Chapter 690 - 690: EMMA AFTER-PARTY (I)
AS Astrid reached the end of the runway, he paused with a confident and elegant posture. Trying his best to exude an air of effortless grace. Just as he did, a cascade of delicate flower petals began to rain down from above, catching the light as they fell. For a brief moment, he was startled, but he quickly regained his composure, his expression remaining calm and collected.
Turning smoothly, he began his walk back, the petals continuing to drift around him. He kept his gaze steady, careful not to let his focus shift to the petals—the height of the heels he wore made even the slightest distraction a potential hazard. Still, the faint, sweet scent of jasmine reached him, letting him know what kind of flowers they were without needing to look. The effect was mesmerizing, adding an ethereal touch to his already captivating walk.
When Astrid reached the starting point, he turned gracefully and gestured to the side. A woman with vibrant, multicolored hair and bold, artistic makeup stepped onto the stage. Oleander Breeze, the chief designer of EMMA and the creative force behind this new collection, moved with an air of confidence that matched her striking appearance. Astrid had met her during one of the rehearsals for the show, and she’d left quite an impression. Eccentric didn’t even begin to cover it—her fashion sense was as bold as her personality, and the way she carried herself was undeniably unique.
Astrid began clapping as she arrived, and the audience quickly followed suit, filling the venue with applause. Oleander responded with a playful curtsy. She then took her place beside Astrid.
“Great work, kid,” she whispered. “Remind me to thank Casey later for this surprise. The flower shower is definitely a nice touch.”
Astrid raised an eyebrow. From her tone, it was clear she hadn’t known about the flowers. He actually also didn’t know about this. During rehearsals, he only had to walk once and then back, then that’s it. He glanced up at the falling petals, the scent of jasmine filling the air. It reminded him of a particular memory—one from the day he and Wulfric had first met.
Wulfric had been such an ass back then—pushy, arrogant, and so infuriating that Astrid had barely stopped himself from punching him in the face. But amidst all the annoyance, one thing had stuck with him: the moment Wulfric had leaned in, sniffed him, and casually remarked that he smelled like jasmine. It was such an odd, unexpected comment that it had somehow lodged itself in Astrid’s memory, even though he’d been too irritated to acknowledge it at the time.
Who would have thought that memory would resurface now, of all times? What a coincidence that Casey had chosen jasmine for the finale walk. But it had to be just that—a coincidence, right?
———
The after-party was held in the grand ballroom of the Stellar Atrium, its high ceilings adorned with shimmering chandeliers that cast a soft, golden glow over the room. The space was filled with a mix of celebrities, socialites, and even a few nobles, their conversations blending with the elegant strains of a live orchestra playing in the corner.
Wait staff moved gracefully through the crowd, their trays laden with delicate finger foods—miniature tarts, bite-sized canapés, and intricately designed hors d’oeuvres. Champagne flutes sparkled as they were passed around, the bubbles catching the light as guests sipped and mingled.
Astrid arrived at the after-party with Ellis by his side. Casey had wanted to accompany them, but Ellis had firmly disagreed, pointing out that Casey had already given Astrid more than enough attention tonight. To avoid any reporters spinning ludicrous stories about the two of them, it was better to keep their interactions within what was considered a ‘professional’ range. Casey had reluctantly agreed, though not without a few muttered complaints.
After arriving, a stream of people immediately stopped Astrid, all eager to congratulate him and make small talk. He smiled and responded politely, though he could feel the strain in his facial muscles from all the forced smiling. Thankfully, Ellis noticed his discomfort and tactfully stepped in, guiding him to a quieter corner where Snow and Kiran were standing.
He let out a quiet sigh of relief as he approached the two. “Hey, guys.”
Snow gave a small nod, his usual calm expression softening just slightly. “You did well out there.”
Kiran, on the other hand, was far more animated. “Aster, you were amazing! I mean, the way you walked, the way the flowers just—ugh, it was perfect!”
Astrid smiled at that. “Thank you.”
“Alright, I’ll leave you kids here,” Ellis said, her tone light but with a hint of playfulness. “Try not to get into trouble.”
With a quick wink, she turned and walked off, disappearing into the crowd. She was likely off to network or chat with industry insiders—her usual after-party routine.
“So, how’s the moving plan going?” Astrid asked Kiran after a moment. “Everything on track?”
“Yeah, it’s all good,” Kiran replied enthusiastically. “I just signed the contract, so it’s official. I don’t have much to pack, honestly, but I’m planning to buy some instruments and equipment this weekend to set up a mini studio in my new place.”
“Do you need help?” Snow asked. “I don’t have anything scheduled on your moving day, so I could drop by.”
Kiran turned to Snow, a grateful smile spreading across his face. “Thanks, Snow. I really appreciate it.”
“I’m sorry I can’t help with the move,” Astrid said, his voice tinged with regret.
Kiran waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. I know how busy you are, especially with the movie coming out next week.”
“Here you are,” said a familiar voice. They turned to see Lauren approaching, a casual smile on his face. “I’ve been looking for you guys.”
Then he stepped forward and gave each of them a quick, warm hug—first Astrid, then Kiran, and finally Snow.
“I’m pretty sure your agent’s going to scold you for that hug,” Astrid said with a chuckle.
“There’s nothing to be scolded for,” Lauren said with an exaggerated eye roll. “I hugged all three of you. What are the reporters gonna say? That we’re in some kind of foursome? Even I don’t have that much stamina for that.”