4

The night after the gala, I woke up to an empty side of the bed. I rolled over and checked the clock, still before 7a.m.

"Good morning, sunshine." Ethan called from across the room, pulling on his tie in the mirror.

I frowned, sitting up. "Where are you off to this early? Sneaking out on me again?"

He pinched the bridge of his nose, and shook his head. "Work. You know how my boss is."

I frowned, as I walked over to his side. "You barely have time for me anymore. It’s always work, work, work. You didn’t even stay until the end of last night’s award."

He turned quickly, eyes sharp. "Speaking of awards, guess which agency reached out about you?"

I gave him a look, one eyebrow raised higher than the other. "Is that your apology?"

He pulled me closer to his chest, arms wrapped around my waist. "Not quite. But… I made some plans that’ll surprise you tonight."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks, but I refused to smile. I was still mad. "Okay, so which agency?"

He smiled. "Remember my friend from last night?"

"Which one?" 

"Jace Weston, CEO of West Modeling. Who else?"

My mouth dropped open.

"He. Wants. To. Work. With. Me?" I asked, blinking.

Ethan broke out into a wide beaming smile. "You heard right. And the pay's good. Just imagine it... a luxury agency backing you." He painted the picture with his hands.

I pictured it, nodding. But it wasn't just the exposure that caught my interest... revenge. My plan was simple... make Jace fall for me, then reject him publicly, and leave him crushed, just as he left me.

Yes, I had Ethan, and Jace knew we were engaged, but I knew men like Jace, he wouldn't give a care if I were to lead him on, especially because men loved to crave the ones they could never have.

"Fine. I’ll take the deal." I murmured, as he pulled me into a quick kiss.

"That's my girl. I'II forward the address and time to you."

I nodded, and just like that, he was gone.

.

.

.

I stepped into West Modelling agency, in a tailored blue gown that hugged perfectly to my tiny waist and curves. My black hair was packed in a cute bun, with a few strands tugging behind my ear. I had light make-up on, and my heels sounded against the marble floor.

The receptionist smiled nervously at me. "Hi, welcome! You’re here for the 10 a.m. with the board?"

"That’s me," I said, my voice a fraction too loud, as I steadied my breath. Everything would be okay, I kept reassuring myself.

She led me to a glass conference room, where numerous men in suits sat. I noticed the seat at the head of the table was empty, and I mentally rolled my eyes. Of course, golden boy was probably taking his god damn time to arrive.

"Miss Elsa," A good-looking redhead smiled as he rose, "Huge fan of your designs. We’re thrilled to bring you on board. Please take a seat."

I nodded, taking the seat opposite him.

"So," he continued, sliding a contract across the table. "I'm Carter, Jace manager. Jace was really impressed by your collection at the gala. He thinks you’d be a perfect fit for our new luxury collab line. We would be offering five percent of net profits, with a shared creative direction."

I blinked. "Five percent?"

"Yes."

"Of my own work?"

"Yes."

I laughed, really laughed, and pushed the contract back towards him. "Sorry, but I won't take five percent." I said bluntly, no room for debate.

Carter’s smile fell "Well, it’s industry standard..."

I cut him off, "It’s theft with extra paperwork." 

He leaned back in his chair, frowning harder now. The other members of the board had similar looks on their faces, but I didn't care, so I went on.

"I want fifteen percent, full creative control over my designs, and a veto option on all marketing. That includes product photography." I kept my voice sharp as I spoke, this wasn't a negotiation.

Carter sighed, clearly annoyed. "You drive a hard bargain."

Just then, my phone vibrated in my bag. It was Ethan. 'I hope is going well, babe. This could change everything for your brand. Think of what you could do with the exposure'

I chewed the inside of my cheek. Ethan was right. Dammit.

I turned back to Carter. "Final offer: twelve, with all my terms, and I'II sign"

There was a pause.

Then: "Deal. I'II send the new contract via email to you, once it's ready."

I nodded, signing the contract was just the first step. Jace Weston would have no idea what hit him.