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Chapter 42
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Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 1
Watching a movie with my parents in our living room, my dad’s phone rings. With a concerned look on his face, he stares down at the screen.‘Excuse me, girls. I need to take this call,’ he says, standing and leaving the room.‘Should we pause it?’ I ask mum.‘No, it’s fine, sweetie. Dad has seen this movie before,’ she answers. I return my focus to the film in front of me, and I’m startled when I hear Dad’s tone rise in anger, in the other room.‘No! That was not part of the deal! You can’t have her. I’m not going over this again with you. She is not for sale! The deal is off. Don’t contact me again, and stay away from my daughter,’ he yells.I look over at mum who is just as startled as I am about dad’s phone call. I stand and leave the room, and find dad sitting outside near the back door, on the back steps, with his head in his hands.‘Dad, is everything okay?’ I ask.‘Yes, darling. Everything is fine.’ He lets out a heavy sigh. ‘Okay, so maybe everything isn’t fine. There is some
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 2
The next morning, I pace back and forth in my hospital room, in my hospital gown. I need to know who the man who murdered my parents is. Is it someone I know? I think of all Dad’s work friends and associates. Damn it! He was going to tell me who it was the next day, before the fire happened.No one really stands out as someone capable of murder. Dad only took me to work events with mum, if he absolutely had to. His associates and colleagues would always stare at me or attempt to flirt with me otherwise.I ignored their advances, and pretended I didn’t hear them or notice them. I instead focused on listening to the speeches.Dad would always thank me for being so graceful and attentive at work functions. He was proud I didn’t give any attention to the ‘hungry men’ or ‘beasts’, as he would call them. I assured him I was there for the function, and not the men. I wasn’t interested in pursuing a relationship with anyone anyway.I’ve never had a romantic connection with any man I’ve met. P
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 3
I wake up feeling restless. I get dressed and make my way to the kitchen to make myself a coffee. Hailey is sitting by herself eating breakfast so I join her, and sit down in the chair facing her.‘I’m sorry I haven’t made an effort to talk to you Hailey. I haven’t meant to be rude. I’m still adjusting to a lot. And I’m out of it,’ I explain to her.‘Oh, don’t worry about it,’ she says. ‘I think we all keep to ourselves the first night we arrive. We’re all here because of something bad. We all understand it’s normal to be antisocial at first,’ she says.‘Thank you. I’m glad you don’t think I’m snobby,’ I say, with a smile. Hailey looks up at me and giggles.‘Snobby! I haven’t heard that word in years,’ she laughs, and Debbie enters the room smiling.‘Zurielle! I’m glad to see you up and about. Are you ready to type up your resume’?’ She asks, and I stand.‘Yep, that would be great, to get started,’ I say and follow her out of my room to the computer room.I type down everything I have
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 4
The next morning, we arrive at the cafe, and Hailey focuses on taking orders and learning how to make the coffees, while I wash the dishes, and wipe down the tables.Mark and Grace arrive just after eight o’clock, and sit down at the table they were sitting at the day before.Hailey takes their orders and makes their coffees. It’s getting quite busy, so I tell Hailey to keep taking orders while I serve people their coffees.‘Good morning. Your latte and your cappuccino,’ I say, as I place each down in front of them carefully.‘Good morning, Zurielle. How are you this morning?’ Mark asks, sipping his cappuccino. I freeze for a moment. Did this handsome man just ask me how my morning is? No man has ever asked me how my day is. I’ve been standing here gawking at him in admiration. I blush a little, and look away at Hailey who is taking orders.‘My morning has been very good,’ I reply, happily. Mark nods and smiles.‘Good to hear,’ he says.‘Enjoy your coffees. Call me if you need anythin
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 5
‘I’ve never had a boyfriend, so I don’t have an ex,’ I explain, watching her go wide-eyed, as she sits down on her bed.‘Are you a virgin?’ She asks.‘Um, I guess so,’ I say, shrugging my shoulders.‘Zurielle! You’re almost twenty-years-old, and you’re super, and I mean super hot, and super beautiful. And you’re a virgin,’ she yells jumping on her bed like it’s a trampoline.‘We need to get you laid girlfriend! Or better yet: have you ever thought about selling your virginity? Do you know how many rich men would want to buy your virginity? You’d probably get paid enough to buy your own house!’ She yells, jumping up and down on the bed again.‘Hailey! Stop yelling. All the other women will hear, and no! I’m not going to sell my virginity. I’m not something you can just buy. Besides, I wouldn’t give it to someone who wants it for the wrong reasons,’ I explain.‘Well, you’re no fun,’ Hailey pouts, and gives me a playful push on the shoulder.‘We should get to sleep. We have work in the m
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 6
Hailey begs to come with me to the Snake Pit for safety reasons, but I really want to spend some time alone afterwards, so I go alone.At 6pm, I leave the shelter and walk to the Snake Pit, after half an hour I arrive at road where the Snake Pit should be, there are people arguing, alcohol bottles lying on the ground, and lots of people standing around smoking, and speaking loudly.Even in my oversized hoodie and my skinny jeans, I get a few wolf whistles and men saying, ‘Come over here sweetie!’I keep my head down just enough to avoid eye contact with anyone, and look at the address again to find the right place. The Snake Pit must be around here somewhere… There are a lot of old and rundown buildings, and many drunk people staggering around.I hear the sound of motorbikes stopping, further up the road, and walk in their direction. Outside the Snake Pit are at least fifty, if not more, Harley Davidsons, and their owners, who are smoking and socialising.Hanging above their heads is
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 7
On the Yarra River, I spot the Evan Walker Bridge, it’s my favourite bridge in the area made of smooth metal. I make myself comfortable and sit down on a bench, and look out at the water. This bridge always calls to me; the way the piano did at the bar. No one else is around and the stars shine brightly above me.I listen to the sound of the river flowing beneath me, and look up at the stars, at two in particular, shining extra brightly.‘Mum, Dad… I miss you so much,’ I say, bursting into tears.I wonder what they think about me being in a homeless shelter and going to live at a bar next to a biker’s club house. I can imagine the look on Dad’s face. He would be so worried. I saw him worry and stress before work functions, so I can only imagine how worried he would be for me right now.‘Don’t worry Dad. I remember your words, like it was yesterday. I won’t let any man fool me or use me. Men are brutal, heartless, monstrous beasts who only want to fulfill their desire, before they toss
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 8
Goosebumps appear on my arms, and my hands tremble with fear, and I drop the note. I stand and look around, at all the people coming and going in the street. The man who murdered my parents could be any of these men!Fear fills me, and I’m scared, so I rush past people, needing to get away. He is here somewhere, watching me and I don’t even know where.My breathing is heavy as I hyperventilate, I pace in circles, looking all around me, panicking. A car horn beeps and someone’s arms latch onto my waist, pulling me out of harm’s way. The car speeds past with the horn still blaring at me.Having warm arms around my waist is soothing; my breathing returns to normal, and I’m feeling more relaxed until someone shouts in my ear.‘What is wrong with you?’ A man yells. I look into the eyes of the man I spilt my coffee on and register him still holding me. I glare at him, and he steps back, and releases me from his grip.‘What is wrong with you?’ I yell back.‘You can’t just go around grabbing
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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
