Her Success
1240 Words
RILEY HARRINGTON'S POV
"Wow, you really made a splash with the couture shoot," my friend, Julie, says, thrusting a glossy magazine toward me.
My face graces the cover, and the bold headline bellow reads, "Runway Angel: The Face of Modern Elegance!"
They have also labeled me "The It-Girl Setting Trends". It's not the first time I am seeing my face on some popular magazine, but the thrill never gets old.
When I first started, I never imagined I'd achieve this level of fame or riches. But thanks to my talent and utter determination, I am no longer the wrench that was shamefully kicked out of Wilden Don Wulfric's mansion. After he had me dragged out I was homeless for six months, crashing at Mary’s tiny apartment. I found my own success, without depending on any man's fortune.
Now I am no longer the desperate “hope-he-marries-me” wannabee being lied to like a dumb i***t. I am getting major deals with big brands and have a massive social media following.
For three agonizing years, I sacrificed everything for that sick prick, worshipped the ground he walked on, gave him my heart and soul. Only for him to replace me with some lunatic woman.
Not even three a month passed before I heard he was marrying her. They were the “power couple” and media broadcasted every beautiful moment of their glamorous wedding.
But just a week into their honeymoon, Briana Sullivan disgusting past exploded into public view. Videos of her worst immoral acts surfaced, destroying her reputation, and tarnishing Wilden’s name along with it.
Now she's dragging his brand down along with her. Lux is still the predominant brand by a considerable distance than others, but with new scandalous videos of her popping up every week, it won’t be long before the whole empire collapses.
I hope she takes him down with her. Honestly, I’ll be celebrating the downfall of those two devils.
"You're killing it, but remember, the industry is unpredictable. One day you’re on top, the next… who knows?" Julie tells giving my shoulder a friendly pat before walking back to her stylist.
Julie was and is still the star supermodel of our agency. When I was hired she was literally designated as the face of the entire agency and my was my role model. I am finally joining her on the spotlight and I can tell she's not really happy about it. But I hope this newfound success doesn't strain our friendship since I believe there’s enough room for both of us.
"Alright, let's see how this looks on you. It is the signature piece of the whole collection," my male stylist says holding up another stunning outfit consisting a bright yellow dress with ruffled sleeves and matching yellow gloves. The look is completed with a large, elegant yellow hat decorated with a big, layered flower, giving the outfit a glamorous and vintage look. I slip off the white dress he had me try earlier and step into the new outfit. The sleek fabrics molds perfectly to my shape.
We're getting ready for a runway show that is set after tomorrow, and the stylists and designers are deciding the outfits to display on the event.
"You... look...incredible!” The stylist grins, adjusting the dress around my waist. "Seriously, you’ve got the perfect body for this.”
I catch my reflection in the mirror behind her and smile. I look incredible. A few models and stylists glance my way, with approval.
"Wow!" exclaims the designer of the outfit, as she quickly excuses herself from assisting another model and makes her way over to where I'm standing. "With the right matching jewelry, you are going to rock this!"
Suddenly, the door to the fitting room opens, and our boss's assistant, a short plump man, enters. He scans the room before making his way over to me.
"Mr. Fox has requested to see you in his office," he informs urgently.
"Thank you. I will go see him." I say before leaving the room to head to the executive offices.
Mr.Fox office is luxuriously furnished, reflecting his rich status. He of course isn't nearly as rich as my ex-fiancee who was also as beautiful as a blooming rose in early morning sunlight. But Mr.fox definitely possesses a better heart.
"Who gave you the right to be so damn fine?" He teases with a big smile as soon as I step inside his office.
I give him a all way turn around of the outfit. "Thank you. I heard you wanted to see me.”
He nods."Sit down. I’ve got great news for you.” He says with the same big smile, gesturing for me to sit across from his desk.
"You have earned my agency more success than I would have achieved in a period of ten years. You've earned us a lot of popularity, we have bypassed competitors that were miles ahead of us and I couldn't be prouder." He says appreciatively.
"Wow, that's incredible!" I respond, genuinely thrilled.
"Yes, it is. So starting next week, you’ll be the new face of Fox Elite Agency. We’re rolling out a citywide campaign, half of our billboards will feature you. And here’s the best part, I want you to choose the locations of the billboards." He says, and I gape in shock.
The person being featured by almost all the billboards at the moment is my friend Julie.
"You don't look as happy as I had imagined you would be." Mr. Fox observes.
"But… Julie, she just got those billboards, just last week and she’s the face of the agency.” He's asking me to take her crown. She considers it the biggest achievement of her life.
“It's because Julie is your friend? You're worried about upsetting her?” Mr. Fox’s smile softens, “Julie is good, and she always will be. But the numbers don’t lie, Riley. Your last campaign broke every record we had. The brands want you. The public wants you. It's your time. Julie knows she can't be on the billboards just because she wants it. Our billboards cover the best of our models and she isn't that right now." He argues.
I nod. “Thank you, Mr. Fox. I… I don’t know what to say.”
He stands, rounding the desk to place a hand on my shoulder . “Say yes. And I'll give you time to think of which billboards you want. Do not let your friend's feelings of entitlement get on the way of your success." He encourages.
I nod appreciatively. At least he's giving me time to think.
"Now, go out there and get ready to impress everyone on the runway the day after tomorrow." He encourages, winking at me.
I rise from the seat, feeling a little more motivated, as I make my way out of his office.
As soon as I step back into the fitting room. Julie approaches me.
"So, what did Mr. Fox have say to you?" she asks.
Julie harbors a hopeless crush on our handsome boss, which is basically the worst thing since she has clearly set her goals too high. A billionaire's son who is also her boss!
I cannot let her know that her crush has just offered me her place. God she would be pissed.
"He just asked that we do our best on the runway," I reply and she visibly relaxes.
- Writer
