I could still hear his harsh words from the other night echoing in my mind, each syllable a sharp sting.
“I’m sorr—”
“It’s fine,” I reacted, managing a small faux smile as he approached me cautiously.
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from my face with gentle fingers. Concern etched his features as he studied me. “Are you okay?” he asked softly, his voice carrying genuine worry.
Internally, I felt a chill in the air; a sense of betrayal lingered at his very touch. Stepping back slightly, I nodded. “I’m fine,” Imanaged to say, my voice steadier than I felt inside.
Before he could say anything else, there was a tentative knock on the door. Inaya peeked in, her presence thankfully breaking this awkward as fuck moment.
“Someone’s here to see you,” she announced in her usual cheerful tone.
“If it’s Ronan…” I started, my voice trailing off uncertainly.
Inaya shook her head, a hint of excitement dancing in her eyes. “No, it’s a representative from Eminence Models NYC,” she said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
I felt a jolt of shock, my mind racing. “Eminence Models NYC?” I repeated, trying to process someone from one of the largest, if not the largest, modeling agencies was in my fucking boutique and requested to see me.
Inaya nodded eagerly. “They want to discuss a venture with you,” she explained, her words tumbling out in a rush. “And they mentioned how much they loved the digital publication of your behind-the-scenes feature with Vogue.”
Overwhelmed and elated, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “Send them in.”
Inaya disappeared for a moment, then I asked Alejandro to leave, giving me space for my meeting.
She walked in with effortless confidence, her sleek brunette bob framing sharp features and a Prada designer suit that screamed power. My breath stopped for half a second.
Julia Mendez.
TheJulia Mendez.
I’d read about her, seen her name attached to some of the biggest fashion deals.
Before I could fully process my fangirl moment, she smiled warmly. “Ms. Moretti, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Julia Mendez, Director of Talent & Partnerships at Eminence Models IMG,” she said, her tone polished yet inviting. “Your recentfashion show and the behind-the-scenes feature withVoguehave incredibly impressed us. We’d love to discuss having your collections featured at our upcoming events and next year’s New York Fashion Week on our models.”
My lips parted slightly, but I quickly masked my excitement with a professional smile. Julia Mendez was standing in front of me, speaking about my work. If my younger self could see me now, she’d be screaming.
“We usually have prior correspondence before meetings like this,” Julia continued, crossing one leg over the other as she settled in. “But given our referral and the fact I was already in town for fittings, I thought it would be best to speak in person.”
I let out a breathless laugh. “Don’t worry. This is amazing.”
Julia detailed the offer: Eminence Models IMG wanted my collections at exclusive events, top models wearing my designs at next year’s New York Fashion Week, and collaborations for high-profile editorials and red-carpet appearances. It was everything I had worked for.
After a brief pause, Julia leaned forward slightly. “However, we’d want you to open a boutique or establish a space in New York City. It would make access easier for our models and streamline future collaborations.”
My mind drifted to New York City—a city of dreams, opportunities, and… Ronan. The thought of him living there gave me pause, but I pushed it aside. This was my moment, my dream, and nothing—especially not a man—would stand in the way of making it a reality.
I nodded, processing the suggestion. “That sounds like an exciting opportunity. I’m definitely open to exploring it further.”
Julia smiled, standing up as she extended her hand. “Fantastic. I’ll have our lawyer reach out by this evening to formalize things.” She handed me her business card. “We’ll be in touch soon.”
I shook her hand, my pulse racing. “I’m looking forward to it.”
After she left, I stood there for a moment, still in disbelief at what had happened. Walking to the back of the boutique, I found Francesca and Inaya discussing fabric deliveries and upcoming stitch tests by the racks.
“We need to have an impromptu meeting,” I said, trying to steady my voice. They both turned to me, eyebrows raised.
“We’re expanding to New York City!” I exclaimed, watching their faces light up with enthusiasm.
