Against all odds

A Dream Come True

*KIARA'S POV*

I had to read the message twice. When it finally registered what it meant, I let out a scream of joy.

Bella jumped and placed a hand on her chest, staring at me in confusion.

"You better have a good explanation for that."

"Oh, I have the best explanation."

Grinning, I handed her my phone.

"You've got to be kidding me." Her eyes widened as she read the message. "I can't believe Amore's Modelling Agency wants to sign you."

"I can't believe it either."

Amore's Modelling Agency was one of the best, if not the best, agencies in the country. They had worked with countless legendary supermodels over the years.

The fact that they were considering signing me felt unreal.

After taking a shower, I went to bed early because I wanted to be well-rested for the meeting. I said my nightly prayers and soon drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, my alarm blared.

I groaned, turned it off, and headed to the bathroom to get ready.

Once I was done, I walked into my closet and decided to dress my absolute best. If I was meeting one of the biggest agencies in the country, I wanted to make an impression.

I chose a fitted denim blazer and matching trousers, paired with heels and a designer handbag. After getting dressed, I stood in front of the mirror and smiled.

I looked confident.

I let my braids fall over my shoulders and carefully laid my baby hairs.

Bella's mouth dropped open the moment she saw me walk into the kitchen.

"You look gorgeous, darling."

"So do you, Bella."

"Do you want coffee?"

"Yes! And you know I like my coffee the way I like my men-"

"Black," Bella and I said at the same time before bursting into laughter.

After finishing our coffee, we headed downstairs and greeted James before getting into the car.

The drive to the agency was quiet, but my mind wasn't. My nerves were all over the place.

As soon as we arrived, Luka hurried toward us and pulled us into a hug.

"I hope you memorized everything I sent you last night."

"I did. Don't worry."

"Good. And good luck."

We entered the building and were escorted to a conference room by the CEO's assistant.

A few minutes later, several members of the agency walked in. We exchanged greetings before taking our seats.

"Welcome, Ms. Lamar and Mr. Luka," the CEO, Mr. Johnson, said.

"Thank you for having us," Luka replied.

The interview began almost immediately.

"So, Kiara, how old are you?"

"I'm twenty-two."

Several members nodded and scribbled notes in their notepads.

They asked whether I was studying or working, what my hobbies were, and a few questions about my background. I answered each one as confidently as possible.

Then came the question I had been expecting.

"Why do you want to become a model?"

I took a breath.

"I've always looked up to Naomi Campbell. She's a strong Black woman who broke barriers and succeeded in an industry that wasn't always welcoming to people who looked like her."

I paused briefly.

"She's someone young Black girls can look up to. She's accomplished so much, and she's inspired me to chase my own dreams."

A few of them exchanged glances before continuing.

They reviewed my portfolio and photographs.

The assistant then took my measurements and a few digitals before asking me to do a runway walk.

Immediately, my nerves returned.

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.

Then Bella winked at me.

That simple gesture helped calm me down.

I straightened my shoulders and began walking.

Every step was deliberate. Every turn was controlled. I kept my posture strong and my expression professional.

When I finished, I noticed Bella smiling proudly.

I sat back down while the interview continued.

They asked whether I was available to travel.

"Absolutely."

Whether my schedule was flexible.

"Yes."

And several other questions regarding future opportunities and commitments.

Afterward, they passed their notes to the CEO.

He carefully reviewed them before clearing his throat.

"We believe you'd be a strong runway model."

My heart nearly stopped.

I beamed at Bella and Luka, who looked just as excited as I felt.

The CEO went on to explain how the agency operated, the commission structure, and the opportunities they hoped to pursue for me.

After a brief conversation with his assistant, she slid a contract across the table.

"Ms. Lamar, we'd like you to review this carefully. Please feel free to ask any questions."

I nodded and began reading.

Once I finished, I handed it to Bella and Luka.

Both reviewed it carefully before giving me approving nods.

The terms were fair.

More than fair.

With a smile, I signed.

The CEO signed shortly after.

Everyone rose to their feet, and I shook hands with each member of the team.

"Congratulations, Ms. Lamar. Welcome to the team."

Walking out of that conference room felt surreal.

The entire time, I had been silently praying they would give me a chance.

Now I finally had one.

Bella wrapped her arms around me.

"This calls for a celebration. Let's hit a bar."

I laughed.

"Let's do it."

The ride there was filled with congratulations from Bella and Luka.

My phone rang, cutting off their celebration. Without checking the caller ID, I answered.

"Hello, this is Kiara speaking."

"Oh, so now you answer your mother like that because you've signed with an agency?" Mom teased.

I shot Bella a dirty look while she mouthed, Sorry.

The phone was on speaker, so everyone could hear.

"I'm sorry, Mom. How are you and Granny doing?"

"We're doing well. If Bella hadn't shared the amazing news with me, I would've found out on the internet with everyone else."

"No, Mom. I wanted to tell you when I got home."

She sighed dramatically.

"It's okay. Congratulations, baby. Granny and I are so proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate it."

"I love you, baby."

"I love you too. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

After ending the call, I turned to Bella.

"Look on the bright side. She's proud of you," Bella said.

"Whatever, girl," I muttered dramatically.

Luka reserved a private section of the bar for us.

As much as I loved my supporters, I wasn't in the mood to be the center of attention tonight.

Once seated, Luka and I ordered whiskey while Bella ordered a s*x on the Beach.

Bella raised her glass.

"To Kiara, for signing with an agency and for reaching even greater heights."

"To greater heights," Luka and I echoed.

We clinked our glasses together.

"I'm so happy for you, Kiara," Bella said. "And honestly, I'm happy for myself too. More money for me!"

She stuck out her tongue dramatically.

"Girl, please."

"I don't care what you say. You're going to increase my pay so I can get a new dildo."

I gasped the moment she finished her sentence.

Luka choked on his drink while Bella looked at us strangely and smacked her lips.

"Why are y'all acting like I said something bad?" she asked, trying to appear clueless.

"Because you did."

"I'm sorry, Virgin Mary. I forgot you have sensitive ears," she said, laughing as Luka joined in.

"I hope you know you're not funny."

"But I got Luka cracking up. Duh."

I rolled my eyes while Luka laughed.

After a few drinks and plenty of conversation, we decided to call it a night.

When we arrived home, James congratulated me once again.

I thanked him before heading straight to my apartment.

After kicking off my shoes, I made my way to the bathroom for a long shower.

By the time I climbed into bed, I was exhausted.

All I wanted was a good night's sleep.

But just as I was about to close my eyes, a knock sounded at my door.

I groaned and dragged myself out of bed to see who it was.