Filed to story: Dumped by Scumbag Adored by Billionaire
Very soon she was done with her makeup and she came out to join the other models as the show was beginning. Some of the model’s smiled at Anabelle as she was a top model and would be the one ending the show. Some other merely acknowledged her presence with a nod while the others remained indifferent to her precence.
Anabelle was not bothered by their attitude, as with every other work, this industry was no different with competitiveness. Eveyone worked hard to secure their spot at the top and most of her fellow models were not happy they got their own so easily while they still strived for it.
“Alright girls, in one, two, three!” that was all the cue they need from the backstage manager as?they stepped out one another the other in between intervals in a file.
It was a summer collection street styled collection and Anabelle was wearing a sleeveless semi-sheer white blouse paired with cuffed black shorts and lace-up combat boots. She had a designer bag by her side that cost fortune and her hair was sleeked back with gel till it was almost as if her hair was plastered to her skull. She had black shimmery lipstick on her lips and looked like your typical bad girl.
Anabelle loved modeling, the clothes gave her a sense of beauty and she felt liked she lived in different lifestyles and timeless with the clothes she wears.
Half of the other models were almost dressed like her, just that there was a few alterations to their clothe as to exhibit the theme of the show. Some had short skirts instead of shorts while the others had leather shorts?or biker boots.
Soon they were out on the platform and Anabelle walked gracefully, smoothly, and was light on her feet as she placed one foot in front of the other without bouncing or losing her balance.
Her shoulder was relaxed and slightly backward and she walked confidently on the ramp. She looked?powerful, commanding and in control.
The platform was really long and had visual wall interplay featuring?the theme and the music greatly accentuate the clothes’ tone.?The positioning was great that the audience got to see from every angle, every single one of them.
When Anabelle stroked a pose, she took that opportunity to scan the crowd, checking to see if Julie was there with the limited time she had. But she couldn’t find him and had to return to the backstage with a smooth, consistent, and natural pace to change in to her next outfit.
Disappointment flooded Anabelle but she couldn’t let that get in the way of her work. She had to get her head in the game. Moreover, Julie could be out there hidden amongst the audience, she must have missed him, She told herself.
The second walk began and this time Anabelle was more vigilant and meticulously scanned the crowd without showing an ounce of distraction being the professional she was.
She confirmed it, Julie was not there and for some reason, it depressed her – not that she showed it. This was not the first time Julie had missed her show, but today’s own really hurt her. He had promised her he’d be here yet he failed it. He shouldn’t have promised her at all. She shouldn’t have hoped at all.
Even though she wore the final piece and pulled off the final solo walk flawlessly, the claps and appraisal did nothing to lift her spirit. Anabelle was beautiful on the stage, but right now, she didn’t feel like it.
So when her fellow models called for the need to celebrate and party, Anabelle didn’t hestatate to?join in. She needed to drink and forget all that happened. She needed to forget that her twelve years old relationship was on the verge of collapsing.
They booked a private club and as expected of a club, the party was already in full swing before she arrived.
“And now, let’s welcome the star of the night, Anabelle Sparks!” one of her slightly drunk crew members announced as soon as she stepped in.
Anabelle groaned inwardly, she didn’t exactly hate the spotlight but not on a might when most of her fellow models would be drunk. You see alcohol has a way of lowering one’s inhibition and Anabelle was sure a lot of their envious side would be revealed tonight. She was hoping that she would sneak in, have a few drinks and sneak out. Well, who’s she’s kidding? Eveyone knew her face and the rest of the people who didn’t hate were good at bootlicking.
“Come over here, Anabelle, we’ve reserved a special table!” the girl grabbed her hand and began to lead her before she had the chance to protest.
Anabelle knew the girl, she was one of the friendly models around and both of them weren’t exactly friends – even though she had her contact. You see, Anabelle had a lot of friends but all of them – not even one – turned out to be back stabbers who only befriended her because of what they could benefit from her.
The third point of view:
To Anabelle, Isabella and Pedro were the only friends she had. She was sure those ones wouldn’t betray her, unlike other females who are nothing but wolves in sheep clothing. To Anabelle, her team and working partners were just acquaintances. She wasn’t in the market for any friend ever again.
Anabelle was led to the main table and there she met Alec, the CEO of the multi-global brand, “Suez” the brand she just modeled their clothes.
She had met him on several occasions but their conversation had been more formal and not lasted more than a minute. Even when she decided to work with him on this summer project, her manager had been the one who handled the procedures. The only time they conversed was during one of the rehearsal sessions, he had come to check up on the clothes in case of amendments, particularly hers – she was the star of the occasion.
Sincerely, Anabelle had not expected him to talk to him since he was known to be all serious during business. But he did and was really a cool man. Having such a big brand at age thirty without coming from a rich background like hers, was a huge feat.. She admired him.
By the way, what was he even doing here? Wasn’t he supposed to be selling his hotlines of clothing that would be booming right after the show? Why was he at a party hosted by the team? He was quite a strange man.
“Anabelle!” He called her with that foreign accent of his that was smooth to the hearing. He smiled at her, the two dimples at the side of his cheeks deepening.
Alright, Anabelle was not going to deny it, the man was handsome. Well, that’s an understatement, he’s kind of hot. He had this blueish green mesmerizing eyes and tousled brown hair that always looks as if he just stepped out of bed. But Anabelle knew the reason for that, she heard the other girls say it. As a designer who relies on inspiration, Mr. Alec had a way of ruffling his hair each time he ran out of ideas. It was as if doing so would bring back the much-needed idea.
Then he had two thick eyebrows and lashes that Anabelle was highly jealous of. How could God give a guy all that? It was so unfair. Hence, on one hand, Mr. Alec was a blessed man. Sadly, Anabelle was now into bad men with tattoos like Julie. She must be stupid to find those features on Julie’s body hot – the previous Anabelle doesn’t like bad boys.
“Have a seat,” He said, making space for her to take the seat he had kept empty all this while beside him.
Some of the girls who dinned with them at the long table, their features distorted at once the instant they saw Anabelle sit beside the man. They had tried to occupy the position but the man politely rejected them. Well, she’s the top model, her treatment would be different. They choose to believe that, instead of the growing suspicion that Alec might be interested in Anabelle.
“Thank you, Mr. Alec,” Anabelle didn’t reject the offer. After all, it wasn’t every day that you get to sit with such a great personality.
Alec chuckled, “Please stop that,”
“Stop what?” Anabelle was confused.
“Calling me Mr. Alec,” He smiled at her, “You’re the only one that calls me Alec and it makes me feel like we’re standing on tradition. I don’t like it, it’s too restricting,”
“Huh?” Anabelle was stunned by his comment, “Oh,” She realized what he meant. But then, wasn’t their relationship supposed to be formal. Well, unless he wanted to be her friend – a friend she would keep at arm’s length. Sorry, but blame that on her trust issues about friendship.
“Sure, Mr. Alec,” She said to him and saw the way his lips tugged to the side in a smile again. He must really like smiling, Anabelle thought.
“Better,” he smirked.
She took hold of the beer and poured it out into her glass cup. Tonight, Anabelle was going to drink until she forgets she had a boyfriend called Julie. That unfaithful asshole! That brat who couldn’t keep his promise!
“I hope you can hold your liquor,” Alec turned towards her as he asked.
Anabelle raised a questioning brow as she sipped her beer, “Why do you ask?” She set the glass down.
“Because tonight is about you. You did marvelously well at the show,” He was proud of her.
“Wait, isn’t this party organized by the team….” Anabelle trailed off as it dawned on her. Now she thought about it, which of the team member would organize a party at this ridiculously expensive club. Not unless he or she was earning in six figures like her.
It was Sir Alec’s doing. No doubt. No wonder, he was here as well. He looks so carefree tonight.
“You flatter me,” Anabelle laughed nervously, “But it’s teamwork,” She went on, “If the backstage hadn’t done their work, photographers, videographers, hair and makeup stylists, sound and lighting technicians, as well as media coordinators and my fellow models hasn’t done their work Perfectly, I wouldn’t have had the chance to shine nor would this have been possible,” Anabelle explained.
For a minute, nobody said a word as they were astounded by Anabelle’s wise words. As a top model, she had been the night of the night yet she didn’t take the glory. She chooses to honor others’ contributions to the show. It was a rare trait in humans and most of them were grateful for that.