Olivia got back into the queue after helping Emma, although she left, not wanting to join the audition again.
As time went on, the long straight line was getting smaller. Several girls who were disqualified were trooping out of the building, their faces scrunched in anger.
Just as they kept going, joining the line as it shortens, Olivia heard whispers at her back.
“Omg how can she be dressed as a tomboy and come for an audition?”
“Valerie, you’re just so jealous. Look, she’s beautiful and has a nice figure from the back. Look at those smooth long legs!”
“Nonsense! Who’s jealous? She’s just lucky to have a nice body, who knows, her face might be too ugly.” She sneered.
Just then, Olivia turned to look at them, they were obviously discussing her, as if she wasn’t there.
“Oh my god!” the girl who defended her earlier gasped, widening her eyes in shock.
The girl who seems to be Valerie paused, suddenly knitting her brows, as she stared at Olivia dumbfounded.
“Don’t you think it’s unwise to talk behind people’s back? Especially when the person is right in front of you.” Olivia stated and turned away.
Although they couldn’t see her face clearly, because of the baseball cap she had on, her beauty was obvious.
Both girls didn’t say another word, until Olivia went into the mall.
As expected inside the building was crowded with people trooping in and out. She was directed by one of the officials into another large building.
There was a stage inside the room, surrounded by the officials, judges and director.
Olivia’s eyes darted around the whole place, when her eyes stopped on a large poster. On it was written the awards given to the winners of the contest.
She took her time to read through the poster.
The contest was hosted by a Fashion industry, the name wasn’t written there, but it seemed to be a famous industry. They’re looking for newbies who would be the models of their designs.
Actually, it’s like an auction. After they get to select as many people as needed. Those people would wear the outfits on display on the auction day, and whoever outfit that was sold at the highest price, would be the winner.
“Interesting.” Olivia hummed, her gaze reading the awards meant for the winners.
“50 Million pesos!” she gasped, covering her mouth, so as not to shout.
50 Million pesos for the first person, and other items which would be given to him/her. 25 Million for the second person, and 10 Million for the third person.
At this point, Olivia had already made up her mind to win at any cost. Even though she got only 50 Million, at least it was half of Morgan’s money.
One is better than nothing.
She adjusted her clothes, and refocused on the stage. There was a girl who was currently displaying. She was beautiful, with a nice figure, but her eyes weren’t confident as she walked.
After she was done, the judges disqualified her, and called up the next person which was Olivia.
If anything, Olivia was confident about herself, especially her looks. She walked into the room, her watering eyes bold and confident.
“What Is your name?” A judge asked.
“I’m Olivia, sir.”
“Alright Olivia, do you have something to say to us?”
“I think it’s a thank you speech, but that should be after I’ve won.” She smiled.
“Wow, she’s so confident.” Another judge piped in, staring amusingly at Olivia.
“Let’s see what you’ve got, then.”
Olivia nodded and with that, she stepped into the stage. A proud and sweet smile was etched on her face as she cat walked majestically. Swaying her hips, like she was in a real fashion.
After she was done, there was silence, even from the judges, not until a young woman smiled, muttering a loud “Wow!”
The judges nodded in amusement, “That was awesome.”
“Thank you” Olivia mouthed, smiling.
“Why don’t you take off the cap, so we can have a better view of your face?” A voice suggested.
Olivia’s gaze trailed to where the voice came from. He wasn’t even among the judges, he just sat there, with his face furrowed.
Olivia took off her cap, her eyes smiling as her head was held high.
“Mr. Molly, I’m taking this girl under me.” The woman who said wow earlier, chipped in, as she got up walking towards Olivia.
The judges had no objection as Olivia was a perfect example of what they needed.
Olivia couldn’t be described as the most beautiful, but she had a pretty face. A pure and innocent beauty, which can make one like her at one glance. Her large watery set of eyes did most of the work of charming people to her, giving them a fragile and delicate glint.
The woman took Olivia by the side, so other people could audit.
“Olivia dear, I’m Carla and I’d be your direction. Your looks are perfect for my designs and can also tell the meaning to each work.” Carla said, smiling at Olivia.
“Thank you ma.” Olivia smiled.
“After this week of auditions, I’d be starting training with my models, which includes you. So, you’d have to come back next week, okay?”
Olivia nodded, “Alright ma.”
“You can go now, see you later.” Carla patted Olivia’s shoulders, before she turned and went back to her previous position.
Olivia left the mall, to say she was happy was an understatement. She was more than happy.
It was almost evening, when she reached home. Morgan wasn’t home yet and aunt Maureen wasn’t in sight, she was grateful at least. She snuck back into her room and sank into the bed.
Just then, she caught a glance of the tray of food placed on the desk, that was when it sank into her that she hadn’t eaten since morning.
She did Justice to the food.
Later in the night, when Morgan was back, he went into Olivia’s room.
Olivia was reading a magazine she got from the desk drawer. She paused, when her door suddenly opened and Morgan walked inside.
She looked to see his eyes, staring at her.
“You’re back. Do you need help with anything?” Olivia asked, faking a smile.
“I suggest you keep that smile to yourself and tell me where you went today.” Morgan stated with a deadpan look.
Olivia flinched, her heart racing in her chest. No way was she going to go out without Morgan knowing.
“I-i, went to visit my mom.” she stuttered, daring not to look at his face.
A dry chuckle left Morgan’s lips as he stared darkly at Olivia. It was obvious how hard he was trying to contain his anger.
“I would ask you, one more time. Where did you go?”
“I-i-i…”
Her voice trailed off, as Morgan quickly grabbed her wrist, making her stand close to him.
“When did you start to stutter? Answer the question already” Morgan growled, his voice clouded with anger and impatience. His grip on her wrist tightening.
Olivia tried to yank his hand off her, as her skin was starting to hurt. “You’re hurting my hand.” She winced, as her eyes welled up with tears.
“I don’t care. Just answer my question.” Morgan barked.
“I went to look for a job, so I’d pay back your money.” Olivia finally said, her heart aching as tears rolled down her cheek.
“You what?” Morgan’s gaze got darker as he stared at her.
Olivia remained silent, as tears trailed down her face. Her wrist was hurting so badly that all she wanted to do was yank his hand off her, but he was way more stronger.
“Let me go, you’re hurting my wrist.” She sobbed.
Morgan was too clouded with anger to listen to what she was saying.
“You won’t dare to leave this house, not again. Are you trying to trash my reputation going out there to look for a job?”
“But..”
“No buts! You won’t leave this house again and that’s final.” He said, with a tone of finality.
Olivia nodded, her teary face staring blankly at him. “Can you at least let my hand?”
Morgan’s gaze stopped at her wrist, he was holding, he quickly let her go.
She took her now red wrist, her eyes staring at Morgan with hatred, as he rubbed her wrist.
Morgan’s eyes flashed with a pained emotion, as his gaze stopped on her red wrist.
He tried to hug her, but stopped himself midway, he turned around and stormed out of the room, in large strides.
Olivia fell to the ground, as she sobbed her heart out.