lover boy

Chapter 51

Cecilia Anderson

After the show, I finally had a moment to breathe. The excitement, the nerves, and the adrenaline from walking down the runway had left me buzzing, but now, as I changed out of the intricate gown and into something a bit more comfortable, a wave of exhaustion started to settle in. My makeup remained flawless, and I slipped into a sleek dark red dress that hugged my curves but allowed me to move freely. Simple yet elegant, it was perfect for the after-show party—a celebration of the night's success.

My phone buzzed with congratulatory messages from friends, family, and acquaintances, but I barely had time to respond before I was swept into a whirlwind of post-show activity. Lisa and Aurelia were by my side, both of them glowing from their own successes. We laughed and replayed every moment of the show as we made our way to the after-party venue. The car ride was filled with our excited chatter, punctuated by the occasional, "Can you believe we just did that?"

As soon as we stepped out of the car, the sound of music and chatter hit us like a wave. The after-party was being held on a rooftop overlooking Berlin, and as we walked in, I could feel the city's energy pulsing beneath our feet. The venue was draped in soft, golden light, with chandeliers that sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow on everyone below. The air was thick with the smell of expensive perfume and the sound of clinking glasses as people toasted to the night's success.

I barely had time to take it all in before I saw Gavi. He had come straight from the show, waiting for me just outside the venue. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, his hair falling just right, and when he saw me, his face lit up with that playful grin I was starting to recognize. His eyes sparkled under the party lights, and he looked effortlessly handsome.

"Well, well, the top model finally decided to grace us with her presence," he said, taking my hand and kissing it gently.

I smiled and replied, "Top models take their time."

"Cecilia, again you were stunning out there," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration as he pulled me into a quick hug. "You owned that runway."

I smiled, feeling the warmth of his words. "Thank you. It still feels like a dream."

Lisa and Aurelia joined us a moment later, both of them eager to celebrate. The four of us found a spot near the bar, ordered drinks, and fell into an easy conversation. The atmosphere was electric—everyone was buzzing with the excitement of the night. Gavi was charming as ever, his playful banter keeping the mood light and fun. He had a way of making everything feel effortless, and I found myself relaxing, allowing myself to enjoy the night.

But even as we laughed and talked, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to happen. My eyes scanned the crowd, and that's when I saw him—Jude. He was standing near the edge of the room, not far from where Jobe and a few others were gathered. His gaze was fixed on me, and the intensity in his eyes made my breath catch.

The connection between us was still there, undeniable and heavy, despite everything. And in that moment, I realized something I had been trying to avoid all night—I couldn't keep pretending that the past didn't matter. That Jude didn't matter.

When he poured his heart out to me after the show, I realized I could never push him out of my life, nor did I ever want to. He was the man who had always stood by me in difficult times, dropping everything when I needed him most.

Gavi noticed the shift in my mood, his playful smile fading slightly. "Everything okay?" he asked, concern creeping into his voice.

I nodded quickly, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just... a lot to take in."

He didn't press further, but I could see the question in his eyes. I wasn't sure how to answer it—not yet, anyway. Because the truth was, as much as I was enjoying Gavi's company, there was still a part of me that couldn't let go of Jude. Of the memories we shared, of the feelings that were still unresolved between us.