Hey guys! I would've updated sooner but school has been hectic. Summatives and studying for exams is just too stessful.:/ So I wouldn't expect an update right away after this one. I still have full week of school left and then exams. Ugh. Anyways, I loved everyones reviews! You guys are amazing and as I said on twitter, this chapter is the breaking point, or drama filled, you'll see. I really hope you guys enjoy this chapter.:)

I would like to dedicate this chapter to user KitKat0219 for her amazing reviews that always make me smile.:)

Disclamier: I do not own Degrassi.

(ClarePOV)

"What are you doing here?" I asked, shocked.

I couldn't fathom why he was here, especially since he's been rummaging through my thoughts for quite some time.

He smiled and his blue eyes twinkled. "I was invited."

"By who-Drew!" I said, hysterically.

"You rang," Drew's voice echoed through the hallway.

I turned my head, Drew was walking towards us, pride and smugness all over his face, including a slimy grin. Something wasn't right.

"Why did you invite him?" I screeched in horror.

Drew still held the slimy grin-if it were even possible, I could've sworn it grew.

"Declan is a model executive, I felt like he had the right to be here." Drew replied, emphasizing every word fluently.

I eyed Declan as he still smiled at me, suggestively. I couldn't come to grips what Drew had up his sleeve because I knew he did have something planned. What if he found out about Declan and I? Or Eli and I?

"What's the matter Clare, something bothering you?" Drew's voice taunted.

My eyes averted to the ground and I shook my head. I needed to go. Go find Alli. She was waiting for me.

"Excuse me, but I have to go find Alli." I kept my head bowed as I past the two men and walked down the hall.

Before I reached her door, I clashed against a slender chest and fell flat on my butt.

"Clare, I am so sorry. Are you okay?" The voice of Adam echoed through my ears.

"I'm fine." I grabbed his outstretched hand and he helped me up. "Thanks."

"Hey," he grabbed my arm as I walked past him.

"Yeah," I said, turning to face him.

"Are you sure you're okay?" A trace of concern was pronounced in his voice.

I nodded. "Adam I'm fine, I just need to go see Alli." I gently released my arm from his grip and went to Alli's room before he stopped me once more.

.

.

The event was happening in less then thirty minutes and I was getting ready in the humongous dressing room that the producer distributed to the models. The sounds of small feet prancing around the room as the models finished last adjustments on their outfits was making my-already aching-headache to grow more painful. I haven't eaten anything today-no scratch that-I haven't eaten for the past couple of days. My mind and nerves have been too preoccupied by this event that my hunger slowly dissolved to a pit in my stomach. I've been paler then usual and I look like crap.

But the magic of make up always fixes these problems. I may look stunning to the outsiders eye but on the inside I feel like crap. These past three weeks have been resolved around sight seeing with Alli, Adam, and Eli during the day, and at night, Eli and I would enjoy a cozy night together. It truly was amazing but I had to do my very best to avoid Declan and Drew. The confrontation between the two of them made me walk on egg shells.

I sighed shakily and fixed the top of my outfit. My reflection in my mirror was mocking me; my appearance looked incredibly fake and doll-like. I honestly didn't want to go through with this. The tension and pressure that revolves around it, I can feel my headache growing painful by the moment.

"Nervous?"

I instantly relaxed when the soothing voice echoed through my ears. I closed my eyes and slumped my shoulders comfortably as I felt his soft breath tickle my skin. I opened my eyes and is reflection was beside me. He was bent down, his lips to my ear.

"You really want me to answer that?" I said, looking at his reflection.

He smirked before swinging my chair around to face him. I looked at him curiously as he placed his hands on either side of my chair.

"Don't be." He simply said.

"I'll be fine knowing that you're here." I admitted.

He smiled before leaning down. I stretched up to kiss his lips but was left waiting in the air. I opened my eyes and saw one of the many fashion directors pulling Eli away.

"You will ruin the models' make up!" Complained the director.

Eli rolled his eyes and winked at me as he was left from the dressing room. I turned around back to the mirror.

"Clare Edwards, we need you now!" The shrill voice of the other fashion director spoke through the change room.

I locked eyes with my reflection once more. "Show time Clare."

.

.

The event was a success. Well by success I mean, no one slipped up, the models were focused and driven. I was one of those models. One would call my performance tonight, perfect. I'll have to admit, it did take effort to walk down the curved run way with 4 inch spiked heels. My performance was effortless nonetheless because people know that I'm natural at this. They expect me to be like this. They don't know that this isn't natural to me and I'm just a really good at hiding things. Including the headache that has mercilessly grown into a migraine. It was still pounding but no one suspected. How could they? The after party of the event seem to have grown twice as more people then before and twice the more ignorance. All around, I see these people who shoot dirty glances and down their champagne bottles with ease.

The life of being famous.

The ballroom was filled with golden tables arrayed in very corner, along with silver chairs. People were lounged on them, taking in the bodies of rich people as they ate their appetizing snack. Some models were at the tables while others were mingling with important executives. Alli was chatting with one while Adam stayed closely by her. I spotted Drew and Declan at the other side of the room. They were talking very discreetly with a big man in a black suit. I couldn't stop the shiver crawling down my spine. I quickly shifted my gaze and tried to find the one person I was looking for ever since I was finished the show. I quickly smoothed my sleek dress and greeted passer byres as I waited. But as I look, there is something extremely familiar about some of these men…

"There you are."

I turned around and smiled. He walks up to me with a smirk on his face and I want him to wrap his arms around me, but I can't risk some people seeing us.

"Did you like the show?" I said, a tint of nervousness in my stomach.

"Some moments were too extravagant, some models were ditzy, but you were amazing."

I smiled shyly. "Wouldn't that be a little bias?"

"Absolutely." He chuckled, smugly.

I playfully rolled my eyes before ushering him towards the door. He didn't question and I led him to a long secluded hallway, with golden and beige walls with brown carpet.

I pushed him against the wall and pressed my lips to his. He wrapped his arms around me and responded eagerly to the kiss. His tongue slipped inside my mouth and I realized how much I missed him. I was on that platform for two hours(breaks included) and I couldn't have his security near me. But now, being in his arms and knowing he missed me too, I felt relaxed.

Eli pulled away but his lips were still hovering over mine and he kept his eyes closed.

"You really were amazing tonight Clare," he breathed.

My cheeks heated up and my blush cascaded all around. "Thanks, but I'm just glad its over."

"Why," he said finally opening his eyes, to stare intently into mine.

I hesitated for a moment. I didn't want him to think I was some obsessive freak if he knew it was because I missed him. I can't handle that right now, especially with my headache pounding more and more by the minute.

"You know me, I'm not really into the whole modeling thing most of the time…." More like all the time. "And I kind of missed you." My face was scarlet as I whispered the last words.

I felt his hold tighten on me, and my nerves calmed but my headache didn't.

"Why are you so afraid to tell me that?" He said, softly.

I was looking down at my hands on his chest; too afraid to look him in the eyes. I finally mustered enough courage and almost gasped at the sight. His smug and indifferent features were gone, replaced with the vulnerable and pained looking Eli I saw the day he told me about Julia.

I suddenly felt dizzy and had to close my eyes for a moment to stop the world from spinning. Once I opened my eyes, he was still looking at me, waiting.

"I….this….I don't want to ruin this relationship." I said, honestly.

He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "You're not going to. Why would you say that?"

Because the last relationship I had turned out to be a complete nightmare and I don't deserve you and I have a feeling you'll find out everything and leave me.

"Just….I don't want to lose you." I replied, my heart speeding in an erratic pace.

"You're not going to."

He leaned down and placed an affectionate kiss on my lips before taking my hand and leading us back to the ballroom. We parted hands once we entered but we stayed close. Different people came up to us, complimenting my performance and admiring photographer Elijah Goldsworthy.

We talked with Alli and Adam, along with other important executives. I narrowly tried to avoid Drew but I wasn't quick enough.

"Clare, why don't you and Elijah come join us?"

Declan was still with him and they both were holding champagne glasses, their postures relaxed. Declan had a dazzling smile on that I didn't trust while Drew's eyes were taunting me. Something flickered in them but it was gone before I could comprehend.

Eli walked to them first, I merely followed cautiously.

"Elijah Goldsworthy, I would like you to meet model executive, Declan Coyne." Drew introduced professionally.

Eli and Declan shook hands but Declan's eyes were on me. "Clare, very good to see you again."

I could feel Eli's eyes on me. I avoided eye contact with Declan and said, "Likewise."

"What? That's all I get? After everything we've been through," he said, mock hurt in his voice.

I felt my body tense as my eyes bored through Declans. He was mocking me. Why? I look to Drew and see the same expression on his face, but his eyes were focused on Eli's. I looked at Eli and he was staring at me. A tint of anger was shown on his face but confusion and in denial were more evident.

"Clare, what is he talking about?" Eli said, his jaw clenched

It felt like everyone in the room disappeared at this moment, and it was only us four, the tension from our little bubble threatening to expose and suffocate me.

"We know each other through business." I muttered miserably.

Eli didn't seem to buy it, his face was still tensed and confused.

"Business?" Declan scoffed. "You and I both know we were acquainted personally."

My mouth parted in a small gasp as I stared at him in disbelief. I wanted to say something, anything but the words were choked in my throat and wouldn't come out.

Then when I noticed the complete grin on Drew's features, realization dawned on me. He did this. He brought Declan here, the familiar men, they were all the men I…slept with and they were all here. I never felt so disgusting in my life.

"Why did you do this?" I asked, anger and betrayal simmering through me.

Drew took a sip from his champagne with ease before tossing it to a passing waiter. He looked at me with a lazy look and fixed the cuffs of his jacket.

"I know Clare. I knew all along that you weren't doing your job and was actually with this idiot," he jerked his head over to Eli. "You think I'm fucking stupid? Those lovey stares and flirting you two exchanged, everyone knew."

I blinked a few times and started to breath heavily. "So you do this? Just tell me what I have done to you to deserve this," I said, the desperation cracking through my tough exterior.

A firm hand closed on my wrist and I completely forgot that Eli was here. "Clare tell me what is going on?"

The pain in his eyes broke my heart and I wanted to tell him but this situation was too public and I felt very dizzy from my headache.

"Oh, your girlfriend didn't tell you?" Drew cut in.

Eli and I both looked at Drew.

"Tell me what?" Eli said.

"Clare slept with most of the guys in this room, including Declan over here, for money. And you were the next person she was supposed to be fucking, man the girl does anything for money."

My blood ran cold and I felt my whole body shake violently. I felt like I was taken to another world and I watched the scene play before me: Eli let go of my wrist and punched Drew square against the jaw, gasps escaped many people before the room went completely silent, I yelled Eli's name as I tried to calm him down. The blow of the punch sent Drew flying to the ground but no one made a move to help him up.

I grabbed Eli's arm. "Eli, please…..stop."

He pulled away from my grasp sharply and his face was on the verge of explosion. "Tell me Clare," his voice was raw and pained, I never heard him like this before. "Tell me he's lying," he whispered.

I looked at him, and tried to plead with my eyes to understand. He got his answer but not the one he wanted. He stepped back and his mouth parted in defeat. He sharply turned and walked out of the room.

The tears started to sting at the back of my eyes as I ran after him. I followed him in the lobby but I grabbed his arm to turn him around.

"Eli please understand, it's not what you think." I said, desperately.

"Really? It sure seemed like it, since you didn't even deny it." He said, venom and sarcasm dripping from his voice.

I shook my head as the tears fell down my face. "Drew is not telling the whole truth, you need to believe me."

He glared at me, his eyes dark with fury. "Why should I believe anything you tell me? You lied to me. You kept things from me when I opened up to you. I thought we were on the same fucking page here Clare."

"We are! I didn't want to tell you because I knew this would happen! Can you please just let me explain why I had to do it," I said, my last attempt to keep him with me.

He gave me a disgusted look. "I don't want to know why you fucked all those guys in there. That is just disgusting and degrading. I thought you were different."

He turned around and left the building. I stood frozen and tried to realize the weight this situation added. I tried to go after him again but a huge pain in my chest stopped me. My breathing was becoming shallow, making it hard to breathe. My headache hammered through my brain and I couldn't think clearly. My eyes drifted opened and closed and I couldn't hear anything. I collapsed on the floor and darkness consumed me.