Unforgiven, Unbroken

3.

The Peabody Modeling House was abuzz with activity as models, photographers, and socialites mingled for the exclusive photoshoot and gathering. Eileen and Bridget stood out, their rivalry obvious.

Bridget sidled up to Eileen, her voice dripping with malice. "You think you're so perfect, don't you? But we all know you're just a relic of the past."

Eileen's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she remained calm. "I'm just here to do my job, Bridget. Let's focus on the photoshoot."

The tension escalated until Bridget made a snide comment about Eileen's age. Eileen's response was swift and decisive...she grabbed Bridget's arm, her grip firm. "Watch your mouth, Bridget. I've had enough of your games."

Just then, De'marcus intervened, his voice smooth. "Ladies, let's leave the drama for the camera, shall we?"

Eileen's eyes narrowed, her mind relayed with suspicions about De'marcus's true intentions. Last night, she escaped through sheer luck. If she hadn't planned her escape with her mother who wanted to redeem herself for trusting in Bridget, she would had ended up in their trap over again.

She excused herself, citing a need to prepare for the shoot.

As she walked away, she stumbled upon a mysterious note on her dressing table: 'Be careful who you trust.'

Eileen's heart skipped. 'Who could be behind this ominous message?'

Meanwhile, Evan's P.A, observing from the sidelines couldn't help but be impressed. "Someone just bullied her, but she handled it like a boss," he whispered to himself.

The P.A slipped out, dialing Evan's number. "Boss I found her! The lady from that night. She is Eileen Rowland, senior model at Peabody Modeling House."

Evan was intrigued. "Tell me more."

The P.A recounted the incident, his tone filled with admiration for Eileen's poise and confidence. "She's got game, boss. I think you'd love to meet her."

Evan's interest piqued. "Arrange a meeting...better still, bring her down to me. I'd like to know more about this talented model."

As the P.A hung up, he noticed De'marcus lurking in the shadows, his eyes fixed intently on Eileen. a shiver ran down his spine. Something wasn't right.

Backstage, Eileen was getting ready for the shoot when she received a call from an unknown number. "You're playing with fire, Eileen. You don't know what's at stake."

The line went dead, leaving Eileen shaken. 'who was behind these threats, and what did they want from her?'

She pushed all fear aside, believing everything was under control. The photoshoot began, with Eileen strutting down the cat-walk, her confidence and poise captivating the audience. But just as she reached the climax of the shoot, the light flickered, and a loud noise echoed through the hall.

Eileen's eyes scanned the room, her heart racing. 'What was happening?'

And then, everything went black.

As the lights came back to life, Eileen found herself in a precarious situation. The models were in disarray, and the photographers were frantically trying to salvage the shoot.

De'marcus rushed over to Eileen, his face etched with false concern. "Are you okay? that was quite a scare."

Eileen's instincts screamed caution. Something didn't feel right. "I'm fine, thanks. What happened?"

De'marcus's expression turned grave. "We're investigating. Maybe a technical glitch?"

As the team worked to restore order, Eileen noticed Bridget whispering to one of the crew members. Their eyes darted towards Eileen, and she sensed a sinister plot unfolding.

Evan's P.A approached Eileen, his voice low. "I think we should talk. I have information that might interest you."

Eileen's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"

The P.A glanced around cautiously. "Let's discuss this else where. Meet me outside."

As Eileen followed the P.A out, she stumbled upon a cryptic message on her phone: 'Trust no one.'

'What secrets laid hidden in the shadows? And who was behind the mysterious threats?' thought Eileen.

Meanwhile Evan received an update from his P.A. "Boss, something's off at the photoshoot. Lady Eileen's in the midst of it."

Evan became agitated. "Bring her to me, safe and sound."

As Eileen followed the P.A outside, the cool evening air provided a welcoming respite from the tension inside.

"What did you want to tell me?" Eileen asked, her curiosity piqued.

The P.A hesitated, glancing around cautiously. "My boss sent me to you, he went me to bring you back to him."

"That's absurd," echoed Eileen. "Who's your freaking boss? Did you bring me here to waste my time?" she questioned angrily.

The P.A, calmed and collected. "He is Evan Thornton," he answered. Eileen laughed, "The same Evan Thornton, the freaking mafia of the modeling world....that Evan Thornton?" she asked sarcastically.

"You might not believe me...you don't have to. But you need to get out of here. I think you're in danger. There's something going on behind the scenes, and I'm not sure what it is."

Eileen's instincts kicked in. "What makes you think that?"

The P.A handed her a small folder containing a few photographs. "These were taken during the photoshoot. Notice anything strange?"

Eileen's eyes scanned the images, and a heart almost ripped from its cage. There was a subtle hint of manipulation, and one photo showed Bridget arguing with De'marcus.

"This looks more than just a photoshoot." Eileen said, her mind racing.

The P.A nodded. "I think you're right. And I am sure you're the key to uncover what's going on."

Just then, De'marcus appeared, his expression stern. "Eileen, we need you back inside. The shoot is resuming."

Eileen's grip on the folder tightened. She wasn't sure who to trust.

"I'll be right there," she said, her voice measured.

As De'marcus turned to leave he caught a gleams of the folder with Eileen, he scoffed.

As Eileen made to join in the rest of the shoots, Evan's P.A whispered. "Be careful. Meet me at the cafe on the 5th street at midnight, if you want to know more."

******Midnight at the cafe******

At midnight, Eileen made her way to the cafe, her heart racing with anticipation and a hint of fear. She spotted Evan's P.A, who was already seated at a corner table.

"I didn't think you'd come," the P.A said, his voice barely above a whisper

Eileen sat down, her eyes scanning the cafe. "I need to know what's going on. what's behind the photoshoot, and why are you helping me?"

The P.A leaned in, his voice cool. "My boss demanded of me to keep you safe, so I bet on my life to do just that. There's something fishy about this photoshoot, and I think you're the target."

Eileen's grip on her coffee cup tightened. "What do you mean?"

The P.A handed her a small USB drive. "This contained evidence of some shady dealings. I think De'marcus is using the photoshoot for more than just a clothing line event. You need to be careful, you're in the middle of something big."

Eileen couldn't believe her ears, she escaped her tragic marriage, just so De'marcus could threaten her further. She thought with her second chance, fighting against De'marcus and Bridget would be easy. Her hands ran cold just by listening to Evan's P.A.

As they spoke, the cafe door swung open, two men dressed in black masks emerged, their eyes locked onto Eileen.

"I think we should leave," the P.A whispered grabbing Eileen by her hand.

She didn't ask no further question, she just nodded, and they quickly exited the cafe, disappearing into the night.

But as they walked, Eileen couldn't shake, the feeling that they were being watched.

Just then, the P.A phone buzzed. he glanced at the screen, his expression turning bright. "It's Mr. Evan. He's asking where we are."

Eileen could see the men from a distance, just right behind them, her senses went on high alert. "We need to get out of here, now."

They quickened their pace, but one of the men's voice echoed through the streets. "Lady Eileen, wait!"

Eileen and the P.A ducked into a nearby alleyway, holding their breath as the men passed by.Their eyes scanning the crowd.

The P.A pulled out his keys. "My car's nearby. Let's go."

They sped away from the scene, Eileen's mind racing with new fear unlocked. 'This was new, none of this happened back in her previous life,' she thought.

As they drove, the P.A's phone rang again. She picked immediately. "Hello boss."

Evan's voice was firm on the other end. "Where are you? I need to see you both now."

The P.A's eyes met Eileen's, a silent understanding passing between them. "I'm...on my way."

Eileen couldn't be more confused, she was in a photoshoot event few hours ago and next hour in a car, running for her life. But she was determined to uncover the truth. The man on the other end of the string might be her savior. She didn't care about trust this moment, she only care about survival.

As they approached the city outskirts, Eileen realized they were being followed.

The P.A noticed Eileen's concern and checked the rearview mirror. "Oh s**t!, we've got a tail. We have to lose them. Hold on tight."

Eileen gripped her seat belt tightly as Evan's P.A expertly navigated the roads, dodging traffic and taking sharp turns. Eileen held tight, her heart pounding out of her chest.

Finally, they seemed to have shaken off the pursuer, she pulled over, her breathing steady. "We need to get you to a safe place."

As Eileen finally stepped out of the car and onto the driveway of Evan's villa, she couldn't help but feel sense of gradeur. The mansion loomed before her, it architecture a blend of modern luxury and classic elegance.

The P.A led her inside, where she was greeted by a butler who escorted her to the study. Eileen's eyes widened as she entered the room, and her gaze landed on Evan.

He stood by the window, his back to her. As he turned, Eileen's heart skipped a beat. The familiarity of his features hit her like a ton of bricks.

"Eileen," Evan said, his voice low and calm.

Eileen eyes locked onto his, and the memories came flushing back. The one night stand, the stranger she couldn't forget....

"Evan Thornton?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Evan's expression remained calm, but hint of smile curved at the corner of his lips. "You've figured it out."

Eileen's mind reeled as the pieces fell into place. The powerful Evan Thornton, the shaker of the modeling city....was he the same man she slept with.

"You're...you're the one," she stammered.

Evan nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. He was so infatuated by her, he didn't know if it should be called obsession. Evan had Damon Beckham, his P.A searched every hook and cranny of the city for her.

Evan Thornton was a renounced Mafia model king who only deal with top model, refining and polishing hot chicks of the city. His empire no one could dominate than him. Evan was a gangster of his den, and any lady he wanted he keeps.

"I'm the one." He moved closer to her, his fingers tucking her disheveled hair back. "Eileen, do you know you're mine?" he asked, his voice low and husky."I've claimed you as my own since after that night, and I won't let anyone else have you. You only have to let me claim you forever."

Eileen's eyes widened at the intensity of his gaze and words.

"Evan, that's...that's a lot to take in."

Evan's eyes narrowed slightly. "I mean every word, Eileen. You're the only one for me, and I won't share you with anyone. You're mine, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and by my side."

Eileen smiled coyly, her long finger tracing his chest playfully, her mouth an inch from his ears. "I play hard to get...win me over Mr. mafia model."

Evan's face twisted, he subtly pulled Eileen towards him, making the latter moan softly, he smiled slightly. "Game on, my sweet sixteen."