Dreams That Come With a Price
Hazel returned home later than usual that evening.
The city lights had already begun to glow outside, and exhaustion clung to her body like a heavy coat. The events of the day kept replaying in her mind.
Luca Valentino's cold voice.
The silence in the design room.
The way everyone had stared when she spoke back.
And then the meeting in his office.
Hazel still wasn't sure whether she had just protected her dignity… or quietly signed her own dismissal.
She pushed the thoughts aside as she unlocked the door to their small apartment.
The moment she stepped inside, a familiar voice greeted her.
"Haze! You're finally back!"
Abi rushed out of the living room, her excitement almost overflowing.
Hazel smiled softly.
No matter how exhausting her day had been, seeing her sister always made things feel lighter.
"You look like you've been waiting for hours," Hazel said, setting down her bag.
"I have!" Abi said, practically bouncing with energy.
Hazel raised an eyebrow.
"That sounds dangerous."
Abi grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the couch.
"You're not going to believe what happened today."
Hazel sat down slowly, studying her sister's glowing face.
"What is it?"
Abi took a deep breath, trying to calm her excitement.
"So… remember that fashion event I told you about near the university?"
Hazel nodded.
"Yes."
"Well… there was a modeling scout there."
Hazel blinked.
"A what?"
"A modeling scout," Abi repeated. "From a small agency in the city."
Hazel frowned slightly.
"And?"
Abi hesitated for a moment before saying the words.
"He approached me."
Hazel stared at her.
"For modeling?"
Abi nodded eagerly.
"He said I have the right look. Height, body proportions, everything."
Hazel leaned back against the couch, processing the information.
Modeling.
It wasn't something she had ever seriously considered for her sister.
The industry could be unpredictable… and sometimes ruthless.
"You know those things aren't always as easy as they sound," Hazel said carefully.
"I know," Abi replied quickly. "But he invited me for an audition."
Hazel's eyes narrowed slightly.
"An audition?"
Abi nodded again.
"This weekend."
Silence filled the room for a moment.
Hazel could already see the unspoken part of the conversation approaching.
Photos.
Training.
Clothes.
Transportation.
Nothing in that industry was free.
Abi seemed to read her mind.
"I know it might cost some money," she said more quietly now. "But it could be a real opportunity."
Hazel looked at her sister.
Abi's beauty had always been undeniable.
Her smooth skin.
Her graceful posture.
The kind of natural confidence that made people look twice when she walked past.
Hazel had noticed it long ago.
But beauty alone didn't guarantee success.
Still…
Abi's eyes were shining with hope.
And Hazel had never been good at denying her sister's dreams.
"How much?" Hazel finally asked.
Abi hesitated before answering.
"They suggested a professional photoshoot for the portfolio."
Hazel sighed softly.
Of course.
Everything in that world started with a portfolio.
"How much?" Hazel repeated.
Abi mentioned the amount carefully.
It wasn't outrageous.
But it was still more than Hazel had planned to spend that month.
For a brief moment, Hazel thought about the bills waiting on the table.
The groceries she still needed to buy.
The shoes she had postponed replacing for months.
Then she looked at Abi again.
Hope.
Excitement.
Possibility.
Hazel smiled faintly.
"We'll make it work."
Abi's face lit up immediately.
"Really?"
Hazel nodded.
"If this is something you truly want to try… then you should."
Abi threw her arms around her sister.
"Thank you, Hazel!"
Hazel laughed softly, hugging her back.
"You haven't even had the audition yet," she reminded her.
"But I will," Abi said confidently.
And for some reason…
Hazel believed her.
Because sometimes…
A single opportunity could change everything.
Neither of them realized it yet.
But Abi's small step into the modeling world…
Would soon connect her to a much bigger stage.
A stage where power, ambition, and betrayal often walked hand in hand.
And somewhere in the city…
A man named Luca Valentino had just received a report about a woman named Hazel Hart.
A report that was about to make him even more curious.
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