~Annabel's POV~
The call from the other day had caught me off guard. The moment my phone rang, I noticed Aiden stiffen beside me, his expressions substandard. For a split second, I wondered why he had that reaction. But as soon as I answered, the mystery unraveled.
It was the Creative Director of Élan Véra, the luxury brand I got signed into recently.
"Good day and welcome".
A young and elegant lady approached me with a poised smile. "You must be Annabel Smith I presume?" She asked while reaching out for a handshake.
Returning the smile, I answered. "Yes, that's me". Shaking her hand firmly.
For professional purposes, I went by "Smith." I had built an identity of my own long before marrying into the King family, and I refused to let anyone subside my career to a mere product of their influence
I own my spotlight.
And I was grateful that Aiden never objected to it.
"Please come with me", she gestured towards the elevator "Our studio is on the fourth floor", She paused. "I have been assigned to accompany you and provide whatever you will need today" she continued with a smile. Her face lights up when she smiles, making her left cheek dimple more visible.
***
It was time for the shoot to commence. I was led by the young lady who came to pick me up. I got dressed and ready for the shoot sessions. Moving toward me was a tall, dark man with a chiseled jawline, and kind blue-grey eyes, wearing a slim-fit navy blue trouser, paired with a neutral-toned turtleneck.
'Could this be the man behind the voice from that day?' my thoughts ran.
"Hello, I am Lucas Carter, the creative director of Élan Véra". He said, introducing himself.
"I will be overseeing every shoot session and campaign, I will be in charge of your growth in the industry and I will also be in charge of developing you as our Model". His voice was firm, yet jovial.
"It's great meeting you" I nodded.
"Let's get straight into the order of today" he instructed the photographers and the shoot began.
***
"Hello Annabel," Lucas called out, walking in my direction.
The shoot was over and it was time for me to head out. I have a Lunch date planned with Kourtney. We haven't had some girl time in a while now.
"Hi, Uhmm.. Lu…Lucas right?" I stammered while trying to remember his name.
He placed a hand over his chest dramatically "You just hurt my feelings" he responded, mimicking a heartbreak.
I giggled "I am sorry about that. I was a bit distracted, and it slipped my mind".
"I noticed the distraction during the shoot," he continued. "But… yeah, I can understand. Sometimes you can get overwhelmed during the first day but as time goes on, you will get used to it". He added.
"Thank you, Lucas, I appreciate the encouragement". I spoke in a very soft tone, I felt a bit relieved after that.
"I will be heading out now, I have to meet with my friend. I promised her a Lunch date". I expressed while heading towards the Automatic sliding doors of the complex.
Lucas walked me to my car.
As I entered the driver's seat, my phone vibrated. It was a message from Kourtney.
Kourtney: I hope you are on your way. Because I am about to order without you. I am starving.
I chuckled. Right now I need to clear my thoughts completely and just enjoy some girl time.
***
The café was one of our favorite spots—quiet, beautiful, and relaxing. The Aesthetic charm is one reason why I love it.
Kourtney was already seated when I walked in, waving dramatically to catch my attention.
"Finally" she wheezed, as I grabbed the seat opposite her."I was about to place an order without you".
"You wouldn't dare" I teased, setting my bag on the table.
Kourtney smirked. "You are right. But… only because I know you will yell at me". She signaled the waiter. "So tell me, how was the shoot? I need details girrrrrllll, don't just say it was good".
"It was fun, I guess. The team was great". I sighed, sipping my Ice tea. "There is the Creative Director Lucas Carter, he seems approachable and he will be overseeing all my campaigns".
Kourtney nodded. "Sounds like a solid start. But You don't sound excited about it".
"What's wrong?" she questioned, her brows raised in curiosity.
"It's not about the shoot". I hesitated… then continued "Something happened before then".
"Now I need more information.. Talk to me". She insisted.
I ran a hand through my hair. "It's Aiden. The other day, I received a phone call from the Creative Director regarding the shoot today, his whole demeanor changed. He stiffened like he was caught off guard or something. And when I answered, he weirdly stared at me". I exhaled slowly.
Kourtney arched her brow. "What do you mean? Like Jealous?"
"No, not jealous but tense. More like he was expecting a different call". I shook my head. "Maybe I am just stressing it".
Kourtney paused for a moment, making a rhythm with her nails on the table. "Hmm, has he been acting strange lately?"
"No, not at all, it was just the moment" I answered.
Kourtney nodded. "Maybe you are overthinking it then, probably it is just work stress".
"Yeah, I think so too". Affirming what Kourtney had said earlier.
But even as we continued on lighter topics, laughed, and caught up, I couldn't shake the feeling that something about Aiden's reaction wasn't right.
It was time to head home. I had texted Aiden earlier, informing him about my hangout with Kourtney, and he asked me to get their BANANA BREAD—the best in town.
Typically, he loved it.
I signaled the waiter and ordered a takeout. Shortly after, he came with the bread and my bill. I sorted it, and we headed out of the Café.
I was heading towards my car, Kourtney by my side, still talking about her previous shopping spree. Then the cool evening breeze grazed against my skin as I reached out to the car handle.
My phone buzzed.
I hesitated for a moment before pulling it out. Maybe it's an Email from work or an alarm notification. But when I saw the name, my steps halted.
It was Aiden.
A strange feeling aroused. He never texts me when I am with Kourtney. I unlocked my phone to see the content of the message.
Aiden: Where are you?
My brows furrowed. Strange.
But before I could send a response, another one came in.
Aiden: I have something important to share with you. I need you home now.
What's going on?
Kourtney's voice pulled me back. "Ann, are you okay?"
I blinked trying to force a smile. "I don't know, till I get to the house".
I pulled open the car door, my movements slower now, more calculated. My heart had picked up an uneasy rhythm. Suddenly the cool breeze that I felt earlier became intensely hot. I could feel it running through my spine.