UNDONE: The One I Could Not Tame

The No. 1 Model

The room was a symphony of minimalist elegance—white marble floors reflecting the soft glow of pendant lights, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline. At the center sat a woman in a black and white gown, her posture impeccable, exuding an air of composed authority. Lacey Dupois, daughter of the renowned PR magnate Philippe Dupois, was known for her incisive interviews and unflappable demeanor. Today, she awaited the arrival of a guest who had captivated the world.

The soft hum of an approaching engine signaled the arrival of a car unlike any other—a custom-made vehicle, its sleek design turning heads even in a city accustomed to luxury. The door opened to reveal Raina, stepping out with the grace of someone who owned every space she entered.

Her ensemble was a masterclass in high fashion: a tailored ensemble from Maison de Lumière, adorned with intricate beadwork that shimmered subtly with each movement. Her heels, crafted by the legendary designer Alessandro Verdi, clicked confidently against the pavement. Accessories were minimal but impactful—a pair of diamond-studded earrings and a limited-edition timepiece.

Raina's beauty was arresting. Her skin, a flawless canvas, glowed under the morning sun. Her hair, cascading in soft waves, framed a face that combined strength and softness—a testament to her journey. Every step she took was a blend of power and poise, a dance choreographed by years of discipline and passion.

Inside, Lacey rose to greet her, extending a hand with a warm smile.

"Raina, it's an honor to have you here."

"The pleasure is mine, Lacey. I've been looking forward to our conversation."

They settled into their seats, the cityscape serving as a backdrop to a dialogue that promised depth and insight.

"Your rise in the fashion world has been meteoric. From your early days to now walking for the most prestigious brands and being an ambassador for high-profile companies, how do you reflect on this journey?"

Raina's eyes sparkled with introspection.

"It's been a whirlwind. Each step taught me resilience, and every setback was a lesson in perseverance. I'm grateful for the opportunities and the people who've believed in me."

Lacey nodded, impressed.

"Today, you're dressed impeccably. Could you share more about your outfit?"

Raina glanced down, a smile playing on her lips.

"This is a custom piece from Maison de Lumière's latest collection. I appreciate designs that tell a story, and this ensemble resonates with my journey—elegant yet bold."

"Your brother has made headlines as a baseball player. How does your family influence your career?"

"My brother's dedication to his sport is inspiring. We support each other, celebrating successes and navigating challenges together."

"And your mother? She's known to be quite private."

Raina's expression softened.

"Yes, she values her privacy. But her strength and wisdom have been my guiding lights."

Lacey hesitated, then asked gently, "Would you like to share about your father?"

A brief pause ensued.

"I'd prefer to skip that question," Raina replied, her voice steady.

Lacey respected her choice, shifting the conversation.

"Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years?"

"I aim to launch my own fashion line, focusing on sustainable and inclusive designs. I also want to mentor young talents, giving back to the industry that's given me so much."

As the interview concluded, Lacey extended her hand once more.

"Thank you, Raina. Your story is both inspiring and empowering."

"Thank you, Lacey. It's been a pleasure sharing it with you."

As Raina departed, the room seemed to hold onto her presence—a testament to a woman who had not only embraced the spotlight but had become its very embodiment.

The penthouse glittered with quiet elegance. Warm golden lighting spilled across polished marble floors, casting soft reflections on the massive glass windows overlooking the city skyline. Velvet drapes, wine-colored and royal, were drawn just slightly open, letting the distant hum of nighttime Geneva filter in. The scent of vanilla and oud floated faintly through the air, luxurious and calming.

Raina had just slipped into an oversized satin robe, her makeup off, her curls tied up in a silk wrap, when the doorbell chimed. She padded barefoot across the room, her walk naturally poised even in her most relaxed state.

Lacey Dupois stood at the door with a wide grin, a duffel bag slung over one shoulder and a bottle of sparkling rosé in the other. “Please tell me I’m not too late for a girls’ night.”

Raina opened the door fully, laughing as she let her in. “You’re right on time. Chloe left a few minutes ago. I was just thinking about what snacks to dig out.”

“Perfect,” Lacey said, kicking off her heels. “I brought some chocolate truffles, too. We deserve a night to be completely unserious.”

The two women curled up on the velvet sectional in the living room, their legs tucked under them, the TV playing softly in the background while they opened their snacks. There was a sense of ease between them—friendship formed through years of shared ambition, hard work, and unspoken understanding.

“So,” Lacey began, popping a truffle into her mouth. “That interview was the most watched thing on our channel this week. You actually broke the comments section.”

Raina chuckled, swirling her glass. “I noticed. Some of those questions were shady, by the way.”

Lacey raised a brow. “You mean the one about your dad?”

Raina nodded slowly, her gaze turning distant for a moment. “I just… wasn’t ready to talk about him. Maybe I never will be.”

“I get it,” Lacey said softly. “And for what it’s worth, I thought you handled it with grace. Honestly, I think that’s one of the reasons brands love you. You’re not just beautiful, you’re… mysterious. Like people know there’s more but you don’t owe them everything.”

Raina smiled faintly. “That was a very PR thing to say.”

“I’m the daughter of Geneva’s top PR consultant,” Lacey said smugly. “It’s in my DNA.”

They both laughed. Then, Lacey leaned back into the plush couch and stretched. “Speaking of PR—one of the brands my dad consults for is hosting a party in Montreux this weekend. Huge event. Like, yacht-huge. They want me there, and they specifically asked if I could bring you along.”

Raina tilted her head, amused. “Why?”

“Because you're Raina freaking Dane. And also because they want to announce their new fragrance, and having your face show up will make the campaign go viral before it even launches.”

Raina narrowed her eyes playfully. “Are they going to pay me for being decorative?”

“More than some runway shows, trust me,” Lacey said. “You’ll have a suite with your name on it, a custom dress from Atelier Céline, and full media coverage.”

Raina swirled her glass again, pretending to think hard. “Sounds tempting. But I’ll have to run it through Chloe.”

Lacey sighed, flopping dramatically into the cushions. “You’re the only girl I know who checks in with her assistant before saying yes to being spoiled.”

“She’s not just my assistant,” Raina said, smiling. “She’s my calendar, my common sense, and my second brain. I’d be late to my own shows without her.”

Lacey giggled. “Fair.”

A moment passed, comfortable and light. Then Lacey sat up again. “Oh! And speaking of me—my dad is trying to set me up with this surgeon from Zurich. Says he’s tall, rich, and loves opera.”

Raina raised her brows. “Sounds like a catch.”

“He also has a cat named Berlioz and tried to lecture me about liver pâté for twenty minutes over brunch,” Lacey groaned. “I nearly fake-called myself a medical emergency to escape.”

Raina burst into laughter. “Your dating life sounds like a Netflix special.”

“It should be,” Lacey grinned. “But no matter how many men he throws my way, none of them are as interesting as—” She caught herself.

Raina’s eyes narrowed. “As who?”

Lacey’s lips curved. “No one. Just saying. None of them come close to the drama you’ve got locked up in that elegant head of yours.”

Raina turned her gaze to the ceiling. “If only people knew the half of it.”

The laughter died down into silence, both girls staring at the ceiling for a beat too long. Then Lacey, with her usual cheer, said, “Anyway. This weekend. Montreux. Let me know what Chloe says. And maybe tell her to schedule you for fun and chaos.”

“I’ll think about it,” Raina replied, grinning softly.

As the night wound down and city lights blinked beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, the two friends slipped into sleep on the couch, heads leaned together, their lives full of glitz—but still, in moments like this, beautifully ordinary.