Page 1 of Face-Off with my Childhood Best Friend

Chapter 1

Nadia

“Break a leg, Nadia.”

I come face to face with Belle Palmer, the world’s top model. We're in the backstage room ready to walk the runway.

“I’m going to try my best not to.” I grin, sticking my leg out and showing her my shoes.

All the other models’ eyes are drawn to her captivating beauty and commanding presence.

It’s Paris Couture Week, and I’m walking for the British designer ZaraMac. Her garments are super chic, somewhere between elegance and high fashion.

Too expensive for my budget. But even though it’s pricy, the garment clings to my form, highlighting my silhouette flawlessly.

My dress is a soft, pastel green, with an off-the-shoulder design that highlights my figure. It cinches at the waist, creating a flattering silhouette that flows down to mid-calf.

These four inch high heels are torture on my feet, and I can’t help but worry that Belle cursed me.

I don’t aspire to be the model who falls and loses her slipper like Cinderella, especially since I split up with my Prince Charming recently.

Or was he?

The music starts. A pulsating rhythm that sets the pace for the models as they confidently strut down the runway.

Being ZaraMac’s prime model, Belle strides onto the runway first.

Her hips sway with a graceful fluidity, capturing the attention of everyone around her. As she reaches the end of the runway, she exudes confidence, her hand slamming on her hips, ready to face the photographers ahead.

Flashing lights capture the moment before she turns and struts back toward me.

As my cue approaches, my heart begins to race. As I take a deep breath, I feel my blood and adrenaline pumping through my veins.

Even after five years, the exhilarating feeling still remains, never losing its intensity. Though it never stops me from worrying.

As I make my way onto the runway, the intense brightness of the lights momentarily blinds me, but I quickly regain my focus and let my training take over, strutting confidently towards the end.

Whatever it takes to showcase this dress.

It’s not too challenging. The dress embraces my body so perfectly that it feels like a second skin, its fabric flowing gracefully with every step. Against my dark hair, its pale green hue creates a striking contrast that highlights my green eyes. At least that’s what ZaraMac envisioned.

I glide forward, sensing the gazes of admiration from both fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders, their eyes fixed on me as I embody ZaraMac’s vision. It’s a surreal experience, almost like a fairy tale, and one that I’ve learned to love.

If only my love life were as successful as my career.

And as the cameras flash all around me, I know I belong here, despite the doubts that have plagued me.

Continuing my walk forward on the polished catwalk, the pulsating music reverberates through my body, perfectly in sync with my confident strides.

I love this job; I travel all over the world, but it doesn’t stop me from missing home.

It’s ever since the actor Dominic Logan dumped me. He used the excuse that we were on different pages, pointing out that at twenty-four years old, I wasn’t ready to start a family.

He had a cheek, considering he was a cheating rat and also he never wanted children.

That’s actors for you.

And to be honest, I am ready for children in my life. I always have been. And he knew I was. Just not with Dominic.

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