“Darling… you came to see my performance tonight, didn’t you?”
Julia had just come out of the bathroom. She approached Edward, who was standing in the walk-in closet, selecting clothes.
“If you don’t want me to come, I don’t mind.”
Julia approached. She pouted playfully.
“Who said you couldn’t? I’m asking because I want to make sure you’re coming.”
“Yes… I’ll come tonight.” Edward then continued selecting clothes. He pulled out a black shirt from the wardrobe, preparing to put it on. “But, Julia…” Edward interrupted. He seemed to remember something. “I just remembered that tonight coincides with Bella’s prenatal check-up schedule.”
“Oh my.” Julia exclaimed. “I almost forgot. How many weeks along is the check-up tonight?”
Edward recalled for a moment. Carefully calculating how far along Bella’s pregnancy currently was. “It’s already 16 weeks. Should I be the one to take Bella to see Samuel?”
“And you’re willing to miss my performance tonight?” Julia sighed. Her expression immediately turned displeased.
“What about it? Doesn’t Samuel require Bella to have her check-ups every two weeks or at least once a month?”
“What if we just take Bella for her check-up tomorrow? Being one day late shouldn’t be a problem. The important thing is that tonight, you have to see my performance first.”
To ensure whether postponing the check-up was permissible, Edward contacted Samuel first. After his friend gave the green light, Edward finally left to watch the fashion show tonight feeling relieved.
Actually, this wasn’t the first time for Edward to see how Julia performed on the catwalk. Honestly, he was proud of his wife’s appearance and achievements. However, in the past year, Edward had often felt annoyed. Julia seemed to prioritize her job over their relationship.
“Congratulations. Your performance was excellent tonight.”
After over an hour of watching and following the fashion show until it ended, Edward handed a bouquet of flowers to Julia. He was proud of the best performance his wife showed tonight.
“Thank you, Darling. I’m glad you were here tonight.”
“How about we celebrate the success of your performance tonight with dinner at our favorite restaurant?”
Edward thought Julia would agree. But instead, she shook her head, rejecting his offer.
“Sorry, Darling. It seems I can’t.”
“Do you still have a schedule?”
Julia shook her head again. Instead of answering, she threw a question.
“Do you know Santiago Moralez?”
Edward nodded. He knew exactly who Julia was referring to.
“The Italian designer and owner of the Santiago brand, right?”
“Yes.” Julia nodded. “Thank goodness you know. Tonight, he invited me for a talk. Who knows, Santiago’s team might want to offer me a deal to become their product ambassador.”
“So, you can’t go to dinner with me tonight?”
Regrettably, Julia shook her head. Her refusal made Edward’s face slightly uneasy.
“Don’t be mad. How about we reserve a restaurant for a romantic dinner the day after tomorrow? And also celebrate your birthday?”
Apparently, Julia remembered that the day after tomorrow was Edward’s birthday. Her offer was immediately approved by her husband.
“Alright. That’s fine. Should I wait for you so we can go home together?”
“No need,” Julia refused. “Let Arrow take me. You can go home and rest first.”
With nothing more to discuss, Edward decided to go home first. While Julia immediately approached Arrow. As they had planned beforehand, Arrow invited Julia to meet Santiago privately in the VIP room provided by the event organizers.
“Good evening, Mr. Santiago.”
Entering the room, Arrow immediately greeted Santiago politely, who was chatting with his colleague at that time. Seeing Arrow’s arrival, the 50-year-old man smiled.
“Arron Carter. It’s nice to see you again.”
“I’m also glad to see you here.”
Santiago then glanced at Julia, scanning her appearance from head to toe.
“So, is she the supermodel you were talking about this afternoon?”
Arrow nodded.
“Yes, you’re right. What do you think? She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”
“Very beautiful and sexy. I like her appearance.”
“In that case, I will give you privacy to talk privately. If you need anything, just call me outside.”
Together with Santiago’s colleague, Arrow decided to leave the room. He intentionally left Julia alone with Santiago.
“So, you’re the one named Julia Estelle?”
Santiago patted the surface of the sofa beside him. He gestured for Julia to sit next to him.
“Yes, Mr. Santiago. I’m Julia.”
“Oh my. No need to be too formal. You can call me Santiago to make it more friendly.”
“Okay, Santiago.”
Santiago seemed to relax his shoulders. He sat more casually than before.
“I heard from Arrow that you’re a highly accomplished model. Are you interested in becoming the ambassador for my brand?”
Julia nodded eagerly. When else would she get such a golden opportunity?
“Of course, I do.”
Santiago smiled meaningfully.
“But, nothing comes for free in this world.”
Julia remained silent for a moment. She carefully processed Santiago’s words.
“Are you suggesting that there are conditions I need to fulfill to become the ambassador for your brand?”
Santiago nodded.
“Of course. I’m sure Arrow has informed you that I greatly appreciate beautiful and sexy women.”
“Yes. Arrow has informed me.”
“That means, you also know that you have to indulge me before getting the position you want?”
Julia was startled. How could she have been unaware of this? She thought that a beautiful and sexy appearance was needed for photoshoots. She never imagined that the primary requirement for success was to indulge the owner of the renowned brand. Just as Arrow said, how could she be so naive?
“You mean-”
“Yes! I will give you a one-year contract as a model and the number one ambassador. This means you’ll be the main model, and your face will be featured in all Santiago stores and advertisements worldwide. But, on the condition that you have to indulge me and convince me that you’re worthy of being chosen.”
Julia swallowed hard. Although she didn’t deny her mischief behind Edward’s back, she had only been having fun with Arrow. It had never crossed her mind to gain benefits by sleeping with or indulging influential people. But, on the other hand, Santiago’s offer was very tempting and the only fast way for her to achieve what she dreamed of.
“What do you say? Golden opportunities don’t come twice, right?”
Julia took a slow breath. She then convinced herself to make a decision.
“Alright, I agree. So, what do I need to do?”
Santiago smiled meaningfully. He was pleased that his offer was well-received.
“Prepare yourself. The day after tomorrow, you have to accompany me to Hawaii for one week. There, prove to me that you’re the person worthy of my choice.”