New beginning: Billionaire love story

The day of the fashion show had finally arrived, and Adrian's mansion was a whirlwind of activity. Everywhere you looked, people were buzzing around like busy bees.

Models strutted back and forth, hairstylists wielded their brushes like weapons, makeup artists dabbed and blended with precision, and designers fussed over every little detail of their creations. The place was a hive of creativity and chaos, exactly what you'd expect for a big event like this.

Talia, the event coordinator, was in the thick of it all, her energy levels through the roof. She zipped from one end of the room to the other, making sure everything was just right. One minute she was checking the lighting, the next she was adjusting a hem, then on to overseeing the seating arrangements. She hadn't had a moment to breathe since morning, and it didn't look like she'd be stopping anytime soon.

"Is the champagne ready?" Talia called out, her voice slightly frantic as she looked around. A waiter nodded, holding up a tray of flutes.

"Good! And what about the sound system? Is it working?" She didn't wait for an answer, already moving on to the next thing. Her hands were full, literally and figuratively, juggling a clipboard, phone, and a cup of coffee she barely had time to sip from.novelbin

Meanwhile, Claire had yet to make her entrance. As one of the VIP guests and a big draw for the press, her appearance was highly anticipated. Adrian and Talia knew she'd make a splash; she always did. The plan was for Claire to arrive just as the other guests started trickling in, giving the photographers a reason to snap away and boost the event's profile.

And the guests were indeed starting to arrive, one by one, stepping out of sleek cars and into the mansion. The photographers swarmed like bees to honey, their cameras flashing, capturing the arrivals of various celebrities and socialites. Adrian had only invited the cream of the crop, after all-important people who would bring a lot of attention to the show.

Right on cue, Claire's sleek black car pulled up to the mansion's grand entrance. The photographers immediately perked up, their lenses zooming in as her car door opened.

Claire stepped out with the grace of someone who was very used to the spotlight. She wore a stunning limited edition piece from the Armetta collection, a beautiful dress that Talia had redesigned just a bit to give it a fresh, unique twist. The outfit hugged Claire's figure perfectly, a mix of elegance and modern flair that made her stand out even more.

As expected, the photographers went wild, swarming around her. Claire smiled and posed, used to the blinding flashes that lit up the twilight. She moved gracefully, turning this way and that, giving the cameras what they wanted. Her bodyguards hovered nearby, making sure no one got too close.

After a few more poses, Claire made her way inside, the cool air of the mansion a welcome relief from the heat of the flashing bulbs outside. She headed backstage, where the real action was happening. Talia was there, of course, her expression one of intense concentration as she ticked off items on her list.

"Hey, Talia," Claire greeted, her voice cutting through the noise.

Talia looked up, a smile breaking through her stress. "Claire! You look amazing, as always." She glanced at the dress with approval. "That dress is perfect on you."

Claire returned the smile, glancing around at the bustling backstage area. "How's everything going? Need any help?"

Talia shook her head, even though she looked like she could use an extra pair of hands. "Everything's fine," she said, waving a dismissive hand. "Well, as fine as it can be with a hundred things happening at once. But seriously, we've got it under control. You can go enjoy the show. I promise, we'll handle it."

Claire raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. "Are you sure? I can stick around and help if you need it."

Talia gave her a reassuring smile, the kind that told Claire she was in good hands. "Absolutely sure. Trust me, I've got this. Go, enjoy yourself. You've done more than enough already."

Claire nodded, satisfied. "Alright then. But if anything comes up, let me know. I'll be out there."

Talia gave her a thumbs-up before turning back to the chaos, already giving instructions to a model about her walk.

Claire made her way back to the

main hall, the sound of excited chatter filling the air. As she approached her designated seat, she spotted Adrian standing nearby, looking dashing in a tailored suit. He looked up as she approached, a broad smile spreading across his face. He stepped forwardband greeted her with a warm hug.

"Claire! You made it,” he said, his voice genuinely pleased.

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"Wouldn't miss it," Claire replied with a grin. As they hugged, she caught sight of the photographers, who had followed her inside. They snapped pictures of the pair, the flashes. lighting up the room once more. Claire smiled softly for the cameras, white Adrian nodded at the bodyguards, who started to gently push the photographers back, giving them some space.

Once the photographers were at a respectable distance, Adrian turned his attention back to Claire. "How's everything backstage?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Claire nodded, smoothing a hand over her dress. "Talia says it's all under control. She's amazing, really. I don't know how she does it. I just hope everything goes well. It's a big night."

Talia stood backstage, a clipboard in

one hand and a lipstick in the other,

giving the final touches to the model in front of her. She adjusted the collar of the model's dress, a

stunning black gown that glimmered under the bright backstage lights. "Perfect," she said with a satisfied

nod. "You look perfect. Now,

remember to pause at the end of the

runway, give them a little twirl,

and-"

A loud crash echoed through the room as someone bumped into a rack of clothes. Talia whipped around, eyes blazing. "Hey, watch it!" she called out, trying to keep her cool. But with the show set to start in fifteen minutes, her nerves were stretched thin. Just as she turned back to her model, a staff member hurried over, looking pale and anxious. "Talia, we've got a problem," he said, his voice low but urgent.

Talia's stomach sank. Problems were the last thing she needed right now. "What is it?" she snapped, barely hiding her irritation.

"One of the models is sick. She says she can't go on," the staff member explained, wringing his hands.

Talia's eyes widened in horror. "What? Sick? Now?" She cursed loudly, causing several heads to turn in her direction. The fashion show was about to start, and she couldn't afford to have a missing model. They were running on a tight schedule and finding a replacement in just a few minutes was next to impossible.

Her mind raced as she tried to think of a solution. Maybe she could rearrange the lineup? No, that would throw everything off. What about pulling one of the models from another designer? No, too risky-besides, the other designers would never go for it.

Then, suddenly, an idea popped into her head. It was crazy, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Talia set her clipboard down and marched out of the backstage area, her heels clicking loudly against the floor.

She scanned the crowd, looking for one person in particular. Spotting Claire in a conversation with Adrian. Talia makes her way towards Claire and says to her without hesitation. "I need your help."