The aroma of fresh bread and pastries filled the air, mixing with the scent of vanilla and cinnamon. The sound of the front door’s chime was a constant reminder that despite the delicious smells, the bakery was quieter than it used to be. Aries wiped her hands on her apron and leaned against the counter, gazing at the few customers trickling in. Her parents had poured their hearts into this bakery for over twenty years, but it was no longer enough to keep things afloat.

"How’s everything looking?" her mother asked as she emerged from the back, her face tired but determined, as always.

“Not great,” Aries replied with a sigh. "A few regulars, but the lunch rush isn’t really... rushing.”

Her mother gave her a soft smile, a blend of worry and resignation. Aries could see the lines deepening around her mother’s eyes and wondered how much longer they could keep the place open.

"It’ll pick up," her mother said, but even she didn’t seem convinced.

The truth was, things had been tough for a while. Their bakery, once a bustling hub in their small town, had been hit hard by larger, more modern competitors. Aries knew her parents were trying their best to keep the business alive, but she also knew they were running out of options. The bakery wasn’t just a family business; it was their livelihood, their history, and for Aries, it was home.

She glanced at the clock, realizing her shift was almost over. "I’ll finish up here and head to town for those job interviews," Aries said, pulling off her apron.

"Thanks, sweetheart," her mother replied. "Good luck out there."

Luck. Aries didn’t believe in it much anymore. As a university dropout, her options were slim. Most jobs she applied for required a degree or more experience than she had, and the rejection emails had started to pile up. Still, she couldn’t give up. Not with Amy, her younger sister, needing money for college.

Amy burst into the bakery, her energy in stark contrast to the quiet atmosphere inside. “I’m home!” she announced dramatically, dropping her bag by the door.

"How was school?" Aries asked, forcing a smile. She loved Amy's enthusiasm, but it was hard to stay upbeat when their financial situation weighed heavily on her mind.

"Same as usual. Boring classes, annoying people. Oh, but I saw the coolest livestream today during lunch! You’ve gotta check this guy out, Aries. He cooks these insane dishes, and you wouldn’t believe the presentation!" Amy’s eyes lit up as she raved about her latest internet obsession.

Aries chuckled. "You and your food shows. We already have a bakery, Amy. You’re surrounded by food every day."

"Yeah, but this guy is different! He doesn’t show his face, so no one knows who he is. It’s kind of mysterious, and everyone’s trying to figure it out." Amy’s hands waved excitedly as she spoke. "And get this—he said he’s going to start sending the food he makes to viewers. Like, randomly selecting people from his livestream to receive meals."

"Sounds interesting," Aries said, though she didn’t see how a cooking livestream could help them with their bakery’s financial woes or Amy’s tuition fees.

"It is! I’ve tried to win the giveaway a few times, but no luck so far. Imagine if I could win it just once!" Amy grinned, but her excitement quickly faded as she glanced around the bakery. “How’s business today?”

"Slow," Aries admitted. "But we’re managing."

Amy’s smile softened. She knew how hard Aries was working to support the family. It wasn’t just about the bakery. Aries had been taking on every odd job she could find, from tutoring kids in the neighborhood to picking up shifts at local shops. Anything to make sure Amy could go to college.

“I don’t want you to stress about me, Aries,” Amy said quietly. “I can take a gap year, work a bit, save up, and then—”

"No," Aries cut her off, her tone firm but kind. "You’re going to college, Amy. I’ll figure it out."

Before Amy could protest, the door chimed again, and Aries turned to greet the customer. It was Mr. Patel, a regular who always came by for his afternoon coffee and pastry. Aries exchanged pleasantries with him as she prepared his order, but her mind was already drifting back to the job interviews she had lined up.

After Mr. Patel left, Aries grabbed her bag and headed out, giving her mom a quick hug. “Wish me luck.”

"Good luck, sweetheart. You’ve got this," her mother said, squeezing her hand.

As Aries walked through town, her thoughts swirled with worry. Amy deserved to go to college, and her parents deserved a break. But Aries felt like she was running in circles, chasing a future that always seemed just out of reach.

The first interview didn’t go well. The manager, a middle-aged man with a bored expression, barely glanced at her resume before muttering something about needing someone with more experience. The second interview wasn’t much better. Aries sat in a stuffy office, trying to sell herself to a woman who looked more interested in her phone than anything Aries had to say.

By the time the third interview came around, Aries was exhausted. She entered the sleek office of a small marketing firm and was greeted by a cheerful receptionist. This one felt different, more professional. But as she sat in the waiting area, looking around at the polished floors and modern decor, her anxiety grew. She wasn’t sure if she belonged in a place like this.

A few minutes later, she was called into the office for the interview. The interviewer, a woman in her early thirties, smiled politely as Aries took a seat.

“So, tell me why you’re interested in this position,” the woman said.

Aries launched into her rehearsed speech, talking about her passion for marketing, her experience with social media at the bakery, and her desire to grow professionally. But halfway through, the woman stopped her.

“I’m sorry, Aries, but we’re looking for someone with a degree in marketing or at least two years of professional experience. I don’t think this is going to work out.”

The rejection stung, but Aries forced a smile. “I understand. Thank you for your time.”

She walked out of the office feeling defeated. No matter how hard she tried, it seemed like every door was closing in her face. She didn’t have a degree, and she didn’t have experience. What she did have was a family depending on her, and that weight felt heavier with each passing day.

As she made her way home, Aries passed by the town square, where a group of kids was playing by the fountain. Their laughter filled the air, and for a moment, she smiled. Life wasn’t all bad, she reminded herself. She still had her family, and she wasn’t going to give up.

“Maybe tomorrow will be better,” she whispered to herself as she headed back to the bakery, hoping that somewhere along the way, she’d find the break she desperately needed.

Little did she know, her break was closer than she thought.

The following morning, Aries woke up to the familiar sound of the bakery bustling downstairs. Her parents had already been up for hours, prepping dough, mixing batter, and setting out fresh pastries for the early crowd. Aries stretched, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she glanced at the stack of rejection emails still sitting in her inbox from the day before.

She had to keep trying. Giving up wasn’t an option, not with so much at stake.

After getting dressed, she headed downstairs and grabbed a quick bite to eat. Amy was already at the table, laptop open, and a frown on her face. “You look deep in thought,” Aries remarked, reaching for a croissant.

“Just looking at tuition costs,” Amy replied, her tone a little too casual for the heaviness of the topic. “I was thinking... maybe I could apply for a scholarship or get a part-time job when I start school. That might help cover some of the costs.”

Aries’ heart sank. She hated that her sister had to worry about money instead of focusing on her dreams. “We’ll figure it out,” Aries said, trying to sound confident. “I’ve got a few more interviews lined up this week.”

Amy shot her a sympathetic smile. “I know you’re doing everything you can. I just wish it wasn’t all on you.”

Before Aries could reply, the bell over the bakery’s door chimed. “I’ll get it,” she said, grateful for the distraction as she hurried over to the front counter.

A man in his mid-twenties stood at the counter, his hands in the pockets of his tailored coat. He had a warm smile and an air of quiet confidence about him. His dark hair was neatly combed, and he had the kind of effortless style that made him look like he’d stepped out of a fashion magazine. Aries blinked, trying to figure out if she had seen him before.

"Good morning," the man greeted, his voice calm and smooth.

"Morning!" Aries replied, slipping into her customer service mode. "What can I get for you?"

He scanned the display case, eyeing the array of pastries. "I’ll take a black coffee and whatever you recommend from the selection. It all looks good."

Aries smiled, grabbing a cup and starting the coffee. "You new in town?" she asked casually. "I haven’t seen you around before."

The man chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yeah, you could say that. I’m just here on business for a few days. Thought I’d check out the local spots while I’m in town."

As Aries handed him the coffee and placed a few pastries in a box, the man pulled out his wallet. That’s when Aries noticed something—a sleek gold pin on the lapel of his coat, the kind you only saw on people who worked for high-end companies.

"What kind of business are you in?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

"Jewellery," he replied with a smile. "I work for a company that designs custom pieces. We’re launching a new collection soon, so I’m scouting some potential venues for an event."

Jewelry. Aries’ mind immediately went to her parents’ anniversary, which was just a few months away. She had always dreamed of getting them something special, something that would show them how much she appreciated everything they’d done for her and Amy. But with their finances stretched thin, that dream seemed a long way off.

"Sounds fancy," she said, trying to keep the conversation light.

"It has its moments," the man replied, taking the box of pastries from her. "I’m Keith, by the way."

"Aries," she introduced herself, offering him a polite smile. "Nice to meet you."

He lingered for a moment as if debating whether to say more. "Actually, Aries, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you."

Aries raised an eyebrow, unsure of what to expect. "Oh? What’s that?"

Keith hesitated, glancing around the bakery before continuing. "I know this might sound strange, but I think you’d be perfect for something my company is working on. We’re launching a new line of jewellery, and we’ve been looking for someone to model the pieces for the campaign. You’ve got the right look, and I think you’d be a great fit for the project."

Aries blinked in surprise. "Me? A model?" She laughed nervously, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I don’t know the first thing about modelling."

"That’s okay," Keith reassured her. "We’d provide all the training and support you’d need. It’s a professional shoot, but we’re looking for someone authentic—someone who hasn’t been in the industry and can bring a fresh perspective. You’d get paid well, of course."

Aries stared at him, unsure if this was some kind of elaborate joke. A model? Her? Sure, she’d heard people say she had a nice figure, but modelling was an entirely different world.

"You don’t have to decide right now," Keith added, sensing her hesitation. "Just think about it. I’ll leave my card with you. If you’re interested, give me a call."

He handed her a sleek business card, the kind that screamed high-end. Aries took it, still trying to wrap her head around what had just happened.

"I’ll... think about it," she finally managed, still feeling a little dazed.

"That’s all I ask," Keith said with a smile. "And if you don’t want to do it, no pressure. But I think you’d be great."

With that, he gave her a nod and headed out the door, leaving Aries standing behind the counter, card in hand.

For a moment, Aries just stood there, staring at the card. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. A modelling offer? From a high-end jewellery company? It sounded too good to be true. She glanced at the card again, reading Keith’s name and contact details. This couldn’t be real, right?

Amy appeared at her side, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Who was that?" she asked, clearly having overheard some of the conversation.

"Some guy from a jewellery company," Aries replied, still staring at the card. "He wants me to be a model for their new campaign."

Amy’s jaw dropped. "No way! That’s amazing!"

"I don’t know, Amy," Aries said, shaking her head. "I’ve never done anything like that before. What if I screw it up? What if it’s a scam?"

Amy frowned, but then her face brightened with determination. "I don’t think it’s a scam, Aries. And as for screwing up—you’ve got this! You’re beautiful and smart, and if they think you can do it, then why not give it a try?"

Aries sighed, feeling the weight of the decision settle on her shoulders. Part of her wanted to jump at the opportunity, but another part of her was terrified. What if she failed? What if she made a fool of herself?

But then she thought about the bakery. About Amy’s tuition. About her parents’ tired faces as they tried to keep the family business afloat. This could be a way out, a way to finally help her family in a big way.

"I’ll think about it," Aries said again, though this time with more conviction.

Amy grinned. "You’d make a killer model, Aries. I can already picture it."

Aries smiled weakly, her mind racing with possibilities. Maybe this was the break she’d been waiting for. Maybe, just maybe, things were finally starting to look up.

As the day went on, Aries found herself thinking more and more about Keith’s offer. Could she really do it? Could she step into a world she knew nothing about and succeed?

Only time would tell. But for the first time in a long while, Aries felt a spark of hope. And she wasn’t going to let it slip away.

End of Chapter 2.

Aries lay in bed that night, staring up at the ceiling, Keith’s business card resting on her bedside table. It felt surreal. An opportunity like this was completely unexpected, and it made her feel both excited and anxious at the same time. The modelling offer tugged at her thoughts like a tempting door she wasn’t sure she should open.

She turned over, glancing at the clock—3:27 a.m. Sleep was impossible.

Finally, with a sigh, she reached over and picked up the card. The small, sleek rectangle of cardstock weighed more heavily in her hand than it should. It wasn’t just a card; it was a lifeline, a potential solution to the burdens her family had been carrying. But there were so many unknowns, and the last thing she wanted to do was make a mistake.

"I’m not a model," she whispered to herself, shaking her head. "This is crazy."

She thought about her parents downstairs, asleep after another long day at the bakery. Then her thoughts shifted to Amy, who was working so hard to make it into college. The reality of their situation hit her again like a ton of bricks. Their family needed help, and opportunities like this didn’t come around often.

The next morning, she decided to test the waters. During breakfast, while her parents were busy preparing for the day’s customers, Aries pulled Amy aside.

"Hey, so... remember that guy from yesterday? Keith?" Aries asked, trying to sound casual.

Amy’s eyes lit up. "Of course! The jewellery guy! Have you decided what you’re going to do?"

Aries sighed. "I’m thinking about calling him. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen, right?"

Amy’s face split into a grin. "You should totally do it, Aries! I know you’re nervous, but what if this is your big break? You’ve got nothing to lose."

"Except my dignity if I trip on the runway or something," Aries muttered under her breath, though she couldn’t help but smile at her sister’s enthusiasm. "But yeah, I guess you’re right. I’ll give him a call and see what happens."

Amy practically bounced on her toes with excitement. "Yes! You’re gonna kill it, I know it!"

That afternoon, Aries sat at the small desk in her room, staring at Keith’s number on her phone. After what felt like an eternity of hesitation, she took a deep breath and pressed the call button. Her heart pounded in her chest as the line rang.

"Hello?" Keith’s smooth voice answered on the other end.

"Hi, Keith, it’s Aries," she said quickly before she could lose her nerve.

"Aries, hey!" Keith sounded genuinely pleased to hear from her. "I wasn’t sure if you’d call."

"Yeah, I’ve been thinking about what you said," Aries began, feeling her nerves bubble up again. "About the modelling offer. And, well... I’m interested. I mean, I’m not sure if I’m the right person for it, but I’d like to give it a shot."

"That’s fantastic!" Keith replied, his excitement evident. "I really think you’re perfect for this, Aries. We can start small, ease you into it. No pressure."

Aries let out a small sigh of relief. "Okay, that sounds good. But there’s one thing. I don’t know anything about modelling, so if this goes horribly wrong, you can’t hold me accountable."

Keith chuckled. "Deal. Trust me, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. You’ll have a team to guide you."

They discussed the details of her first shoot, which was scheduled for the following week. It would be a low-pressure session, more about seeing how she fit in front of the camera and less about a full-blown campaign. Keith explained that they’d be photographing the new jewellery line—pieces that were delicate, elegant, and designed to tell a story.

"Just be yourself," Keith encouraged her before they hung up. "That’s all we’re looking for."

When the day of the photoshoot arrived, Aries couldn’t help but feel jittery. She’d never been in a professional studio before, let alone, had a team of makeup artists and photographers focused entirely on her. As she entered the studio, she was greeted by Keith, who was already discussing the plan with a small group of assistants.

"Hey," he greeted her with a warm smile, instantly making her feel at ease. "You ready?"

"As ready as I’ll ever be," she replied with a nervous laugh.

Keith introduced her to the team—a friendly group that instantly welcomed her. The photographer, a woman named Jenna, made small talk as Aries sat in the makeup chair, trying to calm her racing heart. She explained how the shoot would go, what poses they’d try, and how the focus was to make Aries feel comfortable.

After a little while, Aries was dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit that complemented the jewellery. Standing in front of the camera for the first time, her nerves spiked again, but Jenna’s easy-going attitude helped calm her.

"Okay, Aries, just take a deep breath," Jenna said from behind the camera. "We’re going to start with some simple poses. You’re doing great already."

Aries felt awkward at first, trying to remember all the little adjustments Jenna suggested—tilting her head slightly, softening her expression, turning just enough to catch the light. It wasn’t easy, but as the shoot went on, Aries started to relax. The team was patient, offering encouragement and helping her find her groove.

By the end of the session, Aries felt like a completely different person. She wasn’t a professional model, not yet anyway, but she’d gotten a taste of what it could be like. And the more she thought about it, the more she liked it.

"You did amazing today," Keith said as they wrapped up. "Really, Aries. You’ve got something special, and the camera loves you."

Aries flushed at the compliment. "Thanks. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to pull it off."

"Well, you did," Keith replied with a grin. "And we’re just getting started."

That night, after she returned home, Aries collapsed onto her bed, feeling exhausted but strangely exhilarated. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she was moving toward something, like she had a real chance to make things better for her family.

Amy burst into her room not long after, eyes wide with anticipation. "So? How did it go?"

"It went... surprisingly well," Aries admitted, smiling. "I think I actually enjoyed it."

Amy squealed and hugged her tightly. "I knew you’d be amazing! This is going to be huge for you, Aries. I can feel it."

As Aries lay in bed that night, reflecting on the whirlwind of the day, she couldn’t help but wonder what this new chapter of her life would bring. She didn’t know if she’d ever truly fit in the world of modelling, but one thing was for sure—this was her chance, and she wasn’t going to waste it.

Little did she know, this was just the beginning of a journey that would change her life in ways she could never have imagined. And somewhere deep down, she felt a flicker of excitement for what was to come.

End of Chapter 3.