“How about it? Have you made a decision yet?”
Early in the morning, Julia visited Arrow in his apartment. She intended to ask Arrow to accompany her in taking care of everything she needed to prepare before leaving for Hawaii tomorrow.
After reconsidering all night, weighing and firming her resolve, Julia finally made up her mind to accept what Santiago offered her.
“Yes, I agree to Santiago’s offer.”
Arrow, sitting on the edge of the bed, immediately smiled broadly. He was glad Julia could think realistically. After all, in this day and age, especially since Julia lived in the entertainment world full of competition, various intrigues, and clever strategies had to be carefully considered. If she didn’t want to fall behind, Julia indeed had to be willing to make unconventional decisions.
“I’m glad you finally made a beneficial decision. I’m sure you’ll succeed in achieving what you dream of.”
Julia nodded in agreement.
“For heaven’s sake. Initially, I was surprised when Santiago asked me to accompany him.”
Arrow laughed. He was sure Julia would be surprised. From the start, he didn’t give much explanation, deliberately wanting to see how Julia would react to something like this.
“You’re so naive. This kind of thing is very common in the entertainment world. There’s no such thing as a free lunch, darling. If you want to succeed quickly, you have to sacrifice something. That’s why I didn’t immediately tell you about this instant method.”
Julia nodded again. Although Arrow’s methods seemed extreme and dangerous, she didn’t feel angry or blame the man at all. Nor did she think that Arrow wanted to take advantage of her or just profit from the situation.
Moreover, Julia was free to decide whether to proceed or reject it. Even though Arrow had often been Julia’s partner for fun in bed, Julia still had full power over herself.
“But… after thinking it over, it’s okay if I have to try it. Besides, it’s for the sake of my career and my dreams all this time.”
“That’s why I like you, Julia Estelle. What about your husband?”
Julia sighed softly. Her face looked relaxed. There was no hint of regret or guilt over the significant decision that actually greatly affected her married life.
“I’m still sane and not crazy, Arrow. Of course, Edward doesn’t know. And I’m sure he’ll never know about this. We’ve been able to have fun behind his back for the past year alone. So, it doesn’t seem to matter if I accept Santiago’s offer. Most importantly, there’s a huge reward waiting for me later. Just imagine, Arrow. If I can convince and please Santiago, he will contract me exclusively for a full year.”
Arrow smiled broadly. The man also wore a happy expression.
“Even Elijah Hadid hasn’t been able to attract Santiago’s attention, Julia. You know Megan Rayes, right?”
Julia nodded. She certainly knew who the woman Arrow was referring to.
“Megan, the senior NXY model who just became Santiago’s ambassador, right?”
“You’re right. Megan only got a contract for one season. Very different from you, who will immediately get an exclusive offer for a full year. Honestly, I really hope your departure to Hawaii tomorrow will make Santiago happy.”
Julia nodded eagerly. Her face looked impatient.
“That’s why I’m a bit nervous. We both know that Santiago must be very experienced and certainly has his own standards for the kind of woman he deems worthy.”
Arrow didn’t deny this. Because he had to make Santiago happy until he finally made a choice, Arrow wanted to help Julia prepare everything thoroughly.
“What if we do a trial run first?”
“Meaning?”
Arrow smiled slyly. He pulled Julia closer, then sat her on his lap. Then, Arrow brushed aside Julia’s loose hair, and he kissed her softly while whispering directly into her ear.
“I mean, what if today I teach you first how to style yourself to conquer Santiago in bed. Consider it a warm-up. And I’m sure this method will be able to make him kneel before you.”
Julia didn’t refuse at all. Especially since Edward had rarely wanted to have sex in recent months. This made her spend more time in bed with Arrow.
“Alright then. But, you have to guarantee that the style you teach me will make Santiago surrender in my hands.”
Arrow laughed. He lifted Julia up, then slowly laid her on his bed.
“I guarantee Santiago will definitely choose you.”
***
After spending the whole day out and getting everything ready, Julia immediately returned home. To avoid provoking Edward’s anger, she accompanied her husband to take Bella for a prenatal check-up.
“How’s the condition of the pregnancy? Everything is fine, right?”
Julia asked seriously. But, seeing Samuel looking calm, she believed there was nothing to worry about regarding Bella’s pregnancy.
“The pregnancy Bella is experiencing is excellent. The condition of the baby is also very good. Developing significantly and appropriate for its age.”
“Thank goodness. Then, in your opinion, will Bella give birth normally or by cesarean?”
Samuel sat down first. Folding his shirt sleeves, he then explained.
“Judging from the current weight of the baby, there’s a possibility that Bella will give birth through cesarean. I believe that if Bella’s eating pattern remains stable like now, there’s a chance the baby will be large when the pregnancy reaches eight to nine months.”
“Whether it’s a normal or cesarean process, I leave everything to you, Sam. I’m sure you know what’s best for the mother and the baby.”
Edward spoke up. He had been listening attentively the whole time. Actually, Edward was always enthusiastic about every prenatal check-up schedule for Bella. He even often consulted with Samuel just to discuss the development of their unborn child.
“Just relax, Ed. As a doctor, of course, I will do my best for my patient.”
“Since there’s no problem, when should Bella come for her next check-up?” Julia asked afterward. Wanting to make sure if the check-up schedule coincided with her work schedule.
“You can bring her back in a month or when her pregnancy reaches 20 weeks.” Then Samuel turned to Bella, who was sitting quietly listening. “Since your pregnancy is now in the second trimester, I suggest you continue to exercise regularly. You can continue swimming, walking, or doing yoga.”
Bella nodded in understanding. After Samuel finished talking with Edward and Julia, the three of them decided to go home.
Arriving home, Julia continued to try to please Edward. Winning his heart before finally revealing her plan to travel soon.
“What is it you really want?”
Edward questioned when Julia seemed to be acting unusually. Even when Edward was relaxing on the bed, Julia suddenly started massaging his feet alternately. Of course, Edward was surprised. During their marriage, his wife had never acted strangely like this.
“I’m sure there’s something you want to ask me, right?”
Julia stopped her massage. She then got into the blankets, hugged Edward tightly, kissed both his cheeks alternately, and cuddled affectionately.
“Why do you think like that?”
A sigh escaped Edward’s lips.
“I know your behavior, Julia,” he replied afterward. “During our marriage, you’ve never acted strangely like this. Unless there’s something you want to ask for.”
Julia immediately pouted. It wasn’t easy to act in front of Edward.
“Oh God. I’ve sincerely done all this.”
“Just say what you want?”
Julia remained silent for a moment. Searching for the best words before finally expressing her intentions and goals for acting strangely earlier.
“I want to ask for permission to go to Hawaii for seven days starting tomorrow.”
Edward immediately turned his head. His previously neutral face now turned sour.
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes, dear. Santiago Moralez has opened an opportunity for all top models to become their main brand ambassador. If I want to be chosen, I have to undergo a qualifying round for a week in Hawaii. You know yourself that —”
“Is this your dream? And you really want to go so that what you’ve been dreaming of can be achieved?”
Julia nodded repeatedly. Thank goodness Edward understood what she meant.
“Yes, dear.”
“Even if I forbid you, you’ll still go, right? So, what’s the point of asking for permission?”
“Edward…” Julia deliberately softened her voice. “Don’t be angry.”
“No.” Edward shook his head. “I’m not angry. I’m just fed up. Even tomorrow, you promised to celebrate my birthday together. But where’s the evidence?”
Julia took a deep breath. She forgot that she had promised to go out to dinner and celebrate her husband’s birthday. But, if she refused Santiago’s invitation, there was no guarantee she would get another chance in the future to become the number one top model.
“I’m really sorry. For God’s sake, I can’t miss this golden opportunity. For your birthday celebration, I promise to celebrate it as soon as I return from Hawaii. How about it?”
“No need,” Edward replied irritably. “Go ahead. I can celebrate my birthday on my own. If you want, I can also learn to do everything without you.”
Edward got up from the bed. Choosing to sleep on the couch with a very angry and resentful feeling.
Even the next day, when Julia said goodbye, he didn’t care at all. Instead of taking her to the airport, Edward chose to leave early in the morning for the office.
Julia herself was ultimately accompanied by Arrow. When they arrived at the airport, she was immediately greeted by Santiago, who had just arrived. The man welcomed her enthusiastically. Happy that Julia accepted what he offered.
“I’m sure you’ve made a very right decision, Miss Julia.”
Santiago took Julia’s wrist. He gave her a quick kiss. Then looked at her with shining eyes.
“Yes. I’m also sure I won’t disappoint you.”
Santiago laughed.
“Let’s see together if during your time in Hawaii you can convince me that you’re the best among the rest.”
Santiago then held Julia’s hand affectionately to enter the VIP lounge. Unbeknownst to them, Kairos was also about to travel abroad and was walking not far from them.