Winter Swan

With another big applause, the curtain opened to reveal the bright white stage again where all the models were standing.

Each model walked out individually, and people cheered for them. At the end, Lara Stone and a tall man walked out together. They waved at the audience.

"Christian!"

"Christian Lozetti."

The man who walked out with the supermodel was Christian Lozetti of Sherian.

As usual, he was wearing simple clothes. Black polar shirt and a pair of black pants. With his platinum blond hair, Christian looked gorgeous. People, especially women, cheered excitedly.

But Christian didn't stay long. He seemed uncomfortable with all the attention and the cameras. He only walked midway before turning back.

Standing among the other models, Silje couldn't believe it.

She did it.

When she was walking during the show, she felt like her heart was going to burst. The excitement, tension, and heat felt unbearable. She was now standing calmly with the other Sherian models, but her heart was beating very fast. Silje thought that she could never forget this moment. She felt like her body was burning and melting at the same time. The joy she felt right now was indescribable.

This was Silje's very first Sherian show, and this show was different than any of the other Sherian shows from the past.

Instead of a usual walk-only show, today's stage was a performance. It was a short one, but it was magical.

All shows started the same way. The excitement before it started filled the entire building. The place was always crowded with models and hair and makeup artists. Thirty minutes before the start of the show, the music started.

It was a signal for the audience to find their seats. Famous stars and figures sat in the front row, while the rest took back seats.

When everyone was seated, the show started with a quick intro performance and music.

A fashion show like this required so many people to make it go perfectly. Several rehearsals took place for a smooth run. Christian Lozetti had the power to make all the decisions, and he was very involved. He was the one who decided on the music, stage design, and how and where the models walked.

Sherian was known for its perfection in their shows, and Silje felt overwhelmed to be a part of it.

As the flower confetti fell on the stage beautifully, Silje turned to look at the creator.

The announcer was introducing him.

"Everyone, this is Christian Lozetti of Sherian!"

***

A few days after the fashion show, Silje met Christian again in the elevator. The company decided to do a photoshoot with some of the models who participated in the show, and as the only Asian model who was on the runway, Silje was included.

She arrived at the Sherian building and got into the elevator when a familiar face appeared suddenly.

Silje was looking down and when she saw the unique sneakers, she recognized him immediately.

"Oh, Christian…"

"Hello, Silje."

He smiled at her. Christian wasn't wearing his usual baggy pants. Instead, he was wearing shorts that went down to his knees. He also wasn't wearing his thick-framed glasses. In a gray t-shirt and carrying a gym bag, he looked very casual and Silje smiled faintly.

"Are you coming back from the gym?"

"Yeah, I play tennis every day."

Silje had only seen him sewing and designing fragile garments, so she was surprised to see that he liked sports. Then again, Christian was very well toned, which made sense.

He had iPhone earphones around his neck and music was playing. She couldn't tell exactly what it was, but it sounded rhythmic.

During the elevator ride, Christian took out a few pills from a small white bottle and swallowed them with water. He looked very tired. When Silje looked at him curiously, Christian laughed and explained, "These are vitamins and supplements. During the collection seasons, I live on these."

"Then do you not eat any meals during this time?"

"You must know as well as I do, Silje. During busy seasons, I can't focus on anything other than work. I can't even taste anything, and I don't feel hungry even though I work out every day."

He talked to her in a familiar and friendly manner. When she paid attention, she could hear a faint foreign accent. Silje had done some research on Christian and Sherian for the show and found out that he was from Northern Europe, just like her.

Here in the elevator, however, Christian looked like a perfect New Yorker.

It was rare for any models to see Christian in person frequently. The models only got to meet him during the fittings and the rehearsals. During all the other times, he spent his time in the Meatpacking District where his two-story studio was located.

His workshop was located in the most sought-after area. It had large windows and beautiful views. This was where the most popular designs of New York were created.

He spent most of his time in his studio. Four times a year, he went to the Sherian headquarters for the quarterly design meetings. He was the head designer and therefore had to make all the final decisions. He had many young capable assistants who took care of the smaller details including patterns and sewing.

When he came to headquarters, he was always followed around by Emma marketing manager Cynthia.

Emma looked like a university student in her casual crumpled clothes while Cynthia, a black woman who looked urban and professional, enjoyed wearing head bandannas.

"Hello, Silje."

"Hello, Christian."

Silje saw Christian again during the final fitting. She had worked with many different designers, but none of them ever remembered her. She was only one of many models to them, and although they treated her with respect, they always forgot her after the show.

However, Christian remembered her, and he even remembered her name.

"Are you going up for the fitting? I'm going to the office too."

He had a beautiful smile and a kind voice.

Silje never desired to get close to the designers, but it was still nice to be recognized by him.

And of all people, it was Christian Lozetti!

Recently, she was cast again for Sherian and it was by Christian himself. She had participated in many different fashion shows so far, but this was the first time she was cast without an audition and was specifically called by a designer.

A direct booking.

Silje was flattered and her self-esteem got a huge boost thanks to Christian.

This meant that every time she saw him, Silje couldn't help but smile gently.

And Christian seemed to enjoy talking to her. He asked suddenly, "Do you remember that day you came for your audition? You said you wouldn't disappoint me. Do you think you've done well so far?"

His light brown eyes darkened as he assessed her. No matter how kind he was to her, Christian was still her boss.

Silje didn't look away. She stared back at him confidently.

Silje was wearing a black silk blouse and skinny jeans. When she looked at him challengingly, Christian grinned.

Silje replied, "Yes, and I will continue to do well. You will never be disappointed in me, so you have nothing to worry about."

Then, something unexpected happened. After hearing her response, Christian took out his earphone from his ears and reached out for her.