Mag-log inClara didn’t speak to anyone after she stormed out of the rehearsal hall, fury radiating from her. Throughout the rest of the day, she refused to engage with anyone or even participate in rehearsals.In the dressing room, she slowly took off her heels, rubbing the faint red marks around her ankles. It was already dusk, yet the agency was still filled with laughter and other activities that hinted at what tomorrow would hold. But all of that felt distant to her, completely muted.She gazed at her reflection in the mirror, taking in her perfect hair, flawless posture, and overall polished image.A sigh escaped her lips as she looked away.By the time she left the building, night had settled over the city—a quiet, glowing night that made everything appear beautiful from the outside.The ride home in her car was silent.She rested her head against the window, watching streetlights blur past. Tomorrow was meant to be hers: the finale walk, the cameras, and the applause that should have bee
The moment they stepped into the agency building a few minutes later, the energy hit them, reminding them of exactly where they were.It was total chaos in here, a stark contrast to the quiet mall they had left just few minutes ago.This was the agency's biggest show, of course. So every noise, argument and seriousness was expected. No one wanted to fumble tomorrow for any reason whatsoever.Kimberly barely made it three steps inside before that familiar voice she knew too well asked, “Where have you been? I've been waiting!”Vanessa. Of course it was always Vanessa.She stormed toward them with her tablet in hand, headset on, her black blazer sharp enough to bruise someone's skin if made contact with. Her eyes dragged over Kimberly from head to toe.“I like that glowing face,” she said without even holding it back. “Make sure to keep it that way, especially for tomorrow.”“You're in for it.” Cindy's lips curved to a corner as she leaned in and whispered to Kimberly.Kimberly snorted.
Bryce didn’t even realize he’d said it out loud until Landon shot him a mocking look.“Wow,” Landon muttered. “Is this really the ice man I've always known?”Bryce ignored him completely and moved closer to Kimberly with such a slow move, like one wrong step might shatter whatever spell had settled over the room.“Kimberly,” he said quietly. “You look… fuck.” he ran his hand through his hair, eyes fixed on Kimberly body as he ravaged her completely.The urge to grab her right now, and kiss the hell out of her, knock every airhole she possessed, almost took control of him. But he held himself together, not wanting to look like a freak.But maybe he wouldn't stop himself from being a freak when they get home today.That dress woke something in he never knew existed within him.And damn anyone looking at him right now. He didn't care at all. As a matter of fact, there was no one else in the room except Kimberly. She was the only person he could see, everyone else was a complete blur.Kim
********Kimberly stood on the little fitting platform, smoothing down the fabric of the dress she’d just tried on.“No,” she said immediately, shaking her head. “This one makes me look like I’m attending a royal funeral.”Cindy circled her, with her arms folded, eyes narrowing like a stylist on a mission. “Turn.”Kimberly turned.Cindy sighed dramatically. “Okay, maybe not a funeral. But definitely a rich aunt who hates everyone.”Kimberly burst out laughing. “Exactly my point. Next!”The attendant whisked the dress away, already holding two more. “Let’s try these,” she said eagerly.The next thirty minutes dissolved into chaos, fabric swishing, zippers buzzing, Cindy gasping theatrically at every outfit.Kimberly tried a smooth black number, and seeing that, Cindy gagged immediately. “Too deadly. Bryce will cancel the fashion show and lock you in a tower.”Kimberly burst out seriously, and even the attendants couldn't hold back their laughter.Cindy was being such an entertainer tod
By the time Kimberly finished her bath and returned to the bedroom, she expected to find Bryce there, sipping his tea.Instead, the room was empty.“Bryce?” she called softly, tightening the towel around her body.Water droplets slid from the ends of her hair as she walked back into the living room. Her gaze drifted to the bedside table, where two cups sat neatly. Hers was already empty. Bryce’s, barely touched.“God have mercy on this man,” Kimberly sighed, shaking her head as she moved toward the dressing mirror. “Even drinking tea is hard for him.”She applied lotion to her skin, muttering to herself.“Looks like I’ll be forcing him to eat now… like a child. Is he really any different from his daughter? So now I have two humans to monitor.” She scoffed lightly. “And one of them is a full-grown adult.”The thought made her chuckle.Once she was done, she stood and walked to the closet. It didn’t surprise her to find her clothes already there—neatly arranged, separate from Bryce’s.O
The smile on his face still disappear, it lingered for a long while. Because whether or not he knew when it started, he loved it. Every bit of it. And he wanted more of those soft, ridiculous, strangely warm mornings. He was about to take another sip of the tea when his phone started ringing. The cup paused midway to his mouth. His gaze drifted to the table where his phone buzzed, and he stood, dropping the cup. “Hey, Mr. Married,” Landon’s voice came through the second Bryce picked up. Bryce rolled his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose, already tired of his insufferable best friend. “What do you want, Mr. Bachelor-Who’s-Single-To-Stupor?” Landon’s laughter burst through the speaker, loud enough that Bryce had to lower the phone from his ear for a beat. “Someone had a really good night’s sleep. Your voice alone says it!” Landon teased. “Tell me, what’s the cause? Because the Bryce I know is a vampire who hates sleeping. So I want to know.” Bryce could practically see Landon
“Princess,” Bryce called softly, nudging Keira’s shoulder, “Why don’t you go grab your storybook? You can show your Mom the new one you picked last night.” Keira hesitated, glancing between her mom and dad, then she nodded and slid off his lap. “Okay!” As soon as her tiny footsteps disappeared d
There was complete silence. A very thick and charged one. He didn’t touch her anymore, neither did he move. He just stood there, far too close, staring down at her with a look she couldn’t decipher. Then, as if nothing had happened, he stepped back and left the kitchen. As he left, Kimberly b
**Once they reached the garage, Bryce opened the passenger door for her, the movement calm, cool.The door shut with a soft click as Kimberly settled into the passenger seat.Bryce got in on his side, shutting the door more gently than she expected.The car was silent for a few seconds. No movemen
Nana’s tired eyes fluttered open slowly, colliding with the harsh brightness of the ward lights.She winced, lifting the back of her hand to shield her face as she tried to sit up, but Bryce was already there, his hand closing gently around hers, guiding her back down.“Nana, please,” he said softl







