Sophie felt a warm glow inside her as she realized that, even if people couldn't tell their outfits matched, it was the thought that counted. It made her feel safe, knowing they were in this together.
"From the sound of it, it seems you've already picked something," Sophie said, her heart swelling with warmth. She was surprised by Noah's thoughtfulness. She had no doubt that he had everything planned out.
"Follow me!"
Noah took her hand and led her to the changing room. Behind the curtain, she caught a glimpse of the dress on the mannequin, and her eyes widened in disbelief.
"Go try it on," he urged.
As she stepped into the changing room, Sophie fought back tears. Her hands shook as she took the dress from the mannequin. After years of modeling and wearing countless outfits, this was the first dress that moved her so deeply.
It was a stunning champagne mermaid dress with sheer shoulders. The cut hugged her body perfectly, making her look even more graceful. Instead of the usual crystals, it was adorned with bright, elegant pearls that shimmered softly against her skin, as if she had walked right out of a painting.
Sophie stood frozen in front of the large mirror, her heart racing faster and faster until Noah appeared behind her, dressed in a sharp grey handmade suit with a leopard-print pocket square. He looked like a true gentleman, poised and self-assured, even more confident than usual.
Sophie looked at both of them in the mirror and grabbed onto his hand.
"We look like the perfect couple. What would we do if someone figures it out?"
Hearing her say that they looked like a perfect couple, Noah's heart warmed up. However, deep down he understood that her current status in the industry still had a long way to go before she was on the same level as him.
Even the top superstars found the closest they could get to Noah was clinking wine glasses at most, and aside from that, everyone in the industry knew that Noah didn't like people who rode on someone else's coattails.
As for announcing their marriage, he could do it anytime, but he had promised Sophie that he would give her time to prove herself. He would wait until the day they were on the same level.
He gently stroked Sophie's hair, his palm radiating encouragement. He believed Sophie had the ability to climb to the top of the industry - he didn't want her standing by his side as just a pretty face.
"I forgot to tell you - Fashion Icon's front cover has been finalized."
Sophie looked up with a sweet smile and teased, "The people from Fashion Icon must have had no idea they were chatting with the infamous president of Colliderscope Entertainment, Noah Kingsley."
"I also had the rare experience of enjoying the role of a small assistant. Most importantly, I've arranged for the editor of Fashion Icon to escort you on the red carpet and ensure your protection."
Escort and protect. After hearing this, Sophie immediately turned around and wrapped her arms around Noah's neck. Her eyes sparkled with warmth.
"You've given me so much. What can I do for you in return? Everything I have, you have, and everything I don't have, you already have the ability to obtain or you already possess."
Noah gently returned her embrace and answered her in a simple manner.
"All I need is you."
Sophie buried her head into Noah's shoulder, as she replied.
"You're so generous with me, Noah. I never imagined someone would go to such lengths..." Her voice trailed off softly. "I just hope I'm worthy of all this faith you have in me."
She held him a little tighter, her voice barely audible.
"Sometimes I wonder what I would have become if we'd never met. If I'd had to climb this ladder completely on my own."
Noah smiled as he patted her head gently, he realized that the woman in her embrace was so easily touched, that even the smallest of things he does for her makes her so satisfied.
The next day, Sophie met with the photographer sent by Linda and started working on the shoot for the October issue of Mystique.
Afterwards, all she had left to do with ISN was a stage event, whereas Fashion Icon's front cover was scheduled to be shot after the Bright Night Gala.
Regarding the Bright Night Gala, Global Pictures Entertainment handled it with a low profile. After all, there were many superstars and big shots attending, so they had to remain modest. Unlike the last time when Amber shamelessly compared herself with someone famous.
Above all, they didn't want Sophie to pick up on any clues, so this time around, they decided not to speak about it openly.
If it wasn't because he had broken up with Sophie, her current fame and popularity meant it wouldn't have been hard to make her into an international supermodel. As a result, Global Pictures would have gone up in value too.
However, look at what had happened now.
[Author's Note:
Hey everyone,
I know it's been way too long since I said I'd continue this series, and honestly, that didn't go as planned. I hit a rough patch where the motivation to write just wasn't there for a while. This chapter was actually sitting in my drafts for months - I just did some editing on it now.
I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, though I'm still figuring out my schedule and where this story wants to go next. Sorry for the long wait, and thanks for sticking around.
We'll see what happens next!]