Beauty was the Ashford family law, and Freya Sinclair was beauty come to life—until an accident stole that title from her. Sold to the Ashfords for a bag of chips, Freya was forced into a marriage with their heir, Alexander Ashford, on her 18th birthday. Unloved and unwanted because of a scar, she endured years of rejection. Determined to reclaim her life, Freya takes a stand, only to be cast out by the family that never wanted her. Homeless and disowned, she crosses paths with Sylus Thorn, a world-renowned fashion designer and enigmatic billionaire. Just when Freya believes she can start over, Alexander comes back to claim the wife he once discarded. “Do you have anything to say regarding your stepsisters’ affair with your husband?” Just when I thought I had no choice but to respond, a strong hand gripped my arm, pulling me out of the crowd. Startled, I looked up to see a tall, muscular man guiding me away with ease, his presence shielding me from the cameras and the reporters’ relentless questions. We reached a black car parked at the edge of the lot, and relief flooded through me. “Mr. Thorn,” I whispered, recognizing his familiar face. “Get in,” Sylus commanded, his voice calm but firm. Without hesitation, I climbed into the car, my heart racing from more than just the escape. Will Freya save her marriage to Alexander, or will she be swept off her feet by the mysterious Sylus Thorn? Join the MLCM Readers https://discord.gg/gEq2mCr574
The room buzzed with quiet intensity, punctuated by the occasional sound of scissors slicing through glossy paper and the faint hum of whispered conversations. Contestants worked in pairs, crouched over vision boards, each team desperate to outdo the others.
Avery sat beside me on the floor, her legs crossed and her pink ponytail bouncing as she shuffled through a pile of magazine clippings. She was the complete opposite of Maeve—bubbly, preppy, and brimming with optimism.
"I think we're onto something, Freya," she said, holding up a photo of an elaborate crystal-encrusted gown.
I tilted my head, considering it. The dress was stunning, but it felt too far removed from the theme. "It's gorgeous," I said, "but it doesn't feel… real enough. The theme is Fantasy in Reality. We need something that feels like a dream you could wear in your everyday life."
Avery's eyes lit up. "So, like… a fairy tale, but grounded. Something ethereal, but wearable."