Chapter 4 Modeling Job

Kendra had trained as a dancer her whole life. Most other jobs wanted years of experience or special qualifications which she no longer had. After putting her career on hold for so long, getting turned down again and again felt almost certain.

Just when she was starting to feel like she had run out of choices, she spotted an ad for a modeling job. It listed the usual things-height, weight, and pay-but what really caught her attention was the line that said meals and housing were provided. That was exactly what she needed right now.

Without thinking twice, she packed her few things and set off.

She followed the address from the ad and arrived at the agency. The receptionist led her to a small conference room. After she filled out the paperwork, the woman said, "This job needs final approval from our manager in person. Please wait here a minute-I'll go get him."

Kendra hadn't been sitting long when the door swung open.

"Well, look who it is," a familiar voice drawled. "What brings you to a place like this for an interview?"

Kendra looked up and went still. Standing in the doorway was Sebastian Ford.

Back when she married Jaycob, she was still teaching and performing at Alexia's studio. Sebastian had been her agent then. With her strong skills, she quickly started getting noticed and booking more jobs. She and Sebastian worked closely together, spending a lot of time side by side.

Then one evening at an event, Jaycob walked in just as Kendra and Sebastian were laughing and talking.

The sight set Jaycob off. He marched over and punched Sebastian right there in front of everyone. After that, he forced Alexia to fire him.

From that day on, Jaycob refused to let Kendra dance or appear in public again.

Now Sebastian took the seat across from Kendra, not bothering to hide the dislike on his face.

"So why aren't you at home playing the perfect rich wife?" he asked with a sneer. "What, did Jaycob finally get bored with you?"

He gave a short, bitter laugh. "I hear he is glued to Valerie Fletcher these days. Doesn't even bother coming home anymore? Honestly, I saw it coming. Men like him aren't stupid. No matter how good-looking you are, you're just a passing thing. You can't go up against a real high-society lady."

He leaned back in his chair and kept going. "You thought marrying into money would make you somebody special. You even threw away your career for it. What a complete waste."

His words poured out, sharp with old anger and disappointment at the person Kendra had let herself become.

Kendra dropped her gaze, a flash of guilt in her eyes. "I'm sorry for what happened back then."

Sebastian let out a scoff. "Don't bother. Why aren't you dancing anymore?"

Kendra told him about the injury, explaining that it wasn't serious and wouldn't hold her back in the long run.

Sebastian gave her a quick once-over before looking down at the file in his hands. "Our agency books modeling jobs and handles representation. We're a small outfit, so don't expect a steady contract. You pick up work when it comes. We split the pay seventy-thirty. No jobs, no paycheck. That's the deal."

Kendra went straight to the point. "The ad said meals and housing are provided."

Sebastian flashed a mocking grin. "They are. But don't get your hopes up for anything fancy. It's a world away from the life you knew as Jaycob's wife."

The jab was clear, but at least Kendra wouldn't have to worry about food or a roof. She couldn't go on crashing at Alexia's place forever; she refused to become a permanent burden on her friend.

She nodded in agreement. The receptionist walked her through the onboarding forms and handed her a small key for the dorm.

The room was tiny-just enough space for a single bed and not much else.

Kendra pulled her suitcase inside. She hadn't even started unpacking when her phone buzzed. It was a message from Sebastian.

"There is a women's fashion brand casting models right now. Get ready and head over for the audition."

"Understood."

The agency wasn't big. Sebastian had been there for years, but he didn't represent many models. This particular brand was easily his most important client.

To show how much the job mattered, Sebastian drove Kendra there himself.

On the ride over, he talked the whole way. "If you nail this audition, you could end up as the main face of their entire new collection this year. You've got to seize it. I checked around-the person who really decides is the photographer, Kody Price. If he likes you, the job is basically yours. But his taste changes fast. I can't guess what he'll want today, so keep your eyes on him. The moment you see him losing interest, switch up your pose right away."

Kendra listened closely, locking every tip in her mind.

When they pulled up, the hallway was already crowded with models waiting for an audition. Sebastian tried chatting with a few of the staff, hoping to make some connections, but after a few failed attempts, he came back looking disappointed.

Seeing how hard he was trying made Kendra's stomach twist with nerves. Five years away from work-she wasn't sure she could still move the way she used to.

"All models that are auditioning, line up now!" A young woman with a high ponytail called out the order.

Kendra stepped into line with the others.

A minute later, a man walked in. His hair was bleached almost white, and he wore dark sunglasses even indoors. Dressed head-to-toe in the latest street style, he moved with easy confidence. He slid the shades off and scanned the room with a cool, almost arrogant look.

He was Kody.

"You, you, you... and you. Stay. Everyone else-out."

He pointed lazily around the room, his finger landing on Kendra without hesitation.

The chosen models were ushered into the bright studio space. Sebastian quietly followed behind Kendra.

The young ladies quickly changed into the brand's fresh collection and took their turns in front of the lens. One by one, Kody watched their shots on the monitor, shaking his head each time. His face stayed blank, unimpressed. He waved them off without a second thought.

Soon it was Kendra's turn.

She stepped into the light. The hot studio lamps hit her skin, and something inside her clicked back into place. The familiar setup, the quiet hum of the equipment, the weight of eyes on her-it all felt right again.

She raised her eyes to the camera. Her body moved before her brain even gave the order. Years of training kicked in automatically. Every shift of her weight, every tilt of her head, every stretch of her limbs looked completely natural, yet carried the sharp control and grace that only a dancer could bring.

Kody, who up until then had been scrolling on his phone and barely glancing up, finally looked at the monitor properly. And once he did, he didn't look away.