “You’ve got such a captivating aura, and your beauty complements the clothes perfectly. I believe you would steal the limelight for tonight’s show.”