Chapter 10 Fashion Week United Front
The emerald gown clings to Zephyra like a second skin. Cameras explode round them like a battle area. Flash after flash after flash.
Kairo's hand burns towards her lower back. Possessive. warm. Too actual.
"Breathe," he murmurs in her ear. "You look super."
She's now not positive if he's performing anymore.
She's no longer positive if she wants him anymore.
The red carpet stretches forever and ever. Voices scream their names. Questions fly like bullets.
"Zephyra! Who designed your gown?"
"I did," she said. Her voice was regular in spite of her racing heart.
"Mrs. Draven! How does it feel being married to Kairo?"
Mrs. Draven. The name nevertheless feels foreign on her pores and skin.
"Splendid," she lies easily.
Kairo's thumb traces circles on her hip. Hidden from cameras. just for her.
Her breath stutters.
They pose together. His arm slides around her waist. She leans into him because the cameras demand it.
However, her frame does not feel like it is performing.
"Perfect!" photographers yell. "One more! Observe each other!"
She tilts her head up. His eyes are already on her.
Something passes among them. Electric. Dangerous.
The cameras move wildly.
Inside the venue, crystal chandeliers cast diamonds of light across marble floors. Fashions drift beyond in avant-garde designs. The air hums with money and ambition.
Their seats are in the front row. Of course they're.
Zephyra sits. Kairo sits beside her. Their thighs press collectively in the cramped area.
"Comfortable?" he asks.
"Thrilled d," she says dryly.
His mouth twitches.
The lighting is dim. The show starts.
The first version glides down the runway. The gown is architectural. ambitious. Asymmetrical.
Zephyra leans forward. Misplaced in it.
"The construction is tremendous," she murmurs. "See how the fabric falls? There may be a hidden weight within the left seam. Creates that ideal drape."
Kairo glances at her. "You can tell that from right here?"
"I can see the intention at the back of each stitch."
He researches her profile. "You truly recognize this world."
"It is my world," she replies. Warmth creeps into her voice. "I simply hate that human beings assume I am only here because I'm Mrs. Draven."
His jaw tightens. "Any person who thinks that is a fool."
She stares at him. surprised.
"What?"
"Nothing. just... thanks."
His hand reveals hers at the armrest. Their fingers brush.
Neither pulls away.
Midway through the show, a renowned fashion designer takes the microphone.
"Earlier than we retain, I need to acknowledge someone." The designer scans the group. "Zephyra Lione-Draven. Your progressive techniques stimulated this entire collection. thanks."
The highlight swings to her.
Zephyra freezes. can't breathe. can't circulate.
Everyone is staring. Loads of eyes. Cameras. Judgment.
Then Kairo's hand unearths hers. arms intertwining. Squeezing gently.
"Breathe," he whispers. "You earned this."
She squeezes and returns. Manages a grin. Waves.
The applause crashes over her like a wave.
She holds on to his hand tight.
Whilst the highlight movements, she doesn't let go.
He doesn't either.
Intermission arrives. People flood the lobby. Champagne flows like water.
Zephyra stands close to a marble pillar when a man approaches.
Tall. Silver hair. Expensive suit. Self-belief radiates from him like warmth.
"Zephyra Lione-Draven." He offers champagne. "Your eye for construction is high-quality. I'm Laurent Mercier."
Her heart skips. Laurent Mercier. One of the largest names in EU style.
"Mr. Mercier. I'm a big fan of your work."
"Call me Laurent." He fingers her a card. "I have a proposition. Call me. We need to communicate about a collaboration."
Earlier than she will be able to reply, Kairo materializes beside her.
His hand slides possessively around her waist. "Laurent."
"Kairo." Laurent's smile sharpens. "Congratulations on your marriage. You are a fortunate man."
"I know."
The two guys stare at each other. A few unstated challenge passing between them.
Laurent tips his head. "think"Think about it, Zephyra. Paris should use your imaginative and prescient."
He walks away.
Kairo's hand tightens on her waist. "What did he want?"
"A collaboration."
"He is known for stealing credit scores from designers."
"You sound jealous."
"I am not jealous. I am shielding you."
"I do not need shielding."
His eyes flash. "Don't you?"
Before she is able to answer, Zephyra catches movement throughout the room.
Blood-red gown. Blonde hair cascading like water. Diamond choker catching the light.
Maya Delrose.
Her smile is predatory. She's strolling instantly closer to them.
"Kairo," Zephyra breathes.
He turns. Goes rigid.
Maya reaches them. All fake sweetness and venom.
"Congratulations on the wedding." Her eyes gleam with malice. "I give it six months."
Zephyra's jaw clenches. "Maya—"
Maya leans nearer. Her voice drops to a whisper so simple they could pay attention.
"Ask him why he absolutely ended matters with me. Ask him about the actual motive."
Then she's gone. Gliding away like a snake.
Leaving chaos in her wake.
Photographers swarm right now. Like sharks scenting blood.
"Mr. Draven! What is your history with Maya Delrose?"
"Have you been engaged earlier than?"
"Is there truth to the rumors?"
"Mrs. Draven! How do you feel about your husband's past?"
The questions come quicker. Louder. Suffocating.
Kairo's hand tightens on Zephyra's waist. His face has long gone light.
She looks up at him. "Kairo?"
He might not meet her eyes.
"What's she speaking about?" Zephyra whispers.
"Not right here." His voice is tight. managed. "We want to leave."
"Tell me what she meant."
"Zephyra—"
"What real motive?"
More photographers near in. Cameras flash. Questions fly.
Kairo pulls her toward the go-out. His jaw locked. His eyes instantly advanced.
However Zephyra sees it. The guilt was written all over his face.
The fear.
Inside the car, silence crushes them.
Zephyra stares at her arms. "What aren't you telling me?"
"Drop it."
"No. What did Maya suggest?"
He grips the steering wheel. Knuckles white. "It's complicated."
"Then uncomplicate it."
"I cannot."
"Cannot or won't?"
He does not answer.
Her chest tightens. "We're speculated to be in this together. fake or not. You owe me honesty
."
"A few things are better left buried."
"Not when they may be approximately to explode in our faces."
He eventually appears to her. His eyes are darkish. Haunted.
"Maya knows something," he says quietly.
"something that might damage the whole thing."
"What?"
He turns again to the road. "I cannot tell you. Not now"
The words grasp like a loss-of-life sentence.
What secret is Kairo keeping that Maya Delrose may want to use to destroy them?