40

Paige.

"Smile Ashely!"

Photographers called as I exited the building. LA's fashion show's fast approaching and the press are getting as much information they can get from us runway models.

I flashed a smile to the cameras and did some poses before entering the van with Stella and Abby. One of the things that modeling gave me was confidence. This trait that I didn't posses before and through modelling I got to harness it. One of things I'm proud about.

I spent the rest of my time training and practicing rehearsals for the runway fashion show since it's a big deal in the fashion industry.

"This is your last shoot for the month, you'll do fine," Stella said as we walked inside Euphoria. After this shoot, I won't be having to come to Euphoria anymore for a month. That would be good news since I can finally rest after the Fashion show.

"That's good!" The photographer said after I did some poses, "Good work Ashley, you can take a break."

I thanked him and went to my seat.

"Ma'am want coffee?" Abby asked me.

"Oh yeah sure,"

"Lets get some at the café c'mon," She pulled me up and I followed her to the door of the shooting room,

"Be quick you two!" Stella called after us.

"We will," Abby answered for me and we went straight to Euphoria's café.

When we got in, Abby got us vanilla lattes and we started chatting.

"I know you're going to do amazing at tomorrow's fashion show ma'am, I just know it," She said excitedly as she sipped on her coffee.

I sipped on mine as well, "I wouldn't be too confident."

In mid conversation, my eyes went to the café's doors when Blake suddenly entered. He was in his usual business suit that suited him perfectly, he was talking with other guys in business suits as well.

"Who are you looking at?" Abby asked and turned around, "Oh it's Mr. CEO." She teased.

"Enough Abby," I warned her making her smirk. My eyes widened with what she did next.

"Hi Mr. CEO," She called Blake, I glared at her and mouthed the word stop but she didn't listen.

Blake turned to us and it seemed like he was surprised to see us here. I immediately looked away and suddenly became very interested in my coffee.

"Yes?" He asked in confusion.

"Will you be watching LA's fashion show tomorrow?" Abby asked innocently.

I tried to step on her foot from under the table but she kept moving her foot away.

I suddenly felt Blake's eyes on me only I didn't dare look up.

"No I won't be," He said.

"Oh why not?" Abby continued to ask,

"I'm busy," He said before nodding at us and walking away with his fellow businessman.

When he left the café I glared at Abby. "Why'd you do that?"

"Aww too bad he won't be attending," She pouted.

"So what?" I crossed my arms, "I've been doing fashion shows for about 7 years already, I can do a fashion show without him."

"Ok, ok chill," Abby laughed.

After the shoot, I spent the rest for rehearsals for tomorrows fashion show. When it was my turn   I kept my chin up, I smiled and blew a kiss went I got to the edge of the stage.

"Nice work Ashley keep it coming!" Our instructor said.

After my turn, our instructor scolded some of the younger models since they were new with all this, I knew how that felt, my first few years in the industry was full scolding but as time went by, I've gotten the hang of it.

I saw Gia in the line of models, she was gossiping with other models with her in line. She even opened a conversation with me but I escaped it immediately, I didn't want to waste my time with people like her.

The time went so fast before I knew it, it was already the day of LA's fashion show.

"Is she ready?"

"Get her heels on,"                                      "Fix her blush,"

Everything was chaotic, but this was normal for a fashion show. Many people were fixing me up and getting me ready to walk. I was wearing a designer dress and heels with a purse in hand which completed my outfit. My hair was styled down into soft curls.

"You look beautiful ma'am," Abby smiled at me when she surveyed my look.

"Aw that's so sweet of you," I smiled back at her.

Before handing my phone to Abby, I read many texts from my friends.

From: Aicko

Go girl! We'll be watching, hopefully your shoes don't fall off or I'll burst out laughing when you walk by.

From: Shari

We're rooting for you Paige! Hana's excited to see you.

From: Eloise

Have Fun Paige! All the love from France.

From: Ugly

Break a leg Peggy! Not your real leg tho.

I laughed when I read Mom's text,

From: Mom

You got this sunshine! Don't trip! I'm watching you.

Is this an encouragement or a threat?

I felt touched by the texts but somehow for the first time in all my years of modelling in a runway, I felt like something was missing. I just can't pin point what.

Soon the instructor made us line up since the fashion show was starting. There were so many people outside and a famous singer started to sing signaling the models to start walking. One by one models started to walk out into the runway.

Even though this wasn't my first time, my heart still beats out of my chest as if it was. It's normal to feel this nervous but it isn't a feeling I enjoy.

I took a deep breathe to calm myself. It's almost my turn, after 10 girls, it'll be me who needs to walk. I held my hands together to calm my senses.

I readied my posture and stance ready to walk, I took a few steps to the opening, I felt as how my heels touched the floor,

"Hey!"

I stopped in my stance when someone called. I turned around shocked to see Blake walking hurriedly towards me from the other side of the backstage. As he got closer, I noticed how out of breathe he was.

"W-what are you doing here?" I stuttered.

He stopped in front of me to catch his breath, he was wearing a white dress shirt with 3 of his buttons opened and black slacks, he was a bit sweaty that's why he pushed the hair that fell on his forehead to the side of his head making the models behind me stare at him in awe.

He was now standing in front of me, my chin was at the level of his neck, wow I did grow taller.

"What are you doing here?" I repeated my question before I could say another word he placed his arms on my shoulders while locking his eyes on mine.

"Good luck puppy," He smiled at me, "Those are high heels," He looked down at my heels.

"Y-yes they are," was all I could say since I was still in shock with his presence.

"You could trip on them," He warned me, "And embarrass yourself in front of all these people."

I frowned. "Is that what you want to say?"

"No," He chuckled, "What I'm saying is, whether you trip on that stage or walk with confidence," He patted my head, "Know that just by standing here today, I'm already proud of you."

I blinked twice not sure if I heard that right, "T-thanks." I smiled at him.

"Ashley you're up!" Our instructor called.

I turned back to Blake and he patted my head again before I walked out to the runway with a wider smile than a while ago.

I walked with confidence and smiled at every direction, I had my hands on my hips and I strode through the stage, there were cameras everywhere and people both famous and ordinary were watching. When I got to the edge of the stage I smiled and did a pose and blew a flying kiss before walking back to the back stage.

When I got back my heart was racing fast but I didn't know if it was because of the nervousness or if it was because of...something else.

When the fashion show ended, all of us models congratulated each other,  I even congratulated Gia, she was good herself.

"Ashley that was splendid!" Stella praised me.

"I did good didn't I?" I laughed.

After a while, my friends came to congratulate me even Aiden who gave me a bouquet.

"Nice job Peggy," He laughed.

"Thanks Ugly," I laughed as well.

"I recorded your whole walk in hopes you'd fall this year's fashion show, too bad you didn't," Aicko sounded displeased, "But in fairness your smile this time is way better than your other smiles from the last fashion shows I'll give you that."

"Whatever." I chuckled,

"Mommy Peggy!" Hana cheered when she and Shari approached me.

"Hi Baby!" I kneeled down to her level and hugged her.

"You're so pretty Mommy Peggy," She cupped my face with her small little hands, "I want to be like you when I grow up."

"Wait! Don't you want to be like me?!" Aicko complained.

I laughed again and faced Shari who pulled me into a hug.

"Sunshine you were on fire," Mom said to me before bringing me into a hug as well.

"Does that mean I can have some of your apple pie now Mom?" I joked.

After some picture taking Aicko clung her arm on me. "Psst look over there," She pointed to a corner full of guys,  "They  are Hollywood actors, I'm sure you know them, anyways they want to meet you, are any of them your type? Should I introduce you to them?"

"What?! No!" I hit her lightly on the arm.

While people congratulated me, my eyes kept roaming around the back stage as more and more people came inside to see the models. Sadly I didn't see what I was looking for. He must've left by now. I frowned when I realized what I was thinking.

Why was I looking for him?! I stopped myself and just enjoyed the rest of the night.

Finally the fashion show's over, now I have a free schedule ahead of me.

"Paige!" Aicko stormed in my condo exactly one day after the fashion show.

I frowned and turned to her with surprise, "What are you doing here?"

"I don't have food for dinner," She said and sat down beside me on my dining table having her spoon and fork ready in her hands. Looks like she packed them with her from her house.

I laughed and gave her some food. I was used to this, whenever she runs out of food in her house she'd storm into my condo and have dinner with me, it's weird but that's how we are. Weird.

She scooted to my side and we both ate in my plate. We're both fine with this since we've been doing this since Eres.

"So what are your plans for your birthday?" She asked while eating.

"Uhm nothing yet,"

"Well I was thinking, why don't we and the girls get out of here, lets travel please?" She batted her lashes waiting for my approval.

I frowned.

"C'mon it would be fun, I was thinking about the beach, some place tropical,"

I chuckled, "We have many beaches in California."

"Yeah, but I was thinking about Asia, there are many tropical places there c'mon Paige?" She pleaded.

I laughed and picked up our plate since we finished eating. "Give me a break, the fashion show just ended yesterday and don't you have any business matters?"

"I've finished all of them," Aicko raised her hands, "That's why I'm free, so is Shari, and there wouldn't be any harm in leaving the country for a vacation."

"I don't know," I started washing the dishes.

"I was thinking, maybe Bali Indonesia? Boracay Philippines? Thailand? No how about Maldives yes I think Maldives is perfect." Aicko kept talking.

"Please Paige, there won't be any harm in booking a ticket besides Maldives is beautiful I swear."

I crossed my arms and turned to her with a serious face, "You already booked us tickets didn't you."

She remained silent for a good 5 seconds.

"Uhm Yeah," She played with her hands and smiled.

I sighed. "So I really didn't have a choice in the first place right?"

"Yeah," She smiled while scratching her head. "Uhm...one more thing, I think you should start packing now."

My brows scrunched, "Why?!"

"Uhm..." Aicko looked up to the ceiling trying to avoid my eyes, "Our flight's tomorrow morning, at dawn actually... I already have my suitcase in the trunk of my car."

"You've got to be kidding me." I

"Happy Birthday hehe?" She smiled knowing that she won.

The rest of the night has been hectic, Aicko helped me pack while I made phone calls to Stella and my trainer that I wouldn't be around for the next 3 days.

"What?! That's so shocking why so sudden?" Stella said through the phone.

I sighed and looked at Aicko as she was putting my clothes into my suitcase, "Sorry Stella, I'm shocked as well."

The next day we woke up at 3 am and started getting ready, Aicko didn't leave my house last night since she already had her suitcase ready in her car. What a sly one she is.

We both took a shower and I changed into some comfy but stylish clothes for the airport and Aicko did the same. After we were ready we went inside her car and placed my suitcase beside hers in the trunk before going to Shari's house to pick her up.

On the way we stopped by drive thru for breakfast since we haven't eaten yet. When we got to Shari's mansion, she stepped outside the door carrying Hana in her arms who looked so sleepy while Liam was pulling her suitcase to the car.

Aicko and I came outside to greet them.

"Don't forget her vitamins later and don't give her candy she had a lot yesterday." Shari reminded Liam,

"Yeah don't worry I got it covered," He chuckled and kissed Shari's forehead. "Just have fun."

"Omg!" Aicko squealed and nudged me. "I wish someday that will happen to me," She whispered in my ear.

I rolled my eyes and laughed.

"Hey Paige Advance Happy Birthday," Liam said when he saw me before greeting Aicko as well.

"Thanks," I smiled and turned to Hana, "Hi Baby," I squeezed her cheek she then yawned while hugging Shari's neck.

"Are you going to miss us?" Aicko asked.

Hana nodded sleepily while Shari kissed her forehead and placed her down, "Be good while Mama's gone okay?" She moved the hair away from Hana's face.

"Yes Mama," Hana rubbed her eyes. We said goodbye and Liam took Hana into his arms when we entered the car.

It's sad that Hana couldn't come, but Aicko said that this trip was for us friends only, without the husbands, boyfriends, or fiancé's. I was ok with that since I didn't have any of those.

We waved goodbye to the two as we drove away.

I eyed Shari who sat in the back seat. "So you knew about this trip too?"

"Yeah, Aicko booked our tickets last week so I got a week to prepare." Shari said.

From the looks of it only I was the one who was surprised by this whole thing.

When we got to Dawson Airlines, Aiden met us in the boarding gates. Even he knew about this trip but he said that he'd follow tomorrow since he still had things to do. It's a good thing that even Eloise was coming but her flight would be tomorrow as well.

"Yes and please remind her highness that she can't bring her fiancé with her thank you." Aicko finished her call with the staff at the French Palace. Looks like she's got this whole event planned well.

After a while we boarded our plane and got into first class, the three of us sat beside each other, Shari was by the window, Aicko was at the middle and my seat was by the isle. I slept through most of the flight, soon enough we've landed at the main airport of Maldives.

Once we got off the plane, the tropical air greeted us with the salty sea breeze. I starred in awe of the turquoise water.

"It's beautiful," I smiled.

Aicko laughed, "I Told you so."

After coming down the plane we went straight to check in for the seaplanes that would take us to our island.

When the seaplane landed at our island, we walked through a wooden bridge that was on top of the water that lead to the beach, I smiled as I saw the clear white sand of the beach and the tall palm trees that spread across the island.

Aicko booked us a villa since she was the one who prepared everything.

When we got to the villa we immediately left our bags outside the door and ran to the beds we wanted and called dibs, I got the one close to the air conditioning while Aicko and Shari were fighting over the one close to the glass doors, wow they never outgrow their childishness.

There was an extra bed but that was for Eloise.

"Even if she's royalty, since her majesty is coming late she will have no choice but to get the last pick no exemptions." Aicko imitated the royal announcer's voice making us laugh.

"What's going on with you and Blake? I saw him at the Fashion show yesterday," Shari suddenly asked while we were unpacking our things.

"Nothing, why would there be?" I denied. There really was nothing going on between the two of us, but one thing I know inside is that, I don't hold a grudge for him any longer. Or it may still be there but little by little it dissolves.

The first thing we did was go to sleep since we were all jet lagged, when we woke up in the afternoon we roamed around the place and just ate.

"Paige how old are you tomorrow?" Shari asked.

"28," I answered.

"Yikes you're so old," Aicko acted shocked. "And you still don't have a boyfriend," she teased.

"Hey you're 28 too!" I said in my defense.

"C'mon face it we're all growing older but why are you two  acting so immature?" Shari asked.

"Hey don't tell us that when you were also fighting with me to get the bed by the glass door," Aicko  said making us laugh.

"Fine then we're all immature, happy?" Shari said putting us to an agreement.

After we ate, we went to the pool for a night swim and agreed to go to the sea tomorrow morning. We took some pictures and swam around before heading back to our villa, we decided to stay up till 12 to welcome my birthday but we were all so exhausted that we didn't realize that we fell asleep.

I woke up the next morning by being hit by Aicko's pillows. "Happy Birthday Paige! I know we payed so much for the villa but that doesn't mean we should sleep all day!"

"W-what?" I sat up and yawned my eyes widened when I saw the big balloons that said

Happy Birthday Paige

"Wow," I laughed when Shari came holding a cake with the numbers 28 on it.  I rubbed my eyes ready to blow the candle. But my smiled faded when they started to sing Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday to you

Why are you still single

You poor little thing

Happy Birthday to you!

"I hate you both," I looked at them with a serious face.

They both laughed, "Don't worry, we love you." Aicko winked.

"Make a wish!" Shari said.

I just laughed and closed my eyes excitedly and thought of my wish.

I wish...I wish to complete the puzzle pieces of my life.

I then blew the candle making Shari and Aicko cheer. They then started to give me presents, I frowned at Aicko when she gave me a guide to finding your perfect match book.

"I don't need this!" I complained,

"Believe me Paige, you do," She winked at me.

Shari gave me a cute bracelet from her jewelry company which was so sweet.

We then took a shower and changed into our beach clothes. I wore my black two piece under a white flowy dress while Shari and Aicko also wore their two pieces under their beach dresses. When we got to the beach, we took pictures and started swimming.

The water was so beautiful, it's azure color was breathtaking, after swimming, we decided to sit down on the shore. While Aicko and Shari were drinking some coconut juice, I watched the gentle waves crawl upon the white sanded shore.

After a while, Aiden arrived along with Eloise making us even happier.

"Happy Birthday Peggy!" Aiden greeted me and ruffled my hair messing it up.

I frowned and stomped on his foot. "I just fixed it!"

"You know Peggy," He laughed. "Whether you're 38 or 5 you still never change."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I smiled and turned to Eloise and hugged her tightly. Since she's royalty, we don't see each other that often anymore that's why we really missed each other.

"Happy Birthday my sweet," Eloise greeted me.

I thanked her and we were about to head inside the villa when familiar voices called.

"Hey guys!"

We all turned to the next seaplane that landed and our eyes widened.

Ram, was waving at us energetic as ever, beside him were Kile, Dylan, and Ned who came down from the seaplane with their luggage.

"They're here too!?" I said in shock while waving at Ram.

"Oops sorry I forgot to mention that I've invited them too hehe." Aicko scratched her head.

"Yey then I won't be the only guy," Aiden seemed happy and joined the other guys.

The guys then joined us. I kept looking behind them if there was anyone else with them but apparently, it was only them.

"Happy Birthday Paige!" Ram said excitedly. "I made you a cake," He showed me a box in his hands.

I felt touched, "Oh thanks Ram," I pulled him into a  hug then I turned to Kile.

"Hey, Happy Birthday," He smiled at me. I gave back a smile and hugged him as well.

"Thanks for coming."

"Anytime."

I did the same to Dylan and I was happy to see Ned, he was now looking sharp, gone was his glasses and he was now a big time business man.

The boys then went inside their villa since Ram booked them a villa as well, Aiden moved to the villa with them so he wouldn't have to be lonely all by himself. Afterwards we all went to the beach and started having fun.

Aicko and Shari started splashing in the waves while Eloise was taking them pictures, Ram and Dylan were trying to push Ned into the water while Aiden was laughing at them. Somehow this felt like we were young again, back at Eres. This felt good.

"Mind if I sit?"

I turned to Kile who was standing beside me, I moved a bit to give some space under the palm tree. "Here have a seat."

He sat down beside me and we both over looked the ocean.

"Can I ask you something?" I suddenly asked.

"Yeah sure go ahead,"

"Uh...How do you know if you've moved on from someone?"

"Well," He crossed his arms, "If you see that person and you can stare them in the eyes and no longer get lost in them, then you can be sure that you've moved on."

"Oh I see," I hugged my legs. Do I still get lost in his eyes? No I don't!

Kile then looked at me, "How are you and Blake?"

I was taken off guard by that question.

"Uhm..." I thought about it, "I think as of now we're cool, we talk and I don't hold that much of a grudge for him anymore."

He nodded.

"But what I want to know is," I looked at Kile, "Why do I not hold grudges on him anymore? When I should but I can't?"

Kile looked at the sea, "Well there are two options, you might feel that way because you've fully moved on or," He faced me, "You still love him."

"What No!" I frowned and stood up, "That can't be the case, I'm sure I don't."

"It's  just an option don't be to defensive," He chuckled.

At the sunset, Eloise hired the resort to set up a beach dinner  in honor of my birthday which was really sweet. We had a long table set upon the sand with many food prepared. While we ate they made a toast for my birthday and some musicians played while we ate which entertained us.

I wanted to video them but I realized that I didn't have my phone with me. Oh shit I left it in the villa.

"I forgot my phone in the villa," I told the girls.

"Want me to join you get it?" Shari asked.

Since it would just be quick I told her not to so I headed to the villa by myself. I quickly got my phone which lay on my bed and ran through the sand back to the dinner set up. My eyes widened when I suddenly bumped into someone.

"Sorry, sorry I-" I stopped when I looked up to see who the person was.

"Be careful puppy," Blake held my shoulders and helped me gain my balance.

I blinked several times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. "Why are you here?" I asked all of a sudden.

"Aicko invited me," he explained, "Sorry I'm late, I had stuff to finish," He then looked me in the eyes. "Happy Birthday."

"T-thanks." I just nodded. "Follow me, we're having dinner," I just told him and lead him to the dinner set up.

"Bro you came!" Ram said when I came back with Blake. "Finally the 3 kings are complete."

"You're weird," Blake commented making Ram act as if he was hurt.

The girls gave me teasing looks but I glared at them making them stop. The dinner went on and Blake just sat at the other side of the table talking with Kile.

"Try my cake Paige," Ram said when we finished eating.

"Alright alright," I laughed and sliced out a piece and tried it. I smiled at him and gave him a thumbs up. "It's good."

"Yes!" He cheered making everyone laugh.

I admire his improvement throughout the years. I wish I improved in baking as well.

After eating everyone decided to go for a night swim at the pool. I laughed as they all had fun. I jumped in the water in my two piece as the girls and I splashed around.

Ram successfully got Ned fully wet which was a big accomplishment for him, Aiden kept on playing around as well as Dylan while Kile and Blake remained dry on the lounge chairs.

"Hey you two stop being Kill joy and come here!" Ram called, "This is how you both can make it up to me after leaving me at Eres back then!"

"Not a chance Ram," Kile said making us laugh.

But Ram successfully got to splash some water into Blake and Kile's faces but that was all he got to do. When I got tired of swimming, I got out of the water and wore my robe on.

"Hey where you going?" Aicko asked.

"I'll just walk around the shore." I smiled and nodded. I walked away from the pool and went to the beach. The sea breeze was quite chilly but it was bearable.

I sighed and sat down on the sand as I overlooked the sea. Kile's words to me a while ago replayed on my mind. Did I move on or do I still love him? Am I sure with myself or am I in denial?

These questions kept roaming inside my head that I couldn't think straight.

"Hey Puppy,"

I looked up to my side and Blake suddenly sat beside me.

"Hi," I said plainly.

"I uh..." He looked at me nervously.

"What?" I raised my brow.

"I got you something," He pulled out a box from behind him and gave it to me. "Happy Birthday puppy,"

I laughed, "What's this? You didn't have to get me anything." I opened the box and my eyes widened when I saw what was inside. "Sneakers." I smiled as I saw it. It was simple and normal foot wear but...this was me.

"I didn't know what to get you so I just got you that," Blake scratched his head. "You deserve to have something you love."

He looked at me. "Wear those sneakers with pride, walk down LA, Paris or New York in those and never be ashamed for a second."

"You are who you are Paige," He told me, "Don't let anyone tell you different."

I smiled as tears of joy came down from my eyes. "Thanks Blake," I looked at him. "No really, thankyou." I smiled at him. "I love it."

I looked at him in the eyes, as his eyes went to me I once again found myself lost in them. Just like how I always felt 8 years ago.

I felt the urge to fix what's been broken, I felt the urge to want him again...but...Shit! What am I thinking?! He has a girlfriend why is he making me feel this way?!

"Shit!" I stood up abruptly.

"What's wrong?" Blake stood up as well.

"Huh? no nothing, I'm just really sleepy," I lied, "I'll get going now good night!" I started to walk away, I heard him say something but I couldn't make out what he said so I just pretended that I didn't hear him.

This feeling  scared me. I felt this before and it crushed me. I...I don't want to fall for that trap again...I can't...I won't

I was about to go inside my villa when I felt someone hold my wrist making me face him.

"What wrong?" Blake asked in a serious tone.

"Nothing," I tried to take my wrist back but he didn't let it go.

"Please Paige," He looked me in the eye. "Tell me,"

I closed my eyes with frustration and pulled my hand away from him. "This is what's wrong! Why are you doing this?" I looked at him as tears filled my eyes. "Why do you make me feel this way when you- when you have a girlfriend?" My tears fell down.

"W-what?" He said in confusion.

"Is this the same thing you did to me 8 years ago?" My voice became weak as I said those words. "Because if it is please don't, please don't do this to her," I looked him in the eye, "Don't let her feel the same way I felt."

Blake shook his head, "I don't understand."

"Why are you making me feel this way when you should be doing all these thing to your girlfriend." I rubbed my eyes.

"What are you talking about?" He looked at me with sadness and confusion.

I rolled my eyes, "I'm talking about Gia!" More tears streamed down, "Your girlfriend, the girl you replaced me with!"

He suddenly became silent. I sighed and wiped my eyes, I turned my back on him and held the handle of the villa's door. I gasped when he suddenly took my hand and pulled me into his arms.

"I-" He stammered.

"I never replaced you."

___________________________________________________

:))

Ok here's a quick update for y'all hope you like it:))

And drop here your ideas for the content of book 2 I'm curious about your ideas.

And drop your ages here I'm also curious in how old my readers are lol.