After a few minutes, Damian stopped in front of a coffee bookstore. Breathing heavily, he said, “Let’s stop right here and have a cup of hot coffee. This is my favorite spot, and he makes the best coffee!” Ivy nodded in agreement. “Of course, let’s grab a cup here!” she said. Deep down, she was happy they were taking a break; she wasn't sure she could jog back to the house, but she was certain she might pass out any minute if she didn't get some rest. However, when they entered the coffee shop, she spotted a man in his late sixties. He had a bald head and used a stick to aid his movements, even though he appeared quite capable. Once he saw Damian, he quickly greeted him and offered them a special space where he served their coffee. As they sat sipping their drinks, Damian couldn't help but tease Ivy about her jogging skills. "I didn't know you were such a slowpoke!" he said with a grin. Ivy's face turned bright red as she laughed. "Hey, I'm just pacing myself!" she protested. “I’m
Ivy's heart raced with fear as she took a few steps back, her eyes fixed on the glass that was being lowered. She involuntarily shivered as she watched the glass descend gradually, only for it to reveal Lucas. Heaving a deep sigh of relief, she questioned, “Lucas, why are you here?” “Uh, uh,” he tried to think of a convincing excuse. “I was just passing by and decided to pick you up since you were waiting for a cab,” he lied. Looking around, Ivy hesitantly entered the car. She wasn't convinced by his excuse, but that wasn't any of her problems now. She just wanted to rush back to work since her fashion launch was less than forty-eight hours away. Revving the engine to life, Lucas hit the road, his mind swirling with thoughts. He wasn't sure Ivy really believed the lame excuses he had just given her, but he was willing to get his act together and not let her know he had been with them the entire time they were jogging. “So, where did Damian go? You both left together, but you're co
Leon’s eyes swept over her beautiful dress, and his lips curved into a deep smile. “You look stunning!” he admitted. “That dress really looks good on you, Ivy!” he admired, not trying to hide how much he adored her in that dress. Ivy rolled her eyes and responded, “Thank you, but that doesn't answer my question: what the hell were you doing at my door? You're supposed to be at your company already. You're the CEO!” He sighed. “I was waiting for you. I tried calling you, but your phone wasn’t reachable. Then my aunt told me that you jogged out with Damian.” “And why would you be waiting for me instead of going over to put things in order?” "I was waiting for you because I wanted to make sure you were okay after your jog," Leon said, his eyes still admiring her dress. "And I have to say, you look absolutely breathtaking. How can I concentrate on work without you being there?” Ivy raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "You were worried about me? That's sweet, but I think you
However, some hours later, the event was in full swing, and the hall was filled to the brim with dignitaries, celebrities, and other fashion icons who were invited to grace the occasion. Ivy stood in front of the hall where all of her designs were displayed on mannequins. She had a wide grin on her face as she looked at each one of them. She had endured sleepless nights and meticulous hard work to make it all possible. Looking around, she didn’t notice anyone in there; she quickly danced around the room, twirling and spinning with pure delight. It was less than ten minutes before she walked out and strutted down the runway before the models began to walk. Suddenly, the sound of the door opening snapped her from her dance. Once she looked and noticed Hailey, her smile faded almost immediately. Hailey walked up to her with a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Congratulations, Ivy!” she said. Ivy's eyes widened in shock as Hailey approached her, a small smile still
Ivy's heart raced as she pulled the doorknob again and again, but it wouldn't budge. She was trapped. Panic set in as she screamed for someone to help her, but her voice was muffled by the thick door. She banged on the door with her fists, pleading for someone to hear her. "Help! Someone, please help me! I'm stuck in here!" she cried, her voice growing hoarse from screaming as she continued to bang on the door. But no one came. The hall was eerily silent, and Ivy was left alone, trapped and helpless. She slid down to the floor, her back against the door, and buried her face in her hands. "Why is this happening to me?" she sobbed, feeling like she was in a nightmare. "I was supposed to be celebrating my fashion show, not trapped in a locked room." As she sat there, she thought about Hailey's strange behavior earlier. Had she planned this? Was she behind the locked door, or was it a coincidence? Maybe it was just a mistake, and no one knew she was in there. Ivy's mind raced with ques
As the men outside broke the door, Leo turned to Ivy and asked, "Are you ready?" She nodded. "Yes, I am!" "Good!" His face lit up with a smile. "Now, once we get out there, you walk straight to the runway, wow them all, and seize the moment. Then they'll all forget that you weren't punctual!" Ivy nodded, took a deep breath, and once the door was open, she walked out. The bright lights and loud music of the fashion show hit her like a wave, but with Mr. Leo by her side, she felt a sense of confidence and calm as they both headed to the runway hall. Taking the elevator, Ivy closed her eyes, trying to gather herself. "Ivy, you can do this. Yes, you can do this!" Once the elevator opened, Ivy heard the loud cheers from the runway event and stopped. Looking at the wall screen, her breath hitched, and she stumbled back in shock, seeing Hailey standing in front of the hallway and waving at the audience as if she were the designer. She couldn't believe her eyes. She stood there, seemingl
Lucas stood up to cheer for Ivy, but Madam Victoria shunned him and forced a smile. "Oh, Lucas, dear, please, not so loud. We don't want to draw attention away from her supposed big moment." Lucas looked sad for a moment but then brightened. "Oh, right! Sorry, Madam Victoria! I got a bit carried away!" Madam Victoria rolled her eyes. "Well, just try to contain your enthusiasm, dear." But Lucas couldn't help himself. He started doing a little dance in his seat, waving his arms and making "ca-ching" noises. Madam Victoria tried to shush him, but Lucas was unstoppable. He jumped up and began doing a victory dance on the table, knocking over a glass of water in the process. "Wow, Ivy, you are absolutely stunning out there!" one of the models in attendance screamed. "I know, right? She totally stole the show!" another remarked. "Hailey didn't stand a chance once Ivy hit the runway! I'm still in shock; I can't believe what just happened!" "Ivy's walk was everything and more! I'm so p
Ivy's face beamed with pride as she watched the models walk down the runway in her designs. “Hey, Ivy!” Leon called out to her as he approached. “You did good out there! Our ratings are very high, and it's all thanks to you!” Once she turned around and saw it was Leon, her smile faded away. She sneered, “Where is your girlfriend?” Leon’s eyes widened at her harsh voice. He tried to calm her down, his gaze wandering to ensure the media didn't catch that moment. “What's up, Ivy? What happened? Why are you angry?” He smiled as he pulled her away from the cameras and walked her back inside. “Where is your girlfriend?” Ivy demanded, her voice low and angry. “I know she was supposed to be here tonight, and I know she was the one who tried to sabotage my moment! Where the hell is she, Leon? Did you hide her?” Leon's smile faltered, and he looked around nervously to make sure they were out of earshot of the media. “Ivy, calm down. Let's talk about this inside. What are you even talking a