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Joshua’s voice was deep and maic, and no matter how hard he tried, the tenderness in his tone always shone through whenever he spoke to Xylia.
‘He really does make sense,‘ Xylia thought to herself.
As she listened to his gentle voice, the frustration in Xylia’s heart slowly melted away.
Seeing her fall silent, Joshua steadied himself and gently led her to their seats.
This runway show was pretty modest. Everything about it–the set design, the outfits–felt a lot smaller than the ones Xylia had been to before.
But then, Xylia spotted someone she never expected to see here.
‘Xavi?‘ she thought, surprised.
As Xavi took a seat next to Joshua, Xylia leaned over, her eyes wide. “Mr. Quezada, is this your
‘She couldn’t believe it,‘ Xylia thought, still trying to wrap her head around it.
Xavi nodded. “I was involved, just a little.”
show<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Xylia couldn’t help but think, ‘With Xavi’s attitude, there’s no way he’d get involved in a runway this small.
And seriously, ‘When did he even show up in Norhill?‘ Xylia found herself wondering.
After she asked Xavi a couple of quick questions, he exined he’de for the big designpetition happening in two weeks. Suddenly, everything made sense to Xylia.
Turns out, Quezada & Co. Apparel Design was one of the main organizers for the uing event.
Joshua sat there, watching the two of them talk over him, and couldn’t help but get a bit peeved.
He straightened up, shifting just enough to block Xylia’s view of Xavi, like he was staking his im.
“Seriously, what’s there to chat about? Trust me, it’s better if you keep your distance from the organizers before thepetition,” Joshua said, shooting Xavi a look.
<i>‘</i>Okay, he’s got a point, Xylia thought, feeling a little more grounded. She quietly stopped talking to Xavi.
Xavi, on the other hand, was visibly annoyed.
“Joshua, seriously? The only reason you even got into this little show was because I hooked you up. What’s so wrong about me catching up with a former coborator?” Xavi retorted, his tone sharp,
Ever since Xylia hadunched her own studio, Xavi would throw a few gigs her way every now and then.
They weren’t exactly huge projects, but for a small outfit like hers, the pay was actually pretty generous.
10:08 <b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>20
Joshua didn’t even bother looking at Xavi. “I didn’t need you to get in.”
Typical move–using people and then tossing them aside.
A ULD
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Xavi clearly wasn’t interested in talking to Joshua anymore; instead, he deliberately leaned over towards Xylia.
“Hey, Xylia. I heard you’re entering next week’s designpetition. Did you already send in your sketches?” Xavi asked.
Xylia shot him a nce and said, “Mr. Quezada, honestly, I think it’s safer if I steer clear of you for now.”
‘I really can’t deal with people using me of getting ahead just because of my connections, Xylia thought, feeling tired of that whole mess.
‘I may not care what people say about me, but I still have a studio to run. My team shouldn’t have to get dragged into my drama,‘ she reminded herself.
Xavi just stared at her, totally at a loss for words.
Joshua’s smile lingered in his eyes as hepletely blocked Xavi out, brushing his fingers through Xylia’s hair with a gentle touch. “Once this show’s over, I’ll take you home,” he whispered softly.
Xylia gave a nod, her heart settling down in the soothing warmth of Joshua’s presence.
Thanks to Joshua’s gentle reassurance, Xylia felt a weight lift off her chest.
By the time they stepped out of the show, there was no trace of worry left on her face.
Xavi shuffled after them like a totally abandoned puppy, shooting daggers at Joshua’s back–he was radiating pure resentment.
Xylia poked Joshua’s side. “Shouldn’t you at least gofort him a little?”
Joshua looked downright revolted.
“Comfort you? Sure. But you want me to go sweet–talk some guy? Not a chance.”
“Says you! You’re the real stink! Your whole crew reeks!” Xavi shot back, cutting through with a mouthy snap.
Before Xylia could even say a word, Xavi–having caught everything they said–blew up on the spot.
“Back then it was you who pushed me to hire Xylia and give her all that technical support. Now look at you, turning your back and pretending we’re strangers–seriously, that’s just nasty!” Xavi fired ott, voice full of indignation.
As soon as he spoke, Xavi got nailed by Joshua’s icy re.
Xavi suddenly went meek, his bravado evaporating in a sh.
He whipped out his phone, faking an iing call.
<b>10:08 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>20 </b>
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“What? Now? Right away, I’m on it,” he blurted out, his voice a little too loud.
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Clearing his throat, he tossed out an awkward goodbye to Xylia and Joshua before speedwalking off to his car.
Xylia remarked offhandedly, “He was actually holding his phone upside down.”
Joshua couldn’t help butugh out loud.
He looked down at Xylia and saw she seemed totally chill, so in his mind, he was already plotting how to change the subject.
But before he could get a word out, Xylia jumped in first.
“So it was you who made him take me on as a designer?” Xylia asked, her voice calm.
She looked up at him, her eyes just as clear and pure as ever, and Joshua couldn’t spot a hint of feeling behind them.
Joshua replied cautiously, “It wasn’t really forcing him.”
“So, the interview was just for appearances? And you had Xavi y along to make me think I was some kind of prodigy?” Xylia pressed.
Joshua’s brow furrowed as he hurried to exin.
“I told him to hire you no matter what, and to make sure your self–esteem stayed intact. Honestly, Xavi actually thought you had real talent during the interview,” Joshua said.
Xylia didn’t seem to take in any of his words.
She suddenly remembered something.
“So that designer contest back in Jupiton–when I took first, and Garcia Group handed out the prize, was that all you behind the scenes too?” Xylia pressed.
“No way!” Joshua blurted out, sitting up straighter.
“That was totally up to the judges. I didn’t pull any strings. I just bumped the prize up by an extra 300 thousand,” Joshua said quickly.
He knew if he didn’t spell it out, Xylia would definitely make him pay for it down the line.
“Really?” Xylia said, leaning in so close there was barely any space between them, her gaze narrowed with suspicion as she stared Joshua down.
Her almond–shaped eyes narrowed, all luminous and shimmering, hershes fluttering with a gentle wave that made her pupils look even brighter.
Joshua’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, a little flustered under her sharp stare. “Of course it’s true.”
Joshua felt his nerves getting the better of him.
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Xylia rarely saw him like this and found it pretty entertaining.
“If that 300 thousand was all because of me, do you want me to give it back?” Xylia teased.
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Joshua’s eyes darkened for a second as he caught the cheeky glint in her gaze, then let out a huff ofughter, somewhere between exasperated and amused.
He slipped his arm around her waist, his thumb idly kneading the soft flesh there.
“Of course you owe me, but you’ll have to settle it a little differently,” Joshua murmured, his toneced with yful heat.
Xylia froze, her mind nk for a second. ‘Wait, is he actually serious about this?‘ she wondered, just a bit flustered.
Joshua didn’t give her a chance to answer–he swooped in, catching her lips in a deep, possessive kiss. Instantly, a sultry, ambiguous tension settled around them, making the world feel just a little smaller.
Xylia’s eyes widened in shock.
‘Oh god, there are people walking around!‘ she panicked, feeling her cheeks burn.
She let out a soft whimper, struggling to push him away.
But Joshua just shifted, turning his back to the doorway to shield her from any prying eyes, all while kissing her, unbothered and relentless<b>. </b>
Xylia was left dizzy and breathless from the kiss, her mind turned to mush by Joshua’s relentless affection.
By the time he let her go, her legs felt like jelly and she almost sagged to the floor–Joshua wasted no time scooping her up tight into his arms.
Joshua grinned and murmured, “There, debt settled,” clearly meaning that steamy kiss was her payback for the 300 thousand.
Xylia gritted her teeth, her face flushed with embarrassment, and gave Joshua a sharp pinch on the waist.
Her legs were still wobbly, so the pinch didn’t really pack much of a punch, but Joshua stiffened anyway.
His grip subconsciously tightened around her, pulling her even closer.
With his other hand, he caught Xylia’s mischievous hand, holding it firmly.
Joshua leaned down, his voice going husky as he murmured something teasing right into Xylia’s ear.
Xylia’s face flushed scarlet–like a tomato about to burst–and she snatched her hand away, stumbling back a couple steps in a panic <b>as </b>she shoved him aside.
She red at him<b>, </b>cheeks practically glowing, finally sputtering out two words.
“Shameless<b>!</b><b>” </b>
Saying that, she hurried off toward the car, cheeks still burning.
Joshua watched her flustered retreat, an adoring grin spreading across his lips.
He took his time following after her, popped open the driver’s door, and got in.
“Heading home, or wanna go somewhere fun first?” Joshua asked, his tone light and teasing.
“Home!” Xylia said, crisp and clear.
“You got it, Princess,” Joshua said with a yful grin.
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Xylia rolled her eyes at Joshua’s cheeky smile, thinking to herself, ‘Honestly, he’s got a new nickname for me every other day.‘
10:09 <b>Sat</b>, Sep <b>20 </b>