ISABEL:

"....I'm gonna see you soon, my Love." I chimed in, stopping his bantering.

"Sure, I love you." I smiled, shutting his mouth instantly. I know that's his weakness. He didn't say anything and cut the call before huffing. I chuckled. I know how to cheer him up. The cold wind hit my cheeks and I closed my eyes feeling content. That's the life I wanted to live for a long time. Self-sufficient, serene and in solitude.

The cool breeze blew my hair gently, making me smile. I felt the wet sand beneath my feet and between my toes. Closing my eyes, smelling the salty air, hearing the roar of the waves rolling onto the shores, I felt the sense of heaven while walking. My mind drifted into the upcoming event.

A walk on the beach do magic to my mind which is filled with creativity and to imagine the ideas which work for my upcoming design. Working as a Fashion designer was my dream ever since I took my senses. It's my passion. Again a roar was heard and waves were crawling to the shore, kissing my bare feet. I come to this beach every Saturday to fresh my mood. It gives me positive vibes, away from the city area.

I know when this place turned secluded without any soul around. People rarely visit here on weekends and night time. I walked ahead hugging myself when I felt the cold weather hitting me. I stopped when I spotted a few trees dancing along with the breeze. This is my stop point where I turned and walked back from where I started. It took me three rounds which counted in my walking session. I never walked further than that point as it's connected to a private dork of some shipment.

My ringtone disturbed my peace but I knew it was worth it.
"Yes, love." I grinned thinking he can't even keep up for minutes without talking to me. But it was not him, It was my sweetheart Helena. She shouted from another side, making me roll my eyes.

"You guys have to come, Iam occupied these days, I have an important show on Monday. The important parties would come to the event. Plan your visit in the holidays and let me know then." I told her. She was talking when I heard a muffled scream. I pulled the phone out from my ear and glanced around. Thinking it was my illusion I started talking to her again.

But after five minutes I heard the scream again and hushed voices as I was walking towards that direction. I disconnected the phone after bidding her bye in a rush and walked ahead.

It can't be an illusion!

The whispers became more harsh and soon I spotted a few men near the big trees, who were rushing something or someone. I gasped when one man hit another resulting in him falling on the sand roughly. I took slow steps forward, witnessing the unfolding scene. Two men beat the shit out of him. I thought to run from there but something poked my head to stay or more like help that man. But how could I? They seemed like goons or gangsters.

I could ring the police to stop this fight otherwise they would kill him. I glanced around, not a single soul was seen. Suddenly one tall man stepped forward and bent down to the level of that victim. It seemed like they were talking but He pulled out something and pointed at him.

My eyes rounded seeing that object, a gun.
Good god!

He shot him in the leg and that man screamed in pain. I put my hand on my mouth and clutched my skirt tightly. My feet pierced into the wet sand, refusing to move.

He will kill him! God help him.

The man was moaning in pain and the one who stood, shadowing him laughed which echoed through the pin-drop silent place. My body trembled and I goosebumps all over my body with his vicious laugh. I couldn't see anyone as the sun was setting but could guess their figures. All were men but their faces were not clear to see. He pointed a gun at his face and my body chilled. He is going to shoot him.

I shook my head and my mind went blank with numb eyes. My heart stopped its beat when He halted and inclined his head up and by God swear I knew it was directed towards me. His eyes pierced through my soul. He was staring at me, directly.

They see me, they will kill me. No, I don't want the same fate. No, not again God. Please.

He tilted his head in a way which left a warning to me. A warning which screamed for me to run. Run for life! My throat was clogged with heaviness. A sudden realisation interrupted my scared form and it dawned to me that they won't spare me.

I pulled my hand back which covered my mouth from letting out a scream and gasped. My breath turned shallow. He abruptly pulled the trigger and I flinched back. But it missed the spot or He deliberately shot on the sand beside his victim. The man trembled visibly. I took one step back and after that, He aimlessly shot the same spot.

Without taking another breath, I turned and ran away to save myself. The wind buzzed on my ear, teasing my hair, blocking the sight from seeing my way to where I was going. I tripped once, twice but didn't stop. Nearing my car, I slid in and raced the car at high speed. I looked back to see if they were following me but fortunately not. Or who knows they were doing it secretly.

Within twenty minutes, I reached my apartment building. I clutched my purse in hand and rushed to my fifth-floor apartment unit. Unlocking my main door, I got inside and locked the door with a thud and panted, leaning on it.

I should have saved that man.

Would they chase me? Hunt me? Should I call the cops?

I bit my lip in apprehension. I couldn't decide what I should do, whom to tell or keep silent about this matter. I headed to my kitchen and gulped the glass of cold water. I thought to call Helena and share with her but something forced me to stop doing this. She would break the hell on me to come back to her. Anyhow, I finished my dinner and went to sleep, which was far away from me.

After battling with myself for about three hours I drifted into slumber. My weekend passed away just like this pondering over that horrible night and possible consequences about what if they catch me. I shook my insecurities and immersed myself in my upcoming project.

The two more exclusive designs which I will represent for the showstopper of the fashion week designer show. My boss will select the best one. I worked tirelessly for the last two months for this project and I know I have to give my best. One was in white and the other was grey-black.

Ms Ricci asked me to make a few alterations here and there before finalizing it as it will fit our model perfectly on a special day. She is a very career-oriented woman who removes every barrier on her way even if it's her marriage. She is a 42 years old lady who is divorced for years but not ready to mingle now. Ironically, she has a crush on some men but never approached them. But she is brilliant in doing business and I appreciate her for this. I learned a lot during these three years under her guidance.

"Isa, you need to finish it today itself as I want perfection only. We need to impress Mr Angelo at any cost. He had sponsored our charity fashion show last year. If He acknowledges our designs this time, then bingo.. We are hit." She chimed in. I laughed at her enthusiasm. She becomes friendly with her employees sometimes. But when she is strict, no one can bring up their voices in front of her.

"Iam in, boss." I saluted her. She pursed her lips because I call her boss every time whereas all others call her Miss Ricci or Lucia. She shook her head.

The preparation and arrangement were all done for the modelling. I provided my aid in hosting the shows, selecting themes and venues. The beach location was my idea as we are going to showcase our summer collection more. Suddenly the last horrified encounter at the beach flashed in front of my eyes. I shook the thought and diverted towards instructing my models.

The decoration and atmosphere were already created. Our team was already there except for one person. Our main model, Giana.

I called her for the second time to reach on time but she didn't pick up. She is our best model, we deem her as our lucky charm. Whenever she does showstopper, the show becomes a hit.

"Isa, I am afraid that she is stuck somewhere and it will be late. We have to do something, quickly." Sophie, my co-designer said with uncertainty. Miss Ricci always puts her trust in us considering new designs as our taste is the same in the glamour world.

I released a breath and turned towards our other model who was going to ramp walk first. Everyone got tightened. Miss Ricci was unaware of the fact and we didn't inform her as she was busy attending her guests.

"All are here, seated and waiting for the show to begin. What to do?" Piero, our team member, walked to us while saying this. I was about to call Giana again when I looked behind him to spot Miss Ricchi sprinting to us in a hurry. Seeing the distressed look on her face, I knew that she is known to this thing by now.

"What's the matter? Where is Giana?" She asked with a rigid face. It seemed like her resentment of Giana would burst on us anytime. I shook my head feeling tense.

Where are you, Giana?

"Lucia, what do we do? In this tiny time, we cant arrange another model like Giana. She is only one piece." Sophie let out. Miss Ricci held her head glancing around the bustling. Piero typed something on his phone. All were trying to find the solution. Our models were ready, all were set to start the show. We couldn't delay as the big personalities and VIPs have already arrived and were waiting for the show to begin.

"We can exchange the turn of another model with her until we reach her. Only this option is available now." Piero mused. I sighed.

"Iam going to put Vinni as the showstopper. She will...." Suddenly he stopped saying. I turned my head to see the raised hand of Miss Ricci who interrupted him from saying further. My body stilled when I found her sharp gaze was settled on me.

Oh no!

I glanced at others who were also staring at me in confusion and knowing looks. I squeezed my eyes closed.
.
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I took a deep breath and put on a charming smile while stepping my right leg ahead. The flashlights shoved onto my face rapidly in the late evening when I kept placing my one foot in front of another with long strides. I knew this runway walk required ease, confidence and smooth movements from me. Though the anxiety was eating me from inside but I didn't let it wave my current goal.

"Isa, you are the only option. You have to do it, you need to." Two thick lines from my boss were enough for me to fulfil my duty though I wanted to refuse her on the spot but I knew if I won't support it then this whole show would turn into a mess and the prestige we earned would go into the garbage.

"We can do it, Isa. The outfit will fit you perfectly as Giana's physique is not much different than you." Sophie let out.

"Just pump your legs up and down...." Piero encouraged me.

My smile didn't ripple while walking down the stage. I threw a few poses on my left and right and looked straight. The shutter speed of cameras flashed on my entire self. I smiled energetically while providing the hordes of cameras a perfect capture.

I caught Piero giving me thumbs up from behind the guests seated which enabled me to carry my attitude on.

I hope this elusive stunt by us won't be highlighted by anyone, later.

I gave one last look ahead and circled but before walking back those deep eyes embedded into my mind which was looking straight into my soul.