EMILY’S POVSuddenly, I asked. "And what if I'm having an affair with him?" My eyes locked onto both of them.A heavy silence followed.Victoria's expression remained stoic, but her voice was steady and calm, cutting through the silence like a blade."Are you aware that it's a poisonous fruit you're eating? And poisonous fruits kill faster than you think," She said, smiling at me."Poisonous fruit?" I repeated.She leaned forward. "This is reminding of Adam from the bible. The one who ate the forbidden fruit and doomed us all but at least Adam was a man. You? You're a woman and yet here you're committing the same sin...... deliberately,"I blinked. Her words were sharp, hitting me as a slap on my face. I had planned to press on to learn her reaction but instead, I ended up getting slicedI was about to flinch but mask it up with laughter."Oh come on. I thought we were joking. You take things way too seriously. I was just pulling your legs, so lighten up," I said amidst the laughs.I
EMILY'S POVI watched as they walked out of the apartment, their heels clicking against the floor. The door shut behind but I couldn't move. I just stood there, staring at an empty.The chaos of the last few minutes still echoed in my mind. I gathered myself and turned around, and there Ethan was - standing very close to me with an unreadable expression on his face."When did you come out? What if they come back?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly as I locked eyes with him.Ethan stared at me, as if he was trying to figure out what was going on in my head. "They are not coming back as long as that door is shut," He finally said after gazing at me for seconds.I kept gazing at him and he stared at me in amusement. A playful glint appeared in his eyes as he gently tugged on my nose, a teasing gesture."They might still be around so you can't leave yet," I said, my words coming out desperately.He gaze softened for a moment and there was something in his expression that made my heart b
EMILY POVI shook my head, my hands trembling as I looked at Ethan, then back at Olivia. "Something worse than that," I said, my voice barely above a whisper."Where's the something else?" Olivia asked, her eyes darting towards the door as she strode out and I went after her."That red car over there. Camille," I said, pointing at the car."How did you know that she is the one?" She asked, raising her eyebrow. Her expression changing from confusion to suspicion."She came over earlier with Victoria and when I opened the door, I saw the car parked right there. I remembered the license plate. Her name was boldly written on it," I explained, letting out a shaky breath.Without another word, Olivia strode towards the car. I followed her. I knocked on the car window and the window slid down revealing Camille sitting behind the wheel.Her eyes flickered over to Olivia then slowly to me, her eyes widened like one that has seen a ghost."Oh it's you," Olivia said, with a smile though it was o
EMILY POV"You're flirting with him? I thought you said you were only going to use him to make Daniel jealous, to make Daniel realise that he made a huge mistake cheating on you," Olivia said, her eyebrow rising in suprise as she folded her arms across her chest. Her tone wasn't harsh instead surprised and a little bit worried.I dropped my eyes to the floor,my fingers fiddling with each other in a speechless way. Her gaze on me tells she's trying to read every emotions written on my face."Liv, that was the plan at first," I mumbled. "But now....things are different. I didn't mean for it to happen but I'm starting to really like him. I'm beginning to enjoying his company more. It's becoming more than a crush, I think I'm falling for him in a hard way,"Olivia gazed at me for a long moment, and suddenly widened her arms, pulling me into a tight, warm and comforting hug. I blinked twice, my arms hanging in the air.I had expected her to yell at me, maybe call me crazy for letting my e
EMILY POVOlivia entered the kitchen and I stood at the doorway, folding my arms. "I forgot to tell you that Camille said she came over with the aim to apologize," I said, heading towards the counter, resting on it as I folded my arms across my chest. The memories of the meeting still lingered in my head like a bittersweet taste.Olivia scoffed. "The Camille bitch I know doesn't look like someone that knows how to admit to her stupidity not to talk of apologizing," She replied, rolling her eyes. "But why did Victoria tag along? Have you meet her personally before?""I haven't meet her personally before. I don't even know her, I only got to know all thanks to the introduction you did at the gala. I think they are getting suspicious about me and Ethan relationship. Camille caught us talking in a terrace at his family's gala event so she's probably piecing it together but Victoria..... she's hard to read," I expressed, spearing Olivia a glance as she began eating the breakfast I had prep
EMILY'S POV"Olivia, what are you trying to say?" I asked, looking at her as my eyes narrowed. I could tell she was building up something but I just can't place my hand around it.She leaned forward, her fingers tapping on the table. "What I'm saying is that, don't you think it's time for you to start making use of your hands, those magical hands.""My hands?, Olivia, please be direct. What do you mean?" I asked, my eyes darting at my innocent hands.She gave me a small smile. "It's fashion. Emily, aren't you getting it. Your hands, your designs, your talent, the nous in your head. That should be your job now. Forget about Liu fashion store, it's their lost and yours," She asserted, giving me a big smile.It took me a minute for her words to click and almost immediately my eyes opened in excitement. "Olivia, how are you so fucking smart. You want me to start designing again right?" I inquired, and she nodded, in affirmation."Exactly. I want you to start designing, and not just desig
EMILY'S POVIn the past few days, things moved faster than I had expected. Olivia's idea, that I had doubted and feared that it might be in a dream forever has blossomed into something real.With her help, and her networking, her small circle of socialites who were happy and eager to try out a fresh designer approached me and I found myself designing again.Sketches turned into consultations. Consultation turned into paid request and I found myself doing something I enjoyed, doing something I can do at my comfort zone.I wasn't serving anyone again.Now a self made boss. I was a building.In the afternoon, I sat on the dynamite titles, adjusting the glasses on my eyes..I was in the middle of a wedding concept for a bride that had approached me on Epitok..She wanted her gown modern, minimal and breathtaking. It's very challenging. She pointed out the way she wants her gown to sew but the process is hell of a kind, challenging but it's something I wanted because it's challenging.I was
EMILY'S POVThe morning light filtered in softly through the curtains, casting reflection across the room. My eyes flickered open, blinking multiple times as I stretched my soul and body. I could feel Ethan's arm around my chest, his chest rising and falling in rhythm. The faint scent of his cologne still lingered in the air as his arms made me feel safe, comfortable.....secured, almost like we are the only one on earth.I shifted and turned to face him. His dark hair tousled from sleep. I smiled softly, taking in the sight of him. He looks so at peace, vulnerable in a way that he didn't let anyone see. My fingers trace the contours of his face.Ethan stirred, blinking his eyes as it met mine. There was that look in his eyes, something deep and unspoken, like there was so much he wanted to say but for some reason he didn't."Good morning," I whispered, my voice thick with sleep."Morning," He replied, his voice low and rough. He reached out, pulling me closer as his lips find it way o
EMILY’S POVThe next day, my pencil swung as I sat on the floor. The television was on and music was playing. Papers were littered on the floor.I adjusted the pencil that held and gazed at my sketching. The sketching outline of a coat inspired by the theme of reinvention. The challenge brought out a new side and I'm happy a double mind with Victoria being my instructor.I told Olivia about it and she wasn't expecting a development. I let her know that I wasn't aware that Victoria was a fashion designer. I had thought she was just a digital influencer and maybe a CEO of a big industry not knowing she's a fashion designer.Olivia laughed at me as she told him to always stay updated.As I was shading the lapel, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen to see a message from Camille."Hey Emily, I was wondering if we could meet today. I have something I'd l
EMILY’S POVI felt relieved when Mara introduced herself. Her presence felt like a gift to me. After she had introduced herself as one of the designers for Vera label, her contagious smile and bubble attitude made me realize that she's not a nervous newcomer.With her around, my time at Vera label won't be boring.An hour later, the designers were ushered into a meeting room. There were mannequins in the room and I gaze at it as I looked at the fabrics worn on itLiana, Vera label's brand lead stepped into the room and everyone stared at her, curiosity shining in the eyes."Thank you all for coming tonight," Liana began, her eyes darting at each of us. "We have seen your portfolio and I would say we are very impressed. Now we are ready to move onto the next agenda,"She paused, taking her lower lips in, and we waited patiently for her to spill the full
EMILY’S POVTwo invitations. Same day. Same night.And one of them came from the man who had kissed me like he meant it, but still hadn’t said how he truly felt.I read the message again.Then again.I didn’t know what I would say. I didn’t know what I would choose.When I see Ethan's text, asking me out for dinner on Saturday night, my stomach twisted.Two invitations. Same day. Same night.I picked up my phone and responded to the text. "What do you think of Friday night,""If it's fine by you," He texted back."Then I'd love that," I texted back, grimacing.Friday night arrived quicker than I had imagined. I wore a simple outfit....a deep navy dress that hugged my body frame, with a soft makeup, and my hair curled. I dressed to l
EMILY’S POVI couldn't shake her words off my mind. They echoed in my head for minutes after I watch her leave to attend to other guest. Her calm but calculative voice played again and again in my head."You should be careful.""You know, sometimes people get a little... possessive about things.""If I were you, I wouldn’t be too quick to trust people easily before of their nice gestures. You never know who’s playing you.""Just don’t get too comfortable, Emily. People like you don’t always get the luxury of staying comfortable."Those words replayed in my head over and over countless times.Was that a warning? Or was it a cryptic code that I have to decode.I stood in front of the designs displayed, trying to focus on the clothes, the stitching, the fabrics bu
EMILY'S POVI froze, my phone pressed harder against my ears as Ethan's voice Ethan echoed in my head.For a moment I didn't know how to respond. I hoped they didn't hear his voice or know who I was talking to.My tongue felt heavy, my heart pounding loudly. I stared at Victoria, who was watching me closely with a smug expression on her face."I'll take my leave now," I said, turning my back at her as I clutched onto my bag and phone tighter. I got outside and reduced my pace."Emily," Ethan called again, his voice raspy.I walked out of the building, stepping on a pavement to wait for a cab."Yes," I finally answered, my voice low and steady.There was a brief silence on the other end before Ethan talked again. "You're ignoring me calls and kept my text messages on read. I guess that was deliberate," He said, frustration hinting in his voice mI swallowed hard, gripping my tote bag tighter against my side. "I was busy, and I needed some space for myself," I said, keeping my voice ste
EMILY'S POVThe hotel hallway suddenly became quiet after the knock. My soul has frozen, my heart slamming against my ribs when I heard Chloe's voice from outside.I was resting on the door, unsure of my next line of action,my thoughts racing faster than a cheetahMy entire body tensed at the idea of her walking in and discovering me here, in Ethan’s suite. The last thing I wanted was for her to put two and two together.I held my breath for a few more moments, counting the seconds in my head as I waited for her footsteps to fade down the hallway. When the silence was absolute, I dared to open the door slightly, just enough to peek out. My heart still raced, but thankfully, the hallway was empty.That was too close.I closed the door quietly behind me, taking a deep, steadying breath. I needed to leave. I needed to get out of here before anything else happened, before Chloe came back or someone else discovered me. Ethan had given me access to his suite, but that didn’t mean I was supp
EMILY'S POVThe morning light filtered in softly through the curtains, casting reflection across the room. My eyes flickered open, blinking multiple times as I stretched my soul and body. I could feel Ethan's arm around my chest, his chest rising and falling in rhythm. The faint scent of his cologne still lingered in the air as his arms made me feel safe, comfortable.....secured, almost like we are the only one on earth.I shifted and turned to face him. His dark hair tousled from sleep. I smiled softly, taking in the sight of him. He looks so at peace, vulnerable in a way that he didn't let anyone see. My fingers trace the contours of his face.Ethan stirred, blinking his eyes as it met mine. There was that look in his eyes, something deep and unspoken, like there was so much he wanted to say but for some reason he didn't."Good morning," I whispered, my voice thick with sleep."Morning," He replied, his voice low and rough. He reached out, pulling me closer as his lips find it way o
EMILY'S POVIn the past few days, things moved faster than I had expected. Olivia's idea, that I had doubted and feared that it might be in a dream forever has blossomed into something real.With her help, and her networking, her small circle of socialites who were happy and eager to try out a fresh designer approached me and I found myself designing again.Sketches turned into consultations. Consultation turned into paid request and I found myself doing something I enjoyed, doing something I can do at my comfort zone.I wasn't serving anyone again.Now a self made boss. I was a building.In the afternoon, I sat on the dynamite titles, adjusting the glasses on my eyes..I was in the middle of a wedding concept for a bride that had approached me on Epitok..She wanted her gown modern, minimal and breathtaking. It's very challenging. She pointed out the way she wants her gown to sew but the process is hell of a kind, challenging but it's something I wanted because it's challenging.I was
EMILY'S POV"Olivia, what are you trying to say?" I asked, looking at her as my eyes narrowed. I could tell she was building up something but I just can't place my hand around it.She leaned forward, her fingers tapping on the table. "What I'm saying is that, don't you think it's time for you to start making use of your hands, those magical hands.""My hands?, Olivia, please be direct. What do you mean?" I asked, my eyes darting at my innocent hands.She gave me a small smile. "It's fashion. Emily, aren't you getting it. Your hands, your designs, your talent, the nous in your head. That should be your job now. Forget about Liu fashion store, it's their lost and yours," She asserted, giving me a big smile.It took me a minute for her words to click and almost immediately my eyes opened in excitement. "Olivia, how are you so fucking smart. You want me to start designing again right?" I inquired, and she nodded, in affirmation."Exactly. I want you to start designing, and not just desig