Chapter 122
Zara
“Come on.” Alpha Kane led me to the stairs. I noticed that they, too, could only be accessed by fingerprints, and I wondered who else besides Alpha Kane had access.
Alpha Kane placed his right hand on the white touch sensor, and the glass door clicked open, revealing a black marble staircase with deep silver lines.
The staircase seemed lonely; no one was using it.
Alpha Kane offered me his arm, and I graciously took it as we began to descend. The silence between us felt awkward, so I asked,
“Will you be choosing a model today p>
“Yes, I can’t put it off any longer, or it will affect our program. We need to rehearse p>
I realized that tomorrow would be the beginning of December. Time was running out.
Having reached the right floor, Alpha Kane opened the door with his free hand, and we stepped out. We were heading to the rehearsal room, where a temporary ramp had been installed. It wasn’t permanent, as the main event was to take place in Sterling’s studio; it was intended only for such events.
The security guard at the entrance greeted us respectfully and opened the door for us to enter the back of the spacious room.
It served as a model prep area and was equipped with all sorts of large mirrors, bright lighting, hangers, and seating.
There were about 15-20 people inside, and all eyes turned to us as we approached.
“Good morning, Mr. Sterling p>
“Good morning, sir!” Greetings flew from all sides as he led me forward, not letting go.
“Good morning, everyone. I hope everything is going well,” Alpha Kane said, looking around at his staff.
The head of costume design hurried toward us. He was a man in his forties with a tape measure hanging around his neck. His presence and enthusiasm demonstrated how seriously the people under Alpha took their work.
“Sir, let’s try on your suit and show you the ramp.” “Mr. Whittle’s already tried it on.” He pointed to a corner where several models, including Ronald, were putting the finishing touches on their suits.
He waved at us, smug and handsome in his royal purple three-piece suit. A perfect example for the surfing community.
In fact, all the male models there were incredibly tall, with chiseled faces and figures that seemed honed to perfection by hours of work in the gym.
I couldn’t even imagine that five minutes in the gym would make me utterly bored. I’d rather maintain my curves and physique.
Alpha Kane caught me ogling the half-naked male models: some were getting their hair done, others were getting the finishing touches on their makeup.
“Zara, why don’t you go wait in the hallway. Let the men gather.” Alpha Kane blocked my view with his broad chest, and I had to purse my lips, realizing how much asshole Alpha didn’t want me to stare.
“Of course! I can’t wait to see you on the runway.” I gently stroked his arm, rose on my toes, kissed him lightly on the cheek, and walked away.
I could only guess Alpha Kane must have rubbed the spot where I’d kissed him.
Approaching the front of the room, I saw the ramp installed. It was a graceful, elevated section that showcased the dynamic gait of the models. Overhead, a constellation of spotlights and LED panels illuminated the ramp in dynamic hues, shifting from cool blue to warm gold.
I loved this setup; watching the sparkling ramp was always captivating. I loved watching the models show off their skills and costumes.
Seats were located to the right, left, and front of the ramp; I approached one of them and settled comfortably.
Several female models and an employee from other departments had gathered to watch the rehearsals. Everyone did too. Their turn was right after the male models, and today Alpha Kane was supposed to be present at the rehearsal and announce the main guest, so it was a big moment.
All eyes darted my way: some warm and friendly, others cold and indifferent.
I smiled, and many returned the smile.
As I sat down, there were whispers and glances. I knew the rumor that I was Alpha Kane’s girlfriend must have spread by now, and everyone wanted to see.
“Is she really Mr. Sterling’s girlfriend?” the girl to my right muttered.
“That’s exactly what they’re saying,” another quietly replied. “I just heard it from Halima (Alpha’s event planner p>
“Amanda, did you see? Mr. Sterling already has a girlfriend; “Your hesitation has cost you dearly,” another model whispered, and my ears perked up.
Amanda Bilock? The one who had surgery and was going to showstopper with Alpha Kane?
“Ah! We’ll see. I didn’t know he preferred women like The last word was muffled when a haughty, prideful reply came from my right.
I slowly turned my head and looked at the girl curiously. Dark black hair, fish-like lips, a slender figure, and heavy breasts that practically screamed of being surgically enhanced. Real breasts are always like tears.
She turned her head in my direction, and I saw disdain splashing in her deep green eyes. She was clearly looking down on me. I silently held her gaze and gave her a very fake smile.
Raising my hand, I wiggled my fingers in her direction.
“Hello!” Several models smiled and returned my greeting. But Amanda merely crossed her endless legs, causing her short dress to ride up even further, revealing her slender hips. Her body was beautiful, and I wished her demeanor were the same.
It’s a shame so many girls now think their behavior makes them sexy or something. In our globalized world, everyone’s an influencer. So little modesty, but so much attitude.
“Here we go,” someone announced, and everyone’s attention turned to the runway. The lights changed, and music began to play.
I was overcome with excitement; I couldn’t take my eyes off the runway.
Two male models appeared on my left and right, wearing long black wool winter coats of varying styles and ivy caps pulled low on their heads. Their walk was synchronized, as if they were moving to the beat of the music.
The girls to my right and behind me whistled as the two men lowered their caps and looked at them pointedly, trying not to smile.
The walks continued. The event manager stood to the right of the runway, observing every movement and adjusting it as needed.
I focused on the suits, and the entire collection presented was impeccable, crafted, and put together to perfection.
The departments truly outdid themselves: the designers, the couturiers, the tailors, everyone worked flawlessly on the outfits.
And then Ronald walked out, confident and smug. The models’ whistles grew louder, and he winked at them, pointing at each one as if he knew them personally.
Amanda’s smile widened at the sight of him, and she rubbed her bare thigh. I remembered what Ronald had said about Amanda: they’d just slept together, and yet she was still bothered by Alpha Kane having a girlfriend.
What was wrong with girls these days?
And the thought of her having sex with Alpha Kane under the sheets seemed somehow wrong.
Jealousy washed over me, squeezing my heart tightly.