Free Web NovelChapter 76: The runway show I
As night fell, the venue was finally ready. The lights were dimmed, and the last of the decorations were in place.
Emily walked over carrying a small bowl of warm broth. She looked at Lyvana with concern.
"You need to eat something," Emily said softly. "You can’t run this show on an empty stomach."
Lyvana took the bowl. Her stomach had been twisting with nerves and morning sickness all day, but the warm liquid smelled surprisingly good. She took a few slow sips, waiting for the familiar wave of nausea.
To her relief, it didn’t come. She was able to finish the bowl and keep it down. For the first time since she arrived at the Meridian, she felt a small burst of real energy.
"Better?" Emily asked, taking the empty bowl.
"Much better," Lyvana said, wiping her lips. "You are my personal nurse."
She giggled. "Now, let’s go home."
Elsewhere, Julian was driving home from an important meeting. The car was quiet until his phone rang, and the Bluetooth connected with a low hum.
Lily’s name flashed on the screen.
"Lily," Julian said calmly.
"Sir, you asked me to tell you everything I find about Ms. Lyvana," Lily’s voice filled the car. "I found something you need to know."
"Let me hear it."
"Someone is planning to ruin her show tomorrow night," Lily said quickly. "They have already paid off one of her models. The plan is to destroy the main gowns right before they hit the runway."
The car went silent for a moment as Julian’s eyes darkened.
"Do you think she is involved?"
"Am afraid so sir. I have Victor following her around. That’s how we found out."
Julian’s grip on the steering wheel tightened.
"Find out which model it is."
"Yes sir."
As soon as he hung up, the throbbing in his head grew worse. The pain was so sharp that he had to pull over and park at the side of the road.
His vision blurred as he fumbled in the glove box for a painkiller. But just as his fingers touched the medicine, his hand stopped.
A memory flashed in his mind. Then another.
He saw Lyvana’s face. Bits and pieces of their past started coming back to him. He remembered the sound of her laugh and the way she looked at him before everything went wrong.
Julian leaned his head against the steering wheel, gasping for air. The fog in his mind was finally starting to clear.
Oh no, Lyvana.
....
The Grand Meridian Ballroom was unrecognizable.
This was the biggest night of Lyvana’s life. She wore a long, navy silk dress that fit her perfectly. The dark fabric sparkled like the night sky because it was covered in thousands of tiny silver crystals. A long, thin cape floated behind her. She looked totally elegant.
The Ballroom was already packed.
In the front row, the most important people in fashion sat. Mr. Sterling, the president of fashion sat beside Anna, the editor of Vogue. She looked elegant and relaxed as she chatted with him. They both watched the runway with sharp, professional eyes, clearly enjoying the beautiful decor. They complemented Celeste Armand who was sitting right beside them. Her team were scattered all around making sure the event a success.
Around them were other Market Editors, top designers and critics from all over the world.
They all knew Lyvana as an "internet sweetheart" because of her popular social media presence, and we’re eager to see what designs will be showcased.
Celeste had worked her magic, filling the VIP seats with A-list celebrities. A very famous Hollywood actress sat two seats down from Anna, her every move caught by the flashing cameras of the paparazzi. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
Mark and Clarisse arrived shortly later, with Elena and Maya. As they stepped inside, they stopped in their tracks. This was clearly not what they were expecting.
Mark couldn’t believe his eyes. The lights, the fountain, and the massive runway looked like they cost a fortune.
He felt a cold knot in his stomach. He had stolen every cent of Lyvana’s money. How was she able to pay for all of this? He looked around the room, searching for a sign that she was failing, but everything looked perfect.
Lyvana saw them from across the hall and walked toward them, her long navy cape flowing behind her like a shadow.
"Lyvana, this is beautiful," Mark said, then leaned in and kissed her cheek. "You’ve done an amazing job. You look beautiful."
"Hello Lyvana," Clarisse said. "How were you able to afford all this with no money."
Really, can’t you be less obvious just once, Lyvana thought.
Before she could think of an answer, her grandmother arrived. Lady Glowen looked elegant in her tall, straight posture, her eyes shining with pride as she walked toward them.
Lyvana’s cold expression melted instantly. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the older woman. The scent of her grandmother’s familiar perfume made Lyvana feel safe for the first time since she left.
"Grandmother, you made it," Lyvana whispered, holding her tight.
"I wouldn’t miss this for the world, my dear," Lady Glowen said, pulling back to look at Lyvana’s shimmering gown. "You look like a queen."
Lyvana smiled, but then she heard her headset crackle with Sarah’s voice. It was time. The show was about to begin, and she was needed backstage to oversee the final line-up.
She leaned in and gave her grandmother a soft kiss on the cheek.
"I have to go backstage now to check on the models," Lyvana said, her voice full of excitement. "Please, sit and enjoy the show. I’ll come find you as soon as it’s over."
Lady Glowen patted her hand. "Take a deep breath, darling," she whispered. "It is going to be a masterpiece."
"Thank you, Grandma," Lyvana replied kissing her cheek.
Before long, the show was about to start, and the room grew quiet.
The lights in the hall dimmed. Only the soft blue glow from the fountain remained. A deep, steady beat began to play through the speakers.
Then, a bright white spotlight hit the start of the runway.
The first model stepped out. She looked like she was walking on the water itself. Her silver silk dress rippled with every step, reflecting off the dark surface of the fountain.
Lyvana held her breath. She heard the guests gasp in surprise. The sight of the clear stage over the water was beautiful.
