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Chapter 25
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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
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 28
When I wake up, my body is stiff, and my neck, cheeks and back hurt. Viper hands me a glass of water.‘How are you feeling?’ He asks.‘A little sore, but I’ll be fine,’ I reply. I take the glass of water and scull it down.‘What time is it?’ I ask.‘8.30 am,’ he answers. I gasp, and quickly stand.‘I’m going to be late for work!’ I yell.‘Whoa! Hold on there! You were attacked last night and you’re covered in bruises. Can’t you take the day off?’ He suggests.‘I don’t mean to be rude, but I would honestly feel safer at work than around here right about now. I’ll wear a long-sleeved skivvy under my clothes. No one will see my neck and wrist. A bit of makeup will cover my cheek. No one will ask questions,’ I reply.‘Go get ready then. I’ll give you a lift on my bike,’ he offers, I nod, and go next-door, upstairs to my room, and put on a white, long-sleeved skivvy, and a plain-black pinafore, over the top. I brush my hair, massage a coat of foundation into my skin, and put on dark red li
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 29
While driving, Ace holds my hand and looks over at me, a few times, sympathy and worry in his eyes. We’re silent on the way to his place in Southbank. We enter another underground car park under a massive building.‘You live here? In this building?’ I ask.‘Yes, in a high-rise penthouse,’ he answers. ‘Were you expecting something else?’ He asks, curious.‘Actually, yeah. I was expecting a normal house, with a white picket fence,’ I say, honestly.Ace gives me a funny look, trying not to laugh.‘You know how to make me laugh, that’s for sure.’He gets out and walks around the car to open my door. He takes my hand and lifts me out. We head to the elevator, and he holds me tightly against him, rubbing my arms.The doors ding open, and he scoops me up in his arms.‘I’m going to take care of you. I’ll find who did this and make him pay!’ He promises.He kisses me, and puts me down to key in a number in a keypad near his front door.I’m blown away. The place is huge with massive floor-to-ce
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 30
Tapping on the message icon, messages from Hailey appear.Hey girl! It’s me Hailz! Your BFF!Happy Birthday!We got to go celebrate!You there?Hello?You better not be ignoring me. I will cross that road and wade through all those hot guys to get to you if I have to!Zurielle?You are being mean!Wait! Maybe Ace hasn’t given you the phone yet.Tell Ace to hurry up and give it to you already!Oh, wait, you can’t tell him that if you can’t read this! lol NEVER MIND THEN!Have you got the phone yet?Zurielle... Zuzu… Hello? :(Hey Hailz. Sorry. Ace did give me the phone this morning,but I had too much work to focus on. Thank you for the Happy Birthday. Yes! Finally, you replied girl! It’s Friday night! We should go party. It’s your birthday! Mine tomorrow!Thanks for the offer, Hailz. But I’m not up for going out tonight.Wait, what? It’s your birthday! You have to wanna go party?You pulling my leg? Come to my place and get ready with me.Hailey. I can’t. I’ve just been going through
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 31
We wake up entwined in each other’s arms and legs. My head is on his chest, and he brushes my hair with his fingers.‘Sleep well?’ He asks.‘Actually, it was the best sleep I’ve ever had,’ I reply.‘Glad to hear it. How about we go downstairs and have some pancakes?’ He asks.‘Really? You’re going to make me pancakes for breakfast?’ I ask.‘Well, I’ll attempt to make them, to impress you,’ he smirks. Laughing, I reluctantly get out of bed.Ace is shirtless, wearing only pyjama pants. I freeze in awe at his muscles when he stretches his arms out and admire his tattoos.‘You’re welcome to have a closer look,’ he smirks. I blush, and collect my skivvy and my pinafore.‘I like you dressed as you are. Get dressed later,’ he says, leading me out the door and downstairs.Making a mess over a mixing bowl, Ace guesses the amounts for the ingredients he uses, and I giggle at his determination to make pancakes. Walking around the kitchen bench, I dip my finger into the mixture. Ace takes my hand
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 32
I ignore Hailey while finishing my coffee and pancakes. She and Ace have been speaking though. As soon as we finish eating, I stand and start to leave. Ace wishes Hailey happy birthday again, before following me out.The silence is awkward and horrible. I get in the car and look out the window, still avoiding eye contact with Ace.‘I want to apologise. I had no idea, and did not expect you to be a virgin. Thinking about the moments we’ve had in our office and in the kitchen. I may have moved too quickly for you. Forgive me. I hope you’ll tell me if I’m too much,’ he says, sincere. Shocked, I make eye contact with him.‘You’re not annoyed I’m a virgin?’ I ask.‘Shocked, but not annoyed. In fact, it’s kind of hot,’ he answers.‘Really? I heard a group of men say they didn’t like virgins because of how inexperienced they are. And how annoyingly clingy they become after losing their virginity,’ I explain.‘I’ve personally never been with a virgin. I don’t care how inexperienced you are, a
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 33
Unpacking my suitcase, I hang my clothes in the empty walk-in wardrobe. Ace goes into the bathroom, and fills the bathtub with water. He is shirtless when I walk in.‘You’re having a bath?’ I ask.‘Yes, I am. Would you like to join me?’ He asks.‘Oh, I um—’‘There’ll be plenty of bubbles, so I won’t be able to see anything, if that’s what you’re worried about? Some of the wounds on your back don’t look too great. A wash and dressing them, might help. Otherwise, I can call my doctor and he can treat your back, if you prefer?’ He offers.My back hasn’t been feeling any better, so I agree to a bath. Ace makes sure there are plenty of bubbles in the bath for me.‘I’ll give you some privacy while you hop in. I’ll be back in a minute,’ he says, kissing my cheek.I undress, get into the bath and lower myself into the water. Closing my eyes, I relax, and Ace joins me.‘You can open your eyes now,’ he smiles.Opening my eyes, I smile, and scoop bubbles into my hands and blow them at Ace. He le
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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
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 38
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
