Thus marked the initiation of the downfall of a renowned supermodel, but as it appeared, Sophie's tale was far from over.
Truth be told, Sophie, herself, hadn't realized the extent of her audacity - she had actually wedded a man she barely knew! But what was done was done, and she would never rue her decision.
Sophie got back to her Cadillac. As she was just about to ignite the engine and navigate back home, a call from Nathan interrupted her.
"Sophie, where are you presently?" he asked.
"Outside the local civil affairs office, about to head home," Sophie replied, keeping her emotions guarded.
"Amber has an important event lined up. I need you to stand in for her immediately. I'll instruct the stylist to arrange a disguise for you - nobody will recognize you," Nathan directed, asserting his superiority.
"Since Amber's injured, you'd have to bear the inconvenience a bit..."
"Wasn't it reported that Miss Amber sustained injuries on stage? By now, the media must have been informed about her hospitalization."
"I've already arranged for someone to spread the rumor that she'll be attending despite her injuries... I told you to be there, so just be there," Nathan seemed flustered, not accustomed to Sophie's back talk.
His audacity was appalling. Sophie had already undertaken numerous such absurd tasks for Amber in the past.
It seemed she was just being manipulated, but she wasn't going to let this continue!
Sophie maintained her composed demeanor and nodded. "Alright, send me the details. I'll head there immediately."
"Sophie, we're on the verge of getting married. Assist Amber in boosting her career a little, it's on the upswing right now."
"She'll definitely get a boost, alright..." Sophie retorted, her words layered with hidden intent and a smirk playing on her lips.
"I'll hang up then. We'll dine together later," Nathan ended the call, oblivious to the fact that the situation was not in his favor any longer.
He was probably sitting by Amber's bedside at this moment, tending to his lover.
Sophie ended the call and dialed her manager's number next.
Her manager was infuriated, "Nathan wants you to fill in for that second-rate model? Is he out of his mind? If you hadn't decided to step down from the limelight, she wouldn't even stand a chance in the industry."
"Lisa, I've agreed to it..." Sophie responded, her voice calm as she collected her stuff.
"Are you really going there...?" Her manager almost choked on his disbelief.
Sophie and Amber were both signed models under Global pictures entertainment , but because of Sophie's decision to retreat , her manager was dragged down with her and ridiculed.
Sophie knew her manger wanted to stick up for her injustice.
Reassuringly she responded "I won't be that stupid anymore, I will not let them use me !"
After hearing those words from Sophie, the face of her manger lit up, "so are you saying , you've a plan ?"
"Lisa, from now on I can only trust you, can you help me do something ?"
"Speak." Her manager was loyal to her, after all they shared the same objective.
"Amber is so desperate to convince the media that she's attending the show even with her injuries because she doesn't want to impact her eligibility for the top 10 model awards.' I'm going to the Rosewalk Hospital , will meet you there."
"I see, What you're getting at. Obtain evidence that she was still at the hospital during her show and reveal it to the public." The manager smirked excitedly.
"No, I've a bigger news , She's pregnant and the child is Nathan's.Also help me prepare a statement stating that Nathan has used me multiple times to substitute Amber during the shows. As for which shows ? I will need you to help me find evidence for that."
Lisa was surprised at first, but quickly understood why Sophie's attitude had changed . Such a shameless cheating couple ! Not only did they cheat, but they also used Sophie - ordering her around like a puppet.
They clearly deserve what's coming up for them, "Don't worry Sophie, I will help you do all these things." Assured Lisa. Sophie did not respond. She felt unusually calm. She was going to treat them like they had treated her!
After clearing her thoughts, Sophie quickly gathered her things and drove herself over to the venue for the show to meet up with Amber's assistant, John was a married man with a strong and bulky physique and cunning personality.
He was reasonably polite with Sophie. Even though she was no longer famous the Monroe family was still not one tobe looked down upon.
"What took you so long ? Quick..... Come and get your makeup done... "
"What type of show is it today ?" Sophie asked as she was hurried down the hallway in her high stilettos.
"Nothing special." The assistant replied.
"What's the agenda for today's event?" Sophie inquired, her high heels clicking rapidly against the floor as she was ushered down the corridor.
"Just your regular show," the aide responded nonchalantly.
Yet, the event was no ordinary one – it was a prestigious jewelry display by a renowned French brand, Beautiful Soul.
Following the exhibition, Amber was all set to become the official face of Beautiful Soul. Though she had almost missed this chance due to an injury, Nathan's proposal of having Sophie step in was readily accepted by Amber.
Sophie had already done her homework about the Crown Star jewelry show on her way. She was aware that John had purposely misled her.
"Has he always been this naive?" Sophie pondered, now ready to correct the wrong that had been done.
"Given Amber's status, you have a personal makeup room. You'll make an appearance in the grand finale, presenting this piece of jewelry. Here's the schedule," John elaborated, pointing towards the dazzling piece on the stage.
He then signaled the makeup artist to begin working on Sophie.
"Did Nathan really believe that a mask would conceal her identity?" Sophie wondered about Nathan's foolishness as she scrolled through her phone.
Her plan was indeed radical, but she was determined to give the deceitful duo a surprise they'd never forget. She took pride in mustering up the courage for it.
In the meantime, Noa's manager had been closely monitoring Sophie's every move. On overhearing Sophie's substitution for Amber in the show, he promptly relayed the news to Noah.
Upon hearing this, Noah immediately directed his assistant, "Arrange for my visit to the Beautiful Soul's jewelry show!"
"As you wish, Sir!" his assistant complied.
The show wasn't extraordinary, but Noah was eager to witness Sophie's performance.
At 11 AM, the soothing strains of classical music echoed through the Brooklyn city center. The place was abuzz with the audience's excited whispers, marking the commencement of the show.
In the beautifully illuminated makeup room, Sophie, now ready, stood before the mirror. Her elegance and charm were undeniable.
Dressed in a sleek, white gown – simple yet sophisticated – she wore a radiant golden mask that added an air of mystery. Her hair was neatly tied back, adorned with a single white rose. She looked absolutely breathtaking.
Amber's aide was left speechless, thinking, "Even if Sophie just stands there, she'd surely draw everyone's attention. Amber's contract is a sure shot!"
Sophie then took a seat in front of the mirror, attentively listening to Amber's assistant, Gary's, instructions.
"You'll be lowered onto the stage in a chair from above. This bracelet here is the Crown Star. Allow me to put it on you," Gary offered, unclasping the bracelet and carefully sliding it onto Sophie's wrist.
However, Sophie was leaner than Amber, causing the bracelet to be a bit loose and slide around with the slightest movement of her arm.
The bracelet had been crafted by the founder of Beautiful Soul for his beloved daughter...
In the middle of the bracelet was a crown crusted with white diamond. On the two sides of the crown were two stars made of pure and immaculate white gemstone, just like parents protecting their precious child.
"There's no way for you to wear it... What should I do ?" Exclaimed Gary.
"Do you trust me ?" Sophie suddenly asked him.
"At this moment, I can only trust you." Gary nodded In helplessness.
Without a solution he could only trust the model. This was Amber's opportunity to become the spokesperson , if he messed it up , president Nathan would definitely fire him.
"In that case leave it with me..." Sophie reassured.
"Hurry, Get ready. You will be going on stage soon..." Gary sounded restless.
Amongst all the commotion, he did not take notice of the look in Sophie's eyes which were brimming bright with confidence.
Sophie was all set, her face beaming with a broad grin as she nodded, lightly lifting her gown and darting towards the backstage from the makeup room.
Despite wearing a mask, if one had to differentiate between Sophie and Amber, it would undoubtedly be Sophie's legs.
Her legs were once celebrated as some of the most exquisite in the business.
Just when everyone presumed the spectacle had reached its pinnacle, Sophie emerged elegantly on the magnificent chair to the stage and instantly, all spotlights were on her... But the crown jewel was missing, what transpired?
Everyone in attendance began a desperate search for the crown jewel, even checking Sophie thoroughly.
This frantic search drew attention to her stunningly pale, long legs, folded elegantly as if a princess was reclining on her throne.
Her legs were so striking that they were unforgettably beautiful. As everyone was about to concede, a grin emerged from behind the enigmatic golden mask.
In a graceful motion, Sophie raised her arm, tilted her head back, and lifted her left leg, which was facing the audience - striking a breathtaking dance pose.
Suddenly, from beneath her white gown and down her silky legs, the crown jewel appeared around Sophie's ankle, sparkling brilliantly.
A collective gasp echoed, everyone was mesmerized by the spectacle unfolding before their eyes.
Sophie, reclining on the chair and transitioning smoothly from one pose to another was an unforgettable sight.
What was truly remarkable was that with every pose Sophie struck, the crown jewel would gleam differently, showcasing its beauty repeatedly...The show was reaching its zenith.
The audience rose to their feet, giving Sophie a standing ovation.
Amongst them, in a lofty but concealed spot, right in front of the stage in the VIP section, Noah's attention was solely on Sophie.
His newly wedded wife, once a top model in New York, was now filling in for a B-list model.
It was undeniable, whether it was 3 years ago or 3 years in the future - she was and would always be a natural-born model, destined for the runway.
Finally, with Sophie's concluding pose, the show reached a gratifying conclusion.
The founder of "Beautiful Soul" was immensely pleased with her performance and was filled with joy. Unbeknownst to him, the model on stage wasn't Amber but Sophie.
He emerged from backstage and slowly approached Sophie. Like a true gentleman, he extended his hand, assisting Sophie off her chair and escorted her to the front of the runway, where they both bowed in gratitude to the audience.
"Thank you, everyone, and of course, thank you, Miss Amber, for a remarkable performance, it was truly impressive." said the founder of "Beautiful Soul".
Sophie remained silent, simply responding with a bow. Suddenly, from the front of the runway, a sharp voice exclaimed, "She's not Amber, I've seen Amber in person and she doesn't have such long legs!".