Helen Mark is a 21-year-old model for the Elite Modeling Agency. Although she lost her father who happens to be her only support at a very early age, she strives to become a successful model. She spent the morning in school, her afternoon practicing and working, then her evening in the hospital with her sick mother. It was time for the Model's Grand Finale and Helen was selected by her manager to represent her Agency and to also meet with Mr. Rex a top Director in the industry to push her career. Her joy was cut short when Mr. Rex's lustful feelings brought her to ruin. Lucas Dowell, a handsome young CEO was only in the Grand Finale to supervise some work when he bombed into the scene and saved Helen. Overwhelmed with her beauty, Lucas offers Helen a contract marriage to help solve the internal conflict he has with his family and company. With a huge sum of money, footing her mother's hospital bill as an exchange. Helen must learn to play a perfect wife to earn the fat amount and find ways to avoid falling for the handsome billionaire CEO.
View MoreHELEN
To say that I am excited today is an understatement. My joy burns with roses. I was selected to attend the famous models' Grand Finale organized by Classy Heels Talent, the biggest modeling agency in the country. It's a feat I have worked my whole life to achieve. Seeing myself here under the illumination of all these expensive lights, showcasing my talent before important men like Mr. Philip Anderson, the COO of Triple Friends Group of Companies, and Mr. Rex, the managing director of Off-guard Magazine, is enough reason to be euphoric.
My life has been from hardship to struggling ever since I lost my dad four years ago. I had just concluded high school at that time and gotten admission into college. I was packing up my things that evening to leave the following morning when my phone rang. The doctor told me he got involved in a vital accident. Whenever I go through the phase of remembering that cold evening in the hospital. I feel tortured, hated, and ill-fated.
How he suffered on the hospital bed, struggling to breathe with wet eyes that hoarded tons of unshaded tears. I saw pity in those eyes. There were hidden words behind those soundless flickering eyes, words he couldn't utter, words like; ‘I have failed you, Helen. Survive anyhow you can. I can't help. Take care of your mum. Goodbye.’ It felt like walls had crumbled on my body and soul. I wish I could help. I said silence and loud prayers, but sadly, my prayers never left the ceiling of the hospital ward. If they did, then why did God not answer?
But that notwithstanding, I didn't let four years of uncertainty weigh me down. I continue thriving through tears and pain to become what my heart has always wanted. A model. Broken angles, stage fright, and hate from my colleagues did not stop me from journeying. Six months ago, I won my school pageant and became the Face of the college. After two months, I met Bobby, a renowned model manager, at a dinner party I was invited. He promised to help me find a place in my modeling career. Bobby kept his promise and introduced me to Mr. Rex, the managing director of Off-guard Magazine. I couldn't hide my excitement when Bobby told me that Mr. Rex had scheduled to meet with me after the grand finale.
Bobby said I should do everything I can to win the contract because my career depends on it. Of course, I will. I don't need to be told, if not for anything, for the sake of my mother's hospital bills. She was booked for surgery a month ago and it cost ten thousand dollars. The doctor said I must make half the payment before proceeding. I can't afford such an amount, even if I work my ass out in the coffee shop I earned to support my studies. This is an opportunity that I must not let slip. I must pay for my mother's surgery. I don't want to lose her like my dad. I want her to be alive and see her grandchildren, my achievements, and a life free from pain and tears, and this is a step on the right path to making it a reality.
There were seven models for the Finale fashion show. I was the third person to perform. Bobby had told me that Mr. Rex would be waiting in his VIP lounge and that I had to meet with him backstage immediately after I finished my show, so he could take me there. I waited for a few minutes backstage after the show, and there was no sight of Bobby. I noticed my makeup was messy, and my dress needed to be fixed, so I went into the dressing room to fix them quickly.
My reflection in the gigantic mirror on the wall, for a minute, took my mind a mile away. I remember the little Helen who was always afraid of the future. Often, I would ask Dad, “Will I ever be a successful model?” He would only chuckle and say, “The world is immature to receive your impact.” Unconsciously, a satisfying smile, filled with egoism, escaped my mouth as that statement finally made sense to me after all these years. Soon I will be the face of off-guard, which will make me become the media's favorite celebrity. “I think the world is mature for me now,” I said between breaths.
Approaching footsteps snapped me out of my reverie, the footsteps stopped in front of the dressing room and a familiar voice accompanied them. “That must be Bobby,” I whispered to myself. I hurried to go out but ended up tiptoeing towards the door and peeping through the tiny hole in the door to see who he was with. I was very nervous to meet with Mr. Rex.
“Everything is ready, Mr. Rex; I guarantee she'll be in your hotel room as soon as the show ends. You don't need to worry; relax and enjoy a drink.” Bobby remarked, fixing Mr. Rex's folded suit collar.
Mr. Rex sighed nervously, “I trust you on this, Bobby, I can’t wait to have a taste of that delegate skin.”
“Well, that’s only if your bait is enticing enough. I have only known her for four months, and I can tell she isn’t like other models in our agency. It would be wise if you doubled the price when negotiating with her. She might fall for that.” Bobby added as he tickled his long nails on Mr. Rex's face.
Rex frowned and stepped backward as Bobby’s feminine gesture made him feel uncomfortable. “Well, she can’t reject me or my offer, from what I heard, she needs the contract to sort out some bills. She is in school and her mother is in a hospital bed battling hemorrhoids. Isn’t it obvious that her future solely depends on me?” His words were full of pride and confidence.
“You’re right, her story is very touching, she told me about it. But don’t you think it'd be a little inhumane to poke her from that angle?” Bobby said compassionately.
“All I care about now is to have her in my bed tonight, and I honestly don’t care whatever means I will have to use to achieve that.”
Rex is a cruel man. I have heard rumors about him, some people say he doesn’t care about anyone except himself. That he uses his position, as the managing director of Off-guard Magazine, to abuse any young model that’s attractive to him. I thought it will not happen to me since I am going to him through a renowned manager like Bobby. Not knowing that they are working for a common goal.
“Regardless, Rex, do as I said, I know better as her manager. Meanwhile, my PA will give you my details. Please wire the twenty thousand dollars, my arrangement fee. You can only see her when I see the alert.”
“Give yourself a break, Bobby, I am doing you a favor here. Signing The face of the Off-guard Magazine contract has never been a walk in the park for any modeling company. There are many companies even bigger than yours that have been applying for years yet can’t get one. So I am here using my position to give you without stress. You should be more grateful, Bobby. Think about the respect you will earn in your agency after striking this deal and the huge sum of money that will be at your disposal. I am only asking you for one favor. Let me have Helen even for a night, and watch your dream come through. I desperately need her.” Rex emphasizes.
Bobby let out a smirk from the corner of his mouth. I’m sure he knew Rex to be a cunning, selfish man. Bobby must be the same, why won't he be clever, after all his years of experience? Dealing with people like Rex won't be a new thing.
“There is no way I can agree to help you have Helen without getting a fair amount from you, Rex. Decide fast.”
A hot tear escaped my eyes on hearing that from Bobby. The only person I trust so well to leave my plight to. It's now crystal clear that both of them are selfish and self-centered.
Rex wants to help him become one of the top managers in the industry but with me as the prize, and on the other hand, Bobby wants to help him make it easier and more fame and a fat bank account as his prize.
It's certain that if he persuades me to sleep with Mr. Rex and sign the contract with Off-guard, he would gain more popularity and recommendation in our company and the industry at large.
“Your price is fair yet not enough. I will arrange for her to meet with you, but you know I can’t make her go down with you. I can only try.” Of course, he has to try. If he wants to become richer, he must try, if he must be in the mouth of top companies’ CEOs, he must try.
“I have done many shitty things for you without profit even before becoming the manager of Elite Modeling Agency. Now you want me to compromise? No, Rex, the alert or never. Think fast, Rex, the clock is ticking,” Bobby whispered into his ear before laughing sarcastically and sauntering away. Although he needed to achieve all those, he must act with pride.
Like he often says in one of his favorite mantras, “To earn a fatter share in a bargain, one must act professional and not desperate.”
“Fucking fem boy! What man would catwalk like a woman,” Rex said to himself as he watched him roll his hips away.
“Fine! I'll order a transfer.” he nibbled as he gulped down the last liquid of red wine in his glass.
I stood inside the dressing room speechless, my feet became cold, and I felt a violent buzzing in my head. Part of me wants to hit Bobby so hard. If someone else, but not Bobby, played the betraying Judas role, it might have hit me differently.
I trusted him, every part of me believed he was genuine and incapable of such. I continued peeping and waited for Mr. Rex to leave, so I could go out, I have to run as far as I could.
They must not find me.
The more I waited, the more the pounding in my head intensified, this time, affecting my vision. Could it be that Bobby had drugged the drink he gave to me before my performance? When it was my turn to perform, Bobby gave me a glass filled with wine. The smell wasn’t offensive, and the taste was not different from the normal wine.
I have to leave this place as soon as possible. Before my feet and strength fail me.
Rex had stepped a few steps away when, damn, my phone rang.
HELEN POV"Why are you crying, Mr. Downell," I said between my breaths, trying to sit up."You are surely stronger than you look. I never expected this from a woman." He stretched out his hand and helped me sit up. I chuckled. "There was a fire outbreak, I saw it spread before my eyes while I was on the phone with you. It was so violent that I thought I would die. But a man came in and saved me. I need to thank him.""The man is right here, I saved you. The little witch wanted to kill you." Perplexed by his words."Did you come with a chopper?" I watch him gently."And who is the little witch that intends to kill me? I believe I was careless with the gas cooker. I must have forgotten to turn it off after heating the water." "After the incident, there was an investigation. Every room was searched and a gallon of fuel was found in Catherine's room. The police even saw your room card in her purse. She set the room ablaze to kill you." My mouth widened, and a rush of chill ran down my s
Helen POV" You should have called before you came," Lucas said as he poured glasses of wine."Can't I surprise my husband again?" He smirked and handed over one of the glasses to me."You keep making me dismiss meetings. The point is I can't focus while you're waiting." A wry smile escaped my mouth. He sounded sweet and sexy. "It's not my fault then, you are probably drunk on love." I teased curling up my legs. He ran his hand over his face before revealing a beautiful smile. Watching him smile like that was rare, but trust me it was remarkable. I don't know Lucas as someone who could indulge in conversations that require teasing. But here he is smiling at it wholeheartedly."Well, I couldn't go home since mum is always busy with cooking. So I decided to stop by and share with you the good news I heard in the office today." Lucas's eyes lit and he rested on his chair."Alright then, I'm all ears." "It's about the Oscars, Catherine told me I should be expecting not less than 8 award
Helen POVI opened my eyes to a familiar sight and a chuckle escaped my mouth. I thought everything and everywhere would all be painted white, my garments white and my shoulders would grow wings. I closed my eyes, sucked in a deep breath as I sprayed my legs over the soft hospital bed. I had longed for heaven but it seems it's way far from me."Good morning." A soothing voice whispered behind me. A rush of adrenaline flushes through my system. I knew the voice. It was also familiar. I didn't know if I was thrilled to hear his voice again but I was certain that something inside me wanted to go back to sleep."Aren't you going to at least answer?" The then whispered voice sounded cold again. "Good morning, Lucas," I answered with my eyes still closed. Then the memories came in like wildfire. I remembered a vague gunshot, the bubbles, and the shortness of breath, all of them filled my head that instant. I sat up and flicked my eyes to clear the thoughts as my heart continued to pound vi
The anger of seeing Helen in pain engulfed me, the wicked adrenaline rushed through my veins and I felt like consuming Buzz whole like a wildfire. But each time Helen cries out my heart aches. I felt weakened and broken. I have just realized yet again how much she's into me. Helen has eaten up the greater part of me and the only thing I found worthy of doing was to make her smile again. Make her free from pain, give her rest, and reunite her with her mother.It wasn't impossible, I had been trained in a paramilitary program, and I graduated from different martial arts schools. The strategy was simple, it was even fun to use it with Buzz. He's nothing but a piece that needs to be shown its place. So fixing him was not a problem.I only needed to exhibit a bit of professionalism to think out the right way to deal with him. If I pay attention to my anger like the first time, I might get shot again. I wasn't surprised when I heard Helen shout. To her, it was a shock so she needed to rea
Helen POVStanding head to head, eyeballs to eyeballs I could feel Lucas's anger. His eyes have narrowed. That wasn't a good sign. If his anger gets over him, we all will be dead. His men were a distance away. There's no way they will reach us before Buzz men who were already on standby with their guns pointed at them pull the trigger.Tears escaped my eyes. Before me, Buzz had vowed to make sure Lucas felt the same pain he felt. With the way he held his eyes, I noticed he was dead serious. Buzz smirked and stepped backward avoiding Lucas's forehead which had almost scratched his face."You are quite brave for a man. I admire that. But your snare can not move me an inch, it can not stop the mission either." Lucas maintained a calm aura, he looked up at me and I begged him immediately to turn back and go."It's better to die alone than to die with you, Lucas. Run, please, save yourself so you can take care of my mother." Lucas's eyes became wet as he fixed his gaze on me, ignoring the
the chain rolled to the waters. "Buzz! Lucas called out with a megaphone. The muscles in his neck stood with his hair. Buzz lifts his hand and the cage stops rolling. He grinds as he realizes that he has finally been able to control and make the mighty Lucas who has never bent a knee to anyone succumb to his voice. " Please, let them go, Buzz. Take me. Is it not me you want?" That was the first time I heard Lucas beg. I watched him break down on the floor of the floating boat. That wasn't the only thing, his voice shook like someone in deep panic. What a rare sight of Lucas. I felt his inner pain and my heart ached for him. I wanted everything to stop, I wish it was just a dream. But sadly, it was a reality that I couldn't escape from, I had to face it till the very end. At this point I was ready, I knew Buzz would not let me go without hurting me because I caused everything that Lucas did to him. But if he must kill me, he must set my mum free. At least I can joyfully die knowing
Helen's POVMy bones ached, Buzz had pounded me, and his beatings were brief because he feared I might die and his mission to make Lucas succumb would be aborted. "You've had enough, for now, but I must apologize for not giving you the same beatings Lucas gave me." He started a cruel laugh. There was a pause when one of his men approached and whispered in his ears."Quick, cover her up and put her in the cell." He ordered before walking out of the room. Just as Buzz had ordered, one of his men immediately grabbed me by my shoulder and dragged me out of the room. It was then I knew that I was on a sailing cruise ship. The cold breeze gave me goosebumps. When I saw the water, my stomach rumbled, and I threw out chunks of what I didn't remember eating. "Filthy slut, come over here" I felt a heavy blow on my neck and I lost balance and fell to the ground. He wrapped my hair around his palm and pulled me to himself. I howled in pain but he ignored my voice. He signals another guard."Y
The smell of antiseptic filled my nose and I opened my eyes to the sight of strange but familiar surroundings."Damn, I'm in the hospital again." I breathed out. I hated this place called the hospital. But there I was, in an automated bed, amid big machines and equipment without a clue about how I ended up there. I tried to lift my hand but I was too tired to lift it. A beeping sound kept resounding in my ears from the direction of my left hand and I looked down only to find a female hand wrapped around my chest. I gathered all the strength left in me and managed to adjust. "You're awake, you scare me. Please don't do that again." She said sobbing. I widened my eyes as I stared at my mum's pale skin. "What are you doing here?" I managed to speak and I felt a sharp crack on my neck. I groan in pain and bend my neck to one side. She raised her hand frantically. I saw the panic in her eyes and it hurt my heart."Stay still please, don't talk. I'll go get the doctor." She got up immedi
A flash of panic hints on my face as the TV goes blind before me. I needed to do something, I can't just stand here and wait for a miracle. First, it was my mother, now it's my husband. What will happen to me If anything bad happens to them? I would have not just stayed back, had faith that Lucas could handle the deadly gang stars all by himself. Where will I start from? How will I be of help? I slide my hand into my hair as I think of what to do. I was uneasy, walking around the sitting room like a mad woman. No one would see me and not think of me that way. "What would I do if they were captured? I would find the secret place where they hid them and rescue them." I thought to myself. Now, if my thoughts are correct, how will I find the hidden place? My brain was not helping at all, the thoughts that came were negative all through."But the broadcaster said there was a shooting in Enfield, what would happen next if Lucas was shot?" I started analyzing again. "Certainly, Lucas would
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