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Chapter 19
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Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 20
AceAfter my coffee with Zurielle, I’m on cloud nine.I worry she is going to decline my offer of a fresh start, as I’m still waiting for her answer as she stares blankly at me in thought. She does something I’m not expecting: she gets up and walks away. I’m gutted. It’s best if I just leave.After being tapped on the shoulder, I turn around and see her beaming at me, with her hand out to shake mine. I’m shocked.‘I’m Zurielle Summers. Very pleased to meet you. I hope you enjoyed your coffee, and that you’ll be a regular customer?’ She says, so sweetly, igniting something inside me. Concealing my shock, I gently shake her hand.‘Ace Brightly. Pleasure to meet you. I guarantee I’ll be back for another coffee,’ I reply, smiling. I want to stay but we both have to get back to work.With a spring in my step, I cross the road; stopping twice to look back; reassuring myself that what just happened was real and not a dream.I spend the next few hours working on new designs, with Zurielle on
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 21
ZurielleMr Fulton seems extra happy at Cafe Charm, on Tuesday morning.‘Zurielle, I’m excusing you for the first hour, this morning,’ he says.‘Have I done something wrong?’ I ask, worried, and he laughs at me.‘No, dear. Quite the opposite, I believe. You’ve been requested for a meeting, so make yourself a coffee, and have a seat.’‘A meeting? With who? What for?’ I ask.‘I can’t say anything. You’ll know in a few minutes,’ he says, smiling. What’s the big deal? Why can’t he tell me anything? I wander over to the coffee machine and make my coffee.Ace comes in looking mighty handsome with that smile on his face. He is smiling at me, and walking like he is on a mission.‘Good morning, Miss Summers,’ he says.‘Good morning, Mr Brightly. It’s not you who has summoned my presence this morning, is it?’ I ask, smiling. There is a foreign air between us; whatever it is, I like it.‘I have requested your presence this morning, Miss Summers. I hope that’s okay with you,’ he says.‘If it’s im
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 22
ZurielleI wear a knee-length, flowy, maroon skirt and a sheer black, button up blouse. I tuck the blouse into the skirt, and wear a nude-coloured belt, around my small waist, and nude-coloured heels to match the belt.I pin my blonde hair up on one side. I apply some mascara and lipstick, and step back from the mirror to inspect myself, happy with how I look. I grab my handbag and head to Pure Fashion Industries.At Cafe Charm, Hailey has two flat whites ready for me, to take into the office.Outside Pure Fashion Industries, I take a deep breath and walk in. Here we go, Zurielle. You got this! The staff look up from their desks, excitedly, watching me enter.I walk confidently to the elevators and press the up button. The woman next to me is grinning.‘I’m sorry, but I have to ask if the rumours are true. Have you been employed as Mr Brightly’s assistant?’ She asks.‘I have,’ I say, with a smile.‘That is great! We can’t stop talking about you. Mr Brightly has been less grumpy since
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 23
Lucky gently paws my face, waking me up bright and early.‘Okay, Lucky. I’m awake.’ I give him breakfast, and jump in the shower. Leaning my head against the wall, I decide I’ll avoid Mark as much as possible. I haven’t led him on or given him the impression I want a romantic relationship with him. I told him I’m not interested, and he insisted he’ll pursue me anyway. The last thing I need in my new job is drama. Avoid him, and keep everything between us short and professional; he’ll get the hint and move on.After showering, I get dressed in a matching maroon blazer and skirt, a white blouse, and black heels. I put my hair up in a high pony tail and put a pair of studded earrings in.On my way to the bus top, I hear footsteps behind me. I stop and turn, many times, but there’s no one behind me. My stomach sinks, and I walk faster, and reach the bus stop, where someone else is waiting.The bus arrives, and I sit at the back so no one can sit behind me. I look out the window at a man d
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So many sensations I haven’t felt before are sent through me with his arms around my waist. Tasting his lips, I am so hungry for him that I gently bite and pull at his bottom lip making him moan.There are two loud knocks on the door, and we quickly release each other, still maintaining eye contact, while processing what has just happened. We catch our breath. Our eye contact is broken, when Ace opens the door.‘June, how can I help you?’ He asks, as she walks in holding some paper.‘Mr Brightly, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I was told you were here,’ she says, oblivious to what has happened between us.‘What do you need?’ He asks.‘Just need your signature on these contracts. I need to send them back by the end of today.’Ace scans through them, signs them, and hands them back to June, who is standing on her tippy toes, looking over his shoulder.‘Is that Zurielle?’ She asks. Ace turns to me, and his eyes twinkle, I blush, look down, and shy away, unsure what to do or say.
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 25
Realising I have just gotten out of the elevator on the wrong floor, I stop when I hear my name called out.‘Zurielle, can I talk to you for a minute, alone?’ Mark asks.Great! Just who I need to see. I just had my first, most amazing kiss with my boss, with no idea what his intentions are, only to fall out with Carol, and be confronted by Mark.The look of annoyance on my face is obvious.‘Mark, I’d rather not. I need to get back to work,’ I argue. ‘Please. Just for a moment. I feel bad about everything and want to apologise.’ He does look a bit stressed, like he hasn’t been sleeping well.‘You have five minutes, then I’m going.’He takes my hand, pulls me into the closest, empty room, and shuts the door behind us. I pull my hand away, and put some space between us.‘I just want to say how sorry I am. My feelings got the better of me. I feel so strongly towards you, I didn’t want you to slip through my fingers. When I saw you in the elevator laughing with Ace, with your hand on his a
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 26
I wake up with Lucky sleeping, curled up in my arms. I get out of bed, open my wardrobe doors, and wear the first dress I pull out. It’s a dark purple, swing-style dress, where the skirt flares out if I spin around. I buckle a wide, black belt around my small waist, grab a cardigan, and put on some black heels.Looking at the clock, I grab my handbag, run downstairs, out the door, and to the bus stop.Sitting on the bus, I contemplate what I’m going to tell Ace. In the building, I’m kindly greeted by most staff.Waiting in the elevator, I become more and more nervous, knowing I’m about to face Ace.I expected him to have been here earlier than usual, and I am right; his office door is already open.Going in, I don’t look at him, in case he is angry.‘Good morning, Mr Brightly,’ I say, sitting down at my desk, opening my laptop, and working. The silence is deafening, and his eyes are on me.Sighing, I stop what I’m doing, and gaze over at him. He looks terrible. He has bags under his e
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 27
I didn’t sleep well that night as I toss and turn, and think of my parents, my dog and my upcoming birthday. I get up and feed Lucky and put on a corporate dress and arrive at work. Ace and I keep smiling at eachother all morning but keep busy with our work.At lunchtime, there’s a knock on the door, and it’s the same man from yesterday, who enters and puts a tray on Ace’s desk.‘Come and have some lunch with me,’ he says.‘I’m okay for now. I just want to get this work done,’ I say.‘I’d prefer you come and eat something. The work can wait,’ he says.Sighing, I stand, and pull my chair over.‘Leave the chair. You don’t need it,’ he says with a grin.Rolling my eyes, I let go of the chair, sit on his lap, and his arm is instantly around my waist. I pick up one of the mini salad wraps and start eating. When we’re finished lunch, Ace wraps his arms around my waist and nuzzles my neck with sweet kisses.I let out giggles and little moans here and there. There’s a knock at the door. Grinn
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Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 42
Jumping into the backseat of Jack’s car, he drives as fast as he can, back to the show.We arrive just after it has started. Racing inside, Cleo sees me and runs up to me, hysterical.‘Zurielle, we need your help backstage. Something has happened.’The distress in her voice says it’s not good. I nod and follow her backstage to the dressing rooms.‘Some of the dresses have been cut, and ripped in different areas!’ She explains, pointing to the rips in the dresses, on the models.‘Does Ace know?’ I ask, worried.‘No, he is seated, at the front of the audience where he is meant to be. We can’t go out on live television and tell him! What do we do?’ She cries.Jack and Hailey are also concerned. I look around the room at all the jewelry and accessories.‘We are going to improvise!’ I smile, reassuringly.I tell them all to calm down and listen.‘If you have anything wrong with your dress, line up here immediately!’ I yell.‘Hailey! Jack! Grab all those boxes of jewels and those big flower
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 41
Ace is more than happy for Hailey to come to the live fashion show with Jack. The night before the show, we’re adding final touches, and kissing each other every chance we get.I overhear our colleagues saying how much calmer and nicer Ace has become since we met. It’s nice hearing I’ve had such a positive impact on his life.‘I have a surprise for you,’ he whispers in my ear. ‘A surprise?’‘A gift. To show you how much you mean to me,’ he smiles.‘Really?’ I ask, excitedly.Placing a blindfold over my eyes, he leads me to a different room.‘Okay. Are you ready?’ He asks. There is excitement in his voice.‘I’m ready!’ I smile, and Ace removes the blindfold, I gasp and my eyes well up. ‘Ace! Did you really have this made for me?’ I’m in awe at the mannequin wearing the same blue dress Ace sketched, and had pinned to his wall.‘Yes. Do you like it?’ He asks.‘Ace, I love it. It’s so beautiful. I can’t believe you did this for me,’ I cry happy tears, and jump into his arms and share a f
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 40
Ace, refusing to stay home and rest, comes to work with me. We enter Pure Fashion Industries holding hands, and greet our colleagues, smiling. By the elevator, Ace leans down and kisses me on the lips.We hear their instant whispers; ‘Ace and Zurielle are a couple!’ Smiling in the elevator, we go up to our office. Everyone gawks and gapes at us holding hands. Ace calls Grace to the office.‘Should I go while Grace is here?’ I ask.‘No, stay and hear what she has to say,’ he replies.Grace barges in and glares at me.‘Don’t look at Zurielle like that!’ Ace snaps.‘This is her fault! She knew Mark liked her and she led him on. If she wasn’t being so difficult, Mark would still have his job. He wouldn’t be holding ice packs to his head as we speak!’ She yells.‘How can you say that, Grace? He almost sexually assaulted my girlfriend! He is lucky I didn’t kill him!’ Ace yells.‘So, the rumours are true then?’ She growls.‘Yes, the rumours are true. Zurielle is my girlfriend. Now, tell me.
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 39
When Mark picks me up, he is happier than usual.‘It’s good to see you so happy,’ I smile.‘Oh! Thanks. After dropping you off last night, I spoke to Grace and she could tell I was feeling a bit down, so she invited me over to her place, and she gave me some advice that I plan on following,’ he smiles.‘I didn’t realise you were feeling down about something. Is there anything I can do to help?’ I ask, and Mark smiles at me.‘Actually, there is. But I will talk to you about it at work later,’ he smiles.‘Okay,’ I say.At work, in the elevator, Mark puts his hand on my back and keeps it there. Everyone stares and it’s awkward. I try not to make a big deal out of it. I get out of the lift, unlock my office door, and begin working. June knocks and comes in.‘This is one of the checklists for the fashion show. Ace is meant to see it, but seeing as he is indisposed, you’re the best person to see it. It’s important everything on this list is ticked off. Anything that isn’t here, needs to be
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The next day, on Tuesday, Mark picks me up, takes me to work, and we have lunch together. I feel much more relaxed around him, now that he isn’t hitting on me all the time.After lunch, one of the models walks in.‘Ace is meant to be checking all the dresses on the models today to see if they’re finished, or need any more adjustments. We’re stressing out downstairs,’ she says, worried.‘Are they all ready to be seen now?’ I ask.‘Yes, they are,’ she replies.‘Ok, I’ll come down with you, and see what I can do. I didn’t get your name?’ I ask.‘Oh, sorry. I’m Cleo,’ she says, putting her hand out to shake mine; she is one of the models.‘This dress is amazing!’ I squeal. ‘Could you slowly turn around for me? I’ll text some photos to Ace, and we can get his approval,’ I say.Cleo smiles and walks up and down the office as if she is on the catwalk. I send some photos to Ace.‘That was great! Let’s go down, and do the same with the other ladies,’ I smile.Following Cleo, we go down to the
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 37
The following morning, Ace and I are woken by a knock on the door. Hailey runs in, crying. I hop down from the bed, and we run into each other’s arms, crying. I push her hair behind her ears, to get a better look at her bruised face.‘I’m so sorry, Hailey. This is all my fault,’ I say.‘It wasn’t your fault,’ she sobs. Jack is inside the doorway, and Ace gestures for him to come in and close the door. Smiling at them, I can’t help but pull a Hailey.‘You totally rubbed uglies, didn’t you?’ I laugh, Jack blushes and Hailey smiles.‘Of course, I did,’ she says, grinning, and we all laugh, and I pull her in for another hug.‘I’m glad you’re safe now,’ I smile.After they leave, the police arrive and take Ace’s statement. There are no charges against us, as we acted in self-defence, and with all the evidence I had: the notes, the dog collar and witness statements, they were able to close my parents’ murder case.My relief is so overwhelming, I burst into tears.‘What’s wrong babe?’ Ace wh
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 36
The door is finally opened thirty minutes later, and I slowly sit up before being dragged out.‘Every time you try to attack me, you will be locked in that box! Do you understand me?’ Red Back yells, and sniffling, I nod, before I’m pushed back into the chair, and more Spider Backs walk in.‘Mr Rich Guy doing what we expect?’ Red Back asks.‘Yes. We followed him, and he went straight to the Savage Snakes. They’ll be here soon,’ one guy says.‘Good! Everyone in position then,’ he orders, and I watch them arm themselves with knives and guns, and load bullets into them.‘What are you planning on doing with my friends?’ I ask.Red Back looks annoyed.‘We knew they’d come for you, and we wanted them dead long ago. They’ll be here soon, armed. But not to worry. The Snakes are the only ones dying tonight,’ he laughs.One of the Spider Backs runs into the building, panting.‘They’re here!’ He yells.Moments later, many motorbikes roar in the distance. I don’t want any of the Snakes to be hurt
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 35
‘Zurielle will never be safe. The only option is for us to capture and dispose of Red Back ourselves. It wouldn’t surprise me if they know she is here right now,’ Viper says, staring out the window. ‘The moment she’s alone, he will take the opportunity to kidnap her. She might be better staying here with us,’ Boomslang says.‘No, she is staying with me,’ Ace says, sternly, all eyes on him.‘I have security down the road as we speak. They follow me every day. I’ll organise extra security outside work and home.’‘Very well then. Until we think of a plan, keep her safe,’ Viper says, and I pull out my phone.‘I’ve got a phone now, so we can keep in contact.’Viper puts his number in my contacts, and I text him a smiley face emoji, so he has my number.The Snakes escort us to Ace’s car and we drive back to the penthouse. Ace takes my hand.‘I’m going to keep you safe, okay? I won’t let him take you,’ he says, reassuringly.‘I know,’ I smile, and Ace goes into his office to arrange more se
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 34
On Monday morning, on our way to Pure Fashion Industries, I’m still adjusting to seeing Ace so relaxed and happy. I never could have imagined him like this the day we first met. His usual security follow behind us, into the car park.We walk to the elevator and acknowledge how difficult it is not holding hands, or touching each other.‘It will be easier when we’re in the office and close the door,’ he winks, and we greeted the staff at each level we went through.I make my way over to my desk and get started on the work I have to do.‘I won’t be in the office much today. I need to be downstairs at the photoshoots. I have to make sure all the outfits for the fashion show are almost finished. During lunch, we will go see if we can find Brent,’ he says.Nodding, I stand up and kiss him, before he leaves the room.‘You may as well leave the door open,’ I smile.After a couple of hours of work, I open my handbag, and pull out the note from my parents’ murderer.That’s when I notice they bo
