He's The Unaffordable
Chapter 168 - Preparation of the Mature

The show started a few minutes ago. The host returned backstage and my friends who were already wearing their kebaya lined up to perform in front of a lot of people and media. Laras and I met a look. He smiled sinisterly seeing that I was still wearing the clothes I was wearing when I came earlier.

Vikal could only sit quietly by my side. Her tears were gone, so she didn't cry anymore. I didn't talk to her, because every time I said something, she could only cry. I understand this is a disaster for us. But things will not end just because I failed to perform at one event. Everyone knows that this is not my fault.

“Dira, come, come with us,” said a committee member. I frowned not understanding, but I followed him and his partner. “Please enter.”

Although I was confused, I entered the room whose door they opened. I stopped my steps when I saw the same kebaya that I was wearing the night before was in front of me. How could? Vikal and other organizers clearly said that the kebaya was scissored until it became small cloths no longer shaped.

“I will not let anyone ruin my preparations for months preparing for tonight's fashion show,” said a woman from my right side. I turned my head and saw Riani's mother standing there. Kebaya designers are being showcased by the models on stage.

“I-ibu Riani,” said I do not believe.

She smiles. “Prepare. We already know who did it.” He walked closer. “Sorry, I'll have to wait until I know who did that before putting out a new kebaya. I had guessed that you cut it. Thank goodness I was wrong. I don't want my best designs worn by unworthy people.”

“I'd rather lose my job than lose my face, Mom. I will not break your trust in me,” I said in self-defense.

“I know. I'm sorry I suspected you.” He looked towards his assistants. “Quick, our time is not much.” Then he looked back at me. “I'm waiting for you outside.” I haven't had a chance to respond, as the women immediately asked me to take off my clothes.

They work so fast and fast. After the kebaya was worn, they put on the waist, put earrings on my ears and decorated my hair with brass clasps. I feel like a queen from ancient Indonesia. Because I was used to wearing high heels, I had no trouble walking in the shoes they gave me.

“Oh, Dira! This is really you!?” asked Vikal in disbelief as he entered the dressing room. He turned his head towards the woman standing at both sides of me. “What happened? Wasn't this kebaya broken? How can you fix it so soon?”

“Bu Riani prepares two kebaya for each model of the same size. Do you think he won't think of this possibility?” said the woman on my right flirting with Vikal.

“Come, we have to get out now. Soon it will be your turn,” said the young lady on my left.

The friends who had already performed and returned backstage were stunned when they saw me walking past them. Only Laras closed his lips and looked at me intently. Oho! Does that mean he broke my first kebaya?

I was standing at the very back of the line entering the stage. My long kebayaku tail was carefully placed on the floor by both of Mother Riani's assistants. A few moments waited and I stood alone waiting for my turn to enter the stage. Riani's mother held my hand, then asked me to come out. I smile.

The music changed the sign for me to walk on the runway. I took a deep breath, then walked out from backstage. Both of my hands hold both sides of my kebayak tail to make it look beautifully fluffy, according to the instructions of the committee.

A bright light immediately greeted me followed by a look of eyes that followed my footsteps. The flash does not stop burning, especially from the front. I paused for a bit at the end of the stage, letting the hungry camera take as many shots as possible. This is one of the reasons I became a model. People set their sights on the beautiful clothes I was wearing, the hard work of a talented designer.

I turned around and walked back. Riani's mother came out from backstage, a rumble of applause immediately welcoming her arrival. He extended his hand to me. I accepted it and she took me for a walk towards the center of the stage followed by another model standing behind us.

The showman immediately took over. After Riani's mother said her thanks, the event ended. People stood up and handed over the flower bouquet they brought to Riani's mother. Hearing my name being called, I looked. Colin, Kak Hadi, Papa, Om Will, Om Zach, even Adi and Wyatt stood in a line holding a bouquet of flowers. I laughed and approached them.

“Any sister once!” praise Adi in a loud voice until everyone laughs.

The committee immediately approached when I saw that I had trouble bringing all the bouquets. I just left a bouquet of flowers from Colin for me to take to the dressing room. I followed the direction of the committee and walked towards the room they showed me. Vikal held onto my shirt which I immediately put on after the kebaya was removed from my body.

We all hugged each other and thanked each other while feeling relieved the event ended well. But among the models, I did not see Riana. Riani's mother and her assistants were also invisible. There were only the organizers and models and their assistants seen interacting backstage.

“Bu Riani invited Laras to the special room earlier. Looks like he's the one who broke Riani's mother's kebaya. Why is he so reckless?” vikal whispered, no one wants to listen.

“This definitely still has something to do with her dark boyfriend it.” I whispered too.

I immediately held his hand. “No, Vikal. Let them take care of their own problems. I don't want you getting dragged into their problems.” I pulled him to come with me. “We'd better see my family. You want to eat with us, ‘kan?”

“Of course!” happy answer.

Papa had already booked a place for all of us to eat together at the hotel restaurant. Mama and everyone took turns hugging and kissing my cheeks congratulating me. Charlotte and Wendy pulled my hand to sit between them. Charlotte doesn't care even if I want to be near Colin. I also gave up.

They took turns praising my appearance, as well as the kebaya I was wearing. The mothers agreed to order the kebaya for them to wear on the wedding day for me and Colin. I laughed at the thought of them wearing the modern kebaya. How could they walk freely wearing a kebaya with its long skirt?

Charlotte doesn't want to lose. She and Lily agree to buy a kebaya they can wear with Clarissa and Wendy as well. Hearing Clarissa's name, I asked her why she didn't participate. Charlotte and Wendy turned towards Hadi.

“Someone who doesn't like to see my sister happy by banning her from coming to the fashion show tonight.” Charlotte squinted her eyes at Kak Hadi. My brother just laughed.

“Lo? Why does Brother forbid?” many confused. “I think they've agreed that Clarissa will come tonight. What happened?”

“Clarissa had a bit of a fever this morning, so Hadi didn't want her pain to get worse. Grandpa and Grandma accompanied him at home. You won't believe that they had a big fight just because Clarissa insisted on being here.” Charlotte sighed softly.

“Kakak didn't go to your house. Did they fight on video call?” my many.

“Absolutely. Therefore Hadi suspiciously saw his pale face. Clarissa tried to tickle. So, he asked Clarissa to call me. I had to tell the truth than my brother is sick again.” Charlotte shrugged both of her shoulders.

“I think Hadi and Clarissa will be spared the drama. It turned out the same,” taunted Wendy.

“That love to make drama is our kind, Wendy.” I'm laughing a little. Charlotte laughed too. “You know for yourself Brother Hadi is too serious and cold to play drama. Clarissa is sick, so she's a little spoiled. Clarissa is not really like this.”

“I will not behave so when dating later,” said Wendy seriously.

Charlotte and I exchanged looks. “OK. We'll see later,” I said amused.

“Oh, wow!” lily sat in front of me. “News about you have spread on the internet. Look at this, Dira!” He showed us his phone screen.

I didn't think I would be that pretty. Maybe the photographer edited the photos he took and added lighting so I looked very different. Charlotte and Wendy came to see the photo with me. I followed Lily's instructions by sliding the screen and to look at my other photos. There was a complete photo of me just entering the stage, walking, posing for a moment at the end of the stage, also when I returned back.

The news gave praise to the kebaya that I was wearing, as well as my appearance that was considered suitable to wear these beautiful clothes. They also praised all the other clothing designs that have been shown throughout the show.

“You see, ‘kan, Dira? We don't over-praise you,” said Aunt Qiana. “All media also say the same. You are very beautiful and suitable to wear the kebaya earlier.”

“Thank you, Auntie,” I said sincerely.

“Ah, Grandma called.” Charlotte put her phone to her ear. “Yes, Grandma? Whahuh? What the hell's going on? Fine, fine. I'm going home with Wyatt now.” Charlotte looked at her lover.

“What's up?” I asked to see Charlotte looking panicked.

He immediately stood up and walked out of his seat. “Clarissa falls again from the stairs.”