King of Envy

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence and sexual assault.

“MOTY was short for Model of the Year. Eight months had passed since I received the prestigious title, and Jordan still brought it up any chance he got.”

In this passage, Huang underlines how much modeling takes over Ayana’s social worth, introducing the theme of The Harms of the Modeling Industry. Though she is close friends with Jordan and they rely on each other to achieve their marriage sham scheme, he nevertheless identifies her first and foremost by her job.

“It was what it was, but sometimes, I [Ayana] mourned the life I would’ve lived were I not quite so visible”

In this excerpt, Huang outlines one of the biggest personal issues Ayana will need to overcome throughout the narrative. Though she outwardly lives a lavish lifestyle, Ayana’s fame and lifestyle isolate her, leaving her feeling that she is not able to be her authentic self.

“Jordan needed a wife to secure his inheritance; I needed money to get out of the soul-sucking contract my younger self had unwittingly signed in order to help my family.”

This passage illuminates the true dynamic between Jordan and Ayana, who have agreed to a sham marriage that is mutually beneficial. By keeping this contract a secret from Vuk, misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and hurt feelings inevitably arise.