As the sky turned dark, the Lannister Group sparkled with dozens of lights. The company's garden had been transformed into a dazzling venue, complete with a stage and a rampwalk setup for the evening's fashion event. Rows of seats were neatly arranged around the stage, ready to welcome guests.
Backstage, Levina walked into the designated hall where models were preparing for the show. She passed makeup artists applying final touches, some models slipping into their outfits, and others rehearsing their walk one last time.
Tonight's event was summer-themed and centered around couples. To bring the concept to life, both male and female models had been hired to walk in pairs, representing different shades of modern love.
Levina smiled at the bustling scene, feeling proud of how everything had come together.
"Levina!"
She turned to her left to see Perry waving at her while getting her makeup done. Nina sat beside her, already dressed and looking radiant.
A month ago, when Levina told her friends about the couple-themed fashion show, both Perry and Nina had been thrilled. They insisted on joining as models—alongside their real boyfriends. Levina couldn't resist their excitement and reserved two spots for them in the model lineup.
In total, forty pairs were scheduled to walk the ramp tonight. Many of them were everyday couples selected through interviews, judged on their chemistry and stage presence.
"Perry, Nina—how are you both feeling? Not nervous, I hope?"
Perry puffed her cheeks dramatically.
"Levina, do you think if we were nervous, we'd have signed up for this?"
"She's right," Nina added with a grin. "We were the ones who begged to be in this show. Relax—we'll make sure your event ends up in tomorrow's headlines."
Levina chuckled. "Alright, alr—"
"Ma'am!"
Her assistant, Sana, came rushing over, slightly breathless.
"What is it, Sana?"
"The reporters are asking for your interview before the show starts. They're waiting outside."
Levina nodded. "Alright, let's go."
As she stepped outside with Sana, Levina took in the lively scene. Guests were already seated at decorated tables, chatting cheerfully and sipping on refreshments. Outside the venue gates, a line of luxury cars waited as staff checked invitations.
The moment she appeared, reporters swarmed toward her, microphones and cameras at the ready.
"Miss Lannister! Can you tell us what today's event is all about?"
"Miss Levina, who is tonight's special guest?"
"Are you planning to reveal a new personal collection during the show?"
"We heard the event is couple-themed—are real couples participating tonight?"
"Miss Lannister! How did you select the pairs walking tonight's ramp?"
"Is there a deeper message behind this theme? Something more than fashion?"
"Can we expect a surprise finale tonight?"
Levina smiled graciously and raised a hand to calm the buzzing crowd.
"First of all, thank you all for coming. I'll be happy to answer your questions—let me begin…"
"Yes, today's summer collection is all about couples," Levina explained to the reporters, smiling with practiced grace. "We hired real couples through interviews to make it feel authentic, and we even have special guests from Country S joining us. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to greet them. Thank you."
"Miss Lannister!"
"Just one more question—!"
"I'm sorry," Sana interrupted, stepping between Levina and the reporters with a professional smile. "Please be patient. Our boss will speak with you again after the event. For now, kindly take your seats."
Levina turned, walking gracefully toward the entrance where the guests were arriving. She greeted a few with ease, but suddenly, she noticed a flurry of movement. The reporters who had just been shooed away now swarmed toward a sleek red Ferrari pulling up to the venue.
Levina's breath hitched. That car…
Wasn't that Zane Ernesto's?
Her suspicion was confirmed when Zane stepped out of the car, followed by his assistant Edvin and a stylish young woman—Zara. The buzz among the guests amplified as cameras flashed and voices rose, calling his name.
Zane cleared his throat awkwardly as he approached. "Uh… Miss Lannister. Good evening."
Levina blinked, momentarily stunned that he was actually speaking to her.
"Ma'am," Sana whispered urgently behind her, snapping her out of her daze.
Levina quickly regained her composure and offered a soft, polite smile. "Mr. Ernesto, good evening. I hadn't received your confirmation, so I wasn't expecting you tonight."
Zane rubbed his neck, visibly uncomfortable. "Well, you see, my sister here is quite the fan of fashion shows. And since it's a couple-themed event, she insisted I come along. I had your invitation, so I figured… you wouldn't mind a last-minute arrival?"
Zara: "..."
Edvin: "..."
(Wasn't he the one who canceled a million-dollar client meeting just to be here?)
"Sister-in-la—"
Zane shot Zara a warning glare.
Zara quickly corrected herself with a cough. "I mean, Miss Lannister! Lovely to meet you. And yes, I absolutely begged my brother to bring me. I hope it's okay I tagged along?" She winked at him.
"Of course not, Miss Ernesto. You're my guest," Levina said warmly. "Please, make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the show."
Zara clapped her hands. "Yay! But… can we drop the formalities? We're the same age, right?"
Zane furrowed his brows, clearly annoyed, but Zara ignored him and linked arms with Levina without hesitation.
Levina blinked, surprised.
"Can we?" Zara smiled sweetly.
"…Of course, Zara," Levina replied with a gentle smile. "It's nice to meet you."
"Oh, perfect!" Zara beamed. "Levina it is!"
Levina glanced at her watch. "Zara, Mr. Ernesto, please take your seats. The show is about to begin. I need to go check the final preparations."
Zara and Zane both nodded, and Levina walked away quickly. But once she was out of sight, her professional mask dropped.
She jumped a little in excitement, cheeks flushed with a giddy warmth.
Zane Ernesto. Talked to her. Voluntarily.
After all this time… finally.
—
Outside, Zane, Zara, and Edvin took their seats.
"You're the one who begged me to come," Zara whispered. "So why did you lie?"
Zane gave her a sharp look. "Can't you keep your mouth shut? I was just asking. You like this kind of stuff."
"Sure, sure. I get it." Zara smirked, folding her arms.
Zane pinched the bridge of his nose. He was already regretting this.
Edvin leaned toward him. "Boss, you skipped a million-dollar meeting for this. If you'd told me earlier, I could've rescheduled it. I don't get what's so special about a—"
Zane's icy glare cut him off mid-sentence.
"Speak only when needed," he said coldly.
Edvin gulped and nodded, silencing himself immediately.
Zara laughed softly. "Haha, Edvin… this evening means a lot more to my brother than any meeting."
Edvin leaned toward her, whispering, "Did I miss something, Miss Zara?"
As Zane turned to greet another guest, Zara whispered back, "Let's just say… I think Miss Lannister might've stolen my brother's heart."
Edvin's eyes widened. "Seriously?"
Zara just chuckled and nodded.
Oh no, Edvin thought, I didn't even greet Miss Lannister earlier. I hope the boss isn't mad…
He glanced nervously at Zane, who was busy chatting and smiling.
Whew. Safe—for now.