Few weeks later, Sarah burst into Meesha's dressing room, her excitement radiating like a ray of sunshine. "Sister Meesha! Guess what?" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

  Meesha raised an eyebrow, intrigued, as she looked up from the mirror where she was adjusting her makeup. "What is it?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

  Sarah's face lit up like a lantern, her eyes shining with joy. "I got a scholarship to Prestige University!" she announced, beaming with pride.

  Meesha smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Congratulations, Sarah! I'm so proud of you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

  Sarah's eyes shone like stars, her gratitude pouring out like a fountain. "Senior Meesha, you were the one who sponsored me, right? Thank you so much," she said, her voice overflowing with emotion.

  Meesha's smile faltered for a moment, before she replied, trying to keep her voice casual. "No, it wasn't me," she said, attempting to downplay her role.

  But Sarah looked puzzled, her brow furrowed in confusion. "But the school said it was from you...Thank you so much," she insisted, her eyes shining with gratitude.

  Meesha had anonymously sponsored Sarah's scholarship, asking the school to keep her identity hidden. But since Sarah had already found out, there was no need to keep up the act. Meesha's expression softened, her eyes warming with pride. "Make sure you study well, okay? I expect great things," she said, her voice filled with encouragement.

  Sarah nodded fervently, her eyes shining with determination. "Okay, Sister Meesha. I'll surely make you proud," she promised, her voice filled with conviction.

  Meesha's eyes sparkled with pride, her heart swelling with joy. "I know you will, Sarah," she said, her voice filled with confidence.

  A thought popped into Meesha's mind and she rose from her seat. "Come with me," she said, holding Sarah's hand and leading her away.

  Meesha confidently guided Sarah into Director Gu's office, the epicenter of the modeling industry, where careers were made and broken. Director Gu, a middle-aged man with a kind face and a warm smile, sat behind his massive mahogany desk.

  "Director Gu, I want Sarah to be the lead model in the prestigious 'Blooming Petals' runway show for the spring and summer collection," Meesha announced.

  Sarah's eyes widened in surprise, her heart racing with excitement. Anyone who landed the top spot in 'Blooming Petals' would skyrocket to fame, and Sarah couldn't believe she was being considered for the role.

  Director Gu nodded without hesitation, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, I'll make it happen, Meesha. You've always had an eye for talent," he said, his voice filled with trust and admiration.

  Sarah opened her mouth to thank Meesha and Director Gu, but before she could speak, Vanessa stormed into the room, Paulina by her side. Vanessa's eyes flashed with disdain, her face twisted in a scowl. "No, Paulina is the right person to be the lead model. Sarah is just a pauper, a nobody."

  Sarah's face fell.

  Meesha's expression turned icy. "Don't cross your boundaries, Vanessa. Sarah would be the lead model, and that's final," she said, her voice firm and authoritative.

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  Vanessa crossed her arms, her voice dripping with malice. "I don't care about your achievements, Meesha. My status is still better than yours."

  Paulina sneered, her voice grating. "Yes, Vanessa is more famous than you! You and Sarah are just—" she began, but Director Gu interrupted, his tone firm.

  "Mind your language, Paulina. Meesha is your senior," he said, his eyes flashing with warning.

  Paulina scoffed, rolling her eyes in defiance.

  Vanessa turned to Director Gu, her voice sugary sweet, like honey dripping from a spoon. "Director Gu, you'll let Paulina be the lead model, won't you? She's the face of our industry," she cooed, her eyes batting flirtatiously.

  Meesha's voice cut through the tension, like a knife slicing through silk. "No, you agreed Sarah would be the lead model," she said, her tone firm but calm.

  Director Gu hesitated, caught between two powerful figures. Meesha's eyes narrowed. "You know Paulina's behavior is unacceptable. And you also know Sarah is more capable for the show than her. If you choose Paulina over Sarah because of her status, I'll quit my job here. I cannot work in a place that prioritizes fame over talent," she said, her voice steady and resolute.

  Sarah wanted to speak, but Meesha's gentle gesture silenced her.

  Director Gu's face paled, like a ghostly apparition, as he contemplated the consequences of losing Meesha. She had done so much to elevate their reputation, and her departure would send shockwaves through the industry. Vanessa's irrelevant contributions paled in comparison.

  "Your wish is my command, Meesha," Director Gu said finally.

  Vanessa clenched her fists, her nails digging into her skin. Meesha smiled triumphantly, her eyes sparkling with victory. "You might have more fame than me, Vanessa, but in this industry, I'm your boss. Respect me," she said, her voice dripping with authority.

  Meesha winked at Vanessa, like a playful cat teasing its prey, before turning to Sarah. "Let's prepare for 'Blooming Petals.' We have work to do," she said.

  As they walked away, Vanessa's anger boiled over, like a pot overflowing with scalding water. "This isn't over, Meesha!"

  Sarah watched, awestruck, like a child witnessing a fireworks display. Meesha's unwavering support left her speechless, like a mute witness to a miracle. "Thank you, Sister Meesha," Sarah said, her voice filled with gratitude.

  Meesha smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "You deserve it, Sarah. Now let's make 'Blooming Petals' unforgettable," she said, her voice filled with excitement and anticipation.

  Meesha then led Sarah to a spacious rehearsal room, filled with mirrors and a catwalk, like a miniature runway. "Let's get started, Sarah," Meesha said, her voice energized and focused. "We have a lot of work to do."

  Sarah nodded, determination etched on her face. Meesha began, "First, we need to work on your posture. Shoulders back, head held high. You own that runway."

  Sarah practiced, her movements awkward at first, like a fledgling bird learning to fly. Meesha corrected her, gentle but firm. "No, Sarah, don't swing your arms. Keep them relaxed," she said, her voice patient and encouraging.

  Sarah tried again, her confidence growing. "Better," Meesha praised, her voice warm and approving. "Now, let's practice walking in heels," she said, her eyes sparkling with challenge.

  Sarah struggled, stumbling, like a toddler learning to walk. Meesha chuckled, her laughter warm and reassuring. "Don't worry, it takes time. Remember, heel-to-toe," she said, her voice gentle and guiding.

  Sarah practiced, her footsteps becoming more confident with each passing minute. As the hours ticked by, Sarah transformed before Meesha's eyes. Her stride lengthened, her posture improved, and her movements became more fluid. Meesha beamed with pride, her eyes shining with admiration. "You're a natural, Sarah," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

  Sarah smiled, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thanks to you, Sister Meesha," she replied.

  Meesha handed Sarah a stunning gown, its delicate fabric shimmering in the light. "Try this on. It's for the show."

  Sarah gasped. "It's so beautiful!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.

  Meesha smiled. "You'll look great in it," she said, her voice confident.

  As Sarah changed, Meesha discussed strategy. "Remember, Sarah, own the runway. Don't look at the audience; look through them. You're a superstar," she encouraged.

  Sarah nodded, determination burning in her eyes. She took a deep breath, her shoulders squaring, as she prepared to face the challenge ahead.

  When Sarah emerged, Meesha's eyes widened in amazement. The gown hugged Sarah's curves, accentuating her slender figure. Her hair cascaded down her back, like a river of gold. Meesha's breath caught in her throat. "You look stunning," she breathed. "You'll definitely steal the show."

  Just then, Vanessa appeared at the doorway, her expression dark. "Meesha, you think Sarah can replace Paulina?" she sneered.

  Meesha crossed her arms. "Sarah has talent, Vanessa. Something Paulina lacks," she said.

  Vanessa snarled. "This isn't over," she spat, before turning to leave.

  Meesha smiled sweetly. "I'm counting on it," she said, her tone sarcastic.

  As Vanessa departed, Meesha's expression turned thoughtful. Although she felt confident outside, she couldn't shake off the feeling that Vanessa had something sinister in mind. A shiver ran down her spine, as she wondered what Vanessa's next move would be.

  *******

  As the day of Sarah's highly anticipated runway show finally arrived, the stage was set and the runway practice had been perfected. Meesha sat in her dressing room, carefully selecting makeup palettes for the upcoming show. Suddenly, she heard Sarah's weak voice behind her.

  "Senior Meesha," Sarah called out, her tone laced with fatigue.

  Meesha turned around, concern etched on her face. "What's wrong?" she asked softly.

  Sarah's voice was barely above a whisper. "I have a terrible fever and headache."

  Meesha's expression changed from concern to alarm. "But you were fine just a moment ago," she said, her voice laced with worry.

  Meesha gently placed her hand on Sarah's forehead, discovering her body was scorching hot. Sarah's complexion was also pale and clammy.