- Oh, Logan, thank you... - she smiled sadly, more and more touched by all those kind gestures of his - But, even so, I don't want you to end up being harmed. - Missy sighed, feeling uncomfortable with just that possibility – The agency has an impeccable reputation, especially in HR matters. Or even worse: I know that they would also be able to even invent lies, just to try to affect you and the agency. - I wouldn't go out... - And it wouldn't be fair. - She interrupted him with a painful sigh - They were horrible, it's true, but none of that has to do with their work. – Trying to control the tears that were starting to fill her eyes, Missy leaned over the bench, hiding her face between her arms – And I… I don't want to be like them. – You would never be like them. – he assured her vehemently, and she was surprised to feel his gentle hand running through her hair, apparently trying to comfort her a little with those soft caresses. - Thanks. – she sniffed, raising her face a little

Why had she suggested that? Sitting at one of her favorite coffee shop tables, Missy asked herself that same question for the hundredth time that late afternoon. Three days had passed since Mrs. Newton and, for exactly three days and three nights, she remained locked in her apartment, without even approaching the agency again. Long enough for her to confess to Megan her failed attempt at sex with her ex-boyfriend and how it had affected her even before that whole humiliation session. Her sister-after having cursed every existing, and yet to come, generation of the Newton family-had scheduled her to begin therapy as soon as possible. Which was perhaps just as well, since as every second of every day seemed to drag by, and every word of that video played over and over again in her mind, the agony of seeing her own pitiful reflection in the mirror never seemed to leave her. And even through it all, a big part of her couldn't stop thinking about Logan, too. About her proposal, about her

- Are you okay? - It was the first thing Logan asked when the restaurant door closed and they started walking along the sidewalk. -I… - Missy murmured, internally also trying to understand how she was. Conflicting emotions continued to rage inside her, and after much pondering, she could think of only one thing to say – I think it could have been worse. – she stated reluctantly – I mean, it was still a little uncomfortable seeing them again, but… At least they didn't have time to say anything that would make me feel even worse. – she concluded with a sigh. - Soon you will feel nothing but indifference when you see them, I promise. – Feeling melting, Missy enjoyed the warm sensation of his kiss against her hair, finally realizing that they were heading towards the beautiful and elegant silver car parked in the street – Did you come in your own car? - Logan wanted to know, hugging her even more against his chest. - No… – Missy answered, blushing, but still pressing herself against his

- Before he doesn't give me the credit I deserve, I was the one who tipped him off. -Her older sister smiled proudly, as she took the bouquet from her hands – I'll find a place for it. - Well... - Logan made a face in her direction, before turning back to Missy and extending the small black box, closed with a silver bow - This one I chose by myself. I know you like sweets, so I wanted to try to bring you something that suited you... - he explained while Missy untied the bow, extremely curious - I hope I got it right. Lifting the lid, Missy gasped in delight to find a long row of tiny spheres so bright and colorful they looked like tiny planets. And, as she noticed the inscriptions with names and flavors next to each candy, she realized that they were exactly that: tiny, perfect representations of the solar system in the shape of chocolate. - This is amazing! – She breathed, a huge happy smile spreading across her face as she looked closely at the adorable little chocolates – They ar

- I started in this industry very early. Too early. – he shrugged, although it was noticeable that that wasn't exactly a subject he seemed to like to talk about – I saw and lived a lot. Every day I am grateful that my parents were not dazzled and were attentive and careful with me. Thanks to them, I was able to remain a teenager as much as possible, even though I was immersed in a very adult world. If I hadn't stayed focused on my goals and they hadn't been preoccupied with analyzing every job I took and who I was getting involved with, maybe my life would have taken a very different course. It's a world of fame and pursuit of perfection that can easily blind you if you're not careful. I've seen it happen many times over the years while I was still only working as a model. So, of course, I worried a lot about my little sister wanting to enter this world. As much as I tried, I knew I couldn't protect her from absolutely everything, especially since she was a dreamy and inconsequential t