The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 687 EMMA FASHION SHOW (I)

TODAY was the release of EMMAʼs new collection, Chrome Collection, and the fashion show was being held at the Stellar Atrium, a massive floating structure in the heart of the Empireʼs capital. The Atrium hovered high above the city, its sleek, glass-paneled walls offering a panoramic view of the glittering skyline below. It was night, and the capitalʼs lights shimmered like a sea of stars, blending seamlessly with the actual stars visible through the transparent ceiling. The runway, a long, glowing strip of light, stretched through the center of the venue, ready to showcase the collection to some of the Empireʼs elite. Backstage, Astrid sat in his own dressing room, a privilege afforded to him as the finale model. The show hadnʼt started yet, but the atmosphere was already charged with energy. Models moved about, adjusting their outfits, chatting with stylists, and running through last-minute rehearsals. Astrid, however, didnʼt need to join the pre-show chaos. He only had one role, to only walk at that final moment. So, he had the luxury of waiting here by himself.

It wouldnʼt last long, though. A stylist and a makeup artist would likely be here any minute to prep him for the finale.

Astrid glanced around the room one more time. The models and staff outside would definitely think he was getting special treatment—and they wouldnʼt be entirely wrong. It was true he was receiving extra attention because he was the nephew of EMMAʼs owner, but that wasnʼt common knowledge. He hoped theyʼd just assume it was because he was the ambassador for the new collection and not jump to… other conclusions. Like Casey being his sugar daddy or something equally ridiculous. The thought made him cringe.

As he waited for the stylist and makeup artist to arrive, Astrid decided to open his Terminal to check for any messages. He hadnʼt had a chance to look at anything since heʼd arrived, and the brief downtime seemed like a good opportunity to see what heʼd missed.

He saw messages from his friends. Kiran: [Snow and I just got here together. The place looks amazing! Canʼt wait to see you kill it on the runway. Good luck, Aster! Youʼve got this.] Snow: [Iʼve arrived with Kiran. The venue is impressive. Good luck tonight.] Lauren: [Aster, Iʼm here! I actually planned to go backstage and give you flowers, but Chris stopped me—that spoilsport. He said it would just cause rumors. Anyway, good luck tonight! Iʼll be cheering for you from the front row. *wink*]

A smile automatically crossed Astridʼs face as he read the messages. He began replying to them one by one. While typing a response to Kiran, he remembered that his friend would be moving into his apartment building next week. After their dinner, Astrid had asked Wulfric if there was an available unit, and Wulfric had mentioned one a floor below. Astrid passed the information on to Kiran, who wasted no time contacting the building manager. Now, Kiran was set to move in next week. It was a shame he wouldnʼt have time to help Kiran move in. With [Serendipitous Summer]ʼs premiere also happening next week, his schedule was packed with promotions and appearances. Still, he made a mental note to plan a housewarming party for Kiran once things calmed down. This was the first place Kiran had gotten entirely on his own, and that deserved to be celebrated.

Next, he replied to Snow. When Astrid had given them the invitations to the show, Snow had immediately suggested to Kiran that they go together. Astrid figured Snow probably knew Kiran might feel awkward or uneasy attending such a high-profile event alone. It was just like Snow to be so thoughtful, always considering how others might feel.

After that, he replied to Lauren. It had been a while since theyʼd last seen each other properly. After the small luncheon celebrating Astridʼs debut on the [Star List], their schedules had kept them apart. Even when they crossed paths at Polaris, the most they could manage was a quick greeting. This show would likely be the first time in a while theyʼd have a chance to spend some real time together. After the show, of course. Which would be the show after party.

Aside from that, this would also be the first time theyʼd meet in person since Lauren and Reas had become official. Astrid couldnʼt wait to tease Lauren about it. There was also the matter of telling Lauren about Wulfric. He still hadnʼt found the right moment to explain his connection to the infamous general, and he doubted Reas would have brought it up, either. Now that Ellis knew about Wulfric, it felt a little unfair to keep Lauren in the dark. Tonight, after the show, seemed like the perfect opportunity to fill him in.

As soon as Astrid closed his Terminal, there was a knock at the door. Assuming it was the stylist and makeup artist, he stood up and opened it. But the moment he did, a small, energetic blur shot forward, slamming into him with surprising force. Astrid looked down to see Nicol, grinning up at him, his arms wrapped tightly around Astridʼs waist.

”Brother Aster!”

A smile instantly spread across Astridʼs face. ”Hey, Nikki,” he said, ruffling the boyʼs hair.

The boy was wearing a crisp, navy-blue suit tailored perfectly for his small frame, complete with a tiny bow tie that looked slightly askew. His silver hair, usually curly, had been neatly combed for the occasion, though a few strands were already starting to rebel. His sapphire blue eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked up at Astrid, clearly thrilled to be there.

”Nicol, donʼt squeeze your brother so hard,” a voice chided gently from behind the boy. ”Oh, come on, Tommy,” another voice chimed in, this one lighter and more amused. ”Nikkiʼs just excited to see Aster after so long.”

Astrid looked up and saw his two uncles standing just behind Nicol. Both were strikingly handsome, their silver hair catching the light—Caseyʼs curls bouncing slightly as he moved, while Thomasʼs hair was neatly styled. The latter wore a tailored charcoal-gray suit that emphasized his broad shoulders, while the former was dressed in a deep navy blazer with a subtle pattern that added a touch of flair.

He smiled and greeted the two.