Calix had bought a two-room apartment for himself. All his life he had been saving money to leave his past behind. With a sudden addition of 10 million $ to his account, he at least bought a decent place to live and moved out of that dingy room in The Mirage.
He had tried to trace the source and return the money but it had been anonymously done and he was unsuccessful in this endeavour. But he knew in his heart who the sender was. There had only been one person who asked him for his consent and the money he needed to be free of this line of work. Now he wanted to be smart in investing it.
After setting up his apartment according to his taste he was scrolling through his cell phone, looking for companies to invest with. When a certain piece of news caught his attention.
"Renowned fashionista, leading supermodel and CEO of B-Couture; Doran Blackthorn marries Skyla Adams in a private ceremony."
The picture of the happy couple was attached below the heading and it was the bride that caught his attention. Clad in a beautiful white gown she seemed pristine and pure. Calix was lost for a while, her fiery hair was in such a contrast to her gown.
How gorgeous she looked in the picture but that small smile on her face was forced. He had seen her giggle at him, that was a happy one as she thought of him as her favourite anime character. This was not.
Then his gaze shifted to the man beside her and darkened. A wave of pure disgust washed over him. Doran Blackthorn; the heartthrob of Angel City. People worshipped him. But Calix knew how rotten he was from the inside. Anyone who raised his hand on a woman was not a man in Calix's eyes. He was weak and insecure.
"I hope he treats you well, Skyla. I understand why you married him. You are one brave girl," he whispered as his thumb grazed the screen where her face was.
An idea flipped into his brain and he knew what he needed to search.
B-Couture was one of the men's leading fashion brands of Angel City. The other one and its arch-rival was Kincaid International. He searched the company and opened their details.
The CEO was Montague Kincaid, a man in his early sixties who had built up his company from scratch and had dedicated all his life to it. He was a renowned name in the fashion industry. They had recently started an internship program and Calix decided to apply. Once he learned the ins and outs of the fashion industry, he would start investing in the company and rise to higher ranks.
He applied online for the program and was called in for the interview the next day. Satisfied with the progress he put away the phone and lay down in his bed. But his mind kept drifting to Skyla. If only he was rich and powerful enough to help her.
"One day…" he promised himself before drifting off to the dream realm.
The next day he got up early, freshened up, and changed into black chinos, a white shirt and black loafers. He put a black mask on his face to hide his identity. Not wanting anyone to recognise who he was. Calix needed a fresh start, leaving his past in the past.
He set off on his bike and arrived at Kincaid International within fifteen minutes. The silver-blue oval building was a perfect blend of modern and classic. The architectural style was in tune with the fashion sense that would attract people to it.
He confidently walked inside while praising the rich taste it had been designed and decorated with. Walking over to the receptionist he asked.
"Hi! I am here for the internship program. Can you guide me to where I am supposed to be?"
"Good morning! Of course. Mesie will take you to Mr. Gairo. He is the assistant director."
The receptionist offered him a polite smile and he was finally led to Mr. Gairo.
Mr. Gairo was impressed at first glance. The boy had the perfect physique and height to be a model for their company.
"Good morning!" He extended his hand which Mr. Gairo shook enthusiastically.
"Good morning! So what has brought you to our company?"
"Luck! I think. I…" he was interrupted by the sudden opening of the door and in walked Mr. Montague Kincaid.
"Gairo, I needed a list of new models…" he stopped seeing that Gairo was talking to someone. Someone who had his face hidden and possessed piercing intelligent blue eyes. He stared at him in confidence.
Montague looked over at the boy and an idea hit him, this was mysterious and unique. Why not have their next fashion walk in this style?
"Mr. Kincaid, you could have called him," Gairo jumped out of his seat in respect but Mr. Kincaid's eyes were fixated on the enigmatic boy.
"Who are you, young man?" he curiously questioned. Calix respectfully got up from his seat and composedly answered.
"Someone looking for a fresh start without any judgments." This made Mr. Kincaid self-knowingly smile. The wisdom his old eyes held told him the boy was not someone ordinary.
"There are no judgements in our company. We look for talent irrespective of a person's race, colour, creed or religion. As long as one is not a criminal, we welcome everyone with open arms."
"I am not a criminal, Sir." Calix oozed confidence and Montague couldn't help but say.
"Let's talk in my office. I would like to thoroughly interview you. Gairo, send the list. I have an amazing idea. Will fill you in later." Gairo affirmed with a swift nod of his head.
Kincaid gestured to Calix to follow him.
"Yes, sir!"
He liked him instantly and it was just the beginning of a beautiful relationship that developed between the two in the coming years.