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26. Pressure Point I

Author: ThePurpleRune
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-09-04 15:04:59

AYRA

I woke up too early at three in the morning thinking about the day ahead. I stood over the balcony of my suite, looking at the skyline as it glittered with lights. It should have felt calming the way it looked, but I felt uneasy and unable to enjoy it.

All I could think about was Rina's voice: "She'll crack under pressure tomorrow."

Maybe she was right. Maybe I was in over my head. Three years out of the game was a long time. And competing against a professional model? Someone who did this for a living?

I hated self-doubt. I wanted to smear my wins in her face so badly. I wanted to remain as confident as I had felt, but today being the main day just heightened the pressure.

"You're going to catch pneumonia out here."

I turned to find Liam standing in the doorway, wearing just jeans and a t-shirt. His hair was messy like he'd been sleeping, but his eyes told a different story.

He had decided to stay back with me, seeing how agitated I felt after my meeting yesterday.

"Sorry. Did I
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  • The Comeback of a Star   32. Decisions and Departures

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