LOGIN"Better. Waaay better." She let her head fall back, eyes closing for a moment. Tarzan moved to the mini fridge and pulled out two bottles of water. He opened one for her with a smooth twist, then settled beside her. "Here. You need it." "Thanks babe." She took it, and drank from the opened bottle. The cool water ran down her throat soothing the dryness. She hadn't realized how parched she was until the first sip hit her tongue. Before she knew it, she'd emptied the entire bottle, and she looked up to find him watching her with an amused glint in his eyes. She laughed at his expression. "Oh my goodness, now I can finally breathe." She turned again to Tarzan with a smile—and caught him staring. This time his gaze was fixed on her lips in an intense way she'd seen before and she knew what that look meant. The moment stretched, taut and fragile, before he awkwardly looked away, clearing his throat. "You should stay right here until you are ready to go back t
Tarzan didn't even glance at him. His focus remained entirely on Lena. "Can you stand?" he murmured, his voice dropping onto a softer tone for her. Lena nodded weakly against his chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. He helped her up slowly, one hand settling on the curve of her waist, the other cradling her elbow gently. She wobbled slightly, her ankle still protesting, and without hesitation, he pulled her closer, her body flush against his side. "I've got you," he said quietly, his breath warm against her temple. She looked up at him. Tarzan had expected a tearful or sad look, instead, a smile curved her lips. "Thanks for coming to my rescue…" She let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head. "This is so embarrassing. They all saw that fall." The old Lena would have spiraled. Would have felt the hot sting of tears, that crushing weight of humiliation. But this time, she laughed at her own clumsiness. Tarzan smiled back, and relieved she handled it better
She turned back to Lena, eyes softening. "But I see why Jean Pierre chose you. Even with no experience." She tilted her head, appraising. "Your body type is unique, and you carry every part beautifully." Lena's face flushed, and she found herself captivated by how the words of this stranger made her feel so good about herself. Hearing such compliments from a fellow woman—and an ex-model turned coach—made her heart swell. "Thank you," she murmured. Camille wasn't done. She circled Lena slowly, continuing her assessment. "Your face card is also striking. Round and elegant." She stopped in front of Lena, meeting her eyes. "I am sure you will change the standard and open many organizations' eyes to give opportunities for real plus-size models in this industry." "You are so sweet... thank you," Lena replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "You are welcome." Camille clapped her hands together. "Now—let's get to how you are going to walk that walk and make the cameras fa
Eric raised his hands in surrender. "Pardon me. He has always been an annoying brat to me, so I didn't think he was teasing." Lena sighed, rubbing her temples. "Why can't you two just get along?" Eric laughed in a sharp, humorless sound. "Ha... I don't think I am the problem. He is the one always giving me a look anytime he sees us together. You don't expect me to get along with someone who can murder me with his eyes." "He is the nicest person I know. Not trying to convince you—that's just the fact." Eric studied her for a long moment, then shook his head. "Alright. Come on." He gestured toward the far end of the studio. "Your coach is waiting." Lena blinked. "My what?" "Your runway coach." "You got me a teacher?" Eric nodded. "Follow me." Lena reluctantly followed him, weaving through racks of clothes and clusters of chattering models. The runway coach was a woman named Camille—elegant, with a terrifyingly calm aura and a sweet smiley face. She looke
His hand caught her waist and held her possessively. "Just not to people like him. You are my woman, and he doesn't respect boundaries." Eric crossed his arms, jaw tightening. "You should tone that down. You don't want people to hear it and also..." He gestured around the bustling studio. "As you can see, I am working with Ms. Lena." Tarzan took the clipboard from his hands and went through it, eyes scanning the pages. "You don't just take that." Eric snatched it back. "Who said you are responsible for Ms. Lena?" Tarzan's voice was ice. "You have nothing to do with the contract she signed. You don't work for Pierre or her." "Tarzan," Lena interjected quickly, stepping between them. "He is actually my unpaid assistant and has been more than helpful to me." Tarzan's head snapped toward her, brows furrowing. "What do you mean by an unpaid assistant? If you need an assistant, then I can get someone worthy enough to be one. Not a pervert drooling over you." Eric scoffed. "I am
AUTHOR'S POV NEW LOCATION: PARIS --- Lena had never been this nervous in her entire life. She was about to walk in one of the biggest fashion shows for the first time. Jean Pierre's latest collection was being presented during Paris Fashion Week, and Lena had been chosen as the model for the brand's new plus-size collection. The problem? Lena had never walked a professional runway before—and she signed the damn contract. She stood in front of the enormous mirror inside the rehearsal studio, staring at herself. Her reflection stared back, wide-eyed and terrified. "Eric." Her voice came out strangled. "No one told me I'm going to walk the runways. I thought this was all about photography!" Eric glanced up from his phone, one eyebrow arched. "You didn't read the contract before signing?" "I was in a rush, you know.. confused about the whole management thing for Mr Silver Adams." She gestured wildly with her hands. "I didn't have time to read it through. So you mean I'm going
I met Mitch fifteen years ago at a coffee shop. I was sixteen, working as a store assistant and trying to look like I had my life together. I still remember what I wore that day. A faded white sundress scattered with tiny yellow flowers. Sandals laced around my ankles. Mitch was standing in
You will never truly understand heartbreak until it comes from the same man who once adored you—who protected you, who loved you without hesitation. “What’s the number?” My husband’s voice came from the doorway. I flinched and looked up. That’s how sad my life had become—the usual routine of ste
The message I sent to my husband Mitch was left unanswered. Just like the ones I sent days ago… weeks ago. He had stopped replying to my texts. I scrolled through the one-sided conversation, my heart tightening at how pathetic it looked. Suddenly, a message popped up. Hoping it was his reply, I
MITCH'S POV I was staring at the TV replaying highlights of the match we’d lost 3-1 with bottles on the table in front of me. I cracked open another one, trying to flush down the frustration inside my chest. My childhood friend Jake walked in from the kitchen, towel over his shoulder, and rai







