Chapter one

Jasmin£

“I heard the Lintons are going to be there” Chloe announced excitedly.

I shifted my stare from my phone and glanced at her through the vanity mirror. She had one leg over the other as she sat on my bed, pouring out champagne into a flute glass all the while watching me too, through the mirror.

She was done getting glammed up, So all she had been doing was trying to engage me in small talk while I was having my own makeover. I saw her wiggle her brows at me trying to make me relate with her excitement.

I just casually shook my head, and fixated my eyes on my phone again.

“Come on Jas, aren't you excited to meet them? I know I am….it's not everyday a hotshot billionaire sponsors an event and actually shows up. And that's not all….The one and only Ace Linton will be personally handing you your award tonight. That's mind boggling!” She continued with much enthusiasm.

“I'm excited, but he's just a man Chloe, no big deal” I shrugged under the mild pressure of the brushes in my face.

Tonight would be one of the biggest achievements in my life. 

It was my award show tonight.

Life was finally looking up for me after a nightmarish past.

I had become a viral, and wealthy Artist.

After years of singing in the streets, both on sunny and rainy days, to finally getting noticed and signed into a famous record label, and dropping hit songs, my music was finally taking me to one of the biggest awards shows in the country tonight. 

Chloe, my best friend, was so excited for my award win but when she found out Ace Linton would be present, her excitement went up the roof. 

The Lintons, I had heard, were top tier business men. They were the owners of the leading jewelling business in the states. I knew little to nothing more about them, except that their popular fortune heir, Ace Linton would be a special guest at the awards tonight.

Ace Linton. 

I haven't seen him before, never kept tabs on him but the hype about him was enough to make me imagine we've met thousands of times.                                                          Carved by Zeus himself.                        Sexiest man to walk the earth. 

He was literally the dream man of every woman. I have heard how women worship him and crave for his attention and all this piqued my curiosity to finally come face to face with him tonight.

I needed to see what everyone was seeing.

But come on, we were celebrities too. While I was a big time artiste, Chloe and her mum were co owners of one of the biggest fashion brands in the states.

Yep. I was a fucking millionaire now, with the sweetest friend I could ever have. A fucking millionaire too.

Tonight's dress was a haute couture red mini dress. It was a sleeveless body con gown with a sweetheart neckline and a really long tail fixed from the waist line, the tail overflowed onto the floor. The entire dress was covered in sparkly diamonds that reminded me of starlit night skies, with a corset that snatched my waist perfectly and accentuated my fat ass more. 

Diamond accessories and pricey silver strap heels completed the outfit.              Every intricate detail was in place for tonight.

I had opted for a blue contact lens shielding my surreal arabic eyes color yet the blue was still gorgeous on me.

My usual blonde curls had been straightened out and gathered into a very chic updo and my makeup was flawless. It made me feel like the kind of woman that could do whatever the fuck I want.

The stunning look my styling team performed on me, made this night,this award much more real.

When I had fit into my gorgeous gorgeous dress, I twirled before the mirror, my dress fanning my thighs, when Chloe cooed, “Omg you look like an ethereal angel, Jas.” She regarded me with stars sparkling in her eyes.

I let out a slight melodious laugh, as she approached me. She always had a thing or two to say to boost my confidence.

Turning to look at myself in the mirror once more.

I couldn't help the pride that swelled up within.

Instead of the ruined and hopeless girl, from seven years ago who didn't know what life had in stock for her, all I could see now as I stared at my reflection, was an ever confident yet gorgeous alpha female.

The pain of the past didn't hurt as much anymore.

It made me emotional and just when I'd wiped a lone tear, I could sense Chloe dismissing everyone.

When we were alone, she was right behind me, staring at my own reflection with me, she delicately placed her hands on my arms

“I wish he could see what he lost now…” she whispered.

We both knew who she was talking about. My jerk of an ex.

I glared at nothing in particular, my heart hardened at the thought of him.

“I wish he's dying somewhere, so I never see him again.” 

“Me too.” She voiced. 

There was a bit of silence. We glanced at each other before we burst out laughing.

We always understood each other and this was much needed now, to lighten our moods. 

“Come on b…”

We left for the awards in a limousine, the driver, Chloe and Henry, accompanying me, while the rest of my record label team tagged in another car ahead of us.

 I glanced out at the passing city lights and took a deep breath as it reminded me of how mum used to call me her shining light. She said I brought light into people's lives and she always knew I was destined for greatness. She was never wrong.

I felt a little sad knowing she wasn't going to make it to the show tonight. She was away on a trip but she had already called earlier to wish me luck.

That was all I needed.

I don't know why I felt antsy the whole ride to the event. Like something might go wrong tonight.

I took a deep breath to calm the nerves and eventually blamed it on the over excitement of claiming the awards.

Chloe and I had champagne alongside others on our ride too.

She sipped her wine,“You know I also heard Ace wears a promise ring on his left middle finger for his girlfriend, Veronica.”

“Ah” I rolled my eyes playfully. We were back to the Ace talk.

“Veronica must be one lucky girl. ” I replied sarcastically as I kept my eyes on the view from the window.

I have one rule I've always believed in.

Relationship was a waste of feelings.

You either hurt or get hurt, must be one of those.

Poor Veronica!

We arrived at the venue and the paparazzi was everywhere, with their blinding lights. The shutters of their cameras was like a never ending rhythmic sound as they followed every celebrity present.

Chloe helped me with the tail of my dress as I stepped down onto the red carpet.

Our fans screamed out our names and called for us. I waved politely their way with a huge grin, so did Chloe.

I adjusted my fur coat and posed for the cameras. It was like a never ending hustle for our attention as each camera man struggled to get their best shots of Chloe and I.

Next, we mingled with other celebrities and had small chats with interviewers.

Finally, it was time for the ceremony proper.

The activities of the night rolled in.

The host called out every category for the awards tonight and awards were presented in order.

When it got to my category, I took a deep breath.

The host leaned into the mic, and with a quick survey of the room, he spoke.

“And now, for a moment we've all been waiting for. It's time to present our seventh award for tonight and for that, please allow me to announce the Advent of an icon.

I'm sure we all know who I'm talking about. 

This man has not only managed to head a huge empire but he has also managed to build up two more empires from scratch. He is a business guru. Businessmen shiver at the mention of his name.

A promising gentleman who has managed to pave his way into our hearts with his deeds and accomplishments.”

His praises just went on.

I glanced at Chloe and she was watching with her eyes twinkling in delight. 

Everyone had some type of grin on their faces as they anticipated his entry.

Now I was really curious to meet this “Ace.”

“Now please everyone join me as I welcome, The billionaire, The Able CEO and president of the Grand Ace Jewellers empire none other than the ACE LINTON” He announced loudly and thousands of claps followed his announcement.

I watched eagerly.

Everyone waited.

A minute passed.

There was no sign of movements among the audience.

“Mr Ace…..we await you”. The host announced once again, his eyes hovering the place.

A bit of seconds passed in silence.

Murmurings began as Ace was nowhere in sight.

I put my hand over my lips as I fought to hold back a smirk.

Ace is sure one very interesting being for bailing off this way.

Ace, 1 - Everyone, 0

Ace missed the event, someone else stood in for him.

" That's not Ace, that's his junior brother...Armani" 

I tsked, and shook my head.

There goes any chance of meeting the popular Ace.

"Apologies everyone, Ace couldn't make it to the first part of the show tonight, but be rest assured he will be present at the afterparty."

Whatever I don't care.

Never been a fan of the male figure anyways.

Without much talk, he stood in for Ace and was handed the envelope for the award.

He threw a firm nod at the audience once more, before opening the result.

Chloe and I shared a glance, and she squeezed my hand excitedly.

“The winner for the best female vocal awards goes to ……….”

My heartbeat quickened.

“JASMINE PARKLANE.”

A loud cheering and clapping erupted from the audience.

Suddenly the spotlight was on me.

Chloe burst into shouts of excitement, pulling me into a hug.

My heart felt like it would burst with over excitement, a wave of euphoria embalmed my entire being.

It felt like a dream come true. Tears of joy filled my eyes.

I was accompanied to the stage by Chloe and Henry to claim my awards.

Speechlessly, I claimed my awards from Armani Linton, who offered me a huge grin in return. It had really been a tough journey to get to where I was today. I struggled to keep the tears at bay as I rendered my appreciation speech.

Who would have thought that Jasmine would be here today, after my life went down a rocky path seven years ago?                                             I made sure everyone knew how grateful I was to claim this award. 

More categories were called out after mine and finally the event was over.

Then, everyone was escorted to the grand hall where the after party would be held.

The party came into full swing.

Chloe popped wines, and we toasted to our big win. I got congratulated by lots of people present.

We mingled with lots of the guests.

“Guess your crush eventually bailed at the last minute.” I said to her over the loud music and gave her a teasing smile as I sipped my wine.

She gave me a ridiculous look, “Oh please, Ace is not my crush, if anything I was only doing it for you”  She shrugged it off.

I gave her an “oh you definitely were not.” look.

“You said you didn't get the hype about him, and I just thought I'd show you.” She said matter of factly.

“I still don't know why you haven't bothered to check him online.” she added, raising her wine to her lips.

“That's cause I'm not a stalker babe” I replied in a cool voice as I patted her shoulder.

She shook her head, “Say whatever, at least you got to see his brother, he is good but not as good looking as Ace. Ace is a masterpiece, ask anyone and they'd tell you the same. Also keep your heads up, like Armani said he might still show up later tonight.” She shrugged and I just gave a slight smile.

The party went on just fine, I even met up with the Lintons.

“Congratulations on your award tonight, Jasmine.” I heard a very gentlemanly voice behind me.

Chloe's eyes widened as she watched the person behind me and I turned to meet him.

He stood there, looking all clean and polished in an expensive tailored suit, the black suit was a stark contrast to his whiskey eyes, rigid jaws and sharp contours. Luscious dark hair combed back in a sleek manner.

The one who offered me my award tonight.

Armani Linton.

Chloe wasn't wrong. He was a fine man.

Like a reflex, a polite smile graced my features.

“Thank you, I'm honored mister.”

He nodded and took my hand to place a tender flirtatious kiss on it.

“Name’s Armani, and you are such a gorgeous woman.”

I smirked, “ I'm flattered. You aren't bad yourself.”  I teased making him deliver a coy smile too.

“Anyways, Sorry about Ace.” He said and I instantly knew he was referring to my award.

I gave him a ridiculous smile, “oh please, if anything I should thank you for standing in when things got awkward. It's not your apology to hand out.” I shrugged it off with a drag of my wine.

He gave me a slightly amused smirk, “Ace doesn't hand out apologies.”

I cringed at the thought of him being this self entitled demigod.

“Entitled much he is then?” I shook my head in disapproval.

His eyes observed me with an upturned lip after which he eventually shook his head too likely holding back his own comment.

“Anyways…” he breathed out as his eyes quickly swayed around the venue and landed on me once more. “My father wants to meet you. He is a fan of yours.” 

“Of course. It'll be my pleasure to meet Chief Linton. Take me to him” 

He nodded with a half smile and gestured with his hands.

“This way..”

He escorted me as we were flanked by his guards to a more serene side of the event where the music is less louder.

I met with the Lintons. They were really nice people. 

Chanel Linton enveloped my hand in his, “ I am your biggest fan..” He confessed with a huge grin.

He was a really agile and handsome figure, looking like he was in his late fifties, clad in sophistication and exuding a rich aura in his circle of suited overachievers.

My eyes darted over his face and I grinned at him.

His eyes tell a resemblance to Armani's.

“I'm flattered.”

“You should be. You have such a beautiful voice and you are such a beautiful woman. Overly gorgeous tonight”

I got more compliments from his fellows around him and he offered me wine.

I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the respect I was receiving from this powerful man. 

Who knew I would ever dine with top Billionaires?

After a lot of mingling, I found myself wanting a little break from the venue.

So I trailed towards the exit from the room. 

I found myself trailing along the corridor and as I stepped further away from the event, The music was less and my muscles relaxed more.

Then, my eyes caught sight of a man standing with his back to me and his eyes engrossed in a painting of Lady Godiva with his hand clutching a tumbler.

He was very unfamiliar from my view yet radiating a sleek and polished appearance by his poise. My interest piqued and I couldn’t help but indulge in a bit of conversation with him, seeing as he was alone in the corridor, away from the main event just like me.

I sauntered towards him and stood by his side as I also fixed my eyes on the familiar artwork.

“I also find the painting very controversial……I mean till today I still can not comprehend Lady Godiva's selflessness and sacrifice. You know she….” I turned my head to glance at him mid sentence and my next words got stuck in my throat, when he too tilted his head to meet his eyes with mine.

I inhaled sharply, goosebumps rising all over my skin as I saw eyeball to eyeball with the most familiar pair of honey eyes.

It felt like the world had come to a stand still as I witnessed the very familiar man who stood a feet from me, radiating an overly confident aura.

Bearing eyes I dreaded with everything in me.

The glass in my hand dropped to the floor and shattered info tiny pieces as the resemblance struck me.

Eyes I would recognize anywhere in this world, any moment.

He watched me with furrowed brows.

My life from seven years ago flashed before my eyes in a millisecond.

The love, the touch, the kisses, the scandal, the betrayal………

He looked like a splitting image of my ex.

Nooooo.

My insides trembled.

 “You…….” I let out in a breathless whisper

Just about the same time, I heard a man's voice behind me.                                                           “Ace."