𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞

𝐋𝐁 | 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄 ✰

♛

-

𝙉𝙔𝘾

A few months have passed since the harrowing ordeal with Lee, and life has slowly begun to return to normal. With the support of my friends, I've managed to rebuild my life piece by piece, finding solace in the familiar rhythms of everyday life.

After returning home to New York City, I threw myself back into my modeling career with renewed determination. With Santana and Markita by my side, I navigated the fast-paced world of fashion with a newfound sense of purpose, channeling my experiences into my work.

"Renee, you killed it out there!" Santana exclaimed, wrapping me in a tight hug backstage after one of my runway shows.

"Thanks, Santana," I replied, returning her hug with a grateful smile. "I couldn't have done it without you and Markita cheering me on."

Markita grinned, her eyes sparkling with pride. "You were born to walk that runway, Renee. No one can hold a candle to you."

As we basked in the afterglow of another successful show, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride knowing how far I'd come. Each step I took was a testament to my resilience, a reminder that I was stronger than the darkness that had once threatened to consume me.

But amidst the glitz and glamour of the fashion world, a part of me couldn't shake the memories of those long days spent chained up in that warehouse, the fear and uncertainty still lingering like a shadow in the corners of my mind.

Despite my best efforts to move on, the trauma of those days continued to haunt me, creeping into my thoughts when I least expected it. But with the unwavering support of my friends, I refused to let the past define me, choosing instead to focus on the bright future that lay ahead. I kept thinking about the argument Julian and I got into before we left London.

- F L A S H B A C K -

The evening started with a simple invitation from Julian to catch up over dinner. As I opened the door to my London apartment, Julian's familiar face greeted me with a warm smile, his presence sending a rush of conflicting emotions coursing through me.

"Hey, Renee," Julian said, his voice tinged with nervousness as he stepped inside. "Thanks for agreeing to talk to me."

I offered him a hesitant smile, my heart pounding in my chest as I gestured for him to take a seat on the couch. We sat there in awkward silence for a moment, the weight of our shared history hanging heavy in the air.

"So, how have you been?" Julian asked, his voice breaking the silence.

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I've been okay," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "Just trying to take things one day at a time."