The Contracted Stripper

Ivy couldn’t help but feel admiration for Bella as she made her graceful exit. Bella had done so much for her.

Later That Evening Ivy returned home, her arms full of shopping bags and her heart full of hope.

She couldn’t wait to tell Ryan about the CHANNEL opportunity, but as she walked through the door, she found herself thinking about Bella’s words.

“Confidence was key”. As she unpacked her new clothes and accessories, Ivy’s mind wandered back to their conversation.

Bella had always been a multifaceted person in her life. A friend, mentor, and puzzle all at once.

Ivy wondered what drove Bella’s actions and if there was more to her interest in Ryan than met the eye.

Despite her lingering questions, Ivy felt a renewed sense of determination. She would make the most of the opportunities ahead and prove to herself and the world that she belonged in the world of high fashion.

The next day….

Ryan was getting ready for work when Ivy decided to bring up the subject of Bella. She found him in the kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

“Morning, Ryan,” Ivy said, trying to sound casual.”Morning, Ivy,” Ryan replied, glancing at her.

“What’s up?”

“I ran into Bella yesterday,” Ivy said, watching his reaction closely. Ryan’s expression softened slightly.

“Bella? How’s she doing?”

“She’s great,” Ivy said. “We talked about a lot of things. She even asked about you.”Ryan looked thoughtful. “She did?”

“Yes,” Ivy said, seizing the moment.

“She mentioned how she misses the old times when you two were close.”Ryan sighed. “That was a long time ago, Ivy. Things have changed.”

“Maybe they don’t have to,” Ivy suggested gently. “Bella’s always cared about you, Ryan. Maybe it’s not too late to reconnect.”Ryan shook his head. “I don’t know, Ivy. “Things are complicated.”

“Because of Iris?” Ivy asked, her tone more pointed.

Ryan’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Yes, because of Iris. She’s my wife now, Ivy. I’ve made my choice.”

“But what if it’s the wrong choice?” Ivy said, frustration creeping into her voice. “Iris isn’t good for you, Ryan.

You deserve someone better.”Ryan’s expression hardened. “Ivy, I appreciate your concern, but this is my life. I need to make my own decisions.”Ivy felt a pang of defeat.

“I just want what’s best for you, Ryan.”

“I know,” Ryan said, his tone softening. “But you have to trust me on this.”Ivy nodded reluctantly. “Okay.

Just… think about what I said.”Ryan gave her a small smile. “I will.”

Iris, who was about to go into the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee, paused as she heard Ivy and Ryan’s conversation.

She quickly moved out, immediately she noticed they were coming out of the kitchen.

When they were out of sight she went upstairs to her room with her mind engrossed.

She felt a pang of pain, jealous and unworthiness, hearing what ivy said.

“That must be the same lady at the party the other night, who was shamelessly hovering around, so they used to be an item? But why is Ivy talking about her to Ryan?” iris thought within herself.

“Well I don’t have to let it bother me, it is not a real marriage. I will be gone soon and Ryan can have as many women as he likes,” she muttered with a tone of jealousy.

She got to her room and brought out her phone as she began to work on something she discovered lately, trying to take off the discussion she had overheard between Ryan and ivy.

Later that Day

Bella was in her penthouse, sipping from her wine and going through her emails, when her phone rang.

Seeing Ivy’s name on the screen, she answered immediately.

“Ivy, darling! How are you?” Bella said.”I’m okay,” Ivy said, though her voice was tinged with frustration.

“I talked to Ryan this morning.””Oh?” Bella said, her interest piqued. “How did it go?”

“Not well,” Ivy admitted. “He’s so stubborn, Bella. He won’t listen to reason.”

Bella sighed sympathetically. “I’m sorry to hear that. But don’t lose hope, Ivy. Sometimes, these things take time.”

“I hope you’re alright,” Ivy said. “I just feel so helpless.”

“You’re not alone,” Bella said firmly.

“We’ll figure something out together. In the meantime, focus on your upcoming audition. You need to be at your best.”

“You’re right,” Ivy said, feeling a surge of determination. “Thanks, Bella. I don’t know what I’d do without you.””Anytime, darling,” Bella said. “Now go out there and show them what you’re made of.”

The Following WeekIvy received an email confirming her audition for the CHANNEL campaign.

She spent the next few days preparing, pouring over her portfolio and practicing her runway walk. Bella’s support had given her the boost she needed, and she was determined to make the most of it.

On the day of the audition, Ivy arrived at the CHANNEL headquarters, feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement.

The room was filled with aspiring models, each more stunning than the last, but Ivy held onto Bella’s words. “Confidence is key.” When it was her turn, Ivy walked into the audition room with her head held high.

The panel of judges, including some of the top names in fashion, watched her every move. She nailed her walk, exuding the confidence and grace that Bella had taught her.

As she left the room, Ivy felt a surge of pride. Regardless of the outcome, she knew she had given it her all. And she had Bella to thank for that.

Later That Night, Ivy received a call from Bella. “Ivy, darling, how did it go?”Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

“I think it went well,” Ivy said, her voice trembling with excitement.

“Thank you so much for your support, Bella. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“I’m so proud of you,” Bella said, her voice warm and genuine. “I knew you could do it. Let’s celebrate soon, okay?”

“Definitely,” Ivy agreed. “Thank you again, Bella. You’re the best.”As she hung up the phone, Ivy felt a deep sense of gratitude and determination.

With Bella’s guidance and her own hard work, she was ready to take on the world of fashion. And nothing could stand in her way.