Unbreakable Duty

The Show Must Go On

The day of the launch had finally arrived, and the venue buzzed with the sound of final preparations. Earn paced backstage, her nerves barely contained as she tried to go over every detail in her mind. The collection launch was monumental for her career and was her first major event after almost two years of hiatus. She'd barely slept, and the weight of the pressure of the launch loomed over her.

Susie placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Earn, relax. You've poured your heart into this collection, and it shows. Tonight's going to be a triumph."

Engfah joined in, giving Earn an encouraging nod. "Everyone's here to support you. We've double-checked every gown and every fitting. It's all set."

Despite their reassuring words, Earn could feel her heart racing. "I just want everything to go perfectly," she murmured, glancing at the stage and envisioning the unfolding show. In the sea of guests, her family would be watching her, and Fahlada - whatever she was to her - would be on the runway beside her, a fact that only seemed to add to the weight of her emotions.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Fahlada quietly gathered her team. Bow and Rossami huddled close to her. While Tan was connected through the earpiece. Their conversation is low but urgent.

"Listen," Fahlada started, her voice calm yet firm. "tonight, we're keeping things tight. With the general in the audience and the intel about a possible threat, we need to be extra vigilant."

Tan radioed in. "Bow and Ross will be stationed at both ends of the runway, and I'll be covering Earn's entrance and exit points. No one gets close without us knowing."

Bow grinned, her usual playful spirit momentarily replaced by focus. "I'll be in charge of blending in with the crowd. Anyone suspicious, I'll be onto them."

Rossami's gaze sharpened as she scanned the bustling backstage, tracking potential threats among the venue staff. "We've rehearsed this - if anything seems off, we act quickly. Tan, don't forget that I'll be your backup if anything goes against our plans, okay?"

"Affirmative. You'll be the perfect backup for this." Tan answered back.

Fahlada nodded, grateful for her team's dedication. "Earn's safety is our top priority. We know Wisanu has eyes here, and we don't know exactly who might be compromised, so we rely on each other." She looked each of them in the eye, ensuring her seriousness was understood. "Everyone ready?"

They each gave silent nods, Tan sending two clicks in the earpiece, knowing the stakes couldn't be higher.

Just then, Earn approached, catching the last part of their conversation. She looked at Fahlada with a soft but weary smile. "You'll be on that runway with me, right?" Her nervousness was palpable as if Fahlada would back out any moment.

The captain held her gaze, her expression unwavering. "I'll always be here for you, Earn. Every step of the way. I'll be with you." 

Earn was struck by the sincerity in Fahlada's words, a familiar promise echoing through her mind. But before she could fully absorb what the captain had said, Susie's voice rang out, calling everyone to prepare for the show.

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As the lights dimmed and a hush fell over the audience, a single spotlight cast a gentle glow over the runway, creating an ethereal ambiance fitting for a wedding-themed collection. The first strains of a delicate orchestral piece began, filling the hall with a serene yet grand melody. Earn's wedding collection was about to make its debut, and every eye in the room was trained on the runway.

The VIP seats at the front row were filled with distinguished guests, with General Phongphipat, his wife Koy, and Earn's brother seated in the very center. Their presence brought an added air of importance to the event as if honoring Earn's long-awaited return to the fashion world. Her family's pride was palpable, Koy smiling warmly while the general sat with a quiet yet intense gaze, absorbing every detail as the show began.