Chapter 27

It had been a week since Sienna and Riley had last properly talked. Sienna had allowed Riley to focus on her research, but she never let her skip a meal, often cooking for her. With Mia and Riley both free from classes today, Sienna hoped to catch up with Riley, even if it meant interrupting her studies.

As she walked up the stairs to leave their department, Sienna noticed a familiar figure leaning against the post near the last step. She jogged toward the silhouette, her heart fluttering with surprise.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, surprised. It was Riley, dressed in a navy green hoodie, faded straight-cut jeans, and white sneakers.

Riley smiled, though the tiredness in her eyes was evident. "Here to fetch you up," she said, playfully tapping Sienna's head.

Sienna squinted, a hint of concern creeping into her voice. "Did you sleep already?"

Riley chuckled and grabbed Sienna's tote bag, swinging it over her shoulder. "A couple of hours, maybe?" she replied, unsure.

Sienna clicked her tongue, ready to give Riley a scolding but was caught off guard by her next words. "I'll sleep later. I'm done with the research. Can I come over to your place?" Riley asked, holding Sienna's hand as they walked.

"Are you sure you'll just sleep?" Sienna raised an eyebrow.

"Do you want to do something else?" Riley leaned closer, a playful glint in her eyes. Sienna flicked Riley's forehead in response.

"Silly, you need to rest," she said, squeezing Riley's hand. Worry mingled with happiness at Riley's effort to see her.

"Let's go on a date first. You don't have any classes now, right?" Riley suggested, making sure she remembered Sienna's schedule correctly.

Sienna nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "Where do you want to go?"

"I know something that'll make you happy," Riley said, gently pulling Sienna closer. She placed a hand on Sienna's waist as they walked together toward the parking lot.

Sienna glanced at the building where Riley had parked the car, her brows furrowing as realization dawned on her. She turned to Riley, who was smiling and watching her expectantly.

"What the hell? How did you know I wanted to come here?" Sienna asked, confused but excited. It was the event of her favorite designer.

"I had a feeling you'd love this," Riley replied, unbuckling her seatbelt. "I got us tickets so you can see your favorite designer."

"But—" Sienna started to protest, but Riley leaned over and planted a quick kiss on her cheek.

"No buts," Riley said with a grin before stepping out of the car and hurrying around to Sienna's side. She opened the door and offered her hand to help Sienna out.

Sienna swallowed hard, suddenly nervous. She hadn't prepared a fancy outfit for an event like this, and she knew the place would be swarming with fashion enthusiasts. She clutched her designer handbag, anxiety bubbling up.

"I didn't even dress for this," she whispered, leaning closer to Riley, who looked at her with a reassuring smile.

"You look stunning just as you are," Riley said, winking at her. Sienna blushed slightly and playfully tapped Riley's shoulder.

Sienna was wearing a white cropped square-neck long-sleeved blouse, paired with a long black skirt that had a slit just above the knee. Her simple yet elegant look was completed by white strap sandals and her hair, styled in soft waves. Even without any elaborate preparation, she's oozing with grace.

They lined up, waiting for their chance to enter the fashion hall. Sienna, feeling a wave of nervousness wash over her, squeezed Riley's hand lightly as if the contact could calm her racing heart. Riley handed their tickets to the usher, and they were guided to their assigned seats.

Sienna's eyes widened as they were led to the VIP section. She nudged Riley once they sat down, her shock evident. "Did you really buy VIP tickets?" she whispered, still processing Riley's extravagant gesture. She knew Riley could be spontaneous, but spending big for a fashion show was unexpected—even for her.

Riley grinned, completely nonchalant. "Yeah, not just any VIP ticket. It's an exclusive one—you'll get to meet your favorite designer backstage after the show." She said it as though it was the most natural thing in the world. Well, of course, Sienna thought, Riley is the daughter of the owner of the country's top pharmaceutical company.

Sienna's jaw dropped. "I should pay you back for this," she murmured, feeling a little overwhelmed by the gesture.

Riley chuckled, her hand gently reaching for Sienna's. "You don't have to. I used the money I got from Nyx and Harriet's payment," she added with a soft laugh, as if treating Sienna to something special was no big deal.

As the show began, Sienna found herself captivated. The runway was filled with renowned designers who had been icons in the industry for years. Influential fashion gurus attended, adding to the aura of prestige. It was a complete experience, one that made Sienna's heart swell with inspiration. She glanced at the models and designers, silently dreaming that one day, she might join their ranks as a celebrated designer.

The show had ended, and now Riley and Sienna waited backstage, anticipating the moment they'd meet Sienna's favorite designer—Alessandra Rousseau. Known for her bold, innovative designs that defied convention, Alessandra's work had earned global acclaim, with her shows consistently drawing the largest crowds.

Sienna swallowed nervously as they were called into Alessandra's private room. As they entered, she was met by the sight of an elegant woman, dressed simply yet stylishly in tailored trousers, a designer blouse, and a blazer. Even her shoes, unmistakably couture, exuded the same effortless chic as their designer. There she was—the legendary Alessandra Rousseau.

The designer glanced up from her seat, a warm smile lighting her face as she motioned to the chairs in front of her. Rising gracefully, she greeted them, her voice full of enthusiasm. "Ah, two lovely ladies!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands near her chest, her delight obvious.

"Please, have a seat," Alessandra offered. They thanked her and sat down as she settled across from them.

Her eyes twinkled as she looked between them, her pen tapping thoughtfully against her chin. "Let me see—Sienna Reed and Riley Pierce," she said, the wheels turning in her mind. "Ah! Aren't you two the daughters of rival companies? So, why are you here together?" Alessandra asked, her smile widening with curiosity.

Riley and Sienna exchanged a glance, unsure how to respond. Alessandra laughed, clapping her hands softly. "Oh, I see it now—you two must be dating," she waved her hand dismissively, her tone casual and accepting. "No big deal, today's world is all about inclusivity and diversity. It's perfectly natural."

She leaned in closer, her eyes warm. "It's truly a pleasure to meet you both."

Sienna swallowed again, her nerves heightened by the intimacy of the moment. "The pleasure is mine, Ms. Rousseau," she said, nodding respectfully.

Alessandra leaned back in her chair, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I hear Ms. Reed is majoring in Fashion Marketing and Management, is that right?"

Sienna nodded, smiling nervously. "Yes, I am."

Alessandra nodded, clearly amused. "You know, you two have the look," she remarked, leaning forward again, her gaze appraising. "I have a proposal—would you like to be models for my upcoming magazine release?"

Stunned, Riley and Sienna turned to each other before looking back at Alessandra. "Wait—what?" they blurted out in unison.

Alessandra chuckled softly. "I'm serious. I want both of you to model for me—if you're interested, of course," she added, her voice enthusiastic and inviting.