Chapter 5

KOURTNEY

This is it, the very journey that'll determine my career… I just have to put up with this for a while. I spoke in silence as I woke up to a neatly hung dress on clear sight beside my bed. I took in a deep breath as I inhaled the lovely and soothing fragrance of the beautiful penthouse.

The air in the penthouse smelled of expensive and luxurious perfume,a mixture of the cinnamon scent of Rhode de parfum and the enchanted Ysl opium, the cedarwood diffusers filled the air giving a relaxed feeling as I forced myself out of the bed.

The sun seeped in magically through the window into the room making me feel like I was in an early morning vlog. Get ready with me to go for a fashion/arts gala. I role played in my head. PS: it's my first time going as a guest and not as an assistant. The mere fact I wasn't going to be adjusting a tie and smoothing a suit trying to make a grumpy man look good for the paparazzi was the biggest part of my excitement. Matter of fact,I'll be having my very own assistant. An assistant to an assistant sounded way too cool to me.Today I wasn't gonna be an ordinary help but a headline.

By sunrise the next day my name will be flying from one news cycle to another, through blogs and articles. I was anxious and excited at the same time.

Just then a knock on the door interrupted my little day dream.

No need to open up darling, a voice echoed through the hallway. I just wanted to make sure you're not getting too comfortable in your now luxurious lifestyle or comfortable enough to forget we have an hour and 30 minutes to leave for the venue.

Ok boss I'm sorry Ethan, I said in a rather sarcastic tone. I'll be done in 30 minutes.

I ran into the shower and in less than 15 minutes the room was a whirlwind of stylists and makeup artists, everyone trying to get me ready before the grumpy boss knocked on the door. I was buffed, painted, poked and prodded, I could barely recognize my own reflection in the mirror. I looked better than Cinderella after her fairy God mother came along with the Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo trick. I look breathtaking, if I was a man, I'd probably get lost in all my beauty.

It was finally time to put on my dress. I couldn't wait to see what it looked like without the wrapping sheets. I was suddenly anxious, hoping the dress was as astonishing as the hair and makeup. As my stylist unraveled the dress I couldn't help but gasp in awe

This is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen.

I looked into the mirror and a little tear trickled down my pretty face. I feel more beautiful than I've ever felt in my entire life.

The dress on me is a fairytale every girl dreams of and loves to be in. The bodice, an azure corset laced so tightly it defined the delicate curves of my figure. The bottom was a cloud of layered midnight black material flowing like the train of a wedding dress. The dress is magical. I couldn't stop staring at myself in amusement.

The door swing open instantly, I couldn't recognize the figure whose reflection I could see from the mirror, rather than looking like the grumpy boss ,Ethan stood there in a midnight black velvet tuxedo looking dashing as ever for a moment I felt he was my prince charming coming to take me to the magical chariot so we could go to our fairytale land and start a life of our own.

‎Ethan walked to where I stood , placing his hands on my shoulders. His touch was soft, warm, grounded, smoothing and far too familiar for a business arrangement. For a second, the fake persona we were building felt dangerously comfortable.

He spoke in soft tones, Kourtney darling, I hope you do know at this point "The press is the jury. If by any chance I trip or you trip on that carpet or if we don’t look 'in love' enough, the whole agreement will be in jeopardy.

By the way Kourtney, you're beautiful,I mean, I knew you were beautiful, but this... This is a whole new level.offering his arms Ready to break the internet?

Sure! Why not? Let's go be the IT couple Sir.

‎Immediately our ride pulled up to the entrance, cameras began flashing, the entrance was a sea of flashing lights and screaming fans, and interviewers calling after Ethan

‎My dream man,Ethan over here, give us a pose.Who are you wearing? Is the relationship official yet? Wasn't she your assistant? We heard from a reliable source that you don't have affairs with your assistants,what made her exceptional? Are you guys moving in together?.

The only statement that stuck to my head was ‘‘My dream man’’ pftt… like who would wish for a guy like Ethan? These girls are prolly blind and oblivious of his sexual escapades. The crowd kept on cheering ,lights flashing, content creators trying to get contents for their various pages. It was a whole lot to handle. My stomach did a slow, agonizing flip.

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‎"Remember, we're to be the IT couple at all cost,one mistake will cost you your dreams and mine too" Ethan whispered look at me like I'm the only one in the room, let your eyes have those longing feelings and be clingy as much as possible,we need to sell this to the media and news sector okay?

‎I've got you, I responded softly

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‎Ethan's hand was firm on my waist as he guided me through all the photo and interview sections, I got into character immediately,from my smile and body language you'd think I'm head over heels in love with this self absorbed man next to me.He guided me through the chaos with the grace of a seasoned pro.

The chemistry we had on the red carpet wasn't a mere act to convince the press and glaring fans, it was magical.For a moment, I completely forgot about the contract and lived the moment like it was my real life.I felt seen, I felt heard, I felt pampered, I felt beautiful. He kept on making sure I was in check by whispering funny little jokes and I'd giggle ensuring the cameras captured every angle of my laughter.

The main hall was fully wrapped from top to bottom, the air inside was cool and comforting. The floor,so dark and reflective,a sea of polished obsidian I felt as though I was walking on a beautiful night sky.

The flowering lit up the room, beautifully arrayed orchids,painted art works anchored every corner of the hall.

Just then an investor pulled Ethan away to discuss the new couple magazine that'll be launching soon. I felt suddenly exposed.My legs found its way to the bar. Finding comfort in a glass of sparkling water.

A tap on my shoulder forced me to turn towards the impeccable model,Avaia, one of Ethan's old flings who modelled for last year's summer collection. By her side was Lily, Ethan's fling from last year's winter collection.

What a beautiful dress you have on, Avaia said to me in a rather mocking tone. Don't be too comfortable my love This is just another act for Ethan he'll dump you in a week.

An assistant becoming a wife? You must be crazy delusional, Lily chipped in.

I bet you he's probably sleeping with the wives and girlfriends of the models who'll be modelling for the upcoming couple fashion line magazine. They walked away leaving a trail of expensive cedarwood perfume fragrance,laughing as though they had just watched a comedy show.

I looked over at Ethan who was so engrossed in his conversation,it seems deals were being made and it's gonna be a successful night.

‎ I scanned every corner of the hall, everyone was making contacts, talking, laughing, catching up on deals and so much more. Ethan was finally done with his conversation,he walked up to me with so much happiness but all I could feel was disgust. I realized the amount of hate I was gonna be getting from his old flings and suddenly felt a sickening feeling in my stomach.

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‎May I have this dance? Ethan reached out to me. sure why not I responded in a rather cold tone as the gala music swelled.

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The debut had been a success and the IT couple would be a massive hit in the morning blogs and articles.

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‎I couldn't wait for the contract to be over as we drove back to the penthouse