I don't know what made Dae-jung think it was hilarious to humiliate me in front of the models. They were all kinds of nice and respectful, but I know every time I turned my back they were talking trash about me. Yeah, I may act like I'm spoiled and a daddy's girl, but at least I know--What do I know? Gosh, I'm such a loser. Let them keep laughing. The entire week I have to model in front of investors, past models, and other fashion designers, who's going to be laughing?
Yeah...Things didn't go too well after that. I kept tripping in my heels. Like not even falling over anything. It was as if the powers of the universe were after me. My confidence from this morning was gone. In absentia. Dead and buried. How was I supposed to recover from this humiliation? I was going to be the laughingstock of the century. People are going to know me for the falls I had during training, not for bringing my father's business back to life.
Je me hais.
Oh, and to make matters worse, one of the rudest women I've ever come across in my life walked into the room like she owned the place. Every model was in awe of her beauty. I would say I was jealous, but I knew the minute she opened her mouth to say something it wasn't going to be about how beautiful she was anymore. I instantly disliked her and Dae-jung noticed. He tried to get one of the models to take me backstage, but I wasn't having it. How dare someone try to steal my thunder? I wasn't great yet, but her being here was pushing me to try harder.
"Francesca, how about we just let someone else model?" Dae-jung asked. "We've been at it for hours and you still haven't improved. I don't want you to get hurt from the words that come out of Mademoiselle Blaire's mouth."
"Are you afraid of her?" I demanded.
"What would I be afraid of? She's an old student. It's not like she's over me or anything. She's just been known to throw a lot of rising models out the game. Even retired, she makes some trainees feel...ugly and unteachable."
"I'm not going to be that trainee. I'll show her how it's done. I'm--"
"Bonjour, Monsieur Park," the woman greeted with a hint of disgust in her voice. She didn't want me here and the feeling was mutual. "You have a new trainee, I see."
"Yes. Francesca, meet Blaire Lavigne. She was our top model here before moving to another company," Dae-jung introduced us through gritted teeth.
"It is quite a pleasure to meet you." I held out my hand with a sickening sweet smile on my face. I'm sure Dae-jung wanted to hit me right now. I was being difficult and everyone around us knew it. "I haven't heard anything about you since I arrived this morning."
"Oh, what a shame." Blaire smiled and shook my hand. "Are you modeling now? I'd love to see what you've got."
Game on, Bland. I hope you look at me on this stage and realize that I might actually be better than you. I want to see you flinch and cower beneath me. I may not have the beauty, but I do have the patience for myself. I'm proving to everyone here that even though I may not be the perfect model they want me to be, I can be just as good as them.
"...You're looking for something to laugh about, aren't you?" I asked.
"Maybe. Maybe not." Blaire laughed.
"Just wait. You're going to see that anyone can be as good as you."
"It's not about being good, Francesca. It's about beauty and poise. Apparently, you haven't mastered either of the two."
Before Dae-jung could convince me to get off the catwalk, I carefully made my way back to where I started my walk. The look on his face said he was really rooting for me, but he was terrified I was going to mess this up for myself. Blaire looked as cocky as ever. The smug look on her face said she was ready for me to fail just so she could criticize me in front of everyone. Whether she knows it or not, the daughter of the owner never gets criticized.
Except by her instructor. Who at the moment was pretending he didn't see me on the catwalk.
I imagined the room filled with men and women who'd come to see the woman who'd hidden from cameras all those years ago. I imagined cameras flashing and music playing to set the mood. Père and maman would be cheering at the end of the catwalk. And oh how I wish I hadn't thought of Adam. Or noticed him in the back of the room.
I tripped!
Over nothing!
And Blaire laughed. Loudly. Like it was the most hilarious thing in the world. Dae-jung and the other models came to my rescue. My gaze was locked with Adam's as they helped me up from the floor. Curse that handsome man. He's the only one that can make me trip over myself. We'd broken up almost a year ago and he still makes me weak in the knees.
"I told you not to do it," Dae-jung growled. "Now I have to hear all about how I'm not training you well."
"I can fight my own battles, Monsieur Park." I smiled.
"Against her? You're asking for a roasting."
Roasting? Is that what kids say these days? Dae-jung's definitely a kid.
Blaire walked up to us, clapping slowly with a smirk on her face. Curse her. I hope she falls down a flight of stairs and breaks her back. Cocky son of a--
"Ah, that was a sight to see. Monsieur Park, it seems your pupil refuses to learn the basics. She needs to be sent back with the little children," she said. "She's a disgrace to the women she's training with."
"Everyone has to start somewhere," Dae-jung said through gritted teeth.
"Of course. But...I must admit, she almost had me. Distractions aren't pretty, Francesca."
"Who says I got distracted?" I snapped. "Maybe you're just too unattractive for me to look at."
Snickers arose hesitantly around me. Blaire looked like she'd just eaten a lemon. Dae-jung looked like he was going to faint. I caught sight of Adam again. He was slowly, but surely, making his way over to us. I wasn't done with Blaire though. She needed to be taught a lesson. One she'd never forget.
"Monsieur Délon!" I said, making my smile grow wider. Just as Blaire turned to see her former boss, I punched her.
Adam got over to us just in time. He caught Blair in his arms, while I got dragged away by Dae-jung. Serves you right. I hope she has to get a nose job so no one thinks she's cute anymore. It was about time someone stood up to her. She respects my father and his closest employees, but not the women she either worked with or criticized. I did that for everyone she ever disrespected.
"What in the world is wrong with you, Francesca?" Dae-jung demanded.
"Nothing. I fixed a problem that was bothering me," I said nonchalantly. "...You got a problem with that?"
"I do. If she tells your father, not only will you get in trouble, but I might be fired."
"She's a former model. How is she going to get you fired?"
"The media would have a field day with this. I can't believe you stooped that low. Just let her have her way."
"And allow her to step all over me like she did the other women? No way. It's about time someone put her in her place. She's just like the rest of us women here. Nothing she's accomplished in life has made her queen of all models."