Chapter 2: Runway Rivalry, Secret Glances

Until the annual Starlight Fashion Gala rolled around.

The Starlight Gala was the Oscars of the fashion world—everyone who was anyone showed up, dressed to the nines. I’d dreamed of getting invited since my first acting gig.

This event gathered elite figures from fashion, art, and business. Getting invited was an honor.

People flew in from New York, Paris, even Tokyo. The red carpet was a who’s-who of designers, moguls, and A-listers. It was a night where even the smallest detail mattered.

It was streamed live online.

The pressure was real. Millions of people would be watching, judging every step, every smile.

I wasn’t surprised to get an invite, but I didn’t expect to be paired with Savannah for the runway show.

When my agent told me, I nearly spit out my coffee. Of course, the universe had a sense of humor.

She wore a green fairy gown, delicate rose crystals winding across the dress, deep and mysterious. Ethereal, almost otherworldly. With her exquisite features and glowing hair, she looked like a goddess descended to earth.

She glided down the runway, the lights catching on every crystal. People actually gasped. For a second, I forgot we were rivals and just admired how beautiful she looked.

My eyes lit up—I couldn’t help but stare.

I tried to play it cool, but my jaw might’ve dropped a little. She was stunning, and I wasn’t the only one who noticed.

I had to admit, though I was famous for my looks, Savannah was the only one I truly thought was stunning.

Most of the time, I felt confident about my own style. But standing next to her, I felt like a supporting character in her movie.

As luck would have it, I was wearing a rose dress—vivid red roses embroidered all over, pure hand-stitched embroidery. Bold and passionate.

My dress was a showstopper, too—bright red, with petals that seemed to bloom as I moved. The designers had outdone themselves. I felt like the living embodiment of a rose.

Both of us wore rose-themed dresses, but with completely different vibes.

The contrast was almost poetic—her, the mysterious fairy; me, the fiery rose. It was like we were born to share that stage.

The livestream chat exploded:

[Wow, Autumn is gorgeous!]

[No way, my Savannah is way prettier!]

[Anyone with eyes can see who’s better—obviously our Savannah!]

[No, Autumn baby is the prettiest!!!]

The fans were at it again, but bystanders were going wild:

[Savannah and Autumn—power duo!]

[They’ve been trashed for everything except their looks.]

[Their beauty is recognized across the industry. Why are their fans even fighting? If I looked like that, I’d go out naked!]

[Supporting you on that!]

[Those legs, that waist, that skin, that figure, that aura, plus those couture dresses—visual feast! They overshadowed everyone else on the runway.]

[If I were the organizers, I’d definitely have them on stage together—what a treat!]

[...]

The internet was basically drooling. Memes started popping up within minutes. It was wild.

I had no idea what was being said in the livestream, but I did know Savannah’s inner voice was back.

Right after we finished the runway and went on stage for photos and autographs—

[God, my wife is so beautiful!]

[When can I finally look at her openly?]

I glanced at her instinctively.

I tried to play it cool, but I caught her watching me out of the corner of her eye. Her expression was calm, but her thoughts were loud and clear.

Savannah looked totally composed, but inside she was ecstatic: [Ahhh, is my wife looking at me?!!]

She was practically squealing in her head. If only everyone else could hear her.

System, exasperated: [Host, calm down.]

[How am I supposed to calm down?!]

The organizer gestured for us to stand closer for the photos.

We shuffled closer together, our dresses brushing. I felt her hand graze mine, just for a second.

Savannah was thrilled again: [She smells so good!]

[She’s even more beautiful up close!]

I had mixed feelings.

On one hand, it was nice to be admired. On the other, it was a little overwhelming. I glanced away, pretending to check my phone.

On the surface, Savannah was all cool and aloof, but inside, she was like this.

She could win an Oscar for her poker face. Meanwhile, her thoughts were pure chaos.

After the runway, we were led to our seats—right next to each other.

I tried not to make a big deal out of it, but my heart was pounding. The organizers definitely knew what they were doing.

Normally, the organizers of the Starlight Fashion Gala are pros. Even though seats are assigned by status, they still check the relationships between guests and keep rivals apart.

This year, they must’ve wanted drama. Or maybe they were just tired of our fans fighting online.

Everyone in the industry knew Savannah and I did not get along.

I could feel eyes on us from all directions. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Sure enough, the livestream chat went off:

[They’re sitting together? That’s definitely planned.]

[Look at Autumn’s face—it’s so stiff. Is she feeling guilty?]

[No, what are you talking about? Why is Savannah always sneaking glances at our Autumn? We’re not blind!]

[Savannah would never sneak glances at Autumn—wait, is she actually looking at her?!]

[Where? Where?]

Everyone went quiet, switching to the individual camera feeds to watch the drama unfold.

The livestream had multiple angles, and people started posting screenshots and theories. It was like a sporting event.

Savannah:

[My wife is so beautiful, I can’t get enough.]

[I want to cuddle with her~]

[If I talk to her first, will she respond?]

She was so noisy I couldn’t help but say, "Can you be quiet for a second?"

The words slipped out before I could stop myself. Savannah froze, and so did I. For a second, the whole world seemed to pause.

Not only did Savannah freeze, I did too.

I realized what I’d done, and my heart dropped. Had anyone heard me?

Savannah, hurt: [Is my wife annoyed by me? Am I really that annoying?]

Her thoughts sounded genuinely sad. I almost felt guilty.

Suddenly, she realized: [Wait, I didn’t say anything out loud!]

She shot me a suspicious look. I coughed awkwardly and looked away.

I fiddled with my clutch, pretending to be interested in the program booklet.

The livestream chat:

[Something’s up.]

[What are they doing?]

[Too far to hear—anyone good at lip reading? What did Autumn just say?]

[Me! She said, "Can you come closer?"]

[Seriously?]

[Since when are they so close? (skeptical)]

[I don’t buy it...]

[Do you believe me or believe that they’re close?]

[So when did you come back to life, Abraham Lincoln?]

[Hahahaha.]

Just then, a popular actor I’d worked with before, Caleb Hayes, sat down next to us. We’d even been shipped as a couple.

Caleb was charming, with that effortless "all-American boy" vibe. He grinned at both of us, then turned his attention to me.

He greeted us politely, then started chatting with me.

He asked about my latest project, cracked a joke about the runway, and made small talk like a pro.

The livestream chat looked like they’d expected this all along.

People started posting old photos of us together, speculating about our "chemistry." I tried not to laugh.

Caleb was funny and easy to talk to. With him there, I didn’t have to worry about awkward silences.

He told a story about a wardrobe malfunction on set, and I burst out laughing. For a moment, I forgot about Savannah sitting next to me.

He kept making me laugh, and I didn’t notice Savannah’s mood getting colder and colder.

I glanced over, finally noticing the tight set of her jaw and the way she was gripping her champagne glass.

Savannah:

[Damn it, why is it him again?]

[What’s so great about him? She never smiles at me like that.]

[I’m so miserable. I’m going to lose my wife.]

[I’m being abandoned. Will she ever look at me?]

[I’m crying—my feelings are shattered.]

She was so obviously upset, it couldn’t have been fake.

I almost wanted to pat her on the back and tell her to chill. She looked like a kicked puppy.

For some reason, I actually felt a little sorry for her. Weird.

I shook my head, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest. Savannah jealous? That was new.

I pushed down the strange feeling and decided to talk to her.

I opened my mouth, but she beat me to it.

She turned to me, eyes serious. "Autumn, are you..." She hesitated for a long time before finally asking, "Can you hear what I’m thinking?"

My heart skipped a beat. I hadn’t planned to hide it, so I nodded, feeling a bit awkward.

I figured honesty was the best policy. Besides, she already seemed to know.

Savannah looked like she’d expected it.

She didn’t look surprised—just resigned.

She shrugged: "So you know, then?"

"Know what?"

I played dumb, but I was pretty sure I knew where this was going.

She gritted her teeth, as if it were obvious: "That I like you."

She said it so plainly, I almost choked on my drink.

We sat in silence for five minutes.

It felt like forever. The noise of the gala faded away, and all I could hear was my own heartbeat.

Even though I’d guessed it, hearing her say it was different. Especially since we were both women.

Hollywood isn’t exactly known for being kind to women who love women, but Savannah didn’t seem to care. I admired that about her.

Savannah couldn’t hold it in: "Autumn, say something. Do you like me or not?"

She was so direct, it almost made me laugh. I looked away, suddenly shy.

Was she always this blunt? She was way too confident—I’d be generous just to say I didn’t dislike her, let alone like her.

I tried to keep my cool, but my cheeks were burning. She was braver than I’d ever been.

So my answer was obvious: "No, I don’t."

I bit my lip, not meeting her eyes. I hoped she couldn’t see through me.

Savannah’s face fell, but she forced herself to say, "It’s fine. I’ll make you like me. Can you give me a chance?"

Her inner voice, though, was way more honest:

[My wife actually said she doesn’t like me. I’m so sad, but I can’t let it show.]

[It’s what I deserve for treating her badly before.]

[But I’m still so hurt...]

She was crying her heart out inside, but still managed to smile.

I almost reached out to hug her. She was stronger than I’d given her credit for.

No wonder she’d won Best Actress.

She could cry on cue, but this time, it felt real.

Savannah blinked at me with big eyes.

She looked so hopeful, I almost caved.

I actually softened: "I can give you a chance, but you can’t be too obvious in public."

I wanted to protect her—and myself. Hollywood could be brutal.

Savannah nodded eagerly.

She looked like a kid on Christmas morning. I couldn’t help but smile.

Inside, she cheered: [I knew it! Autumn still loves me!!!]

I shot back, "Don’t call me your wife."

She pouted, but agreed. "Okay."

[Autumn, baby... hehe.]

Me: "..."

I rolled my eyes, but I was secretly relieved.

The event wasn’t over yet. When it was time to accept awards, Caleb and I both won Most Popular Actor and Actress. During our speeches, we thanked each other for our collaboration.

I tried to keep my speech short and sweet. "Thank you all for your support. I hope Caleb and I can bring you more great work in the future. I’ll keep working hard!"

Caleb smiled and responded, plugging our new movie: "It’s an honor to work with Autumn. I hope everyone will support us."

He winked at the cameras, ever the showman. I laughed, grateful for his easy confidence.

When we left the stage, my dress was so long I could barely walk, so Caleb helped me back to my seat.

He offered his arm, and I took it, trying not to trip on the hem. The cameras flashed, capturing every step.

The livestream chat:

[Handsome guy, pretty girl, too hot!]

[Now this is a couple to ship. Can’t wait for their next movie together.]

[Caleb always makes our Autumn so happy!]

[They’re the real deal!]

The internet was already writing fanfiction about us. I couldn’t help but laugh.

While everyone was busy shipping us, no one noticed Savannah’s forced smile, lips pressed tight with jealousy.

She watched us from her seat, eyes narrowed. I could feel the tension radiating off her.

Why did I notice? Because her inner monologue was just too loud.

Her thoughts practically screamed at me. I felt a pang of guilt.

As soon as I sat down, I pulled my hand away from Caleb.

I tried to act casual, but my heart was racing. Why did I care so much about Savannah’s feelings?

Damn, why did I feel guilty, like I’d wronged someone?

I shook my head, trying to snap out of it. I was losing my mind over a girl who used to be my enemy.

Must be my imagination. I steadied myself and focused on the next awards.

I forced myself to clap and smile, but my mind kept drifting back to Savannah.

Soon, it was Savannah’s turn—she won this year’s Star of the Year award. When the camera zoomed in, she smiled radiantly and got up gracefully.

She looked stunning under the stage lights, her green dress shimmering like an emerald. The whole room applauded.

She’d always been confident about this award, but as she was about to head on stage, I stood up.

I wanted her to know I supported her, even if we were rivals.

"Congratulations."

She froze for a second, then smiled even brighter: "You too."

Her voice was soft, just for me. The cameras caught the moment, and I knew it would be all over the internet in minutes.

The moment of our hug was captured and instantly shot to the top of the trending topics:

#AutumnInitiatesPeaceWithSavannah

#SavannahAndAutumnHugAndCry

#SavannahAndAutumnBackToGoodTerms

#TopStarsMeetAgain

#StarlightFashionGala

#StarOfTheYearGoesToSavannahAgain

The hashtags were everywhere. My phone buzzed nonstop. Even my dad texted me a heart emoji.

It was about time.

I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. Maybe things were finally changing.

I put down my phone and closed my eyes. I’d been plagued by nightmares for days, but that night, I finally slept well.

For the first time in ages, I dreamed about something good—warmth, laughter, and Savannah’s smile.