NOTE: As you all know this will be a mini fic (between 10-15 chapters), and it's written by the amazingly talented Evelin (author of The Stripper and Checkmate) and also by Medina (another talented writer). This manip was made by @JaureguiMalik25 (twitter).

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Lauren Jauregui's Point Of View

*A few months ago*

That Newton pendulum should have my attention for the last 5 minutes. The small silver balls hit each other, giving motion to the one that was next to it, and so on. I twirled the small black pencil between my fingers, while my head was traveling in frantic thoughts about the busy day that I was having. Thoughts that got tangled by the lack of attention caused by the damn pendulum, or simply because of fatigue.

-Lauren, are you listening to me? – Dinah asked when she stopped before my desk.

The blonde with slender body had her hands rested on her waist as she shot me a somewhat irritated look. I swallowed hard and accommodated myself better on the soft leather chair. The woman stepped forward, reaching out to the pendulum, stopping the small balls' movement.

-Of course I am! – I exclaimed quickly.

She raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms under her breasts. Dinah had a strong temper and I thanked a lot for that, it helped me to focus in the moments I lost track of myself. Like now.

-Well then, tell me exactly the last thing I said.

-You... – I cleared my throat and looked away from her accusative gaze – Well... You...

-God! You didn't hear absolutely anything. Where's your head at?

My head? It was exclusively focused on the damn meeting that would happen in a few minutes. Today we would decide the last details for the launch of Victoria's Secret new collection. In the last 5 years, my greatest desire was to take over the leadership of one of the collection launched by the brand. Hard task, but extremely rewarding. To get where I am now, I had a long journey of hard work, few hours of sleep and an extra portion of daily stress. And of course, the total extinction of a common social life to any human being. I wouldn't dare complain about all that, since now I had finally arrived where I always dreamed. Having my name as the general director of the Victoria's Secret 2016 launch was one of my greatest accomplishments.

-I'm just a little nervous about the meeting.

Dinah seemed to relax, turning her angry expression into a serene one. The blonde took a deep breath and accommodated herself better on the armchair in front of my desk. Just like me, the woman also worked hard to rise to the position she now possessed inside VS. Today, Dinah Jane was one of the main designers of the brand, and my collection would be made exclusively by her and her wonderful drawings. We started as simple interns in the small general administration room, taking orders and receiving lectures. And now, we both possessed our offices between the last floors of the glamorous VS building, having a leadership position.

-I understand, Lauren. But look, our project has already been accepted, you should relax.

-I know that, and I still can't believe it. But today is the final meeting. We are going to present the last details and the most important of them, the Fantasy Bra.

-Now you managed to make me nervous, thank you. – she muttered.

The Fantasy Bra was the lingerie used by the main model among all the angels. The pieces were completely worked with gemstones. Since rubies, diamonds and sapphires. In the last two years the lingerie didn't win a big highlight, and the brand was looking for a way to improve that situation. So, Dinah and I made the riskiest and most expensive project so to speak.

-Okay, everything will work out! – Dinah repeated that three times in an attempt to calm down.

-And if it doesn't?

-Lauren, this is our year. Everything will work out, and we'll be very well rewarded.

I brought my hands to my head, massaging my temples with the tip of my fingers. I felt that region throb with pain.

-After this meeting we are going out for drinks, we need it. – Dinah spoke as she got up.

-Yes, I agree.

I flashed a brief smile at the woman who immediately expanded her lips in another smile. The blonde got up as she ran her hand over her reddish tight dress. Dinah was always very well dressed, and as a designer it couldn't be different, of course. Today I opted for boyfriend jeans, a silky navy blue blouse and a beige blazer on top. On my feet, a pair of black scarpins. All very casual.

-Shall we go? We have a meeting waiting for us. – my best friend spoke hopefully.

-Let God's will be done, Dinah.

Within minutes we entered the Victoria's Secret main conference room together. There were already all the members of the board properly seated waiting for us. I confess to have felt that sick feeling in my stomach, due to the evaluative and even challenging looks. I knew that many there were rooting for me, but I also knew that others were just waiting for a little slip and consequently a fall.

-Good Morning. – the partners answered kindly, while Dinah distributed the summary of our meeting to every person sitting at that table.

-Did you manage to get everything ready or will you need help, Miss?

I heard the woman's annoying voice sound at the back of the room. Her name was Angelique Duran, she was on her late forties, even though she doesn't appear that age. The woman was medium-sized, dark short shoulder-length hair. Her features were delicate, but still expressive. Of course, with the amount of botox and plastic surgery, everything would always be solved, but it wouldn't do miracles. Mrs. Duran was the general director of the brand's collections for the last three years, her dissatisfaction to see me in her place was clear.

-Everything is perfectly ready, Mrs. Duran. – I let out with my head held high.

-I hope you present a good work. – she retorted.

-I'm sure that Lauren's final work is perfect, dear Angelique. She has already surprised us a lot with the rest of the project, what are final details in this great woman's hands?

It was Elizabeth's turn to speak. Unlike Angelique, the woman was totally on my side. Since my admission as an intern in VS, I had some support from Mrs. Owen. That didn't mean that I had it easy to get where I am, but that, Eliza, how I used to call her, showed me the right path for ascension. I remember being scolded numerous times by the blonde-haired woman and in those several times she made me redo an entire work for not being perfect. Today, I was extremely grateful for all that. After all, it wasn't just anyone that was trained by the president of one of the biggest brands in the United States of America. Elizabeth Owen wasn't only the president of Victoria's Secret, she was also one of the shareholders.

-Thank you, Mrs. Owen.

-You don't have to thank me, Lauren. You and Dinah did a great job. But let's get down to business.

Dinah and I positioned ourselves next to the huge LED screen hanging from the back wall, where we would present the last details of the Victoria's Secret 2016 collection. The course of the meeting seemed tranquil, the details were being accepted by the general directors, who analyzed them thoroughly. The group of editors, along with the organizers of the fashion show that would give start to the visualization of the collection, seemed excited about all the ideas, which gave me more impetus to continue.

-The models are wonderful, Dinah! I'm impressed with the sketches!

Dinah gave me a bright look that revealed all her excitement for that moment. It has always been her dream to have her name as chief designer of VS, and today that had become real.

-Now to the last part. Is everyone in accordance with the project so far? – I asked staring at everyone in that room.

Everyone nodded pleased, with the exception of Angelique, of course.

-Perfect! We left the best for last. It's the most grand and risky project made by VS. After a lot of analysis and research, we present the Fantasy Bra 2016.

Dinah slid her fingers over the iPad's screen, revealing the Fantasy Bra sketch on the LED screen in the back. For a split second, I allowed myself to analyze the expression of everyone present there. They were staring at the image with admired and challenging expressions. I focused on Elizabeth who kept a serene expression, but indecipherable. I swallowed hard and let out the air from my lungs slowly.

-This year's Fantasy Bra has as name American Diamonds Fantasy Bra. It's a set of two satin pieces, studded with red diamond. One of the most expensive in the whole world. It will have details in sapphire blue. We'll make a reference to nationalism, put in evidence the USA, since in the two previous years the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was done in London. I want to bring it back to the US.

-It's very beautiful. – one of the organizers commented.

-I have to agree with you, Patrick. – Elizabeth continued.

-The piece was designed by a jeweler? You know that the regular would be, right? – Angelique asked, as she stared at me with certain mockery.

-No, the pieces were designed by me and sent to a jeweler. – Dinah countered politely, but precise.

-How much is the whole piece going to cost? – Pamela Edwards asked, she was the chief director of the financial sector.

-The piece will cost 16 million dollars. – I let out at once.

That moment was the most important of the meeting. The last Fantasy Bra of high value was worn over 10 years ago. No other collection director was as bold, even though the Red Hot Fantasy Bra, calculated in the amount of 15 million dollars, was a huge success.

-She's crazy. – Angelique exclaimed.

My hands were sweating and that damn sick feeling in my stomach was stronger. I took a deep breath and tried to keep at all costs a confident expression. I remember very well of all the times that Elizabeth insisted for me to have firmness in my position, I couldn't disappoint now.

-It's risky, but it's a beautiful piece. – Pamela said as she stared at the exposed sketch.

-Shall we vote? – the event organizer asked.

-No. – Elizabeth protested – It will be this one. The American Diamonds Fantasy Bra.

-This can only be madness. – the former director exclaimed.

-Angelique, I see it as a risky process, but very promising. We need to improve the audience of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. And I'm very confident in this project.

Dinah and I looked at each other, transmitting the euphoria in a full silence. I knew that the blonde wanted to hug me and scream of happiness, but she wouldn't dare to have that kind of behavior in front of the board of directors.

-I agree with Eliza. – Pamela added.

-There's just one condition. – Eliza said

-Which is? – I asked.

-We need the best Model of recent times. One that will attract the eyes of the whole world to the American Diamonds.

-I chose Alessandra. She was the one from last year, she has a wonderful career and she would fit very well. – I said still nervous.

-I don't think she would call so much attention. I want a new one. I want a new Angel for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show! We can't invest so much money to put a lingerie of 16 million dollars on a Model that will not draw attention. – the woman with short blonde hair alerted.

-The choice can be yours, I obey your orders, Mrs. Owen.

Elizabeth got up from her chair positioned at the head of the table and walked in slow steps towards me. The blonde approached Dinah, asking politely for the iPad in her hand. She focused all of her attention on the device as I waited anxiously for her decision.

-Perfect. – she whispered, before clicking on the picture of the Model.

-Who will it be? – Pamela asked.

Dinah seemed to have seen the model's face, because in the same instant she looked at me with her eyes wide in astonishment.

-The new Angel that will wear the American Diamonds Bra will be Karla Cabello.

That sentence seemed to have been said in slow motion, as if every word bombarded my brain. I closed my eyes for brief seconds before facing the image of Camila in the LED screen in the back.

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Dinah and I headed to my apartment right after the end of our working hours. The blonde was very happy. The smile that was stamped on her face could be contagious if I wasn't so upset with the new detail of my project. My thoughts were running frantically between memories of my past and all the turmoil that today was inexistent. Dinah chattered nonstop about how the board of directors was impressed with my proposal and her sketches, as she placed the bags from the Japanese restaurant on the table.

-Why do I have the feeling that I'm talking to myself?

I turned my attention to my best friend who was removing the packages from within the black bags.

-I'm listening to you.

-You are even more distracted than you were earlier today, and now with added irritation.

I rolled my eyes, placing the china plates on the glass table in the dining room. The smell of Japanese food just made me realize even more how much I was hungry. It looked delicious.

-That's just your impression. – I muttered.

-Only if I didn't know you, Lauren. I know that you are angry and I also know why. Even though I don't agree.

I sat on my chair in full silence, and removed the little chopstick from the paper packaging to serve myself some salmon sushi.

-You don't agree? They changed a part of the project. An important part!

-They changed it for the better, much better.

I let out a sarcastic laugh, almost mocking, receiving a tedious expression from Dinah.

-Better? Why is Camila better?

-Do you really want to know? – she asked incredulously.

-Yes, I do. They are putting her on a pedestal. When there's an infinitude of Models who are as beautiful and as professional as her.

Dinah wiped the corner of her lips with a thin napkin before getting up and walking to the living room. I stayed quiet, just observing her attitudes. The blonde didn't take long, soon she returned to the table with her iPad in hand. I thought about dropping that subject, I didn't want to ruin the evening. We had finally achieved our big goal, and to celebrate would be the least to do.

-Dinah...

-Shut up. – she cut me off.

I raised my eyebrows and obeyed. She took a few more minutes, when at last she looked at me.

-You said you want to know why Karla is better, right? – before I could say anything, she answered her own question – Right. Let's do this.

With her attention focused on the device in her hands, my best friend started to talk:

-From 2013 to 2015, Karla Cabello was elected by Rolling Stone the world's most beautiful Model and has great possibilities of getting the title again this year. From 2010 till now, she was elected by Forbes magazine the highest-paid Model. Her fortune was valued at 200 million dollars, appearing in the Guinness Book as the world's richest Model.

-Dinah...

-I haven't finished yet. Be quiet. Elected in 2013 by Forbes magazine, one of the hundred most powerful women in the world. Karla was elected the highest-paid in the world for the fourth year in a row, after accumulating 42 million dollars in 12 months.

-I don't want to...

The blonde lifted her index finger so that I would shut up, as she continued.

-Cabello, in 2014 and 2015 won the award of Model of the year by Vogue magazine. And she has her pretty little face in several important brands such as Calvin Klein, Dolce and Gabbana,...

-Enough! – I exclaimed – I get it.

-Finally! I thought I would have to tell you Karla's whole professional history to make you understand that she is the most suitable to wear VS' most expensive lingerie.

I relaxed my body in the chair, giving in. Dinah was absolutely right, there wasn't anyone in this world who was going to shine as bright on that runway as Camila, or rather, Karla Cabello.

-Lauren, I know how much all this must be tense. But look, it's in the past! It's been years. You were teenagers. I bet Camila no longer feels angry towards you.

-You think?

-Of course, Laur. Camila is a mature and rich woman, who's full of suitors. She probably doesn't even remember that you exist.

-Gee, thanks for that.

Dinah let out a soft chuckle before bringing a piece of salmon up to her mouth.

-Better than being angry. – she said when she finished chewing.

-You are right. It doesn't even matter anyways, I just want this project to work out.

-It already worked out, Lauren. And that's why we have to make a toast! – the blonde spoke in pure excitement.

I smirked at Dinah, while she serves us some more wine.

-A toast to the American Diamonds and to the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

I saw the woman lift the crystal glass with the soft red wine inside. I grabbed mine that was placed on the table, repeating the same movement she had done. The soft sound of the crystal touching each other sounded throughout the environment.

-Cheers!

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*A few months later*

-We are almost arriving, Ms. Jauregui. – the driver informed as he turned the corner of Lexington Avenue Armony, where the beginning of the visualization of the collection would be held. The famous Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

-You can stop at the main entrance.

-You gave up on the idea of entering through the back?

-Yes. Dinah here said that the owner of the project has to show up. – I let out a soft and nervous laugh.

-But of course, the presence of the person in charge of the project is very important, mandatory even. After all, this is all happening because of you. – my best friend spoke next to me.

-She's absolutely right, ma'am.

Even being many meters away from the entrance of the building where the fashion show would be held, it was already noticeable the huddle of people and cars. The press would be in full weight for that moment. I closed my eyes for brief seconds, feeling my heart racing, accompanied by that sick feeling in my stomach caused by nervousness. In 25 years of life, that was my biggest project and my greatest moment. Years of hard work would pay off right there, in that place. The whole press was in full force, because of Victoria's Secret's risky plan to launch such an expensive collection coming from mere beginners, in this case, Dinah and me.

-Come on, Lauren... – I whispered to myself at the very moment the car stopped at the entrance of the building.

-Everything will work out! Today is our day. – Dinah said all smiley.

The main entrance was surrounded by journalists and a bunch of people who would give anything to take a single photo with someone famous. The chatter was constant, the paparazzi's cameras exploded in flashes towards all the guests who exited their cars to enter the building. The security approached the car, opening the door so that we could get out. Dinah was the first to leave. She was extremely elegant, with a kind of jumpsuit made of white noble fabric. The piece fell to her feet, but it was perfectly cut, with a beautiful neckline and bare back, as if it had been made exclusively for her. And it was. The blonde had her long hair tied in a ponytail, leaving her face free, highlighting her beautiful makeup. Dinah was simply stunning.

-Miss. – the security called, extending his hand to help me get out of the car.

I got out of the black Sedan, receiving a rain of flashes over my body. I faced everyone with a confident expression, just like Elizabeth had once taught me. The journalists called my name, made insistent questions as I tried to walk on the pink carpet. That night I was wearing a black dress, long sleeves, but with a somewhat flashy neckline. Some parts of the fabric had a certain transparency, leaving a bit of my skin partially showing.

-This is just the beginning. – Dinah whispered next to me, as she posed for pictures.

-I'm sure it is. – I said as I faced the cameras' lenses in front of us with a serious and challenging expression.

That was just the beginning of everything.

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NOTE: When Evelin updates again, I'll translate and post it.