Chapter 3
In truth, Eleanor never imagined she would have the audacity to marry a complete stranger, yet here she was. Whatever the circumstances, she wouldn’t take it back.
She hopped back into her car, prepared to head home, when suddenly her phone buzzed. It was Percival.
“Eleanor.. where are you right now?”
“Ostside the Town Hall, about to head home.” Eleanor tried her best to keep her tone steady.
“Celeste has a major show, and I need you to walk in her place. I’ll have the makeup artist put on a mask–no one will knme it’s you.” Percival’s voice was brisk and commanding “Celeste got injured; you’ll have to put in some effort…”
“Didn’t Celeste get hit and end up in the hospital? The media is already all over that story…”
“Trust me. I’ve spread the word that Celeste will be attending with her injuries. Just do this for me.”
What gall, she thought. She had con ered for Celeste countless times in the past.
It was all a matter of using her, but this time. Eleanor didn’t feel like being the scapegoat.
Keeping calm, she nodded, even though he couldn’t see her. “Fine. Just give me the time and address, and I’ll be on my way,
“Eleanor, we’re getting married soon. Please lend Celeste a solid push; her career is on the rise right now.
“I will definitely give her a good push,” Eleanor replied vaguely,
“Alright, I hang up now. Let’s go out for dinner later.”
Unbeknownst to Percival, the tables had turned.
rending the call, Eleanor dialed her manager. The moment her manager heard, she erupted with anger.
“Mr. Percival wants you to replace that B–model Celeste for the show? Are you kidding me? If it weren’t for your retirement, she wouldn’t even be standing in this industry” **Seraphina. I’ve already agreed…” Eleanor said calmly.
“You’re actually going to do it.” Her manager was nearly livid Both Eleanor and Celeste were models under Heavens Arts Entertainment, but since Eleanor’s retirement, ber manager had faced ample ridicule.
Eleanor could tell her manager was sticking up for her and sailed reassuringly. “I’m not going to allow myself to be used again.”
Hearing that made her manager snap back to life. “So you have a plan.”
“Seraphina, you’re the only person I can trust right now. Can you do me a favor?“.
“Just say the word.” Her manager was unwaveringly loyal, as their interests aligned.
“Celeste ischeming to pretend she’s attending with injuries, all to impact her chances for the Annual Top Ten Models. I need you to visit Heaven’s Asylum.”
“Got it. If I can acquire a document showing her still being in the hospital during that time, it expose her, her manager replied eagerly
“Plus, there’s bigger new she’s pregnant, and Percival is the father. Also, please prepare a statement for me–include that Percival has repeatedly used the as a stand–in for Celeste’s runway walks; it would be helpful if you could gather evidence too, Seraphina,”
Her manager paused, realizing the shift in Elanor’s attitude. What a shameless pair–engaging in infidelity while using Eleanor as a mere prop
“Eleanor, don’t worry. I can handle both tasks.“
Eleanor didn t reply but felt an unprecedented sense of tranquility. She would t
d treat others as they had treated her.
With her thoughts resolved Eleanor hurriedly packed her things and drove alone to the venue where the show was taking place, meeting up with Celeste’s current assistant From Heavens Arts
He was a burly, married man with a sly demeanor, certainly a bit of a climber.
“Where have you been? Hurry.. we need to get you ready for makeup…” he said, tugging her along
What kind of show is this anyway?” Eleanor inquired as they walked.
Not an overly important one.” Celeste assistant replied, “Actually, this is a jewelry showcase organized by the renowned French brand HF…”
