ESTELLE
"Answer me, God dammit!" I sparked, redialing my stupid manager's line.
I have been trying to reach him for some days now, and he just chose to avoid me, because of my suspension. But with the show taking place tomorrow, I couldn't wait any longer.
"Answer you bastard! Why are you doing this to me?!" I groaned, pacing about in my room.
"I don't have much time. Tomorrow is the big day. If I don't get into that show, I won't become the Universal Queen." I pondered, still pacing about.
Heading down to the Runway centre isn't an issue, but getting that form and taking part in the show is the main problem. I need my manager's help in getting the boss to remove me from suspension.
Despite the news of my failed wedding and my baby's loss, my boss hasn't contacted me to know how I'm doing. I don't even know if he's aware of what happened.
"Maybe I should drive down there and see the manager. Seems that's the only thing to do," I reasoned, making up my mind.
Quickly, I took hold of my phone and rushed out of the room. When I got to the stairs, I met father with four workers from his company, talking about Argon and how to get him to partner with them.
Ever since the news of Argon's reinstation was announced publicly, father has been acting like a maniac, trying to call Argon. But he had no luck, as he kept getting a decline or no response from him.
He has been restless, calling the attention of his staffs, and making plans on how to get Argon to work with him. "I know him well. That fine young man will surely listen to me when we pay him a visit," Father bragged, ordering them to make plans for the visit.
I watched him, feeling hurt with the fact that my own father has decided to ignore my presence, after knowing the truth about his grandchild's death.
But I know well that when he sees me as the universal queen of that show, he will have no choice but to accept me back. All these malice will be a thing of the past.
Hurrying out, I got into one of the cars and drove off, heading down to the runway hall to see the manager.
When I stepped into the building, I was lucky enough to spot my manager entering one of the rooms with a group of models, preparing them for tomorrow's show.
With speed, I rushed up to meet him, before he would disappear into the room. I dragged him from the collar, pulling him back.
"Who's this fool that... Estelle?" He was stunned when he turned around and found me standing before him.
"Hello, manager. Did you miss me?" I glared, crossing my arms at him.
"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be resting after what happened to you?"
"After what happened? That means you all knew about my state and didn't even bother to check up!" I groaned, offended by what he just said.
"Does the boss know about this?" I asked, curious to know if that huge man has an info as well.
But my manager had no clue. He just shrugged at me and said, " I can't really say because he hasn't been around."
Hearing that, I assumed he has heard the news but concluded that a weak Estelle wants to lay down and mourn her baby's loss. I'm going to make him see that this model has no time for tears.
"See, the show is starting tomorrow. I really need to take part in the program!" I said, grabbing the manager by the arm and expressing my desire.
He sighed at me and said, taking my hand off his arm, "I am not the boss here. If you want to see him then you have to show up at the venue tomorrow, before the show starts. You might just be lucky to spot him."
"Tomorrow? No problem. I'll be there as early as possible," I accepted, nodding at his words, even though it sounded like forever to my ears.
Tomorrow is too far. But if that's the time I can see the boss, then I can bear it.
.
When the morning came, I got myself ready to take my place as the queen. I rushed out of the mansion without father noticing. He was still in his bedroom, sleeping.
I made my way down to the venue, which was well decorated from the outside, with a large poster of a silhouette model putting on a diamond crown on her head.
The sight of this bloomed my heart. I am finally at the ground where all my story will change. "This is it, Estelle. Today is the day you'll fulfill your greatest dream ever," I smiled, walking into the building.
The place was large and had decorators running from one place to another, trying to get everything ready before the time.
I was busy passing by the busy workers, aiming for the dressing room at the back, where all the models would be. And where my co-models are, the boss is present.
Rushing over there, I spotted a lady in a blue dress, walking towards the dressing room. "Excuse me! Please, wait!" I called, running up to her.
The moment I got closer to this lady, who turned around to face me, my feet came to a stop on seeing her face.
"Do my eyes deceive me, or isn't this Estelle the fallen model?" Maya gasped,cupping her cheek.
Why her? Why not a different model with a brain?
Damn it!
"What brings you here? I thought the boss said you should stay back and nurse your baby? " She asked, drawing nearer to me.
I was ready to push her back on seeing how she drew closer, but my heart skittered when this witch brought up my baby, faking tears. "Oh, I forgot! You didn't get married after the disaster. And your baby... Poor Estelle." She sniffed, opening her arms wide for a hug.
Seeing this, I slapped Maya's hands from touching me, only for this monster to start laughing out loudly, showing her nasty nature.
"Brat! You have no human sympathy! I lost my child and the best you can do is laugh?!" I scolded her.
Maya calmed her laughter, rolling her eyes at me. "Oh please! Who are you deceiving with your fake motherly love? I bet that baby's death didn't affect you one bit." She smirked, pointing at my stomach.
"Other's may be blind to see what really happened, thinking Princess Estelle's child died due to an attack. But what if it wasn't?" She grinned, causing my heart to skip in fear.
Does this witch know the truth? No, she's just trying to break my spirit. She knows why I'm here!
With courage, I fired back at Maya, " Say whatever you want to say, but I know your plans won't work. You are afraid that I'll get into the show and steal your spotlight. You don't want the true queen to step in."
"Ha! Miss wannabe, " Maya scoffed. "You don't scare me one bit. You are the one who's afraid, that's why you're trying to sound confident. But sorry Estelle, it ain't working."
Sharp mouth! I was prepared to deliver another word to this annoying woman, when the one I came here for, stepped out of a room.
"Boss! " I called immediately, pushing Maya out of my way and rushing up to him.
My boss didn't even notice me until he heard my call. He looked and was stunned. "Estelle? What are you doing here? " He questioned.
Finally standing before my gate pass, I innocently brought up my condition, so as to win his sympathy. "Things haven't been going well for me. The wedding had to be called off because of what happened. I feel so lost," I said, wrapping my arms across my chest, playing the victim game.
I lifted my eyes at my boss, who then said without any sign of emotion on his face, " I heard. Sorry about your lost."
Is that it? No hugs or patting on the shoulder? Seems I'll have to dive deeper.
Rubbing my arms, I asked the Boss for a favor, "I know you suspended me because of my baby, but can I just take part in this show and get my confidence back? The loss was so hard on me. The only way I can feel good is by doing what I love most, and that's modelling."
Lowering my head, I added, repeating my want, "Can I take part in this show? Just in this event, and I promise to head back home and take good care of..."
"Seems you didn't quite understand your suspension, Estelle," The boss interrupted, leaving me in confusion.
"I only claimed to suspend you because of your baby, but indirectly I was suspending you for all your bad records in the organization. Your presence is ruining business!"
"What?!" I gasped at this, feeling my whole body vibrating.
Maya, who was still behind me, began to laugh out loudly. "Oh, this is so sweet! " She cackled.
"Bad records? But... I'm the face of the organization."
"Not anymore. We have found someone who's worthy of representing us at today's event. She has what it takes to be on that runway, not you."
He found someone else?
I turned my head over to Maya's point and saw her smirking at me. My heart began to pound in fear. Has this witch finally overthrown me?