New Friend

Isabelle and the other models followed the woman through the corridors. One model, with a confident stride, approached her.

"What you did back there was so badass," she said.

Isabelle turned toward her. The woman had thick, golden-brown hair that cascaded in waves around her shoulders, her raven eyes sharp and intense. Her skin glowed, smooth as silk, and her body was fuller, more curvaceous than Isabelle's. She held herself with an easy grace, her confidence radiating from every move.

"Thanks. I only did it because I was wrongly accused," Isabelle replied.

"I get it. I never liked Sonia either," the model continued. "She always acts so perfect and virtuous, but she's actually the nastiest person I've met. I've got a hunch that she's the one who set you up, not her minion."

Isabelle paused, eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the woman, intrigued. It wasn't often that someone saw through Sonia's carefully crafted façade.

"I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees her for who she really is," Isabelle remarked.

The model smiled warmly.

"Where are my manners? I'm Harper Lane," she said, extending her hand for a shake, which Isabelle took.

"Isabelle Slade."

"Slade? You're related to the Slade family?" Harper's eyes widened with curiosity. "How come I've never heard of you before?"

Before Isabelle could answer, they reached a room. The judges sat around a table, documents scattered before them, and Isabelle's gaze immediately landed on Logan. He was impossible to miss, sitting at the head of the table with an air of authority that seemed to fill the room.

His sharp jawline, the curve of his lips—so stoic, yet undeniably magnetic—and his piercing crimson eyes bore into her, drawing her attention . His presence was commanding, as though the room itself bent to his will.

His strikingly powerful physique radiated an undeniable aura, one that seemed to fill the room with a palpable energy.

One by one, the models signed their contracts. When the last contract was signed, they were ushered out of the room.

"Miss Isabelle." Logan's voice broke the silence, and she turned to see him calling her back. Everyone else had left, and an awkward stillness filled the room. Logan stood up and approached her, his presence overpowering. Isabelle couldn't ignore the intoxicating scent of his cologne, so close it made her pulse quicken.

"I didn't know you applied for the audition. You could've come to me directly," he said, his deep voice smooth and almost too persuasive, making her stomach flutter.

"I had no idea you were the owner. Even if I did, I prefer to rely on my own abilities. I don't like shortcuts," she answered, her voice calm, though she couldn't hide the nervousness creeping up on her.

Logan took her chin in his hand, tilting it upward so that she met his gaze. "Admirable," he murmured softly, his thumb brushing against her skin. "But unnecessary when you have me."

Her breath caught in her throat at his words, the weight of them hanging between them like an unspoken challenge. Should she be annoyed by his presumption, or flattered?

"That independence of yours is part of what makes you... intriguing," he said, his voice laced with something she couldn't quite place.

"The masked party is tonight," he added.

"I know," Isabelle replied.

He took her hand, raising it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. Isabelle's face flushed.

Logan's eyes glinted with mischief as he lowered her hand, his smile widening slightly. "Good. I expect you won't keep me waiting."

Before Isabelle could respond, he stepped back, but his commanding presence still lingered in the air between them.

Isabelle nodded, her mind racing as she turned to leave the room. She could still feel his gaze on her, heavy and intense, until the door closed behind her.

Once in the hallway, Isabelle took a deep breath, trying to steady her heartbeat. As she stepped outside, Harper was waiting for her.

"Isabelle, I was waiting for you. Why are your ears red?" she asked as she noticed Isabelle's flushed face.

Isabelle blinked, startled out of her thoughts. She raised a hand to her ear, realizing too late that the warmth had yet to subside.

"It's... nothing," Isabelle said quickly, brushing past Harper's questioning look.

Harper raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. "Okay, then," she said, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "We still haven't finished our earlier conversation, though."

"What conversation?"

"Why you have the Slade surname," Harper said, her tone casual, but her eyes were sharp, probing.

Isabelle stiffened, her guard going up instinctively. "Why do you want to know that?"

Harper gave a soft laugh, shrugging innocently. "Don't get me wrong. My family, the Lanes, have some close ties with the Slades. I was just curious if you're a lost relative. That would be a huge surprise!"

Isabelle hesitated, studying Harper's face carefully. Her raven eyes were open and honest, no hint of malice behind them. For a brief moment, Isabelle felt something like trust. She sighed softly.

"Promise me you won't tell anyone?" Isabelle asked.

"I promise," Harper replied, her expression sincere.

Isabelle took a deep breath, her body tense as she glanced around, making sure no one was listening. "I... recently married into the Slade family."

Harper's jaw dropped. "Wait, are you serious?" she asked, her voice rising in disbelief.

"How come I didn't hear anything about this? A wedding in the Slade family would have been huge news!"

"We didn't do a wedding. It's complicated," Isabelle explained.

"Complicated?" Harper echoed, her curiosity piqued. "You can't just say that and leave me hanging. What do you mean?"

Isabelle hesitated. Harper's free-spirited nature made her feel comfortable, but this was something personal. Still, there was something about Harper that made her feel she could trust her.

Noticing Isabelle's hesitation, Harper decided to back off. "Forget it. But now that I think about it, the Slade family only has two sons. One's married, and the other—well, the rumor is he's never even been close to a woman, let alone married."

Logan has never been close to a woman? That sounds to good to be true Isabelle thought, unsure if she should believe it.

"I married Logan Slade," Isabelle said, bracing herself for Harper's reaction.

Harper nearly stumbled in shock. "You're kidding, right?" she asked, looking at Isabelle's serious expression.

"You married Logan Slade? The Logan Slade?"

"Please, keep your voice down. You're attracting attention," Isabelle said, covering Harper's mouth.

"Sorry! It's just a huge shock. How did that even happen? When?"

"Like I said, it's complicated."

Harper's eyes widened. "I need to know how you got him to agree to marry you. Seriously!"

"Actually... he came to me," Isabelle admitted.

Harper's eyes nearly popped out of her head. "He came to you?" she whispered, still in disbelief. "Logan Slade? The Logan Slade?"

Isabelle sighed, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. "Yes, him. And please, Harper, keep your voice down." 

Harper leaned in closer, her curiosity impossible to contain. "This is insane. I mean, Logan Slade doesn't just approach people, people line up to see him. He's like... a living legend of unattainable perfection. Someone you can only admire from afar and never come close to.

Isabelle nodded. "Yeah…"

Harper beamed. "Girl, I knew from the moment I saw you that you were different. And Logan noticed it too—that speaks volumes."

"I don't think that's it..." Isabelle said, unsure of what Harper was implying.

"Give me your number. Actually, take mine," Harper said, pulling out her phone. They exchanged contacts.

"Are you going to the masked party?" Harper asked.

"Yeah…"

"That means you're going with him?"

Isabelle nodded.

Harper squealed, jumping up and down with excitement. "I can't wait to see you there! We are going to have so much to talk about."

"I'm sure we will," Isabelle replied, chuckling at her enthusiasm.

"Well, my ride is here," Harper said, looking over her shoulder at the sleek black car that had pulled up. "See you tonight!"

"See you later," Isabelle waved.

Harper grinned and blew her a kiss before hopping into the car, the door slamming shut with a soft thud. Isabelle watched as the car drove away, her mind still swirling from the conversation. She couldn't shake the feeling that the night ahead would be full of surprises, and she wasn't sure whether she was ready for all of them.