The following morning, Nathan received a call from his close friend Liam, the CEO of Liam's Luxury, one of the biggest fashion and footwear companies in the city. Nathan proposed introducing a model for their new line who could also promote their brand. Liam was surprised, considering Nathan had never shown interest in such things.
"Sure, send me the pictures of this model," Liam said. Nathan immediately sent Elena's pictures.
Moments later, Liam called back, his voice laced with disbelief. "Nathan, are you out of your mind? Why are you sending me Katrina's picture? You want me to use a ghost as a model?"
Nathan burst into laughter. "Calm down, Liam. That's not Katrina. Her name is Elena. They only look alike. Relax, man."
Liam was stunned. "You found someone who looks like Katrina? Nathan, are you okay? What's the deal with this girl? Are you marrying her, helping her, or just curious about her?"
Nathan's tone softened. "I want to marry her, but right now, we're just friends. I'll tell her the truth about everything, including my past, once I'm back from Australia next week. I have a business meeting to attend."
Liam was thrilled. "Wow, Nathan, I'm happy for you. I can't wait to meet her! And when you two give me a little nephew, make sure he calls me Uncle Liam!"
They both laughed and continued teasing each other. Liam expressed excitement about working with Elena and assured Nathan he would help but promised to keep Nathan's involvement a secret, knowing that Elena might not agree if she found out Nathan was behind it.
Later that afternoon, Nathan texted Liam with details about how to execute the plan discreetly.
While Nathan relaxed at home, enjoying a rare moment of quiet, a knock came at the door. Allison, his favorite maid, informed him that Aria was at the gate.
"Let her in," Nathan said, already preparing himself for her usual drama.
As Aria entered, she was visibly angry. "Nathan, how could you? Why didn't you let Mom into the mansion the other day? She's our mother!"
Nathan sighed. "Aria, this is none of your business. You're too young to understand the things she's done to me."
"But Nathan, she's still our mother!" Aria yelled. "Why are you letting Elena come between you two? You've changed, Nathan!"
Nathan's expression darkened. "Stop bringing Elena into this, Aria. If you're here to argue, you can leave now."
Despite her protests, Nathan walked upstairs, ignoring her calls for him to stop. Frustrated, Aria stormed out of the mansion, determined to find a way to get Elena out of Nathan's life.
The next morning, Nathan called Elena to let her know he was leaving for Australia. "Hey, Elena. I'll be leaving today, but I'm going to miss you a lot," he admitted.
Elena, smiling through the phone, replied, "Don't worry, Nathan. Focus on your meeting. I'll be here when you get back."
After a few more minutes of sweet conversation, Nathan hung up. He boarded his private jet with Thomas and headed to Australia.
Meanwhile, Elena and Mia went to the hospital for a checkup to ensure Elena's recovery was on track. The doctor gave her a clean bill of health, telling her she could resume work soon. Elena was overjoyed.
Later, while visiting Mia's house, Elena received an email from *Liam's Luxury.* The email invited her to their headquarters for a potential modeling deal. Shocked and ecstatic, she screamed in excitement, showing Mia the email.
"Elena, this is huge! You have to go tomorrow," Mia said.
Elena immediately messaged Nathan about the opportunity, but knowing he was busy, she told him to focus on work.
The following morning, Elena prepared carefully for her meeting. She chose a stunning green short gown Nathan had gifted her and applied light makeup to enhance her natural beauty.
Mia texted her to check if she was on her way. "Yes, I'm leaving now," Elena replied.
When Elena arrived at *Liam's Luxury,* she was struck by the grandeur of the building. Nervously, she was escorted straight to the CEO's office, bypassing other models who were waiting in the reception area. They whispered among themselves, curious about who she was and why she was receiving VIP treatment.
As Elena entered Liam's office, she saw a young, dashing man with a warm smile. Liam, delighted to meet her, stood up and gestured for her to sit.
"I'm Liam, CEO of *Liam's Luxury.* I came across your pictures on Instagram and noticed your impressive profile as a model," he said, shaking her hand.
Elena smiled and introduced herself, feeling at ease. "I'm Elena, and I'd be thrilled to work with your brand."
Liam explained his vision for the collaboration. "We're looking for someone to be the face of our upcoming collection. Your look is exactly what we need."
Elena's eyes lit up. "I'd love to be a part of this project. It's an honor."
After discussing terms, Liam assured her that he would have the contract ready soon. He asked her to take her time reviewing it before signing.
Leaving the meeting, Elena immediately called Mia to share the good news. "Mia, they want me to be their model! Can you believe it?"
Mia screamed with joy over the phone. "Elena, that's amazing! We need to celebrate tonight!"
The two friends spent the evening celebrating, filled with laughter and anticipation for what lay ahead.
As Elena went to bed that night, she couldn't stop smiling. Life was finally looking up, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held.
After finishing his first meeting for the day in Australia, Nathan found himself distracted. His thoughts kept circling back to Elena, wondering how she was doing. Unable to resist any longer, he decided to video call her during a short break.
The moment Elena's phone buzzed with a video call from Nathan, she quickly picked it up, still in her pajamas and sitting on her bed. "Hey Nathan!" she exclaimed, excitement filling her voice. "Did you see my messages? Liam's Luxury called me to be the new face of their collection! I'm so happy!"
Nathan pretended to be surprised, smiling warmly at her enthusiasm. "Wow, Elena, that's incredible! Congratulations on this amazing new beginning. I'm so proud of you," he said.
Elena blushed slightly at his words. "Thank you, Nathan. I can't wait for you to come back so we can celebrate together."
Nathan's voice softened. "I miss you so much already, Elena. This trip feels longer than it should."
Elena smiled. "I miss you too, Nathan. But focus on your meetings and come back as soon as you're done. I'll be waiting."
They continued their conversation for a while, sharing jokes and sweet moments, before finally hanging up.
After the call, Nathan sat on his hotel bed and pulled out his tablet. He decided to check the feed from the CCTV cameras he had secretly installed in Elena's house. He justified it to himself as a way to ensure her safety, especially with her recent accident.
As he watched the live feed, everything seemed normal. Elena was moving about her room, humming softly to herself. But then, she began preparing to take a shower.
Nathan froze as he realized what was happening. Elena, thinking she was alone in the privacy of her home, casually undressed in her room before heading to the bathroom without a towel.
Nathan's breath hitched, and goosebumps covered his skin. His eyes widened as he caught a glimpse of her bare silhouette on the screen. His heart raced, and his mind screamed at him to stop watching. With a shaky hand, he quickly turned off the tablet and leaned back, trying to compose himself.
Realizing he was sweating, Nathan rushed to the bathroom. Still fully dressed, he stepped under the cold shower, letting the water pour over him in an attempt to calm his thoughts.
As he stood there, he whispered to himself, "She has a beautiful shape... No, stop. A sexy body—wait, what am I even saying? Get it together, Nathan!"
He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts, but Elena's image lingered in his mind. Feeling conflicted and guilty, he eventually changed into fresh clothes and went to bed, hoping to put the moment behind him.
Before falling asleep, he whispered to himself, "She deserves my respect, not this. I need to control myself." He turned off the lights, determined to face Elena with a clear mind when he returned home.