Chapter 46 – StarMaker
Emma didn’t know how to feel about the latest development. She had in a twinkle if eye, gone from looking for a way to begin a new life to getting her room upgraded for her comfortability.
Her life seemed straight out from a TV drama. She couldn’t bring herself to understand the methods of thinking Mr. Braxton applied. Did he have a kink for being disrespected? Because, that was the only way what she did would result in such outstanding and blissful repercussions.
Was it all a joke? Was it an elaborate plan to bring down her walls and strike when she least expected it? Emma was having a hard time digesting the entire happenings of the day.
As sat in her new and improved queen sized bed, inside her new and decorated room, she wondered just what she did to deserve such treatments. At first she’d been very skeptical and flat out unwilling to eat or step foot into the room but after hours of mindlessly browsing through the entire house, she was tired and didn’t feel like relaxing in the living room.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
Being the first port of call, she assumed the possibility of Asher returning home and meeting her defenseless and asleep in the living room. That particular thought necessitated her next line of action.
Not that she saw him as a threat or felt unsafe around him but she preferred to be thoroughly aware of her environment. Having a semblance of control even while asleep.
A feat that could only be achieved if she was in the comfort of her bedroom. After eating a late but delicious lunch, she finally resolved to return to her newly set up room and take a swift nap while at it.
A nap she only just got up from and was well into the evening. At the moment, she was in the middle of brainstorming ideas on how to approach the subject matter of Mr. Braxton.
Although she felt significantly comfortable in the house, she couldn’t stop pondering what was at stake. She had blatantly refused his offer the night before with her little stunt and she held the belief that he wasn’t mistaken on her stance despite the fact she wasn’t very vocal with her answer.
Which therefore begged the question on his reason for treating her so charitably despite her refusal to help in saving his company. It didn’t help that he has been out of the house since the early hours of the day and left not a word for her nor was he accessible.
She couldn’t even thank him for the kindness nor could she apologize for the way things ended the night before. She felt locked up, without any visible way out. She couldn’t do anything unless he permitted and that fact she had a love-hate relationship with. Or so she thought.
Deciding to keep those thoughts by the side, she relaxes with her back to the bed, having nothing to do. The large newly installed television caught her attention and she got on her feet. No questions asked, she turned on the TV, hoping to find some sort of distraction while she awaited the arrival of Asher.
Flipping through the channels, she spotted something familiar and immediately reverted to a particular popular TV show. The picture that stared at her took breath out of her lungs as much as it shocked her.
Her masterpiece. They were discussing her masterpiece.
” Talia Steele, the Steele Shoes are vastly known for their expertise in the making of female and unisex designs of shoes. Ever since its kick off, the company has amassed a reputation for the best and most popular producer of quality, beautiful and somewhat affordable pieces.” The interviewer stated more than asked.
” Yes, you are very correct. We have maintained dominance in the women’s shoes market and have continued to deliver till this moment.” Talia replied confidently.
” We totally agree, and that begs the question. In your incoming collection, one of the star pieces happens to be a total change or disrupt from the flow of the Steele Shoes in its entirety. I’m talking about the StarMaker as named in your collection.”
Talia smiled, maintaining elegance as she affirmed, ” Yes, of course. The StarMaker design is the very heart of this collection as well as an intentional and historical step into the market of classic men’s footwear.” She answered brilliantly, while they rolled the picture of the magnificent design.
” Wonderful. Is there any story behind the birth of that masterpiece right there? Because one could argue that there must be something which prompted the birth of this unforgettable masterpiece.” He asked, maintaining a professional outlook. ” Matter of fact, this piece was sold out in ten minutes upon its pictorial reveal last night and if you must know, I am a proud member of the wait-list for this particular design.” He added for good measure.
Talia felt uneasy. She hadn’t expected such a question nor did she think herself able to create a story that checked every box on the go. She couldn’t afford to ruin such a great interview due to her failure to answer properly. Something told her if she was able to give a satisfactory answer, it was going to be the Hallmark of the show.
” Ermm… I don’t really feel like sharing that, you know, in public?” She said, trying to play it off.
” Oh we don’t mind. I promise we wouldn’t tell.” The interviewer jokes, causing the audience to erupt in laughter. One that Talia joined in but with an awkward touch to hers. ” Come-on! Share with us, is it a love story?” He asked.
Talia neither affirmed nor denied. She played it in such a way that the audience began making up assumptions, ones that involved Colton, her supposed fiance.
Before she knew it, the audience repeatedly chorused the name – Colton, urging her to speak and expecting a love story.
Talia felt tense. The pressure took a toll on her, hindering her from coming up with some believable stuff and at that moment, loud cheer and hollers filled the room.
Colton showed up! Colton actually showed up on set at that moment. All smiles and carrying a bouquet of flowers.
” Everyone! Welcome on the show, Colton! Our Talia’s fiance and partner.” The show host announced. With the smoothness in transition, one would think the sudden appearance was orchestrated or the host was just that good.
Emma continued watching with raised eyebrows, even more interested in watching how the event would unfold.
The design they called the StarMaker was undoubtedly her signature piece, the one she had painstakingly and passionately created to Launch her career while being totally and mind numbingly in love with Colton.
Yet, here she was, watching her stolen design make headlines under the name of an imposter engaged to a betrayer. What a lovely couple they would make!
Emma felt angry. That was her design, her man and her story! All of them wrenched out of our hands within a twinkle of eye while she was declared dead and forgotten.
” Hello Colton! What a pleasant surprise.” The show host said, focusing on the new participant. An act that left Talia feeling better being put out of the spotlight.
” Honestly, I don’t feel too good.” Colton replied, charming the audience with his charisma.
” Okay.. and why is that?” The host said, ruffled by the answer but proceeding nonetheless.
” Because I messed up with my darling love and she’s upset with me. She even returned my ring and would not pick my calls.” He shared.
A resounding ouu was heard from the audience, everyone invested in the bit of drama that unfolded.
” Okay? Do you mind sharing what happened?”
” Not without her permission. All I can say is that I’m a stupid man who’s got a lot of flaws but wants to be perfect for you. So please give me the privilege of being your fiance again. I’m sorry.” Colton professed, holding out the flowers with his knee to the floor and his eyes trained on Talia.
If Talia was uncomfortable before, it just got ten times worse. The audience, totally enamored with the scene happening in front of their eyes, alongside millions of others watching immediately chorused the phrase – take him back.
Within minutes the hashtag- ‘ take him back’ trended worldwide with millions of controversy and hot takes from netizens following the show.
Talia was flattered. She collected the flowers with a shy smile, bringing a roar of loud cheers, happy at their reunion.
The host tried to regain hold of the show and continued his interview session. ” Before we wrap up, what is the story behind the creation of this stunning masterpiece, StarMaker?”
This time around, the entire hall was silent and anticipating her answer. An answer that Colton was kind enough to give.
” It was a piece she designed having me in mind.” Colton said, taking her hand into his own.
The camera zoomed into their interlocked hand and within seconds the screen went black. Emma was done watching.