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The backstage of the Paris fashion show was buzzing with energy. Models, stylists, and makeup artists hustled around, prepping for the big event.

Among them was Layla Perez, sitting calmly on a makeup chair. 

Layla was a vision of beauty. Her skin was fair-colored, a perfect blend of her Indian mother and Spanish father.

She had long, wavy dark hair that cascaded down her back, and her eyes were a mesmerizing shade of dark brown.

 At nearly six feet tall, she towered over most people, her presence commanding attention even in the most crowded rooms.

As a makeup artist finished up the final touches on her perfect face, Layla glanced in the mirror, satisfied.

She stood up, slipping into a glittering mini dress that hugged her curves. It was her time to shine.

"Lulu, you look amazing!" Gigi whispered as she passed by.

"Thanks, babe," Layla replied with a wink, her full lips curving into a smile.

Layla reached for her high heels, ready to complete her look. As she bent down, she overheard a stylist whispering nearby.

"I can't believe they picked an Indian girl for this show. She's pretty, but not what you'd expect for Paris."

Layla rolled her eyes. She stood up, her towering height making her even more intimidating.

She sauntered over to the stylist with a smirk.

 "Oh, I'm sorry," she said loudly enough for everyone to hear. "I didn't realize we were casting for narrow-minded stereotypes. Maybe next time, they'll pick someone as enlightened as you."

The room erupted in laughter. The stylist's face turned bright red, and Layla strutted away, feeling victorious.

Layla approached the entrance to the runway. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding with excitement.

This was her moment. 

As she stepped onto the runway, cheers erupted from the audience. The spotlight hit her, and she transformed into a goddess of confidence and beauty.

With every step, her high heels clicked against the runway, her hips swaying rhythmically.

The crowd went wild, cameras flashing, capturing every inch of her beauty.

Layla owned the stage, her brown eyes fierce, her smile dazzling.

"Go Layla!" someone shouted from the crowd.

She reached the end of the runway, struck a pose, and then gracefully turned around, strutting back with the same confidence. The applause was deafening.

Layla's final walk was upon her. She slipped into a stunning purple long dress, sleeveless and elegant, hugging her figure perfectly.

As she took her last steps down the runway, the crowd's applause was thunderous. 

She felt a rush of pride and satisfaction as she stood on stage next to Donatella Versace, Kendall Jenner, and Gigi Hadid, all icons in the fashion world.

In the audience, her eyes landed on Robby, her on-again, off-again boyfriend, holding a bouquet of lilies. She huffed in annoyance.

She hated lilies. Kendall and Gigi, standing beside her, followed her gaze and noticed Robby.

Kendall leaned over and whispered, "What is he doing here?"

"He's probably here to cause more trouble," Gigi added, her tone filled with despise.

"Ugh, as if lilies are going to make up for anything," Layla muttered under her breath.

The event ended, and the models exited the stage. Layla quickly changed into a casual outfit—a pair of high-waisted jeans and a off shoulder top. 

As she finished adjusting her outfit, she saw Robby approaching her backstage.

"Layla, esperar,(wait)" Robby called out, hurrying over. He thrust the lilies towards her, an insincere smile on his face.

"I'm sorry. For everything. Por favor? Podemos hablar?"( Please? Can we Talk)

Layla scoffed, glaring at him. "Crees que Flowers solucionará esto? ( You Think Flowers are gonna fix this?) You think lilies, which I hate, by the way, are going to make up for cheating on me with Izzy?"

"Please, Layla, I'm really sorry," Robby pleaded.

Without another word, Layla slapped him hard across the face. The sound echoed through the room, drawing the attention of everyone around.

Robby stumbled back, his hand flying to his cheek in shock.

"Fuck off," Layla said coldly, grabbing her purse and walking away.

She joined Gigi outside, where the evening air was refreshing against her skin.

Gigi wrapped an arm around her shoulders, giving her a supportive squeeze.

"Nice slap back there," Gigi said with a chuckle. "That was legendary."

Layla laughed, feeling a wave of relief. "Thanks, G. He had it coming."

As Layla and Gigi walked down the vibrant Parisian street, Layla's phone rang.

She glanced at the screen and saw it was her best friend, Swati, calling from Mumbai.

 Swati Mishra was a history professor at St. Xavier's College and had always been a constant in Layla's life.

"Hey, Mishti!" Layla answered, her voice cheerful.

"Hey, Lulu! Just saw your walk on live stream. You were amazing! But seriously, Gigi Hadid? I'm so jealous!" Swati's voice had a playful tone.

Layla laughed. "Oh, come on, Swati! You know you're my number one."

Gigi looked over and smiled, guessing who Layla was talking to. "Is that Swati?"

Layla nodded. "Yeah, she's being a little jelly."

"Hi, Swati!" Gigi called out, her voice filled with friendly enthusiasm.

"Hi, Gigi! Okay, fine, you're both awesome," Swati said with a chuckle. "I just miss my best friend."

Before Layla could respond, she heard a familiar voice join the call.

It was Ishan, Swati's husband and a well-known cricketer himself.

"Arrey, Lulu! How's Paris treating you?" Ishan's voice boomed through the phone. 

"Hi, jiju! Paris is fabulous, as always. How are you guys doing?" Layla asked.

"We're good. Just missing you here. Swati's been complaining non-stop about you hanging out with supermodels," Ishan teased.

"Swati, yaar, you know you're my only favorite," Layla said, trying to calm her friend down.

"Haan, haan. Badi aayi supermodel. So, tell me, what's next for the fashionista?" Swati asked, her tone lightening.

Layla smiled. "Well, after two more shows, I might take a little break. Maybe come visit you guys in Mumbai. What do you think?"

Swati's voice perked up. "That would be amazing! We could have so much fun. Right, Ishu?"

"Absolutely! I'll make sure this pookie doesn't hog all your time," Ishan said, laughing.

"Haan, haan. Bilkul," Swati responded sarcastically. "Lulu, don't forget to bring some Parisian macaroons for us."

"Done and done. Macaroons and lots of gossip. Can't wait to see you both," Layla said, her heart warming at the thought of reuniting with her friends.

"Alright, take care, and enjoy the rest of your evening. We'll be waiting for you in Mumbai," Swati said.

"Bye, Mishti. Bye, jiju. Love you both!" Layla said, hanging up the call.

Gigi looked at Layla with a grin. "Sounds like you have some pretty awesome friends."

Layla nodded, feeling grateful. "Yeah, I do. They're the best."

The girls continued their stroll, the night air filled with laughter and excitement for what lay ahead.

Layla knew that no matter where her career took her, she always had a home with the people who loved her.

Shubman Gill was getting ready to head over to Ishan’s home for a casual hangout.

He looked effortlessly handsome in a crisp white T- shirt, showcasing his toned forearms, and a pair of well-fitted jeans.

His short, stylishly tousled hair and charming smile completed the look.

He soon arrived at Ishan’s place, greeted warmly by his friend. “Hey, Shub! Good to see you, man,” Ishan said, clapping him on the back.

“Hey, Ishu! It’s been a while,” Shubman replied with a grin as he stepped inside.

They settled into the living room, gossiping about cricket, life, and everything.

Swati was nearby, lounging comfortably on the couch, when she decided to call her best friend.

“Hey, Lulu! Just saw your walk on live stream. You were amazing! But seriously, Gigi Hadid? I’m so jealous!” Swati exclaimed.

Layla’s laugh echoed through the room. “Oh, come on, Swati! You know you’re number one.”

“Hi, Swati!” Gigi’s friendly voice chimed in, making Swati giggle.

“Hi, Gigi! Okay, fine, you’re both awesome. I just miss my best friend,” Swati said, rolling her eyes playfully.

Ishan, sitting next to Swati, joined the conversation. “Arrey, Lulu! How’s Paris treating you?”

“Hi, jiju! Paris is fabulous, as always. How are you guys doing?” Layla asked warmly.

Shubman, sitting opposite them, watched with mild curiosity. He had heard a lot about Swati’s best friend, but he had never actually seen her.

As Swati and Ishan started talking, he decided to take a peek.

The moment he saw Layla, he was captivated. His widened as he caught his first glimpse of Layla on the screen.

Her striking black eyes and fair skin, combined with her radiant smile, took his breath away.

He couldn’t help but secretly stare at the scene unfolding.

“We’re good. Just missing you here. Swati’s been complaining non-stop about you hanging out with supermodels,” Ishan teased, making Layla laugh.

“Swati, yaar, you know you’re my favorite” Layla replied, trying to calm her friend down.

“Haan, haan. Badi aayi supermodel. So, tell me, what’s next for the fashionista?” Swati asked.

“Well, after two more shows, I might take a little break. Maybe come visit you guys in Mumbai. What do you think?” Layla suggested.

Swati’s voice perked up. “That would be amazing! We could have so much fun. Right, Ishu?”

“Absolutely! I’ll make sure this pookie doesn’t hog all your time,” Ishan said, laughing.

“Haan, haan. Bilkul,” Swati responded sarcastically. “Layla, don’t forget to bring some Parisian macaroons us.”

“Done and done. Macaroons and lots of gossip. Can’t wait to see you both,” Layla said, her smile evident even through the screen.

Her accent was different, a mix of Spanish and Indian, making her voice unique and intriguing

“Alright, take care, and enjoy the rest of your evening. We’ll be waiting for you in Mumbai,” Swati said.

“Bye, Swati. Bye, jiju. Love you both!” Layla said, hanging up the call.

Ishan noticed Shubman’s mesmerized expression and nudged him teasingly. “lagta hai hamare Shub ko koi pasand aa gayi hai.”

Shubman snapped out of his daze, slightly embarrassed. “Uh, who was that?”

Swati grinned. “That’s Layla, my best friend. She’s half Spanish, half Indian, and she’s a supermodel. We’ve been friends since we were kids.”

Ishan Continued " She’s been through a lot, especially with this guy Robby. He’s such a jerk.”

Shubman felt a surge of anger at the mention of Robby. “What happened with Robby?” he asked, trying to sound casual.

“He cheated on her. She found out and dumped him. He tried to win her back today, but Layla slapped him and walked away. She’s so strong,” Swati explained, admiration clear in her voice.

Shubman’s respect for Layla grew. She was not only beautiful but also resilient and brave.

He remained quiet, his mind racing with thoughts of this incredible woman he had just seen and heard.

Ishan noticed Shubman’s thoughtful expression and grinned. “You have fallen for her.”

Shubman laughed, trying to brush it off. “She’s just... impressive. That’s all.”

“Don’t worry, Shubman. You’ll get to know her better when she visits,” Swati said, winking at him.

Shubman nodded, secretly hoping for just that. Layla had left a lasting impression on him, and he was eager to learn more about her.

"Champagne Charcha with Aziel 🥂"

•Heyyy babies.
so this was the first chapter of the book!

•lemme remind you, Lulu's a Leo, she's gonna be fierce and sweet at the same time!

•Also, shub fell hard. He definitely did. DW, he's gonna meet her in few chapters.

•Robby's a bitch. DW, he's not the typical stalker one, but an annoying one.

•anyways back to the topic! how was it it??

•please make sure you comment! please don't be a silent reader.

• any guesses for the next one?

•Till then, stay tuned, babies!♡