Subtly studying Brandon’s pallor,Natalie’s concern deepened.
Balancing his company’s affairs while also managing her studio must have led to his insufficient sleep and weary appearance.
Contemplating this,Natalie clutched Brandon’s hand,a blend of empathy and remorse surging within her.”Once the fashion show concludes,I’ll take a two-day hiatus and cook some scrumptious meals for you to help you rejuvenate.”
Brandon had been grappling with the elusive whereabouts of the enigmatic pharmacist recently, but he refrained from revealing his genuine distress to Natalie to avoid causing her to worry.
Specifically,the report he received last night from his subordinates indicating that the pharmacist was untraceable nearly kept him awake until the break of dawn.
It wasn’t fear of the pharmacist that kept him up, but concern that the pharmacist might harbor sinister intentions towards Natalie,leaving him ill-
prepared to counter
However,the weight of his worries seemed to dissolve gradually under the warmth of Natalie’s attentive gaze and comforting words,much like ice succumbing to the soft warmth of sunlight.
He found himself smiling,remarking,”Just hearing your plans to cook for me is something I eagerly anticipate.”
Natalie beamed brightly,her eyes sparkling with playful determination.”Don’t worry,I assure you it’ll be a feast you’ll relish!”
As he watched her radiant,sun-like smile,Brandon felt a subtle skip in his heartbeat.The feeling of his heart being stirred by her warmth spread throughout his chest.
Indeed,regardless of the time he spent with Natalie, she never failed to stir his emotions.
Natalie waved her hand in front of Brandon,her brows furrowing slightly.”Why so silent?Do you doubt my cooking skills?”
Brandon emerged from his reverie,seized Natalie’s wrist,and responded with a teasing smirk,”I was just pondering if Ive been falling short of your expectations lately.”
Natalie,looking slightly puzzled,asked,”What do you mean?’
Brandon leaned closer,locking eyes with Natalie as his playful smile broadened.“Why else would you assume I’m not well and express a desire to take care of me?Or …”
His warm breath grazed her ear,his voice husky and suggestive.”Shall I prove my vitality to you tonight?”
Natalie felt a shiver course through her as
Brandon’s words echoed in her ears.Her cheeks burned.Glancing nervously around,she noted that the models,seemingly intimidated by Brandon’s commanding aura,had moved away,and were likely oblivious to their exchange.She exhaled a sigh of relief.
Collecting herself,she shot a glare at Brandon,his face alight with a cheeky grin.
Now, Brandon was becoming increasingly audacious,unabashedly flirting with her in public!
Brandon reveled in Natalie’s expression,a knowing smirk playing on his lips as he chuckled,”Are you sure you don’t want to test my claims?I believe l’m still quite robust.”
Natalie gave his waist a light pinch,caught between embarrassment and annoyance.”We’re in public, behave yourself!”
Spotting the flush on Natalie’s face,he yielded with an impish smile
Just when Natalie thought she could finally relax, she saw Brandon shift his stance,his towering figure casting a protective shadow over her.
“You’re absolutely right.”Brandon replied,a playful gleam in his eye.
Natalie cocked an eyebrow in confusion.”What are you talking about?”
“You’re right,public flirting isn’t appropriate,”
Brandon chuckled,lightly pinching Natalie’s flushed cheek. “Your charming and captivating expressions should only be for my eyes.”
“Brandon!”Natalie’s foot hit the floor in a flustered stomp
The sound drew the attention of nearby models, causing them to glance in their direction.Natalie swiftly covered her mouth,leaving only a pair of indignantly glaring eyes focused on Brandon.
As they teased and bantered,time swiftly ticked by.
The models paraded down the runway with elegance and grace,earning applause from the audience and fostering a vibrant atmosphere.
The dressing room,situated behind the stage, afforded Natalie a clear view of the garments adorning the models.She was spellbound by the designs.
The fashion show was a gathering of renowned industry figures,each intent on outshining the others.As such,the event showcased an array of remarkable designs.
While Natalie was mesmerized by the designs, absorbing lessons from each,she also felt her anxiety mount.
The contest among the fashion maestros could hinge on the minutest details.Even a minor hiccup could spell disastrous failure.
She found herself silently pleading-let there be no unforeseen mishaps.
Brandon held Natalies hand and immediately noticed that her palms were sweating.
He tightened his grip on her small hand and comforted her in a gentle voice,”Don’t worry. Although there are several talented designers out there,you’re one of the best.”
Natalie’s lips curled into a slight smile,albeit a somewhat stiff one,as she battled her nerves.
Brandon gently stroked her hand.”Your designs possess a very unique and distinct style that sets you apart from other designers.It makes you stand out and gives you a competitive edge.”
His words had a calming effect on Natalie,easing the restlessness in her heart.She took a deep breath,with her forced smile relaxing into a more natural expression.”You’re absolutely right.I do have a competitive edge. Besides,this is my first time participating in such an important fashion show.As long as l learn something from the experience,I’ll be satisfied.Winning a prize isn’t all that necessary,”she replied.
Brandon nodded in agreement.”I’m glad to hear you say that.No matter the outcome,you’re still young and talented,and therell be plenty of opportunities for you in the future.”
Natalie’s eyes shimmered with determination and excitement.”Exactly.My main goal is to showcase my skills and deliver a good performance.If I’m able to do that,I’ll be very pleased.”
As they spoke,the time for Natalie’s designs to take the stage drew closer.
After exchanging pleasantries with her two models who had just returned from the restroom,Natalie asked that they change into the outfits they’d be wearing for the runway.
Unforeseen circumstances,however,had a way of always catching people off guard.
The two models had barely finished changing when they simultaneously clutched their chests in pain,their breathing becoming labored.
“I feel awful …”
“Me too.I can’t breathe properly.”
Natalie had never expected to be faced with such a turn of events.She had meticulously thought through almost every possibility,but hadn’t anticipated the models suddenly falling ill right before they were scheduled to walk the runway. She had asked a team of medical professionals to perform a check-up on them in the morning,after which they’d been declared fit and healthy.How then could things have suddenly turned out this way?
Now,however,wasn’t the time for analysis or speculation.The models’condition appeared to be getting worse,as their faces turned red due to shortness of breath.
Natalie clenched her fists and took a deep breath, steadying herself.Then,she spoke in a calm voice. “Lexi,go find the security and medical staff.We need them to assess the condition of the models.” She then turned to the models and said,”Could you please takeoff your clothes?”
The models nodded and quickly made their way to the changing room.They carefully took the clothes off and handed them to Natalie.
“Sorry,we’d never expected something like this to happen,”the models muttered.Their flushed faces reflected the difficulty they were having breathing. Despite the pain,however,they mustered the strength to apologize to Natalie for the unexpected turn of events.
‘Please don’t blame yourselves,”Natalie reassured them,shaking her head with a concerned expression.”Just get some rest.Your well-being is of utmost importance right now.”
The two models nodded in appreciation.”Thank you for being so understanding.”
Right at that moment,Lexi rushed in with the medical staff.They swiftly took the models to a nearby rest area for immediate treatment.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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