For the past few days, she had been rehearsing and training for her first Victoria's Secret runway show, and the excitement was building up inside her. She couldn't believe how different this experience was from her prior modeling job with the mediocre agency. There, she was just another face in the crowd, treated like a mere commodity rather than a person. But here, at Victoria's Secret, she was treated like an angel.
As she thought about her former job, a shiver ran down her spine. She remembered the humiliation she had faced at the hands of her toxic boss, Jackie. The way she would belittle her, make her feel like she was nothing, and the way she would take credit for Isla's hard work. But now, as she stood in front of the mirror, surrounded by a team of makeup artists and hairstylists, she felt like a completely different person.
The makeup artist, a kind and gentle woman named Sarah, was busy perfecting Isla's look. She applied a light layer of foundation, followed by a glitter dusting of powder, and then carefully lined Isla's eyes with a brown pencil, her lips becoming plumpier with the gloss. The hairstylist, a tall and lanky man named Max, was working on Isla's hair, teasing it into soft, loose waves that cascaded down her back.
As they worked, Isla couldn't help but think about how far she had come. She had quit her old job, and Jackie had been shocked when she found out that Isla had landed a job with Victoria's Secret. "You'll never make it," Jackie had sneered. "You're not good enough." But Isla had proved her wrong, and now she was standing in front of the mirror, ready to take on the biggest runway show of her life.
The theme of the show was "Heavenly Bodies," and Isla had been given a stunning white lingerie set to wear. The outfit was adorned with intricate lace and delicate feathers, and it made her feel like a true angel. As she slipped into the outfit, she felt a surge of confidence and excitement.
She was going to rock this runway, and she was going to make sure that everyone knew her name.
As she finished getting ready, Isla was handed a pair of wings to wear. They were made of delicate white feathers, and they sparkled in the light. Isla felt a thrill of excitement as she put them on, feeling like a true Victoria's Secret angel.
The show was being held outside, and as Isla made her way backstage, she could hear the sound of music drifting through the air. Dua Lipa and Sean Paul were going to perform their hit song "No Lie" during the show, and Isla couldn't wait to see them in action.
As she reached the backstage, Isla took a deep breath and prepared herself for the biggest moment of her life. She was going to walk the runway, and she was going to make sure that everyone remembered her name. She was no longer just a model, she was a Victoria's Secret angel, and she was ready to take on the world.
The stage was a breathtaking spectacle, a vision of ethereal beauty that seemed to float above the ground. It was adorned with shimmering white drapes that cascaded down like waterfalls, reflecting the soft glow of the strategically placed lights. The runway itself was a glossy, polished surface that sparkled under the bright lights, creating an illusion of walking on clouds. On either side, high-profile clients and celebrities filled the front rows, their eyes glimmering with anticipation. Isla could see familiar faces—designers, influencers, and fashion moguls—all waiting to witness the magic of the Victoria's Secret runway.
Isla’s heart raced as she took her place backstage, her nerves tingling with excitement. She was set to walk third, right after the iconic Stella McCartney, a model whose name was synonymous with grace and elegance. The air was thick with the scent of hairspray and perfume, and the buzz of chatter filled her ears. She could hear the faint strains of music filtering through the walls, the rhythm of Dua Lipa’s voice mingling with the electric energy of the crowd.
As Stella glided onto the runway, Isla felt a surge of adrenaline. This was it. This was her moment. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of the countless rehearsals, the late nights, and the sacrifices she had made to get here. She was no longer the girl who had been belittled by her toxic boss; she was a Victoria's Secret angel, and she was ready to shine.
When it was finally her turn, Isla stepped forward, her confidence soaring as she slipped into the spotlight. The high heels felt like a second skin, and with each step, she felt the power of her transformation. The music swelled, and she could hear Sean Paul’s voice echoing through the venue, “It's so hypnotic, the way you move
That's why I wanted to get to you.” The lyrics resonated within her, and she couldn’t help but smile as she waved at Sean Paul, who was performing just a few feet away.
As she reached the center of the stage, she struck a pose, channeling the grace of Gigi Hadid and the poise of Miranda Kerr. She felt like an angel, her wings unfurling behind her, and for a moment, the world faded away. The audience was a blur, but she could feel their eyes on her, their admiration washing over her like a warm tide.
But then, her gaze caught on a figure in the crowd. A man stood out among the sea of faces, his presence magnetic. Liam Lockwood. And in that instant, he stood out surreal among the crowd of mundane humans standing below her - looking unusually beautiful, the world around her ceased to exist. The music faded into the background, and all she could see was him.
His piercing hunter’s eyes locked onto hers, with an intensity that seemed to strip her of her angelic wings and the delicate lingerie she wore. It was as if he could see right through her, peeling back the layers of her confidence to reveal the vulnerable girl beneath.
Time slowed, and that single moment stretched into eternity. The voice of Dua Lipa echoed in her mind, “Feel your eyes, they are all over me, Don't be shy, take control of me, Get the vibe, it's gonna be lit tonight,” and she felt the weight of his hunter gaze, heavy and consuming. It was as if he was the only one in the room, and she was the only one who mattered. The connection was electric, a silent conversation that spoke volumes. She could see the pride in his blue eyes, the way he smiled at her as if he had known all along that she would make it here.
But just as quickly as it began, the moment was interrupted. Isla realized she had lingered too long, and she needed to move. With a deep breath, she tore her gaze away from him, forcing herself to walk forward and give way for the next model. The music continued to play, but her heart was still racing, the realization dawning on her like a sunrise breaking through the darkness.
As she walked away, she understood something profound. She hadn’t become an angel on her own—it was Liam Lockwood who had made her an Angel - by pulling the strings for her, recommending her for this position.
And it was so stupid of her to think that she could have actually gotten such a big break all by herself - without a recommendation from a big shark!
