"You really can't make it?", her unsatisfied worried voice sounded outside the building as she sighed. Chloe brushed her fingers into her hair and placed her hand on her hip.
"Miss Chloe, I am very very sorry. Even I didn't expect such a situation. You know I'd never let you down before." The voice on the other side of the phone apologized.
Chloe sighed and pouted." This is a problem. The photo shoot is today by four and it's already eleven, where can I find a new photographer I can trust at such short notice? Lui Yi, you really can't come?"
"I really can't. " Lui Yi, the photographer replied.
"Why didn't inform me anytime sooner but today? If there's a problem, we would have taught of a solution. " Chloe lamented.
"I'm sorry again. Miss Chloe, don't worry. You'll surely find a solution and you'll pass." Lui Yi said and ended the call.
Chloe held her phone tight and looked up taking a deep breath. She bit her lips and walked down the stairs before heading down the empty alley. She was going to take a test and this wasn't just a simple test because everyone had to get what they need ready individually. Her wardrobe, makeup, and the set were ready but her photographer backed out at the last moment. She had no idea why this happened because Lui Yi was someone she always worked with.
"I can't give up. I have to think of something. I can't fail. I will soon graduate. " she clenched her fist reminding herself and her courage built up. "Huh?" She exclaimed as she saw a shadow at the end of the alley. The person noticed she saw him and hid back.
"Who could it be lurking around so early?", she wondered and asked aloud, "who are you?" There was silence. "Hey, I saw you. Why are you hiding?" She walked forward slowly. Could it be.......Hugo? A possibility came to her mind. He did promise to show her a surprise today. If he was the one, that would be great! She giggled.
"Why are you hiding?" She inquired curiously as she approached the corner.  She suddenly felt a strong hand grasp her wrist roughly and before she knew it, she was pulled forward. A scream almost escaped her throat but her mouth got sealed by a palm. Her eyes widened in fright as she looked at the bulky figure in front of her. He wore a mask but she could see his menacing eyes. This isn't Hugo.
Chloe immediately tried to struggle free but he pulled her quickly tightening her arms and waist with his right hand while his left held her mouth before he paced backward. What else can she do other than fling her legs? The man carried her and ran towards the other alley despite her struggle.
Chloe kept making sounds shaking her head and started hitting him with her legs. The man was agitated and surprised by her struggle. He snorted and threw her on the ground. Chloe panted and shifted backward on the ground looking at the man warily.
"Who are you? What.......what.......what do you want?" She stuttered. She was already shivering not able to understand what was going on. Her eyes widened, even more, when the man took out a pocket knife and aimed for her face. She let out a frightened scream and rolled to the side but the man caught her legs. She had no idea where the energy came from but she kicked his head and stood up running away. Was he trying to destroy her face? If this happens then her career would be ruined. Someone must have planned this. Knowing this, she has to reach safety first.
The man growled and went after her. I can't let her reach the school. The task must be completed.
..........................
Hugo arrived before Chloe's fashion school and was told she went to a motel where their test was being conducted. It wasn't that far from the school so he drove there but upon reaching, he found out that she left the building not too long.
"Where could she have gone to?" He thought out loud.
"I saw her quite frustrated earlier because of something. She probably went down the alley to cool off. You'll surely find her there. " someone pointed out to him. He thanked her and went down the alley. She was worried so he can comfort her.
As Hugo was walking, he suddenly paused there. There on the floor, he sighted Chloe's phone. He instantly picked it up with a frown. How did her phone fall off? No matter how angry she got, she would never throw her phone away because he knew her.
"Chloe!" He called out but there wasn't any response. He had a foreboding feeling and went around the corner calling out her name. His legs quickly took the race.
"Help! " her voice suddenly echoed.
Chloe! He shouted looking for the location.
"Help me!" She shouted again. He held his head and looked around and spotted a pair of shoes strewn around. He quickly sped up.
Of course, Chloe heard Hugo's voice and called out for help. This man was on her heels and he took detours that stopped her from going back to the motel directly. Hearing his voice was like a warm current on a cold night.
She hastily rushed towards his voice when the large figure appeared before her again. This man had taken another detour. Her heart skipped a bit when he grabbed her arm and slashed the knife at her face.
She closed her eyes and shouted but the only sound she heard was the man's groan and the banging of another object. She opened her eyes and saw him glaring at someone. Finally, Hugo was here. He had in a nick of time thrown his phone at the man who had knocked the knife away.
"Who are you?" He said fiercely and reached out to his back. The man hesitated but quickly ran off. He had already wasted time here and someone could show up and he'll be caught. Hugo didn't go after him because he was just putting on a brave front like he was taking a weapon out. He breathed relief and turned to Chloe.
Chloe broke into tears and jumped into his embrace. He also held her tightly patting her back.
"Shhh. It's over okay? I'm here." He consoled her. Her sobs reduced but she didn't pull back.
"Let's go back now." He said and raised her. She just clung to him as he picked up his phone and went back to the motel. Everyone was alarmed by what happened. They all taught that a rival was probably after her but who would do that? The police were immediately informed of what happened and an investigation started. After checking the security camera, they only saw the man arriving on the street in a red car. His face couldn't be seen and he left after not being able to achieve his goal. Hugo took Chloe back to her room after the questioning she later fell asleep. Mr. Cheng was quickly informed.