As the door clicked shut behind Rex, Tiara—her silky fur now fluffed and immaculate thanks to her built-in dryer—trotted gracefully into the living room, her tail swishing with curiosity. Her glowing amber eyes blinked up at Jenna before she suddenly turned toward the door.
Then, in the clearest voice she’d ever used, she asked:
"Mama, was that Papa?"
Jenna froze mid-sip of her iced latte. The glass clinked softly against the marble countertop as she set it down, stunned.
Kelvin, who had just dropped onto the couch with all the smugness of a man who won a battle he hadn’t even signed up for, turned sharply to face the tiger.
“…What did she just say?” he asked, blinking.
Tiara tilted her head,
Rex stood silently outside the manor, his eyes fixated on the group of four—Jenna, Stella, Alexa, and Kelvin—sharing laughter under the soft lights. Their closeness made something in his chest ache. He had never seen Jenna smile like that when she was with him. Now, she laughed freely, her eyes bright as they exchanged stories. The contrast struck him deep.Kelvin leaned into Jenna and said something that made her giggle. Rex clenched his fists. He had no right to feel this jealous—she was no longer his. But it hurt all the same."Let's go," he said to Mark, turning toward the exit.Just then, Alice noticed them. "Rex! You're here! Wait!" she called out, pulling Elena along.Rex stopped. Elena's anger boiled over as she rushed to his side."Rex, you have no idea what Jenna did to us! She humiliated us in front of everyone! She—""Enough!" Rex barked.The harshness of his voice cut through the night like a knife. Elena and Alice froze in place, stunned. Even Mark scratched the back of
The evening air outside the manor was cool and tinged with the scent of freshly trimmed hedges and imported lilies. The fashion show had ended, but the excitement lingered, and guests enjoyed the after-party. However, in a far corner of the expansive parking area, away from the valet and the glowing lights, two silhouettes lingered in the shadows—Elena and Alice.Elena's high heels clicked furiously against the cobblestones as she paced back and forth like a lioness denied prey. Her face was red from the confrontation, and her arms were tightly crossed."I can't believe the humiliation! How dare she! How dare that bitch Alexa humiliate me in front of everyone?" Elena snapped.More composed but equally offended, Alice kept her eyes focused on the exit doors. "Calm down. We can still salvage this. Look, Rex hasn't left yet. Let's wait here. When he comes out, we'll tell him everything—how Jenna and her friends bullied you. You're his sister, he'll take your side."Elena huffed, trying t
Alice was dumbfounded when she saw Stella emerge from the side. ‘If Stella is here… then that means Jenna is here too. My guess was right all along,’ Alice thought, eyes narrowing as they focused on the final model standing ahead.The woman’s back was still turned, but her aura was unmistakable. Elegant. Commanding. Dangerous.Elena, oblivious to the tension in Alice’s eyes, felt slighted and impatient. “Are you deaf?” she snapped at the model. “I said, come and take a picture with me!”Stella chuckled loudly from the side, enjoying every second. “Who do you think you are? Why would anyone jump to your command?”Elena spun toward her, gritting her teeth. “It has nothing to do with you! Mind your own business!”She turned her venom back toward the model. “Hey, you! I’m the young lady of the Hidalgo family. How much are you willing to take a picture with me?” Her tone was smug, thinking the offer was generous.Finally, the model moved. Jenna turned slowly, her expression frosted in pure
After the final model left the runway, the lights dimmed briefly. Then, a spotlight focused on the center stage as Alexa walked out—elegant and composed, wrapped in a sleek gown of her own design. The crowd erupted into applause. She raised her hand gently, signaling for calm."Thank you all for coming tonight," Alexa began with grace. "This collection was born from dreams and woven with ambition. And now, with your presence, it comes to life. With that, the show has officially ended. I now invite all of you to enjoy the after-party and celebrate with us."The audience responded with excited chatter and claps. But even as the music picked up, media reporters swarmed near the stage, their cameras flashing. One bold journalist stepped forward and asked the question everyone had been whispering since the finale."Alexa! Who was your final model? Is she an international model you brought in especially for tonight?"Alexa laughed lightly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Not at all," she
Backstage, the atmosphere was electric. Alexa leaned toward Jenna, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “You’re next,” she whispered, her voice almost trembling from the thrill. “This is your moment, Lil’ Jen.”Jenna gave a faint nod, drawing in a deep breath as she felt the subtle vibrations of music coursing through the floor. The gentle beats echoed like a heartbeat, syncing with her own. Alexa gave her the signal as the lights dimmed further and the runway glowed a soft celestial blue.Jenna stepped out.The audience fell into a hush. The gown—white like moonlight with intricate sea-wave patterns sweeping over her shoulders—caught the light just right. Black pearls shimmered like stardust, tracing the curves of her deep neckline and flowing down her mermaid-tail silhouette. She glided as though floating through space, commanding attention and reverence.On the far right of the audience, Mark Martinez leaned toward Rex Hidalgo, whispering with an amused tone. “Hey man, heads up. If y
The fashion show venue was unlike anything anyone had ever seen. Held in an opulent manor that had been transformed into a galactic wonderland, the place radiated cosmic elegance. Silver-lined walls sparkled like constellations, deep violet drapes fell like comets from the ceilings, and LED stars hovered midair, giving the illusion of being suspended in space. The floor glistened like moonstone beneath velvet lights, casting an otherworldly glow on everything it touched.The walkway was a radiant path of glowing crystals, and as guests arrived, the decor immediately gave them the feeling of stepping onto another planet—futuristic, ethereal, and impossibly elegant. Cameras flashed. A gentle ambient soundtrack hummed like a low nebula pulse.Kelvin, walking just behind Jenna and Stella, let out a low whistle as he absorbed the breathtaking view. "This place… is impressive."Jenna turned around at his comment and grinned proudly. "What did you expect? This is Alexa's event. Of course, it