Discoveries (Faye Yoko)

Parte 5

The large Malisorn hall was buzzing with the nervous energy of twenty models, each preparing for the crucial moment of clothing and makeup selection. The new autumn/winter collection demanded perfect faces and bodies to convey the brand's vision, so each model had been meticulously chosen to fit that aesthetic. Yoko was especially excited, as among Ling's selections was her dear friend Orm, adding a personal touch to this significant day.

Faye interrupted Yoko's thoughts as she checked emails at her desk. "Come on, it's time to meet the models." Her voice carried that authoritative tone that brooked no reply. Although she fully trusted Ling's judgment, Faye always insisted on personally overseeing every aspect of her empire, as if she could not afford a single mistake.

When Faye entered the room, silence fell immediately and completely. Her presence was magnetic and intimidating; Dressed impeccably in a tailored suit that accentuated her slender figure, she scanned the room with an appraising gaze that made several of the models hold their breath. Even the normally self-assured Orm felt the overwhelming weight of that gaze.

"How could not fall in love with such a woman?" Orm thought, watching Faye in admiration, feeling a deep appreciation for his friend Yoko, who faithfully followed Faye, absorbed in her tablet.

Faye gracefully settled into an armchair placed in the center of the room, motioning for Yoko to take a seat next to her on the couch. As the models introduced themselves, Yoko took meticulous notes on the makeup and clothing selections instructed by her boss.

When it was Orm's turn, she approached with her characteristic confidence and a radiant smile, knowing that her best friend was there to support her.

"You look beautiful today!" Yoko exclaimed spontaneously upon seeing Orm, momentarily putting aside the intensity of the atmosphere and Faye's presence.

Faye's reaction was instantaneous. Her head snapped towards Yoko, her eyes narrowed in a mix of surprise and a darker shadow that soon took over her mind: how dare her secretary flirt so openly with a model, and even more so, in front of her?

Faye opened her mouth to intervene, but before she could utter a word, Orm leaned down and kissed Yoko's cheek affectionately. "I'm so excited! And by the way, wow! You look radiant here," he said, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

Faye's mind began to spin rapidly. Did they know each other? Questions piled up in her head: were they in a relationship? Yoko had said she'd never had a boyfriend, but... a girlfriend? The thought that her plain, simple secretary and this stunning model could be somehow intertwined gave her an unpleasant feeling in her stomach.

"Well, this is Orm, 21 years old," Yoko's professional voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "She's been selected pieces 15, 12 and 35. Natural makeup that highlights her beauty." As she finished, Yoko looked at her friend with a happy smile. The connection between them, that shared smile, was the straw that broke the camel's back in Faye's mind.

"Do you agree, Faye?" Yoko asked, innocent and oblivious to the emotional turmoil she was unleashing.

Faye, acting from a place she didn't even recognize herself, snatched the tablet from Yoko's hands. "Beauty?" Her voice dripped with disdain. "I don't know, I think you could do better." She said in a low, almost incomprehensible tone, as if she feared her own insecurity might be heard.

"What did you say?" The confusion in Yoko's voice was palpable, that mix of helplessness and surprise making her even more vulnerable to Faye's gaze.

Realizing her slip, Faye tried to regain control, her voice becoming firmer. "Ahem... I'm saying that the model could have better makeup. This one doesn't make her... beautiful." Her cold gaze towards Orm made the model instinctively back away, fearing she had made a mistake.