LOGINShare
Chapter 8
Last Updated:
2022-05-05 19:59:20Related chapters
Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 9
As the sun rises, the sound of a helicopter is heard hovering in the sky. We jump up and down, and wave our arms in the air, trying to get the pilot’s attention.We slump in disappointment, as it flies past us. Sighing, I lean against a tree.‘I’m so tired, and so hungry I can barely stay awake.’ I sob.‘It’ll be okay.’ Hailey says and hugs me. I bury my face in her shoulder and look up to see Carol giving me a sympathetic look. I grab her arm, and pull her into us, hugging them both.‘I’m sorry I slapped you, Carol.’ I cry.‘No, I should be the one apologising. To both of you. You might be a little on the crazy side Hailey, but you’re quite fun to be around and you’re definitely not a bitch. If anything, I have been the bitch. Zurielle, I’m sorry about what I said about you and Ace. I was jealous because I had a crush on Ace and he turned me down a couple of years ago,’ she confesses.‘I had no idea that you liked Ace that way. He hasn’t mentioned it.’‘I used to like him. I moved on
Last Updated : 2022-05-05Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 10
We arrive at the penthouse, where, Martin, our chef is in the kitchen with heaps of already-made food for me to eat. I eat more than two meals. After I’ve finished, Ace suggests a shower before I sleep.‘Do I have to? I can barely keep my eyes open,’ I grumble.‘You have a bird’s nest in your hair. You don’t want the dirt on your face going onto your pillow. I’ll help you wash, then you can stay in bed and rest for as long as you want to.’ He smiles.‘For a whole week?’ I ask, and he laughs.‘If that's what you wish.’ He takes my hand, leads me upstairs, undresses me, and I step into the shower and instantly relax under the hot water. He rubs soap all over my back and down my arms. I apply double the amount of shampoo I usually would to get all the dirt out of my hair.After rinsing out the shampoo, Ace applies the conditioner and runs his fingers through my hair, to remove knots and twigs. I wash the rest of my body while Ace gets a fresh towel for me. I step out and accept the towel
Last Updated : 2022-05-05Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 11
I spend the next two weeks working from home until the media storm dies down.On Friday, Ace returns home, and it's the same routine as always: I stop what I'm doing, run to the door and jump up for him to catch me, and wrap my arms around his neck, and kiss him passionately.Some days he carries me straight to the bedroom where we ravish eachother, or sit on the balcony with coffees, and chat, or relax on the couch and watch a movie. Yesterday afternoon we didn’t even make it to the bedroom. We ended up halfway up the staircase completely nude. Thankfully, Martin and Belinda had gone home.‘You might want to change out of your track pants. Not that it bothers me, but, I’m taking you out tonight.’ He smiles.‘Where are we going?’‘I think it’s time we visit your friends and have some fun at the Snake Pit. What do you say?’ He asks with a grin.‘Yes!’ I run upstairs, excitedly, and step into the shower. I run into my walk-in wardrobe and toss different dresses around, trying to choose
Last Updated : 2022-05-05Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 12
After a magical night on the Yarra River, I’m engaged to Ace, and we beam with happiness and don’t stop smiling at eachother.‘Well, Mrs Brightly. Looks like we have a wedding to plan.’ He smiles.‘We do.’‘We’ll announce it to the media on Monday,’ Ace says, kissing my forehead.Hailey, Carol and Cleo come over to the penthouse the next day with a pile of bridal magazines.‘Oh, this dress is so you!’ Hailey squeals.‘It is very nice,’ Cleo agrees. Hailey turns the magazine around so I can view the dress.‘It’s nice, but it might be a little too revealing.’‘Well, you do have a great set of boobs Zurielle, so you should totally flaunt them.’ Hailey smirks.Ace enters the room, takes the magazine from Hailey and scrunches his face up.‘Hailey, I can practically see her nipples. I’d rather not have Zurielle’s boobs on the front cover of every magazine,’ he says.‘Okay.’ Hailey rolls her eyes. I giggle at them, before Martin places a large platter of savoury nibbles down on the coffee ta
Last Updated : 2022-05-05Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 13
We arrive at work the next day to a frenzy of paparazzi chasing us to the entrance of the building.‘Is money really more important than love?’ A journalist asks me, shoving the microphone in my face. I push it away only for other microphones to be shoved closer.‘Do you have something you would like to say to Mark? Perhaps an apology?’ Another asks.‘How long were you dating Mark before your affair with Ace?’ I try to keep a straight face and focus on getting through the journalists, photographers and camera operators and into the building.A sense of relief washes over me once I’m inside. Many employees have stopped what they’re doing to stare at us. At least they’re looks of sympathy. Everyone who works here knows we love eachother; they see how happy we are every day, and how Ace has changed, for the better. They don’t believe the news and are annoyed with Mark for tarnishing my reputation.Lunch can’t come quickly enough; Ace spoils me with a fancy platter of different sandwiches
Last Updated : 2022-05-05Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 14
Our bodyguards escort us across the road to Cafe Charm. We ignore the cameras, and Mr Fulton and Hailey shoo them away.Hailey behaves extremely professional towards us, like she doesn’t know us.‘Would you like a fresh glass of water sir?’ She asks, like a proper lady.‘Sure,’ he replies, humouring her.‘And you, Ma’am. Would you like some water while you wait for your lunch to arrive?’ I try not to giggle at her put-on professionalism.‘Thank you. That would be nice.’ I smile. She curtsies awkwardly, before bringing out two tall glasses of water on a tray.‘Sir, this is the finest water in all of Melbourne. It came from the finest tap made of silver,’ she says.‘Thank you. You shouldn't have gone to all that trouble,’ he says, giving me a look.I give him a look, as we try to contain our laughter, and take a sip of the fine water, only for Hailey to stop me.‘Ma’am, please let me place this napkin on your lap, so as not to spill any water on your attire.’‘Oh, okay then...’ I say, a
Last Updated : 2022-05-05Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 15
A few days pass and we have just had a really good session with our therapist Libby. She is happy to hear I began self-defence lessons and that I’m using the breathing techniques in moments of anxiety to compose myself.The monthly issue of Pure Fashion Magazine was released today and I can’t believe how incredible the front cover looks with Ace and I.‘Is that really me?’ I ask Ace in disbelief as I stare down at the magazine.‘Yes, you’re breathtaking.’ He smiles.‘You look so sexy in that jacket and with your hair like that!’ I smirk knowing this sexy beast is all mine.‘Do you like the cover?’ He asks.‘I love it.’ I open the magazine and flip to the page with our article.‘The story is perfect. It’s spot on. Do you think people will stop believing Mark, now?’‘I hope so.’ He sighs.We arrive at the penthouse to find Jack and Hailey waiting outside. Hailey runs towards me as soon as we pull up, and pulls me into a hug. She grabs the magazine from Jack and waves it in my face, beam
Last Updated : 2022-05-05Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 16
We have another conference meeting to answer questions for the media in the hope that they will stop gathering outside Pure Fashion Industries every morning and afternoon.The journalists erupt with questions about the upcoming wedding and the magazine we released a couple of weeks ago featuring our story.‘Is the story true? Or is it fabricated to cover up the intimate relationship you had with Mark Brightly?’ I glare at her and lean towards the microphone.‘The story is genuine, and again as we have already stated, I’ve never had an intimate relationship with Mark Brightly,’ I say. She goes to ask another question but I point to the journalist next to her.‘You sir, have a question for us?’ I ask, cutting her off. He smiles and nods.‘Have you chosen a date and venue for the wedding?’ He asks.‘No dates or venues have been decided as yet.’He asks another question.‘Mark says the story in the magazine is fabricated. What is your response to this?′‘Ace and I have told our side. It’s
Last Updated : 2022-05-05
Latest chapter
Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 43
I play and sing an upbeat love song I wrote for Ace. Everyone gives me a standing ovation; applauding me. Ace approaches me, and kisses me just like he did last year, but this time with his hands on my stomach.He thanks me, and everyone else for our performances. He then thanks the models and staff who have worked hard this year to put this show together. Holding my hand, we bow in thanks, in the direction of the audience, as they applaud us. Our models join us on stage and we all bow again together. We wave goodbye to everyone and go backstage.My water breaks, and Ace and I freeze, and stare at the puddle around my feet.‘I think my water just broke,’ I whisper.‘I think so, too,’ he whispers. Suddenly, my stomach contracts in pain.‘Argh!’ I yell in pain, putting my hands on my stomach. All attention is now on me. Ace pulls his phone out of his pocket and calls Mason, telling him my water has just broken.Moments later, Mason is in front of us, catching his breath. He and Ace, eit
Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 42
Baby Austin is one week old, and Hailey is visiting me at work today. Excitement flows through me as I can't wait to see them. I waddle through the hustle and bustle, and the click-clacking of dozens of heels worn by busy colleagues and models, in a hurry.Ace has gone to get us lattes from Cafe Charm. Our Live Fashion Show is only a few nights away, so everyone is buzzing with excitement. I can't help but feel a little anxiety given what happened with Mark at the last show.Standing in the elevator, I inhale deeply as the doors close. Zurielle, Mark is dead. The Spider Backs are gone. Everything is fine.After my self-talk, the doors ding open and I waddle to my office. June rushes towards me and hands me a Live Fashion Show checklist to go through.I sit at my desk with one hand on my belly, and the other scanning through the list. Memories flash back from last time I did this checklist. The thought instantly vanishes when I stare at the nursery. I smile and begin to hum as I caress
Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 41
Hailey cries in pain again. I turn and quickly press the elevator buttons.‘Shit. I think we’re stuck in here.’'No, no, no, no!' She says.I press the emergency button and nothing happens. Hailey cries out in pain again.'The baby isn't due for a couple more weeks,' she says, worried. I help her to sit down and pull my phone out from my handbag and call Ace.'Did you ladies decide to go shopping on the way? Jack and I have been waiting almost half an hour.''Ace, the elevator. We are trapped inside and Hailey is in labour.' I explain.'Shit. Um. Okay. Stay calm. I’ll call maintenance, the fire department and anyone else. And get you out of there as soon as possible.' I hear Jack ask Ace what’s wrong and he tells Jack we’re trapped and Hailey is in labour.'What? Are you sure she’s in labour?' Jack asks.'Tell him I'm positive. Her water just broke. We’re swimming in it as we speak.''Zurielle!' Hailey yells.She holds her stomach and screams in pain as she has a contraction.Hailey's
Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 40
Four months laterIt’s the weekend of the baby shower. Cleo, Cora, Ruby, Lana, Carol, Emma, Tracy and June arrive. They are so excited and squeal at our huge bellies. Martin brings out trays of food for us to nibble on while Belinda makes sure we all have lemonade, water and juice. Jack is sitting beside Hailey, and Ace is beside me on another sofa, next to them.We play a few games and the girls insist we start opening the gifts. June hands Hailey and I a gift each, and we happily open them and see a six-pack of baby bottles, and a set of cute baby bibs with rabbits on the front of them.‘I’m next!’ Emma shouts and hands us both a gift each. We open them. I receive a gorgeous brown teddy bear, a soft baby blanket, and a rattle.Hailey receives a white teddy bear, a soft baby blanket and a rattle. Tracy and Lana gave us a few baby outfits each. They’re adorable. I love the overalls and the jumpsuits. Cora gifts us both a fancy baby carrier.‘This will be perfect for work.’ I giggle. C
Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 39
My eyes water as I watch the baby on the monitor move its hands.'Everything looks great. The baby is perfectly fine.' The doctor smiles. Ace and I sigh in relief at the news.We return to my private room and Ace turns on the TV, sits in the recliner beside my bed and holds my hand. Every channel is showing footage of The Snake Pit that is now a giant pile of rubble. BREAKING NEWS floats across the bottom of the screen.'We are going to replay last night’s footage. We warn viewers - some of what you will see is graphic. Viewer discretion is advised. There will also be heart-warming scenes,' the journalist says.My hand trembles in Ace's as we see The Snake Pit up in flames, and footage of Hailey and I coming down the ladder. The journalist speaks over the footage.‘The second woman climbing down the ladder is Mr Ace Brightly's wife, Mrs Brightly.’Visuals of the deceased have been blurred out. It then shows Ace and I crying in each other’s arms, after Mark was shot.‘Reports say Mark
Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 38
My hands tremble as I touch each body; gently rolling each one over. I cry at every Snake I see. So far there are three dead Snakes; the rest are Spiders.Hearing my name, I look up at Viper in cuffs being put in the back seat of the police car. I run to him, wrap my arms around him and cry into his chest.'I'm so glad you're okay. I can't find Ace. Have you seen him?''Ace and Mark were fighting each other. It was pretty intense. We killed at least a dozen or more Spiders. When Mark noticed the Spider Backs were losing the fight, he fled like a coward.' Viper gestures with his head the way Mark fled.'Do you think Ace went after him?' Viper nods. News crew arrive and film the engulfed Snake Pit and the bodies around the building. A journalist talks into a microphone on camera.'We are currently live at the notorious Snake Pit that is now engulfed in flames. Reports say the Spider Back gang planned an attack on the Savage Snakes at The Snake Pit. Police have informed us that the majo
Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 37
I run to the bedroom window and look out, and see at least forty men fighting. I can't see Ace, Jack or Viper though. There are a few men lying on the ground, and I pray that none of them are Savage Snakes, and that they aren't dead. Men are yelling near the door and one of them falls down the stairs. Scared, I hold my breath, not knowing who is on the other side of the door. The handle rattles as someone tries to open it.'Unlock the door, Zurielle,' Venom orders. My heart is racing with fear and feels like it's going to jump out of my chest. I don't respond. 'I know you're in there Zurielle!' He yells and begins to body-slam the door.He collides with the door over and over again, and the drawers topple over from the force. Hailey puts lucky inside the wardrobe and shuts the door to keep him safe.'What are we going to do?' She asks, whispering.'We have to be brave. If he gets in here, we have to fight him off together. If there is an opportunity for you to run and escape, take it.
Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 36
Happy it's Friday, I'm looking forward to seeing the Snakes at the Pit. I’m wearing a loose-fitting black dress with small black heels, mascara and lipstick. I brush my long blonde hair, and I'm about to tie it up before Ace walks up behind me and tucks my hair behind my ears.'You should leave it down tonight; I like admiring your hair when we are out.' He smiles.'Okay.' I smile, agreeing with his decision. I have it tied up at work every day so I rarely have my hair down.We arrive at the Snake Pit, and a few minutes later Jack and Hailey arrive. Ruth hands Hailey and I lemonades, and the boys enjoy a beer with the Snakes. We are having so much fun, Hailey and I are laughing our heads off at Lucky on the pool table. Taipan and Boomslang are playing pool, and Lucky keeps pouncing on the balls and whacking them into the sockets making Taipan win.'You didn't win, Taipan! Lucky's involvement in the game doesn't count!''Okay. Let’s play a round of doubles then. Lucky and I against you
Love, Vogue and the CEO 2 Chapter 35
My laptop and accessories are moved to a desk next to June's in the open office with my colleagues. Ace stays close, working on his designs, on the desk opposite mine while builders and painters expand our office to make room for the baby’s set-up.Everyone flinches at all the banging and construction sounds. It's very distracting. Ace apologises and orders twenty-five coffees from Cafe Charm for everyone. My colleagues perk up when they see Hailey and another lady enter the office, pushing a tea trolley filled with coffees and tea.Hailey waves, and she hands me a hot chocolate. I smile at the young woman with her.'This is Sandra. She is new at Cafe Charm. Sandra this is Zurielle, my BFF I was telling you about.' She smiles.Sandra appears to be nervous and shy.Knowing Mr Fulton, she has been hired from the women's shelter, and so has most likely suffered some form of trauma. I smile as brightly as I can, and reach my hand out to shake hers.'Sandra, it's such a pleasure to meet yo
