It's Fashion Week, and today I am about to compete for one of the world's top designers, Stella McCartney.
Just a few months ago, I stood on the stage at London Fashion Week.
It still feels surreal.
I took a slow, steady breath, pushing past the tension and trying to hype myself up.
"I have done many runway shows before. I've got this in my bag".
Suddenly, a commanding voice cut through the chaos.
It was Stella McCartney.
"We have a problem," she said.
Zoe: What is going on?
"The lead model is under the weather, and she's not in good shape to open the show."
Zoe: That's very bad.
"I've seen you on the runway, your attitude, your walk, the way you carry yourself. It's all very spectacular."
"I must say I trust you, which is why I want you to open the show for me."
I was stunned.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get the chance to open for Stella McCartney.
Zoe: I would be honored, I said with a bright smile.
I still couldn't believe it. There was no way I could disappoint her.
The pressure pressed down on me as my heart pounded in my ears.
"Don't let me down, Zoe."
"If you make me proud, I'll make you the opening lead for all my future shows."
Zoe: That would be a huge opportunity for my career.
"Of course. Your talent deserves to be celebrated."
I smiled widely, and Stella chuckled.
"Now we need to hurry."
Zoe: "Just tell me what to do".
"Opening isn't just a walk. The first impression you create can make or break the entire show."
"You need to look beyond perfect to ensure an unforgettable opening for the show this week."
Zoe: I understand perfectly.
She smiled just as a stylist walked in, carrying several of Stella's stunning collections for me to choose from.
"All the fashion icons are here tonight. Impress them. Leave them stunned," she said.
Zoe: Her words lit a spark of courage inside me, and I nodded eagerly.
I chose one of the collections that carried an elegant, elite vibe.
"I'm glad you approved. Just wait until everyone sees you."
"You look amazing."
Stella and I stepped outside as several major celebrities took their seats on both sides of the runway.
Before we could say anything more, an announcement rang out.
The show was about to start.
"Alright, everyone, it's show time!"
She turned to me and gently grabbed my shoulder.
"Zoe, you are about to open London Fashion Week for me."
I nodded.
"Your determination is unwavering," she said.
Zoe: Don't worry, Stella. I've got this.
I stepped to the front of the lineup as the music began to swell, signaling the models' entrance.
Before I even realized it, I was striding into the spotlight, commanding, confident, completely in control.
The crowd watched as I glided down the runway.
In that moment, I felt truly alive.
I paused at the end of the runway, striking a pose as camera flashes lit up around me.
Then I turned and walked back.
"Zoe! You were incredible out there."
Zoe: Thank you for the opportunity, I said gratefully.
"You were born for this," Stella replied.
After the show ended, everyone began leaving backstage.
Just then, my phone started ringing.
It was John, my boyfriend of one year.
I just hoped we wouldn't end up arguing again.
I answered the call.
"Hey, how did Fashion Week go? Did you wow them?"
His tone eased my anxiety a little.
Guess what? I opened the show for Stella McCartney. Can you believe that?
John: Seriously? That's nice.
We talked for a little while before ending the call.
Even though everything seemed perfect, I still felt like something was wrong in my relationship with John.
Why do I feel this way?
I'll figure it out later.
Maybe I'm just overthinking.
Three days passed after I returned from the show.
Today, I'm planning to see John.
A few hours later, I was ready.
I got into a cab and headed to John's house.
John: You are such a beauty.
Zoe: Aww, thank you.
Hey John—
Suddenly, his phone rang.
He held up a finger, cutting me off as he answered it.
It was his third call since I arrived.
"I'll call you back once I'm less busy. Hello? Hello?"
He hung up.
"Sorry. You were about to say something?"
I sighed softly and sank into my seat.
"Well, it's the weekend. We want to party."
"And by the way, Emma is coming with her boyfriend. Sorry, I didn't tell you earlier."
John: That sounds interesting. No problem.
"But next time, try to inform me about any plans you make with your friends. What if I'm busy?"
Zoe: I know. I'm sorry, dear.
I pulled out my phone and messaged Emma.
Hey girl, are you ready for the party?
Emma: Of course. I'm more than ready.
Zoe: Okay, dear, I'm at John's place. Just pull over and let's go together.
Less than an hour later, Emma and her boyfriend arrived.
John got dressed as well, and we all headed to the party.
Soon we arrived.
Emma and I were dancing to the music when suddenly I bumped into someone.
To my surprise, it was Bryan.
Memories crashed over me like waves.
His laugh.
His charm.
The excitement he always carried with him.
And somehow, he was still impossible to forget.
My jaw clenched as I pushed the thoughts away.
Emma stared at me with a puzzled expression.
I sighed and shook my head when I noticed her staring.
Sorry… I paused for a second.
This isn't a dream.
Bryan was standing right in front of me.
He looked even more handsome than before.
Why am I thinking like this?
"Nice to see you again," he said.
His deep voice washed over me, bringing back every memory we once shared.
I forced myself back to reality, suddenly remembering John was standing beside me.
Bryan smirked and offered John a friendly handshake.
My heart tightened as Bryan turned toward me.
The way he looked at me…
I remembered that look.
I tried to remain calm.
Do you two know each other?
Where would I even begin explaining?
Bryan spoke first.
Bryan: No, I don't think so. "She just looks familiar".
"We haven't met before, right?"
Zoe: No… I don't think so.
Bryan quickly walked away.
But just before disappearing into the crowd, he glanced back at me with a smirk.
Something inside me twisted.
John gently held my arm, concern in his eyes.
"Zoe, I know you. Is something wrong?"
"Please, just tell me."
Zoe: Oh, John, it's nothing. I just bumped into him.
John exhaled slowly before nodding.
"If you say so."
He looked at me thoughtfully for a moment before stepping closer.
"Zoe… I love you," he said.
But then a quiet question formed inside my mind.
If he loves me… why doesn't it always feel like it?
I don't know, John.
I'm just confused.
Is this really what love is supposed to feel like?
Sometimes it feels like love.
Other times, it feels like something is missing.
He's always busy with work and other things.
We barely spend time together.
And when we do talk, it sometimes turns into an argument.
What exactly is missing?
What needs to be fixed?
He always seems busy with work and other stuff, we barely have time to communicate, and at times, "we just end up fighting".