Chapter 5 4

"We're here," the taxi driver announced over the roar of the rain. I stared at him in disbelief.

"But my house is still a long way from here. I'll be drenched," I protested, handing him a couple of bills.

"Don't worry, miss. You'll run fast," he said with a shrug. Before I could even shut the door, the car sped off.

The rain was coming down in sheets-a relentless wall of water-and running would have been pointless anyway. I was already soaked through, so I trudged home at a steady pace. Honestly, any enthusiasm I'd had about guests had completely evaporated, which gave me the perfect idea for how to avoid an unwanted meeting.

The moment I stepped inside, Mom peeked out from the living room and gasped when she saw me.

I had to summon every ounce of my acting ability to sell it. A loud, impressively convincing sneeze echoed through the spacious hallway, and I wrapped my arms around myself, dragging my feet as if every step took effort.

"Oh, sweetheart, what happened? You could have called-I would've brought you an umbrella," Mom exclaimed, hurrying toward me. "Are you okay? No fever? Headache?"

Seriously? As if someone could catch a cold that fast. But her over-the-top concern worked perfectly in my favor.

"Mom, I'm fine. A hot bath will fix everything," I said with a reassuring smile, then pressed my advantage. "I'm exhausted and completely soaked. Maybe you could handle the guests without me? If they even show up in this storm."

"Of course, no problem at all. But if you start feeling worse, promise you'll tell me."

"I will," I replied, barely suppressing a triumphant smile.

The second I was out of sight, I dashed up the stairs to my room. I needed a bath and dry clothes as quickly as possible-actually getting sick was not part of the plan.

Afterward, I went through my full skincare, hair, and body routine. My stylist hadn't just selected my wardrobe and overall look; she'd also recommended products perfectly suited to my hair and skin.

Once I dried my hair, I changed into my favorite loungewear-a cropped top and shorts-and climbed into bed with my laptop.

Thank goodness we live in the age of online shopping. I could order contact lenses and simply pick them up later. I checked the city map, chose the best-rated salon, and placed an order for several pairs.

My phone, which had been eerily silent until then, suddenly lit up.

"What do you want at this hour?" I muttered irritably as I answered. "Valen, to what do I owe this late-night call?"

"I just wanted to make sure you're perfectly fine," his overly sweet voice flowed through the speaker.

"And what exactly could possibly happen to me?" I scoffed.

"Nothing, darling. Do you hear me?" His tone sharpened abruptly, as it often did. "Nothing must happen to you. Not a single bruise, not a scratch-and don't you dare get a tan. Understood?"

"Yes, I understand. You told me all of that yesterday. Why repeat it a hundred times?"

"I shouldn't have let you travel alone. Giving you this long of a vacation was a mistake."

"But I need to rest. Be reasonable," I pleaded softly.

"Fine." After a brief pause, he added, "Nadya, what did you eat today?"

Here we go. Should I start sending him daily reports next? Maybe log every step I take and every bite I eat? Then I remembered my friend's request and seized the opportunity to change the subject.

"Valen, your call is actually perfect timing. I need something from you. I want to participate in a photo shoot..."

"I forbid it. No. Absolutely not. End of discussion."

So predictable. I'd expected this, but I wasn't about to give up.

"My face won't be visible, and my name won't be mentioned anywhere. My best friend asked me. Please, Valen. It's important."

"Important, you say?" He scoffed, then fell silent. That was a good sign-at least he hadn't exploded. "What's the concept?"

"Lingerie."

"No. Absolutely not. I forbid it, do you hear me? Those curves are meant to represent luxury brands only."

"But it is a designer collection, so please-"

"What brand exactly?"

Damn. I had no idea. I hadn't even asked Nina. But before I could respond, he continued:

"Fine. I'll allow it-but on two conditions. First, your face must not be visible. Second, you'll grant me one request."

"What kind of request?" I asked, already celebrating internally.

"I'll tell you later."

"Alright. I agree."

"Good. Then get some sleep, Nadya. And don't stare at that screen too long. I won't tolerate dark circles under your eyes."

"Okay."

I ended the call and immediately texted Nina to confirm I'd participate in the shoot. She replied with a flood of ecstatic emojis, and I set my phone aside.

The day had drained me completely, and exhaustion washed over me in heavy waves. I was seconds away from falling asleep when a soft knock sounded at my door. Assuming Mom had come to check on her precious daughter, I called out without thinking:

"Come in. Why are you knocking-"

But it wasn't my mother who stepped inside.

And not a woman at all...