NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 685: MOMENTS LIKE THIS
ASTRID leaned back in the chair, the bright studio lights casting a faint sheen on his face. The host flipped through her notes, signaling they were nearing the final questions. The atmosphere in the studio felt lighter now, the earlier tension of the interview easing as they approached the end. He adjusted his sleeve slightly, ready to wrap things up.
The host leaned forward slightly. "So, Astrid, let's talk about you being the latest ambassador for EMMA's next collection. How did that come about? I mean, you're already the face of their perfume line—what made them choose you for this as well?"
Astrid nodded. "It's really thanks to the success of the perfume campaign. The response was incredible, and I think EMMA saw that as a sign to continue the partnership. When they approached me about the new collection, I was honored. It's a big step, and I'm excited to be part of it."
Although, in truth, Astrid suspected that even if the perfume line hadn't been as successful, Casey would have still chosen him as the ambassador for the new collection. Still, he was grateful that the perfume campaign had been a success—it made Casey's decision to appoint him as the face of the new collection much easier to justify to the board of directors.
The host's eyes sparkled with interest. "That's amazing! And the collection—when will we get to see it? Is it still under wraps?"
"The official reveal is next week," Astrid said, "but if you want a sneak peek, you can check out this month's edition of [Vivique]. It's out today, and they've featured some of the shots from the campaign. The collection is stunning—very modern but with a timeless feel. I think people are going to love it."
The host turned slightly toward the camera, her tone playful. "Oh, we have to see this! Let's take a look at some of the photos from the magazine, shall we?"
Behind them, the virtual screen lit up with the first image.
The photo was taken in a sprawling garden, the greenery lush and vibrant under soft, natural light. Astrid stood in the center, dressed in a tailored coat with intricate embroidery, the fabric catching the sunlight just enough to highlight its texture. The backdrop of manicured hedges and blooming flowers gave the shot a sense of quiet elegance.
The next image flashed on the screen, this one taken inside the manor. Astrid was seated on a grand velvet sofa, the room adorned with ornate mirrors and gilded frames. He wore a sleek, modern suit that contrasted beautifully with the classical decor, his posture relaxed but commanding. The interplay of old and new was striking, a perfect representation of the collection's theme.
Finally, the screen shifted to the last photo—a dramatic shot on a long, winding staircase. Astrid stood midway, one hand resting lightly on the polished banister, his gaze intense but calm. The staircase itself was a masterpiece, its curves and details accentuated by the soft lighting filtering through a nearby window. He wore a layered outfit with a long, flowing trail that cascaded down the steps behind him, the fabric pooling elegantly as it followed the staircase's descent. The deep, rich tones of the fabric contrasted with the pale marble of the stairs, creating a striking visual. Despite the stillness of the image, the outfit seemed alive, as if caught mid-motion, adding a sense of movement and grandeur to the scene.
The host was momentarily silent for a moment, clearly stunned by the photos. Then she let out a soft laugh. "Wow, Astrid, these are incredible. The styling, the lighting—it's all so sharp. How was the experience shooting for this?"
Astrid's lips curved into a small smile. "It was a lot of fun, honestly. The team at EMMA is fantastic to work with, and they really brought their vision to life. I think the photos capture the essence of the collection perfectly. It's bold but elegant, which is what EMMA does best."
The host nodded with enthusiasm. "I can see that! Well, I'm sure your fans are going to be rushing to grab a copy of [Vivique] today. Thanks for giving us a little preview, Astrid. We're all looking forward to the full reveal next week!"
Astrid inclined his head slightly and smiled. "Thank you. I can't wait for everyone to see it."
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Inside a study, nestled within the sprawling grounds of a mansion in Alluna...
Wulfric sat at his desk in the quiet of his study, his gaze fixed intently on the photos from the latest edition of [Vivique]. The moment Aster's interview had ended, he'd immediately pulled up the digital copy of the magazine on his Terminal. He'd pre-ordered it weeks ago, the second he'd learned it would feature EMMA's new collection with Aster as the sole model. As soon as the issue was released, the digital version had been delivered straight to him, and now he was poring over every image.
He sat hunched over his desk, the glow of the virtual screen casting sharp shadows across his face. His eyes were locked on the images of Aster as if the rest of the world had faded into nothing. He didn't just look—he consumed. Every photo, every angle, every flicker of expression was etched into his mind.
His fingers twitched, zooming in on Aster's face, tracing the lines of his jaw, the curve of his lips, the way his eyes seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words. Wulfric's breath hitched when he reached the shot of Aster on the staircase, the long trail of fabric flowing behind him like a shadow.
He leaned in closer, his chest tightening. Feeling a sudden hunger—a desperate, aching need to be near Aster, to hear his voice, to feel the warmth of his presence. But because of their distance, literal galaxies from each other, he couldn't just appear in front of Aster.
Wulfric once again stared at the photos, and the need and the want inside him just intensified. Moments like this, he wished he could just teleport and enveloped Aster in his arms.