14

Lola’s POV

A wave of silence swept through the enormous arena as the lights dimmed and the announcer called the next designer.

My name echoed across the world best stage. For a second, I simply stood behind the curtail, my heart beat hard against my ribs.

The music began, and the first model stepped onto the runway. One after another, my designs filled the runway, and I stared carefully at the audience who watched in complete silence.

The cameras clicked endlessly, I inhaled telling myself that was a good sign. When the final music note changed, the curtains parted again.

This time, I walked out. The last piece was mine to show off.

The gown hugged my body before flaring dramatically from the thighs down. It was a deep wine-red dress, covered in delicate bead-work that shimmered like scattered stars. The off-shoulder neckline framed my collarbones, while the long flowing train followed behind me.

This was my reborn dress, a new me.

I stopped at the center of the runway, the lights focused entirely on me. For a heartbeat, the whole world disappeared.

Then, the applause exploded. People rose to their feet and I watched the judges’ exchanged smiles.

And moments later, the announcement came. ‘The winder of this year’s World Best Fashion is… Lola Wynters!’

My breath caught.

The crowd erupted again, and I closed my eyes briefly as the trophy was placed in my hands.

I did it. I muttered to myself, my smile wider.

Before I could exit the stage, reported rushed toward me. They bombarded me with questions and lights.

“Miss. Wynters, you went just through a very public divorce, would you say your inspiration came from that?”

I smiled calmly despite the flashing cameras.

“No. My designs were inspired by me. That’s why I call them, ‘Reborn’ I answered.

Another question was thrown immediately.

“Your husband was just exposed for bribery and money laundering. Now he’s in jail, what do you have to say to him?”

A few people held their breath.

I lifted the trophy slightly and smiled. “I hope you live a better life”

I thought the questions were over and tried to leave, but I was stopped by a surprising question. “What about your relationship with Nicholas Foster? Rumor has it that the billionaire CEO is in love with you and has been trying to pursue you”

I paused, then a slow, cocky smile curved my lips.

“Mr. Foster will need to try much harder than sending me gifts”

The reporters laughed and exchanged impressed looks. At that exact moment, my phone vibrated. I stared at the screen.

‘Then I guess I should stop sending gifts and start planning our first official date’ Nicholas sent.

A smile spread across my face this time, one that I didn’t intend. When I realized it, I shook it off. My head lifted up in that moment, and at the upper space, Nicholas Foster was standing behind the glass window, staring at me.

I brushed my hair back, trying to hide my flushed face.

-

I walked into my new place and inhale deeply, the taste of freedom and success. Nicholas appeared behind me and coiled his arms around me.

I found myself giggling, like a girl who has just being surprised by her lover.

“How did you get in?” I asked, frowning, pretending to be upset.

Nick’s lips gripped my neck suddenly, making my body jolt violently. I froze a little and stopped him with my hand.

“You didn’t answer my question” I insisted.

He breathed. “Your passcode isn’t so hard to guess” he replied.

I turned to him with a big frown now. How could he possibly guess it? Before I could ask him, his lips captured mine again.

A bit rough, needy. I wanted to push him away, but I found myself not able to resist for a second. When he finally let go, our breaths were heavy.

“Lola” he called my name in trembling breaths. “What does it take to make you mine again?” he asked.

The words felt like a cupid arrow to my heart, capturing me as I stared into his eyes. Honestly, I wasn’t ready to give my heart to anyone now.

But I also couldn’t resist the urge to have him, to have my mouth locked into his all night. Maybe this was revenge, maybe it was just pleasure, I know it’s dangerous because I want it.

“I don’t know” I answered honestly. “But I know I might hurt you”

Nick’s eyes locked mine again. I thought he would pull away, unable to accept it. But his arms gripped me closer, leaving no space between us.

“I don’t care. I will wait for as long as it takes to break the walls you’ve built up in your heart” he responded.

I stared at him. My hand lifted to touch his cheek, my eyes fluttered a little as my emotions rushed through me.

“Just kiss me.” I told him.

And he didn’t hesitate.

The end.