Rave & Roses {A Rema Fanfic}

46 - ZARA

It had been three months since everything changed. Life in America was not just back on track—it was better than I ever imagined. My modeling career had skyrocketed in ways I never expected. Every brand seemed to want a piece of me, and it felt like the world had finally recognized my worth. The struggle I had gone through had given me a voice—my story became my power, and now I was using that power to build a future for myself.

I was the face of L'Oréal and Prada, two brands I had once only dreamed of working with. When they approached me, I could hardly believe it. This was what I had worked for, and now it was happening.

I was having lunch with my cousin Amber, who had become my closest friend here in America. She had been my anchor, helping me navigate this new world where everything felt both exciting and overwhelming. I didn't have many friends in America yet, but Amber had been a constant presence. We talked about everything and nothing—sometimes it was a distraction from the whirlwind of my life, but I also valued these moments where it was just the two of us, without the cameras or expectations.

As we chatted about the latest trends and the upcoming events in the city, my phone buzzed, and I saw my manager's name on the screen. My heart skipped a beat.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Zara, I have some great news! We just confirmed your cover shoot for Vogue London—and also Elle. Both issues will feature you, and the buzz around it is already huge. I can't even begin to explain how big this is. You're going to be the face of these magazines next month."

I stared at my phone, a huge grin spreading across my face. Vogue London and Elle—two of the most prestigious fashion magazines in the world. I had dreamed of this moment, but hearing it aloud made it feel so surreal.

"I—I'm speechless. This is incredible! Thank you so much."

"You've earned it, Zara. Your story has resonated with so many, and now they're finally seeing the powerhouse you are. Congratulations."

I ended the call and turned to Amber, who was looking at me with wide eyes, waiting for the news.

"Guess what?" I said, barely able to contain my excitement. "I'm covering Vogue London and Elle next month!"

Amber squealed, jumping out of her seat to hug me. "Oh my God, Zara, this is everything! You're going to be the queen of the industry soon. I'm so proud of you!"

I laughed, feeling a warmth spread through me. Amber had been there for me through everything, and I couldn't have asked for a better person to share this moment with.

"I still can't believe it. This is the opportunity of a lifetime."

"I know, right? You're gonna be a household name soon. Just wait. And, hey, we need to celebrate this big time."

I smiled, appreciating the support. As much as I loved the career successes and the new doors opening for me, I couldn't forget the people who had stuck by me through it all—Amber, my family, and even the people back home who had believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.

For a moment, everything felt perfect. But in the back of my mind, there was still a lingering question that wouldn't go away.

Despite my professional success, my heart had yet to fully heal. It had been three months since I last saw Divine, and while I had buried myself in my career and surrounded myself with the people who cared about me, a small part of me still wondered about him. I had convinced myself that moving on was the best thing for me, that I had to let go of the past in order to build a future.

But sometimes, late at night when I was alone in my apartment, I would think about the way his smile used to light up a room, the way he always made me feel like I was the only one who mattered.