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Chapter 9
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Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 10
On Tuesday morning, I wave to Hailey as she steps onto the bus.‘How did you go at Pure Fashion Industries, yesterday? Did Mark make a move?’ She asks, wiggling her brows.‘No, he didn’t; he’s a gentleman. The work is easy. I always get it done, on time,’ I answer.‘Do you think Mark will ask you out on a date?’ She asks, and I roll my eyes.‘He is very handsome, but I’m not interested in him that way. I’m just enjoying normal conversations with him. It’s nice not getting asked what bra size I am, and other lewd questions,’ I explain.‘Fair enough. I won’t be surprised if you hook up with him eventually,’ she says, grinning.We get off the bus, enter the cafe, and I get straight to work, taking orders; Grace and Mark are not in yet. Mr Fulton asks Hailey and I if we can work a few extra hours, and we say yes.It’s just after midday when Mark comes running into the cafe, huffing and puffing, trying to catch his breath.‘Hey, is everything okay?’ I ask him.‘Hey. I need a take away latt
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 11
AceAt work, I spend hours drawing and creating new designs for upcoming fashion shows, and the monthly magazine. I make sure everything runs smoothly, and on time. Pure Fashion Industries is known as the best fashion business in the world.Everyone wants to work for me but they also steer clear of me; I know I’m not easy to get along with, and I prefer it that way.Beautiful women always try to seduce me, but they’re only interested in my bank account, and my bedroom skills. Once I’m done with them in the bedroom, I tell them to leave straight away.They’re always angry and annoyed, and they insist on us being a couple, but for three years now, women have meant nothing to me. I’ll never forget the day I realised women are nothing but selfish, gold-diggers. I was going to propose to Ava; I even had the ring in my pocket. I organised a romantic, surprise dinner, and I left work early to surprise her, at my condo.A shitty old car was parked in my driveway, which was odd. Inside, it s
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 12
AceI normally have Saturdays off, but go into work to supervise a photoshoot with the dress, which is now mended. The photoshoot needs to be done today so the images make it in the magazine on time. The shoot goes well, and I decide to have lunch while things are quiet.I wait at the traffic lights, and across the road, spot the girl I haven’t stopped thinking about. She’s worried and winds her way through pedestrians nervously; she isn’t paying attention to the traffic at all. A car accelerates and she is directly in its path.‘Shit!’ I run toward her, the driver beeps at her, I pull her away from the oncoming car, with my arms around her waist. Her heartbeat is racing and her breathing is erratic. I don’t want to let her go in case she collapses. Strangely, it’s nice holding her, and she starts to relax in my arms. I’m glad she’s okay, but angry she almost got herself killed.‘What is wrong with you?’ I say angrily. She looks up, scrunches her brows at me, and has an angry expressi
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 13
AceI wait for her to arrive with my coffee, on the ground floor near reception, the whole day. I want to see her as soon as she walks in.The receptionists answer their phones nervously while I lean against their long, tall desk. Every twenty minutes, I look at my watch, then at the entrance, and see no sign of her.I even arrived early - at eight-thirty - to make sure I don’t miss her. At eleven thirty, I realise she has no intention of coming here. Furious, I slam my fist onto the reception desk, making everyone jump, and I storm off into the elevator.I enter my office and tear the room apart, throwing my chair across the room, and making a hole in the wall; paperwork goes flying. There’s a hard knock on my door.‘I’m coming in,’ Mark yells, ducking just in time, as the staple gun flies towards him.‘Why are you destroying your office?’ He asks.‘Because I didn’t get my fucking coffee!’ I shout, knowing it’s more that she fooled me, and I want to see her.When I look in the doorwa
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 14
ZurielleI wear a suit-skirt with a plain white, button-up blouse, and a jacket that matches the skirt. I put my hair up in a high ponytail, and push my feet into black leather heels. I look at myself in the mirror. Yep, I look like I work at Pure Fashion Industries in this outfit.I hop on the bus, and at Hailey’s stop, she skips up the aisle, and sits down next to me.‘Zuri, you look hot sister!’ She says.‘Thanks! Do you think I’m dressed professionally enough, though? It is a high-end fashion company,’ I say. ‘They should hire you just for looking so fine!’ Hailey says, reassuringly, giving me a wink. We laugh and chat away until we arrive at Cafe Charm. Mark gives me a playful wink as I hand him his latte.‘Zurielle, I hear you have a job interview across the road today?’ Mr Fulton asks.‘I sure do,’ I reply, ecstatically.‘Well, I wish you luck,’ he replies.‘Thanks, Mr Fulton,’ I say, giving him a smile.When my shift finishes, I cross the road and walk into Pure Fashion Indus
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 15
‘So, is this lunch a date?’ Hailey asks.‘No, we’re just friends. It’s just lunch,’ I reply.‘Are you sure about that? The way he looks at you, it’s obvious he wants you,’ she says.‘Maybe you should go to Specsavers, coz I think you’re seeing things,’ I say sarcastically.‘Zurielle!’ She yells, annoyed.‘Sorry, Hailz. I didn’t mean that. I’m lacking sleep and haven’t been myself,’ I explain, and she rolls her eyes at me.‘It’s fine,’ she pouts.‘Let’s go have some fun and do some shopping before your lunch date, now that we have our pay checks,’ she squeals.We skip around town, trying on jewellery, and testing out different make up.‘Are we still going out tomorrow night?’ I ask her.‘Of course, we are! Oh! What are we going to wear? I need some dresses,’ Hailey says, grabbing my wrist and dragging me into the nearest clothing store, where we try different outfits on.There are two I really like, and I buy them. Hailey can’t decide between the five she has tried on, so she buys all
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 16
I straighten my hair, apply some lipstick and mascara, and contemplate which dress to wear. I was planning on wearing the little black dress, but now I’m not sure, with Mark and Ace joining us. I decide on a different black dress that sits above my knees. It’s strapless, but not as fitted.I put my heels on, and give Lucky, the kitten, a quick cuddle, and make my way downstairs, only to be greeted by a bar full of wolf whistles, from the Savage Snakes.‘Zuri-doll. Looking hotter than ever! You going on a date?’ Boomslang asks.‘I wouldn’t call it a date. It was meant to be just Hailey and I, but she decided to invite that CEO and his brother along,’ I explain.‘You mean the guy you kicked in the nuts?’ Viper asks.‘Yeah, that one,’ I say.‘Good luck doll! Or should we be wishing him good luck?’ Viper asks, and I laugh.‘He probably needs the luck more than I do,’ I say, and they all start laughing.‘You want a lift into the city?’ Boomslang offers.‘Sure, that would be great. If Lucky
Love, Vogue and the CEO Chapter 17
AceAfter hitting on me, a woman, who I thought was here for an interview, has just left in tears. Was she hoping I’d snap her up and make her my girl? For what? My bank account and the perks of being with me?There’s a knock on the door, and Mark enters, pleading with me to squeeze in one more interview with someone he has been impressed with, and hopes to have as his assistant.I can’t believe he has been paying someone to do his work. It explains why his work improved so much and why I was so impressed at the last meeting, when I looked at the print-outs he gave me.‘Fine! Bring her in. But it’s me who needs the personal assistant,’ I snap.‘Great. She’s waiting outside. I’ll go get her,’ he says, smiling, and he opens the door and waves her in.I can’t believe my eyes as Zurielle enters my office and with a smile that can outshine any sunray. Her smile instantly fades, and she scowls as soon as she sees me. ‘What are you doing here?’ We shout, in unison.‘This is my company, Zuri
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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
