Chapter 3 Three

Zuri smiled as she gave a nod before lifting up her dress slightly, running towards the back of the stage. With her mask on, if you were to point out one distinguishing feature between Zuri and Avery, it would be their leg's. Zuri's legs were once known as one of the most beautiful legs in the world.

Just as everyone thought the show had reached its climax, Zuri descended gracefully to the stage on a chair. All the spotlights were immediately focused on her....

But...

The Oueen's Crown was nowhere in sight...

What had happened?

Everyone present ran around frantically looking for the Queen's Crown, they even searched Zuri all over. Because if this, moment people couldn't help noticing her pale legs...

Legs so beautiful, they were simply unforgettable....

Just as everyone was about to give up, a smile appeared from behind the mysterious golden mask. Zuri elegantly raised her arm, tilted her head backwards and lifted her left leg which was facing the audience – striking a beautiful dance pose. At that moment, out from under the white dress and down her smooth legs, the Queen's Crown appeared around Zuri's ankle sparkling magnificently.

Wow...

Everyone froze in amazement at the scene in front of them. The sight of Zuri lying on the chair seamlessly moving from one pose to the next was unforgettable. Most impressive of all, every single pose Zuri struck, the Queen's Crown would be presented in a different light; showing off its beauty over and over again...

The audience rose to their feet and gave Zuri a standing ovation....

Amongst the crowd, in a high but hidden position, Liam's gaze was focused on Zuri. His new wife, once Italee's top model, was standing here in... on behalf of a B – rate model.

There was no denying it, no matter if it was two years ago or two years later, she was still the same model – born for the runway...

After Zuri's final pose, the show came to a satisfying end. ZK's founder was extremely impressed with her performance. Of course, he wasn't aware the model on stage was Zuri; he still believed it was Avery.

He appeared from behind the stage and approached Zuri. Like a gentleman, he offered his hand, helping Zuri off the runway as they bowed thankfully to the audience

''Thank you everyone, and of course, thank you Miss Avery for a spectacular performance, it was certainly impressive''

Zuri stayed silent. She just simply responded with a bow. When suddenly, from the front of the runway came a high – pitched voice ''She isn't Avery, I've seen Avery in real life, and she does not have such long legs!''

At that moment, everyone was stunned as they looked up and down Zuri's legs with doubt, ''If you are indeed Avery, then remove your mask if you are not, then Chi Long Entertainment are a bunch of liars!''

Sounds of doubt multiplied and grew louder. Even the designers of ZK were beginning to question whether the woman in front of them was really Avery.

''Miss Avery, please remove your mask...'' the designers were curious. Was she really Avery? If she really wasn't then their collaboration with Chi Long entertainment would have to come to an end.

Zuri hesitated, but she was already surrounded. With no other choice, she slowly removed her mask. At that moment, everyone held their breaths. St the sight of her face, some recognized her immediately as the once famed model...

''It's Zuri!''

It was rumored that after Zuri was blacklisted, her status had completely deteriorated. She was even worse off than unsigned models. Who would have thought she would stoop so low as to step in for someone else. Was she deliberately creating hype or was she forced due to her current situation?

''Zuri, it's actually Zuri.'' the reporters quickly surrounded Zuri, giving her no room to escape.

''Miss Jones, could you please explain the current situation? Avery was the one that was invited to appear in today's show, but how come it turned out to be you?''

''From what we know, you were blacklisted two years ago. Are you trying to take this opportunity to announce a comeback?''

As a once famous model, are you trying to take Avery's jobs? Are you taking advantage of her being injured and stealing her opportunity to be a spokesperson?''

''It's obvious you are just trying to create some hype. I knew it! Avery is already injured, how could she possibly still attend the show? Famous supermodel my a**! More like famous liar!''

The reporter's questions got more intense as the minutes ran by, in fact, some were already spouting insults.

''Outdated cheap model...''

''Avery should be the spokesperson, give it back to her!''

Zuri was slowly being forced to retreat as the reporters surrounded her. Some even pushed her. At this moment ZK added to the insults, ''I am going to sue Chi Long Entertainment, what you are doing here is blatantly lying! I asked for Avery, instead, instead you gave me a 3rd-rate model''

The designer had no idea how famous Zuri was two years ago. All he knew was that he had not seen this model appear anywhere in recent years.

As for you, I'll see you in court! But, for now, get lost! You don't deserve to be standing on my runway!'' He yelled.

The sharp voice echoed through the building, even the reporters were surprised. No model would just stand there and let someone yell at them like that.

''Why are you still here? Get lost!''

Zuri had already prepared herself for this moment, but still struggled to hold back the humiliation.it was at this moment, a deep, attractive voice resounded from the end of the stage, '' Yes, someone should indeed get lost...''

In Suprise, the reporters turned to where the voice was coming from. There, standing at the end of the stage was Liam Atticus Grant. Everyone's eyes opened wide in shock... isn't this the CEO of Bright Star Entertainment? Why was he here?

Most importantly, why was he standing on the stage? It was a well-known fact that Liam despised artists that played mind games. Zuri was digging her own grave many of the thought. This time even Chi Long can' help but step out from behind the sidelines.

Everyone held their breath. Certain that Zuri was out of lick. But to their Suprise, Liam walked over to Zuri and stood by her side. With an intimidating tone of a king, he turned to the designer and continued, ''... but she is not the one that should get lost... It is you!''

'' I could make ZK disappear from Italy if I wanted to. Your manners appear to be on a different level to your jewelry.''

Zuri's heartbeat stopped for a moment. Who would have thought... her new husband, who she had only met for the third time, would actually stand up for her.

All the reporters were stunned as they begun to worry. Had they known earlier that Zuri had ties with Bright Star, they wouldn't have been so rude. ZK's designer was not impressed, but he knew he could not offend Bright star international. After a few moments of silence, he reluctantly apologized,'' sorry, president grant. I didn't know of your relationship with...''

''You are wrong, I have no relations with her. I'm just simply...questioning your character!'' Liam denied his relation to Zuri and began to walk away. But before he left, he turned around and announced to the reporters, '' there is, however one thing I cannot deny. She will definitely become a rising star in the modeling industry!''

The media were in a frenzy. What does CEO Grant mean by this? Does he have the intention to sign Zuri? Is this some kind of joke?

Whatever the explanation, the reporters no longer dare to latch on to Zuri. Instead, they shifted all the blame to Chi Long Entertainment.

Like this, Chi Long entertainment's troubles began, and Avery's assistant had unintentionally been the one that started it. '' If you can't even handle such a small matter, what else can you do? Let's wait and see how President Baldwin will punish you.

Zuri was unfazed, her expression was one of unexpected calmness. She changed her clothes and casually left the scene. Just as she stepped out of the side door, she spotted Liam's sports car parked outside.

''Get in''

Zuri obediently boarded the car. She was exceptionally grateful for what Liam had done, ''Thank you for today''

Liam's eyes slightly twitched as he let out a smirk, '' Did you think I would allow someone to bully my newly wedded wife in front of me?''

''Actually, I'm not worthy of your help. I intentionally allowed everyone to figure out who I was,'' Zuri explained apoplectically.

Liam looked straight into her eyes making her feel a little flustered, ''I know.''

'' It's just that, if you couldn't have thought of a better way to scheme against someone, you should have asked me. Sacrificing yourself to get back at someone, is a bit of a stupid move, don't you think?''

Zuri ''...''

''Where should I drop you off?''

''Your home. Aren't we a married couple now?'' Zuri replied undoubtedly. Since she had already made the decision, she was not going to take it back nor regret it.

''Are you sure? Not only are we married... but tonight is also our wedding night!'' Zuri blushed but nodded in certainty '' I've already prepared myself and I am very thankful that you did not reveal our relationship. However, from now on, I insist you remain neutral. I want to rely on myself to retrieve what is rightfully mine.''

Liam did not insist. After all, it was rare to see a woman that did not use him as a steppingstone to benefit themselves. He decided to sit back and watch Zuri show off her skills.

The couple set off not long after, Zuri received a phone call from her manager, Mia, '' Zuri I've already found the evidence of Avery's pregnancy. What do you want me to do with it? Also, the scene you caused at the jewelry show toady has gone viral. People are condemning you all over the internet. What do you plan to do?''

Mia, are you willing to stay by my side?''

'' Why are you asking such nonsense? '' Mia mumbled, '' Did you expect me to continue following that cheating couple?''

'' Then release the statement I asked you to prepare earlier. But be warned, by doing this, you will be going against Chi Long Entertainment!''

'' I'm not afraid!'' Mia exclaimed excitedly. ''We should have done this sooner. I will go prepare the evidence now and release it before Zack has the chance to respond.''

Zuri hung up and the car returned to its original peacefulness. Deep down, Zuri was actually quite nervous. What did Liam think of her...

'' I...''

''No need to explain, your conversation just now, I heard it all. However, I have one question... have you always been this honest?'' the car had stopped at the red light and Liam took the opportunity to grab hold of Zuri's jaw, examining her with his eagle- like gaze.

'' I am only honest Infront of you and I intend for it to stay this way...'' Zuri revealed her loyalty ''... because I am afraid you would misunderstand and think badly of me''

Liam was surprised for a moment, before he continued speaking, '' If I were you, I would be even more extreme!''

Liam must have guessed by now what was going on between Zuri, Avery and Zack. Because of his reaction, Zuri developed an appreciation for her husband. She silently vowed to herself, no matter what was to happen she was going to remember this day and the promises she made to Liam forever.

....