Stephanie's POV
It had been a few days since she last saw Alexander and two until the day she had to model for THE Anabelle Corelli. She was so nervous. She has gotten to speak with both Anabelle Corelli and her personal assistant. She was to meet them today. Her phone pinged loudly, and she brought it out to see a text.
Alexander: Hey, beautiful, and good morning.
Oh, did she also forget to mention that she and Alexander had been texting each other nonstop since the other day at his house? She has to keep reminding herself that this isn't real, and he was simply making sure there was nothing wrong with his fake bride.
How unfair was it that the first person who actually treated her right wasn't really hers?
Stephanie: Hi, how are you doing?
Alexander: I'm very well, thank you. How are you feeling?
Stephanie: Truthfully, I'm so nervous. What if your cousin hates me?
Alexander: That's not possible; she can't hate you. You're an amazing model.
Stephanie: You haven't even seen me walk.
Alexander: I don't have to; you're amazing. So it's only natural that you're amazing at what you do. I'm sure seeing you on Friday will only prove my point. I trust you're going to do great, okay?
The reassurance and trust in the text he sent made her heart beat in an unhealthy manner. He trusts her. He thinks she's amazing. Alexander Corelli thinks she's amazing. That makes her so happy for reasons she's not ready to dissect. She didn't know what to say, but she needed to reply, so he doesn't think she left him on read
Stephanie: Okay
That had to be the most stupid thing to have said. She's sure he's already thinking the exact same thing. She screamed into her pillow when she heard her phone go off again.
Alexander: Also, don't worry about Anabelle. She's going to love you.
Stephanie: You think so?
Alexander: I know so. Anyone will be stupid not to.
Not to? Not to what? He didn't mean not to love her, did he? Even if he did, she's sure he didn't mean it literally. She doesn't understand why her mind is going on overdrive and blowing everything out of proportion.
Stephanie: Thank you. I don't know how you did it, but I feel way calmer than I did before I spoke to you.
And she meant it. She might be overthinking his texts, but she barely feels anxious about meeting his cousin anymore.
Alexander: Anytime, love. Go kick ass.
Love. She dropped her phone and started to get ready.
It was already nine a.m., and she was to meet Anabelle at her studio in 30 minutes. She had checked her maps and saw that the studio was a 15-minute drive from her apartment. The Uber she ordered was already outside. She locked her door and headed out. This was the most important meeting of her career so far, and she could feel the nerves returning.
She entered the Uber and gave the rider the address. They were at the studio in 12 minutes. There is definitely not enough time to calm down. She wishes she could have stayed in the Uber for a little more time, but since she couldn't, she paid and left the car.
She entered into the magnificent building and met a blond woman, who looked up and smiled.
"Welcome to Anabelle's Haven. How can I help you?" She asked politely, with the slighty creepy smile still on her face.
"Um, I have an appointment for 9:30 with Ms. Corelli. Stephanie Sanders?"
"Oh, there you are. Please have a seat. Ms. Corelli will be ready for you shortly," she said, pointing to some comfortable-looking chairs in the lobby.
After a few minutes of sitting on the rightly guessed comfortable chairs, it was 9:29, and she got another text.
Alexander: Good luck, darling.
She was about to answer his text when the lady spoke.
"Ms. Corelli will see you now."
She put her phone away, straightening her dress and giving herself a little pep talk before following the blonde lady.
They entered into what looked like a fitting room, with mannequins and fabrics spewed all over the floor. In the center of the beautiful mess stood Anabelle Corelli, looking more like a goddess in real life. She has to be the most beautiful woman she has ever seen. Beside her was a girl with a notepad in her hand, whom she guessed to be her personal assistant.
The lady announced their presence and left her in the room with them. Anabelle was busy with the mannequin for a few more minutes before finally turning to face her.
"You must be Stephanie," she said, walking over to her and giving her a once over. She looked like she approved. "Walk," she said out of the blues.
"Excuse me? I should walk?" Stephanie asked, a little confused.
"You are a model, yes? Walk for me, Stephanie." She said going to sit on the couch in the room, and she crossed her legs like she was ready for a show.
Stephanie finally understood what she meant. She dropped her bag, got in the zone, and gave Anabelle the best model walk she could muster. After she was done, she picked up her bag and faced Anabelle, who didn't say anything and simply just stood up and continued her work for a while before turning back to look at Stephanie.
"8am don't be late," she simply said and continued what she was doing.
Stephanie, shocked, simply went out of the room and building thanking the lady on her way out wondering what the fuck just happened.