An Invitation
Fenella’s POV
“How about it, Fenella? Will you allow Jessy to handle Mike as well?” Alan asked me.
“Er… Sure. No problem. Jessy used to handle two models at once anyway,” I replied, occasionally glancing at Jessy.
I knew very well that Jessy must be thrilled. It was evident in my eyes how Jessy blushed every time he glanced at Mike. It could be said he had fallen for the guy. Would I be willing to stand in their way? Of course not.
“Then it’s settled. Jessy, please take Mike to start preparing for his debut,” Alan requested with a friendly smile.
“Now?” Jessy asked hesitantly.
“Yes, now,” Alan affirmed.
“What about Fenella’s new projects as the face of Gene?” Jessy asked.
“I’ll have a more detailed discussion with Fenella first before offering her the best contract. I’ll get back to you later, Jessy,” Alan said patiently.
“Alright. Please follow me, Mike.” Jessy stood up from the sofa, and Mike followed suit.Text © owned by NôvelDrama.Org.
Jessy and I exchanged meaningful glances. From Jessy’s gaze, I knew he was glad to be free from Alan’s grasp. It was an opportunity for Jessy to get to know Mike better. If I were Jessy, I wouldn’t miss this chance.
“How far did we get? Oh, yes, so you’re from Boston?” Alan asked, reclining more casually on the sofa.
“Yes. Beacon Hill, to be precise,” I replied, maintaining politeness.
“So, tell me about your dreams. What dream brought you to New York and to Gene Model Management?” Alan asked.
“I want to be a dream girl,” I said, blushing.
“A dream girl? What does a dream girl look like?” Alan chuckled, starting to sip his whisky.
“I want to be beautiful, talented, popular, and independent. During prom night, I saw a billboard at my school, and one of the alumni became a model in the school’s ad. She was Charlotte McMillian.” I explained quickly.
“Charlotte McMillian?” He seemed to remember something, then nodded. “Yes, you’re right. And then?”
“I immediately decided I wanted to pursue a career like hers. To become a model, to act in movies, to be beautiful, and to live a modern life in New York.” I shrugged, then rubbed my hands.
“I know, it may sound trivial to you. But I really want to be like that dream girl,” I said with a small laugh.
Truly, every time I explained my dreams to others, I felt embarrassed. Sometimes I felt too inferior, afraid that others wouldn’t take my words seriously. Every time I expressed my feelings, I felt trembling as if people would jeer at my words. Just like during prom night.
Apparently, that fear still lingered within me. Fortunately, I became a model. No need to speak much; just pose, walk, and follow the sentences written by others to be memorized.
“So, have you felt like you’ve achieved that dream?” Alan asked, raising one eyebrow.
“Of course not yet. I’m still far from my dream. I want to become a supermodel, then I want to act in movies, and only then maybe I’ll feel satisfied.”
“Will you help me, Alan? I want to try acting,” I dared to ask.
“Well, if you’re serious about getting into acting, you should start taking acting classes together with our actors. I’ll ask Jessy to schedule it for you later,” Alan nodded.
“Really?” I immediately smiled enthusiastically upon hearing his words.
“Of course. I’ve told you, haven’t I? I want to make you the new face of Gene. I think your dream fits well with the image of a model in my agency,” Alan nodded again.
He got up and walked to his desk. Then he opened a drawer and took out a purple envelope with gold trimmings on the border. He returned to the sofa.
“Before we enter into an exclusive contract between you and this agency as the main model, I want to make sure you’re ready for it. I have an important project. If you make a good impression on this project, I will offer you a contract with the highest value here.”
Alan then handed me the envelope. I read the envelope and opened it. Oscar de Ragetti, the famous fashion designer, was listed as the host of the party event.
“Next Saturday, Oscar will open his nightclub in the Times Square area. Oscar’s Rabbit Hole will be the largest nightclub entertainment venue, with the most male and female stripper dancers in New York, and will be full of luxurious experiences.”
“He needs a lot of models to liven up and enliven the opening event. He also needs lead models who can show that his latest designs are high-quality clothes suitable for any dance moves.”
“How about it? Do you feel up to this challenge?” Alan asked me.
“Yes, of course,” I replied enthusiastically with a nod.
Wow. Imagine if I became the lead model for Oscar de Ragetti! I couldn’t deny that this was a golden opportunity to boost my popularity again.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” Alan asked.
“Excuse me?” I confirmed.
“Because I don’t know how your boyfriend will react to seeing you as a lead model, dancing on stage in front of many people,” Alan added with a small chuckle.
“Oh, no. We broke up two days ago,” I said, waving my hand with an annoyed huff.
I didn’t know about Laird, but we clearly hadn’t reached any level yet. The fact remained that I had just broken up with Tom two days ago.
“Two days ago? But you performed brilliantly, as if you had no life burdens at all. I’m very impressed,” Alan observed me with his wide eyes. It’s as if he was enchanted by me, and his face seemed very close.
“Uh, yeah, that’s how it is. I’m trying to be professional,” I humbled again.
“Well, even though you didn’t bring a boyfriend, you can bring a partner to attend this event,” Alan said with a thin smile.
“Yes, Alan. I’ll consider that.” I nodded.
Honestly, I didn’t know if I would dare to invite Laird to the event. There was no guarantee he would agree, either. Tom usually never wanted to come to model events. He never wanted to come since being teased by Kiara about how bad his style was compared to that of my other ex-boyfriends.
Your taste in men is getting lower, Fenella; that’s what Kiara said to me and Tom at last year’s gathering event. I couldn’t blame Tom because Kiara was annoying. What I regretted was Tom choosing to shrink away and not defend himself. Now he’s just straight to be a cheater.
“Good. Then follow me now,” Alan got up from the sofa.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“Trust me. I’ll explain later.”