Chapter 50: Model / 6.14 : Back to square one
"Come in."
Astrid came in and took a seat in front of Erin’s desk.
"Is everything ready?"
Astrid nodded.
"It is. I found someone on the dark web and he’ll do it for a thousand dollars, I already sent him the money and the ticket."
Erin smiled.
"Good, I don’t have to remind you that everything has to go perfectly right?"
"You don’t, by the time the judges name Eden the winner his brain will be splattered on the runway."
They both smiled. Erin keeps asking herself how she ever thought Astrid was like her. Ever since Astrid was younger she could feel her hatred for Eden because Ezra was in love with him and she was aware of her scheming, she just didn’t care. On the contrary, she appreciated them because it showed that she was willing to do anything to get what she wanted. She knows that despite her words she wants to be the one to kill Eden and she plans to. She had her followed and has pictures of her buying a gun. She plans on disguising herself and then killing Eden. She’ll escape during the mayhem.
Erin has proof of her plan and as soon as she runs away she’ll send it anonymously to the police. She’s just using her since it’s clear that she doesn’t want to become a model more than anything. At least she’ll be helpful before she’s tossed in jail. She and Enders plan on meeting tonight which is perfect, she’ll stay at his side mourning the death of Eden and they’ll grow closer. Even if she saw how much Enders loves Eden she never waivered, he has to die. Tonight she’ll finally start living the life she should’ve.
Eden was backstage getting dressed. He looked at the next nine outfits he’d have to wear in less than two minutes. He smiled when he saw Kalel walking toward him.
"Let me."
The stylist let Kalel finish buttoning the shirt. Eden looked at him attentively, he didn’t have a smile on and he looked worried. When his shirt was fastened he caressed his cheek.
"What’s wrong?"
Kalel looked at Eden hesitantly.
"Whatever it is you can tell me."
Kalel swallowed and said:
"You’ve seen how many people showed up today, we never had this many demands for tickets, we had to add a hundred more seats because everyone wants to see you. In a year when your contract with Atom will be done everyone will fight to have you. You’ll be traveling all over the world and I’ll be here."
Kalel immediately explained:
"I don’t want to hold you back I want you to live your dream I just... If I can’t bear to be away from you for a day what is going to be when you’re in another country?"
Eden wrapped his arms around his neck. So that’s what he’s been worried about.
"If I win the show I wouldn’t mind signing an exclusive contract with Atom provided there’s an appendix giving me the freedom to work with Arman Couture too."
Kalel’s eyes lit up.
"Really?"
Eden nodded with a smile.
"Are you sure you’re not just saying that because of what I said?"
"My love I had already thought about this. I don’t want to be away from you either."
Kalel hugged him tightly and his body finally relaxed. He was worried about this but he doesn’t want to get in the way of his dream when he knows how much he struggled to get here.
Eden pulled back and kissed him.
"You can talk to me about anything."
Kalel smiled.
"You can too."
Eden smiled.
Astrid took her seat after looking at all the people present. It angers her that they had to add seats because they had such high demands. She should be the one people pay thousands to see. Finally today Eden will be gone. When Erin told her to find someone to kill Eden she knew she had to do it. Eden destroyed everything, his experience at Modeling Atom, her relationship with Ezra, and her reputation.
What infuriates her the most is how he undermined this vision she had of Ezra. She always believed that he had her back despite having feelings for Eden but the truth is he only cared about himself. He knew Erin loved her and wanted her to be a model so he always defended her because he knew that Erin cared more for her than her son. She’s done with him but she isn’t done with her career, no one will take that away from her when she worked so hard. That’s why when Ezra called her she never answered, she’s glad he’s locked up.
Once Eden dies she’ll finally be able to live freely without having his fans bullying her. She had to wear a wig and a hat not to be recognized. She’ll wait until Eden is named the winner then shoot him. She wants him to go from happiness to agony. With the room being filled to the brim no one will see her shoot or walk away. She seduced the security guard in charge of the cameras to make sure there is no tapes. He’ll pretend there was a problem and that nothing was recorded.
She looked at Erin when she felt her eyes on her and smiled back. Erin took her seat and looked at all the biggest names in the industry surrounding her. She made public this morning that Eden is now signed at Grey Modeling. Ever since they all think that she was abused by Dawson like Eden she got a lot of offers for the models in the agency including Eden.
They all said that they would like to partner if Eden was signed. Now that he is she received a lot of business cards and requests for Eden. Even with Eden dead, she’ll be able to make money off of him since she’ll own all the negatives of his previous pictures. Who knew Eden would ever be useful.
She leaned back and watched the runway when the host came.
"Welcome to the final of Modeling Atom. The two last contestants will be the only ones walking the runway and based on the judge’s scores the winner will become Atom’s ambassador for a year."
Everyone clapped excitedly. Erin watched as the first contestant walked the runway. When Eden walked everyone screamed and shouted his name, despite the distraction he stayed focused. Erin was surprised by how good he was, Eden had never done a photoshoot let alone walked in a fashion show.
He looked like a model with years of experience. Even at his age, she wasn’t this good. It made her angrier and her good mood faded. Not only did he steal her youth and beauty but he’s also a better model than her.
When the fashion show ended the contestants walked to the end of the runway under the spectator’s cheers and clap. At the end of the runway was the judge’s table waiting for the sound to die down.
Arnav said:
"After discussing with my fellow judges we made a decision. The winner’s stride exuded confidence and authority. But he also brought elegance and poise to his runway walk with a very serene and subtle sashay."
Everyone waited impatiently to hear the winner.
"The winner of Modeling Atom 4 is Eden Arman."
The finalist hugged Eden and congratulated him as the entire room screamed.
Eden walked to the judge’s table to take his price but before he could take more than two-step he was shot. Everyone looked at his body collapsing horrified. People started to look around scared not able to pinpoint where the shooter was. Erin was extremely pleased but she pretended to scream.
"My baby boy!"
She tried to get on stage but bodyguards blocked the way. She watched as Eden was taken away. She looked back and saw that security was handcuffing Astrid. She was surprised that she was caught so fast but happy that she wouldn’t have to deal with her anymore. She needs to get to Eden since she saw Enders going with him.
When the elevator doors closed Eden pushed the bodyguards who were helping him stand up. He took off the kevlar vest he had under his black shirt. He had no intention to wear one but Kalel and Enders insisted. Enders caressed his head.
"Are you okay?"
"I am. Are you the one who changed my last name?"
Enders looked at Eden nervously.
"I did, I was hoping you might take my last name ."
Enders immediately added:
"If you want of course."
As they walked out of the elevator Eden said:
"I’d like that."
Enders smiled happily, he didn’t want to put pressure on Eden but he does want him to take his last name instead of that bastard’s Dawson. They entered the presidential suite and Eden took a seat on the couch. He had no intention to keep Dawson’s last name so he’s okay with taking his father’s. He already started the procedure.
Enders took a seat next to him. As they talked Erin entered the room with Kalel. She was yelling hysterically downstairs and making a scene surrounded by reporters to see her dead son’s body. Kalel told her that he was going to see him so he told her to follow. He could tell she was angry that Eden’s boyfriend could freely see Eden when she couldn’t. No one knows that he’s Atom’s President so it isn’t surprising.
When she saw Eden she looked at him incredulously, he seemed perfectly fine. When he was shot she figured he died since he immediately fell. She couldn’t see blood but she thought it was because of his black shirt.
"Eden you’re okay."
Everyone could feel the disappointment in her voice, realizing that she teared up and run to hug Eden. Eden rolled his eyes and she conveniently sat between him and Enders.
"I’m so happy you’re okay. what happened?"
"I had a kevlar vest on."
She asked:
"Did you think something was going to happen?"
"No, but President Atom thought it would be best after the list of the guests doubled."
Erin cursed inwardly. That president Atom ruined everything, now Eden is alive and Astrid in jail. She can’t be the one to plan his assassination. Even if Astrid were to say her name no one would believe it because there’s nothing to link her to it but if she does they will be. She’ll have to think of something new.
She said angrily:
"I want to see President Atom right now! He put my baby’s life in danger and he has to pay."
She’ll at least get a few more deals and millions out of it since the accident happened on their premice. He’ll make an offer because if they’re sued they would lose a lot more than millions. Eden smiled and looked at Kalel.
Kalel asked crossing his arms:
"What do you plan on telling him when you see him?"
Erin looked at Kalel with disdain. She doesn’t even understand why he is here but she still answered his question:
"He needs to pay for the damages he caused Eden."
Eden chuckled, his mother is the one who planned all of this and she dares say that? Erin looked at Eden confused.
Eden stood up and walked to Kalel who was leaning against the wall. He asked circling his neck with a smile:
"My love, are you going to pay for the damages you caused me?"
Kalel wrapped his arms around his waist with a smile.
"Sure I’ll give you my entire Atom Empire as your wedding present."
Eden laughed. He looked down when Kalel put a hand on his stomach.
"Is everything okay?"
Eden looked at him stunned.
"How did you know?"
Kalel explained:
"I know it’s crazy but I felt something familiar like you and I had already gone through this. It was like it wasn’t the first time that we were going through a pregnancy. I know it sounds insane but I just had this familiar feeling."
Eden’s eyes moistened and he hugged him. Kalel could feel how emotional he was, he hugged him back. Eden pulled back and said after sniffling:
"It’s not insane I know that you and I have been together in our previous lives. You’re my soulmate."
Kalel looked at him teary-eyed.
Never in his life did he meet someone he feels such a strong bond with. He understands him better than anyone and he can’t see his life without him. He doesn’t know why but he felt this familiar feeling and he was sure Eden was pregnant. He didn’t even have to ask he was sure of it like they had been through this before. He gave him a peck.
"And you’re mine. I’m so happy I’m having a baby with my soulmate."
When a tear fell on Eden’s face he wiped it. Eden smiled, he already feels emotional but since he is pregnant it’s worst.
But that’s the thing only his hubby makes him feel that way, he’s the person who taught him how to love and feel. If he never did he knows that he wouldn’t be able to have feelings for his father or the person who has his back in every universe. Eden let go of Kalel and looked at his father. Enders stood up and hugged Eden.
"Congratulation, I’m so happy for you."
Eden smiled, Enders pulled back and said:
"I can’t believe I’m going to be a grandpa."
Eden looked into his father’s shiny eyes, his happiness was practically palpable.
Enders hugged Kalel too and warned:
"You better not mess this up."
"I won’t I promise."
Enders nodded, he trusts Kalel or he would’ve objected to this relationship a long time ago.
Erin was on the couch looking at them stunned. There’s way too much news coming her way. She asked Kalel:
"You’re the president of Atom?"
"I am. I only participated at Modeling Atom to make sure the right candidate would win."
As if to confirm his words two security guards came in and one of them said to Kalel:
"President Atom the ballroom is being evacuated and the perpetrator has been taken by the police. They want the victim to make a deposition."
"Tell them we’ll be at the police station in thirty minutes."
The guard nodded and they left. Erin looked at Kalel astonished, not only did Eden win Modeling Atom but he is dating the richest man in the country. If that wasn’t enough he is now carrying his baby. Maybe it’s a good thing that her plan was foiled, she’ll gain more now that Eden is carrying Kalel’s child. Once he gives birth she’ll have him killed and she’ll raise the heir of the Atom empire.
Thinking that her heart started to beat faster in excitement, she stood up and hugged Eden with a bright smile.
"Eden I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to be a grandmother."
Eden laughed and pushed her away.
"As if I’ll ever let you get close to our child."
Erin put on a hurt face.
"Eden I know that you’re still upset about your childhood but I told you everything I did was to protect you from Dawson’s abuse."
"Did you use Astrid to kill me to protect me from Dawson’s abuse too?"
Erin blinked not knowing what to say.
How did he find out? Kalel probably told him since it was his idea to wear the kevlar vest.
"Eden I would never.."
Eden in no mood to go back and forth cut her and went straight to the point:
"Your company Grey Is now mine and I changed its name to Arman Modeling. Your house whose also mine is currently being destroyed with all your belongings in it."
Eden grabbed his tablet from the table and showed her the live feed from her home. Erin gasped in shock.
"Eden, how could you destroy my house?"
"Again it’s my house and now that you gave it to me I can do whatever I want with it."
Erin howled:
"I think I would remember If I gave you my house."
Enders said with a mocking smile:
"That’s why you should read the entirety of a contract before signing it. Didn’t your businessman husband ever teach you that?"
Eden showed her the contract on his tablet to the page in question. Erin grabbed the tablet and read it.
When she was done Erin threw the tablet on the floor in a rage.
"There’s no way this is legal."
Enders reminded:
"Your lawyer was there and so was a notary, it’s legally binding."
Erin looked at him trembling in anger. Even if losing her house kills her it’s nothing compared to losing Grey Modeling. She can still have the company back if Dawson transfers his shares to her since Eden only owns half of it. She yelled:
"Do you think I’ll let you take Grey Modeling after I built it with my own hands?"
"You have no choice."
"I’ll have Dawson transfer his shares to me and I’ll still hold half of the power."
Eden smiled mischievously. He was about to bend down to grab the tablet from the floor but Kalel did. Eden took it with a smile and his eyes full of love, Kalel eyes mirrored the same affection. Eden showed Erin his certificate of ownership.
"I talked to Dawson and he sold me his shares so I would testify for him during his trial."
Erin looked at him wide-eyed her chest kept going up and down. Eden has planned all of this to make her pay.
He’ll probably throw her to jail too like he threw everyone.
"I leaked the full tape of what happened that night including the part where you were laughing."
Erin took a step backward like Eden slapped her.
"Don’t worry I won’t send you to jail, I want you to watch as I become a bigger model than you’ve ever been. You’ll watch from the street though."
Erin relaxed knowing that she won’t be tossed in jail but she felt a bad presentiment regarding the end of Eden’s words. Even if she doesn’t have a house and Grey Modeling she saved a lot of money over the years so she’ll be able to stay somewhere until she figures out what to do. The problem is that she knows that Eden’s fans will make her life a living hell now that the full video is out. She witnessed it with Astrid and she doesn’t want to hide forever. She first needs to get out of here in one piece since it’s surrounded by fans and reporters.
Erin ran out of the suite and took a breath when the elevator doors closed. When she arrived downstairs she was immediately surrounded by angry fans and reporters asking questions and throwing insults. When she finally got away her hair was pulled and she had a busted lip and a bloodied nose.
She decided to get a room in a hotel first to fix herself. She put on sunglasses and asked for a room. She gave her credit card and waited. The woman behind the desk said:
"I’m sorry but your credit card was rejected."
Erin gave her another one but it was rejected too. She searched in her wallet but didn’t have enough cash.
She checked her bank account online and saw that all the money in her account had been transferred. Her heartbeat quickened and she looked around panicked. She can’t ask anyone for help now that everyone hates her and she has nowhere to go. When people started to recognize her she ran back to her car. She covered her face as tears ran down her face.
Eden spent the rest of his life with Kalel. He took a break from modeling when he started to show and they decided to use that opportunity to marry Kalel. As Kalel had said he offered Eden the Atom Empire as a wedding present. Eden gave birth to Atlas a week later than his due date. He took a year off and stayed at home, his father moved in with them which allowed them to spend more time together.
As Eden had told Erin she watched from the street as his career took him to heights she could’ve only dreamed of when she was a model. When she was on the street begging for money she would always see ads with Eden, she felt like it was following her.
She thought that she could use Dawson’s family to get money and somewhere to hide but they refused when he died in prison during a gang fight. Ezra and Astrid ended up dying too and she knew that Eden was responsible somehow. She stayed in the street in disguise so Eden and his crazy fans wouldn’t be able to recognize her. She was always paranoid and on edge afraid that Eden might find and kill her. She died ten years later of an illness when she couldn’t afford the care. She was constantly in pain until she died.
Eden was pleased, he had stopped checking on her the day she started to sleep on the street. He lived a good life with his husband, son, father, and friends including Naomi. When Eden arrived in Versal he felt a huge amount of power pouring in but halfway through his body twisted in pain. He could feel someone probing in and had to release some power until it stopped. He breathed heavily until his heartbeat slowed down. Whoever’s doing this to him has never checked on him but he did today for some reason.
He had to bound back a part of himself to Versem so he would think it still has control over him. He did it so fast that he didn’t know which part he bounded. When he saw which he felt like destroying all the universes. It will take him at least two or three universes to be completely free again. The only good thing is that the person after him doesn’t know he is free. Eden sighed and received the rest of the power.
When he finished he checked Versem and felt like crying. In every universe, he is always a shy and soft-spoken person so it felt so good to be able to act like himself when he was free. Now he has to go back to this weak person for the next few universes, if he OOC the universe will collapse and whoever did this to him will know he is free. He closed Versem and cursed. He doesn’t even have enough power to get a little knowledge of the universes so he doesn’t have to end up somewhere where he is shy and nervous.
He fell asleep and 150 years later he was a little less angry. He looked at all the planets annoyed and floated toward a yellow one. He reached for it and disappeared.
