Chapter 8: NEW LIFE, NEW RULES

After 3 years ....
It rained glitz and glamour at the newly launched Fashion Week as cameras flashed incessantly and supermodels fired up the red carpet.
The Toast of the Fashion C, the Queen of the Ramp and finally- the much acclaimed Supermodel of the Century arrived to launch the world"s top designer's spring collection.
The media went into a wild frenzy when her black limo rolled in and a well toned leg stuck out, laced with swarovski studded black heels draping the silky soft looking foot in its exotic embrace.
With an air of luxurious opulence and confidence, the model got out and her plump, red lips slightly parted to reveal a disarming smile.
Her signature, bouncy strawberry hair rolled delicately into a braided chignon with a few loose strands hanging in front, which framed her delicately shaped face.
Her soulful, well defined eyes were complete with loads of mascara and high-boned cheeks that could cut glass, gave her an enigmatic delicacy while her deep red lipstick gave a touch of bold flavor.
Moving with feline grace, the bewitching beauty draped herself in a strapless, figure-hugging, floor-length black gown, embellished in sequins with a thigh high slit and a plunging neckline.
She accessorized her look with a statement diamond necklace and ears adorned with diamond chandeliers.
She oozed elegance and looked simple and modern yet sophisticated.
She dazzled one and all present there as the blinding lights of camera flashes went off and many tried to gather as near as possible towards her.
Curious reporters herded around her with mikes and fired volley after volley of questions.
"Ms Blaydes ! How does it feel to be crowned Supermodel of The Year" for a second year in a row ?!"
"How does it feel to walk your 200th show ?"
"Is it true that Comella Amenilia had to plead three times before you finally accepted walking as a showstopper for this prestigious show ?"
"Why do you prioritize charity events over million-dollar offers to walk, especially when it comes to children and pregnant women ?"
"How do you manage to work so much around the globe ?"
"Ma"am Audrey, please look here !! Have you met the man of your dreams yet ?" A reporter shouted, making many others like him laugh and repeat the same question.
"When will the Beauty Queen find her King ?"
"Are you planning to settle down any time soon ?"
"Is there a Prince Charming out there for you ?"
"Are you dating someone ? Is it true that you are secretly married ?"
One side of Audrey"s rosy red lips curled up when she heard the last question and she walked back towards the last reporter"s mike and replied with utmost poise.
"Yes, I am married," she replied and a gasp flew over the crowd, effectively silencing everyone ! "I am married to my work and courting more ramp assignments. I will let you know if I will be having a child with my intangible spouse soon," she answered with a smile and that generated an applause and wild cheers from the crowd.
The Queen of the Fashion World had time and again proven that she was not only beautiful inside-out but also a beauty with brains. She rewrote all the rules as she ruled the fashion industry.
A smoking hot Audrey pulled off all luxury labels with remarkable ease. She scorched the ramp and set it on fire !!
She celebrated femininity as the world watched her sashay along with the much sought-after designer.
Retreating back to her green room after the successful show and declining all celebratory drinks and offers, she finally sat back in her huge make up chair in front of the mirror and let out a sigh of relief.
It felt like her sore feet were finally breathing after staying caged in the confines of killer pencil heels for hours while her eyes felt lighter after she removed her makeup.
Looking back at the reflection of her raw, natural beauty, Audrey"s eyes misted when she reflected back on the reporters" heart-wrenching, personal questions.
Contrary to her bold and strong persona on-stage, Audrey felt all her defenses and walls tear down as she thought back about her Prince Charming.
Yes, she did have a King who ruled her heart and occupied real estate in her mind. Yes, she had met the man of her dreams already and yes, she was the worst kind of workaholic out there.
Opening the side drawer of her bedroom chest, she took out her secret prized possession and let tears patter on it till her eyes dried up and refused to produce any more tears as she looked at Dmitri"s photo in the pendant the whole night until sleep finally caught on to her.
"Your memory whips harder than your betrayal, Dmitri !"
Who knew that the indestructible Fashion Queen with an electric aura who had the whole world in her palm, craved for a simple doctor who was leading a hectic, single dad"s life on the other side of the planet !!