Page 52 of The Edge Of Us

I tucked Astrid in her crib and sat on the edge of the bed, opening the message from Julian—my agent and the only one who had stayed loyal through it all.

Julian:

You’re trending. It’s everywhere.

But this time it’s good, Cor. Really good.

You were spotted with the kids. You look healthy. Glowing.

I’ve already had five calls from major outlets asking for interviews.

And guess what?

NYFW wants you back. Runway. Prime slot.

I blinked at the screen.

New York Fashion Week?

After all this time?

Julian called a second later, and I picked up.

“Please tell me you’re sitting down,” he said, breathless like he’d run a marathon.

“I am. I just got your messages.”

“They want you back, Cor. The industry wants you back. Vogue’s talking. Elle’s inquiring. And this wasn’t a stunt—you were just being a mom. They saw it, and they’re eating it up.”

I rubbed my temple. “I didn’t mean to be seen. I just wanted a day with my kids.”

“And you got that. But it also reminded the world who you are. You’re you, Corinne. The girl who took over Paris by nineteen.The girl who survived everything and came back stronger. You didn’t even have to try.”

I was quiet for a moment. “I’m scared, Julian.”

“I know,” he said softly. “But I wouldn’t let you fall again. Not this time.”

I heard Kyle laughing softly from the living room, probably watching cartoons. The sound grounded me.

“I’m not ready to jump into chaos,” I admitted. “But maybe I’m ready to be seen again. Not as a model. Just as… me.”

Julian’s voice softened. “That’s all you ever needed to be.”

I smiled faintly. “Alright. Let’s talk about NYFW.”

He practically whooped into the phone, and I laughed—a real one, one that didn’t feel foreign anymore.

Later that night, after dinner and baths, I tucked Kyle into bed. He curled into his blanket, his face soft and peaceful.

“Mommy?” he murmured.

“Yes, baby?”

“You’re pretty. You looked like a princess today.”

My throat tightened.

“Thank you, sweetheart.”

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