Zara

Disappointment washed over me when Asbela said Alpha Kane had already gone to the office. I left the bathroom.

’Why didn’t he wait for me?’ I complained to Nova.

She helped me with my morning rituals and insisted on breakfast, placing a tray in front of me. Seeing that I wasn’t trying to eat, she asked mockingly. "What’s wrong? Are you missing, Alpha already?"

I smiled at her, but inside, my heart sank. I picked up my phone and checked to see if he had left any messages. To my delight, he had. I immediately opened the messages and clicked on his.

{Zara! I had to leave early. There were urgent matters that required my attention. I didn’t want to disturb you. You were too tired and needed rest. Join me when you’ve rested. I hope I’ll have your suit ready by then.}

His words made my stomach clench, which is why he didn’t take me with him. He wanted me to rest after the orgasm he’d given me.

Seeing me smiling, Asbela pushed the tray toward me.

"Eat now, or the Alpha will be angry. You two didn’t even have dinner last night."

Yes! We were busy gobbling each other up, I thought, and I couldn’t help but feel a gentle warmth spreading through my stomach. Picking up a sandwich, I began to bite into it, my mind completely on Alpha Kane.

After breakfast, Kaysir drove me to the office. I texted Miranda, and she said she’d be waiting for me in the parking lot. When we arrived, I got out, and Miranda rushed to me.

"Good morning, how are you, Zara?" She hugged me tightly.

"Everything is fine. And you?" I asked with a gentle smile.

"Couldn’t be better. Come on, Halima is waiting for you." She crossed her arms over mine and led me forward.

The elevator made me a little nervous, so I said to Miranda, "I’ll join you in the training room; I want to use the stairs. You can go now."

Miranda shook her head calmly.

"I know, that’s why I called the infantry." The elevator rang open, and Charlie appeared, a beaming smile and sparkling eyes.

"Zara, how are you?" he asked cheerfully.

"Never better, but I don’t want you guys to get tired because of me." I pursed my lips, feeling guilty.

"Are you kidding? I brought back so much gossip. The elevator won’t even come close to hiding it," Charlie added haughtily.

"Exactly! Come on, we have so much to tell you." Miranda took my arm, and we headed for the stairs.

"We heard Amanda was absolutely hysterical after the accident. Rumor has it that the girl was seen crying and screaming. She insisted her heel couldn’t have just broken," Charlie enthusiastically began to pour out the juicy details.

"She insists she only wears the best heels and pays a fortune for them." Miranda curled her index finger and thumb for emphasis and added, "Basically, she bragged about being rich and that the heel didn’t break by accident."

My jaw dropped at this news. I held my hand out in front of me and continued climbing the stairs.

"Oh! She insists she was involved in something? How ridiculous."

"Exactly, just to stay on topic." He shook his head as he climbed the stairs.

"She’s completely freaking out when she finds out you were chosen instead of her. More hysterics, I feel sorry for Halima," Miranda sympathized.

"I’d challenge her to go to CEO. He’d get her right in...At her place," I chuckled. I felt no pity for drama queens. What did she expect? This company was supposed to hire her with a sprained ankle?

"You’ll never find one," he shook his head.

"But we know you’re the perfect replacement. We can’t wait to see you."

"I’ll see you and CEO on the runway. You’ll both be the talk of the Sterling Empire." Miranda turned to me and rubbed her hands, pausing between two staircases.

"Yes! We’re going to see the dress. The whole building was buzzing with gossip about how CEO designed it himself and put so much work into getting it ready." He turned and winked at me.

My cheeks flushed, and I couldn’t hide my smile. "I’ll do my best, guys."

Chatting and joking, the three of us exited the rehearsal room, a little out of breath. We climbed quite a few steps. Throwing open the door, we walked backstage. Some models were putting on the finishing touches to their makeup, and others were putting on their costumes.

All eyes turned to me.

Some with approval.

And some with envy and jealousy. Halima was giving orders. She turned her head and found me. Her tense expression melted, giving way to a rare smile.

"Zara, there you are." She rushed to grab my hand. "Your suit is here, and it’s incredible. Let’s put it on you and see how it goes."

Charlie and Miranda waved at me, and the latter whispered, "We’ll wait in the hallway to see how you walk."

I nodded happily and allowed Halima to lead me to the fitting room. She opened the door and pointed to a mannequin displaying the dress I was to wear to the Winter Gala. Stunned, I froze as I took in the sheer beauty of the dress Alpha’d created for me.

The navy blue and raspberry red blended, creating a galactic effect in the flared dress. A sweetheart neckline framed the bodice, adorned with silver and red gemstones, star motifs, and intricate beading.

The red sleeves were off-the-shoulder and crafted from flowing sheer fabric. Silver chains dangled from them.

The full, floor-length skirt was layered with sheer fabric. It sparkled like stardust. The hem faded to a lighter, shimmering blue, creating a snowy, magical look that matched the theme of our winter gala.

A belt, crafted entirely from precious gemstones, held the skirt and bodice together. The dress was richly embellished with sparkling details and a cascade of silver chains, creating the effect of a starry sky.

"So beautiful!" I almost screamed as I ran up to the dress and touched it. The fabric was soft to the touch.

"In this dress, you’ll look like a princess from a snowy castle. Let’s put it on you." Halima snapped her fingers to summon two assistants, who helped me get comfortable with this masterpiece.

I couldn’t wait for Alpha Kane to see me in this dress. But where was he?

They carefully helped me into this luxurious gown. The fabric clung to my body, and I looked like a queen in it.

Lost Princess.

We went backstage so I could get comfortable walking around in it.

As soon as I stepped onto the runway, my heart sank. Alpha Kane stood there, looking at me with such a hungry gaze that my cheeks burned.