Ep5

"Go to bed, it's already 11 pm. You don't want to miss school tomorrow, do you?" Without responding, Sonia ran to her room, its walls adorned with vibrant blueberry paintings.

  Diana sank onto the living room couch, heaving a deep sigh. She had known this day would come – the day Sonia would ask about her father. 

"He has nothing to do with us," Diana repeated to herself, the words laced with disdain.

  

SOMEWHERE IN PARIS

 Bryan signed the final touches on his makeup, the skilled artist's hands moving deftly as she designed his face for the high-profile modeling event. Meanwhile, another assistant adjusted his suit, ensuring every crease was perfectly in place.

 "Mr. Adron, it's time for the event," Bryan's assistant, Aaman, announced, his voice crisp and professional. Bryan stood up, adjusting his suit with a practiced motion, and stepped out of the makeup room, Aaman trailing behind him.

 "Mr. Adron, you also have an appointment with your mother at 1 pm," Aaman added, his tone reminding Bryan of his packed schedule.

 "How's her treatment going?" Bryan asked calmly, striding toward the event as models and fashionistas bustled around him.

 "It's going as well as before, but she's threatened to stop her treatment if you don't get married soon," Aaman replied with a deep sigh. Bryan chuckled, his gaze sweeping across the crowded room, his eyes locking onto familiar faces in the fashion world.

  "Any calls from Diana yet?" he asked, his voice casual.

  "No, boss. But if you'd like, I can reach out to her on your behalf," Aaman offered. Bryan dismissed the idea with a swift wave of his hand.

  "No need for that. I'll pay her a visit soon after." Hours later, the moment of truth arrived – the announcement of the audition winner. 

  The models stood in a line, their faces poised and confident, as the press and audience eagerly awaited the results.

  "Thank you all for coming to witness our talented models," the first announcer said, her voice warm and engaging. "As always, we have an exceptional lineup of designers and models. Our participants have truly outdone themselves with their spectacular creations."

  "I envy them," the second male announcer said dramatically, his voice dripping with humor, and the audience giggled in response. The anticipation hung in the air, thick and palpable, as the audience waited with bated breath for the announcement of the winner.

  "And our winner for today's best selection is..." The announcer's voice trailed off, and a long, suspenseful silence fell over the crowd. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on Bryan, who was mentally calculating how to escape the event and visit his mother at the hospital.

  "Last year's section? It was just the King, and this year, it will be the King and the Queen," the male announcer clarified, breaking the silence.

  "Everyone, put your hands together for Mr. Adron Bryan and Miss Taun, aka Ahana..." The audience erupted into applause as screens flashed with images of the duo, surrounded by a flurry of camera sparks. Taun and Bryan stepped onto the stage, their confident strides radiating charisma.

The second announcer handed them a trophy, engraved with the title "Queen and King of Model."

 "Anything you'd like to say to your fans, Mr. Adron?" the male announcer asked, handing Bryan the microphone.

  "I don't have much to say, just thank you to everyone for selecting my designer, as always," Bryan replied, his voice smooth and appreciative. He handed the microphone to Taun, who smiled warmly.

 "This is my third time as the Queen of Model, and it's possible because of the belief and courage I've received from my family and everyone here. A very big thank you from the deepest part of my heart," Taun said, her voice filled with gratitude. The audience applauded as they left the stage, cameras swirling around them, their guards shielding them from the other models.

 MORPH HOSPITAL.

After the audition, Bryan rushed to the hospital to visit his mother. She was undergoing a heart checkup, and Bryan sat on the other side of the room, watching the doctor's every move. After the examination, he sat beside her on the stool next to her bed.

  "Doc, how is she?" Bryan's tone was laced with worry.

  "She's okay; her blood pressure is good, and so is her heart," the doctor replied professionally.

 "That means there's nothing to worry about, then?" Bryan glanced at his mother, seeking reassurance.

 "Yes, Mr. Adron. Ms. Olivia is in good condition for now," the doctor said, his words offering a glimmer of hope. Bryan heaved a deep sigh of relief as he watched his mother smile serenely, her face a picture of calm despite her fragile health.

  "Thanks, Doctor," Bryan said, his gratitude evident.

 "It's my duty, Mr. Adron," the doctor replied, his voice courteous, before leaving the ward and locking the door behind him.

  "I saw you on TV; you always want to impress us, don't you?" Olivia teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Bryan gave a low smile and nodded in response.

  "By the way, who is that pretty girl who won beside you? They called her Taun; she'll make a perfect wife, don't you think?" Olivia's words were laced with a hint of mischief, and Bryan knew exactly what she was getting at.

  "Mom, marriage isn't my problem now, and I'm just 32 – I'm still young for marriage," Bryan complained, his voice tinged with frustration. Suddenly, a loud sob burst forth from Olivia, making Bryan's heart sink. He knew this tactic all too well – his mother's way of blackmailing him into doing her bidding.

  "Aren't you going to bless me with grandchildren before I depart to the afterlife? My heart may be stable now, but that doesn't mean it won't fail again," Olivia's voice cracked with emotion. Bryan silenced her with the tip of his finger to her lips, not wanting to hear her words again.

  "Nothing will happen to you, Mom? It's a promise," Bryan assured her, his voice soft and reassuring. As he moved his fingers from her lips, she gave him a gentle smile.

  "This disease has been with me for the past 24 years now, and soon I have to give up on it and let it take its course. I have little time left in this world, dear son. Anything can happen anytime. Grant my request and bless me with grandchildren. Please, dear," Olivia's voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes pleading with Bryan to understand her desperation.