Charlotte and Riele were discussing when Riele heard her name. "Riele Grants!" Mr. Owen called.
Charlotte looked at her. "What did you do this time?" She asked, but Riele shrugged.
"Don't look at me like that, I did absolutely nothing."
"Did you pick him up at the supposed time?" Charlotte folded her arms while waiting for Riele to lie.
"Um, I woke up late," Riele answered softly.
"I just hope you are not in big trouble."
"I guess we are about to find out," Riele said as she walked to the office.
Riele exhaled and inhaled for thirty seconds. Affter she had gotten her boldness, she knocked.
"Come in," she heard Mr. Owen say as she unlocked the door and entered inside.
The first eyes that met hers were those of Kim. She tried to keep her beating heart in check. "Um...you called me?" She asked Mr. Owen.
"Yes. Please have a seat," he gestured for her to sit next to Kim.
Riele couldn't count how many times she almost tripped. This is what you get when you have a stunning and handsome new boss. Even though he isn't doing anything, you can't help but just fall for him.
His dark hair, flawless skin, doe eyes, prominent shoulders, and that cute smile of his made her heart flutter, and her stomach churned in joy.
It was her first time to see someone so handsome.
She sat down and listened to the meeting.
"Kim, this is Riele Grants and she's going to be your PA as agreed."
"I still don't know why you chose her," he said coldly. He looked up at Riele trying to find out if there was something special in her.
"I didn't choose her, we all did," Mr. Owen explained. "She was voted in. That's why I decided that she's the one for you..." Riele gave Mr. Owen a confused look. "... I mean the job," Mr. Owen quickly rephrased.
Kim turned to look at Riele who was trying her best to avoid to meet his eyes.
"Fine then." He turned to face Riele with folded arms. "So Riele Grants, what do you have to say for yourself?" He asked
She turned to face him. "Um...I don't understand the question," she told Kim.
"Do you think you're worth it?" He asked as Riele raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"I don't know what sort of question this is, but if you're trying to put my worth on a weighing scale. I can assure you that it's more than you can ever imagine."
Kim smiled. He must admit, she does have something special in her.
"Do you want to work for me?" He asked, his eye not leaving hers.
It's not like I have any other choice. Riele murmured inside her head. "Of course. I mean who wouldn't?" She faked a smile.
"Then first, I need a place to stay," he told her bluntly.
Riele was shocked at his demand. She looked at Mr. Owen who was trying his best to avoid any conversation from her.
"I thought they made provision for that, didn't you?" She directed the question to Mr. Owen.
"They did, but it's not ready yet. I saw the place and I didn't like it so I told them to change some things. That's why I need a place to stay before then," Kim answered.
"Mr. Owen, I think he's directing this to you".
"Come on, Riele just let him spend a few days or weeks or months with you, besides you stay alone," Mr. Owen said.
"I am sorry. There's no way I'm going to allow him anywhere near my house. If he wants a place to stay, someone like him should be able to book a hotel or something, not share a house with his P.A. Who does that?" Riele asked in rage and disbelief.
"I accept her as my PA," Kim said as he got up and left.
Riele didn't understand what had happened. Did he just accept her?
"See why I told you that you're the right girl for the job." Mr. Owen patted her back.
Riele was still having a hard time trying to process what had just happened. Her started started to ache. It was like her body was telling her she was going through a lot at the moment. She pressed the two sides of her forehead gently, trying to suppress the pain a little.
She walked out of the office and what she saw shocked her. "Can someone explain to me what's going on here?" She asked. Charlotte pulled her close as she whispered in her ear. "Moving my things? To where?" Riele asked.
"As my P.A, you are going to work in the same space with me. Do you have any problem with that?" Kim's eyes pierced the deepest part of her soul.
Riele was about to complain when Charlotte pinched her. "Ouch!" she whimpered, glaring at Charlotte.
"I'll take that as a no." He threw a file to Riele which she had a hard time catching. "Get me in touch with that person."
Riele opened the file only to find a picture of Kim Utter. She stared at Charlotte whose eyes were glued to the file in Riele's hands. "Can I know why you're choosing this guy?" She asked.
"Don't you think you ask me questions a lot?" He asked and Riele knew he was right. Ever since he came in, she has been questioning mostly everything he does.
"I'll get in touch with him right away," Riele avoided his gaze.
Kim shook his head and sighed before going into his office.
Charlotte couldn't believe her eyes, she wasn't ready to face him and here he is. What's she going to do now? "Riele, I'm not ready to face him yet," she whined.
Riele understood her plight and pulled her into a hug.
"Then you don't need to. I'll try to see if I can talk him out of this."
"That will get you into a lot of trouble," Charlotte warned her. Riele pulled her away a little so she can see her face.
"And you are worth it."
"Thanks a lot."
"Like I said, can I punch Kim Utter when I see him?"
"If the need arises, go ahead," Charlotte answered.
"Let me try my luck with, Mr. Handsome."
Riele took a deep breath before going into his office.
Riele tried her best to convince Kim Huxley that Kim Utter was a bad figure for the company, but he didn't pay attention to her. "Do as you are told, young lady!" He glanced through the files in his hand. Riele had been battling with Mr. Handsome, trying to get him to change his mind, but every word she said went into one ear and came out of the other. "There are other models out there, why not choose among them? why does it have to be Utter?" "The same reason why it has to be you." Kim walked up to her. Riele stared into his eyes. There was no way she was going to back down so easily. "Was he voted in or is this just an irrational decision made by you?" "Do you think I make decisions without thinking it through?" "Obviously," Riele muttered. Kim sighed as he went back to his desk. "Get me the model I want Riele and we are not debating on this issue." "But..." He lifted his hand to shun her. "Also, I need a beautiful female model. You should find the right one," he told her wi
The phone ringing loudly woke Riele. She checked the caller and it was Charlotte. She glance at the clock, it was 9 am. She didn't need to be told what to do. She took her bath and came out in less than ten minutes. She searched for a gown to wear and she picked a flowery sleeveless gown. She wore her heels to go with it. She had to board a taxi to get to work because she knew the bus had left and she had to find her way to work. "I guess I was exhausted after last night," she told herself when Charlotte called again. She picked up the call and the voice that welcomed her was Charlotte screaming her name and asking her where she is. "I will be right there, it will just take a second," Riele explained. "A second uh? Well, just for your information, Mr. Handsome is angry. So I will advise you to start preparing the speech you are going to give to him," Charlotte warned. "Thanks, girlfriend." She hung up as she thought of the speech to give Kim. ****++**** "So you are saying it's
Jay entered the office with Charlotte in front of her. "Jay!" Kim greeted him with a hug. "Bro!" Jay hugged him back. "Madison, you can leave with Charlotte." Kim ordered as the girls left the office. "I'm so glad you're here," he said. Jay sat on the seat in front of him while Kim stood beside him. "Did anything happen?" Jay asked. "Nothing really. I just need you to do something for me." Jay knew him too well to know he was about to ask him to do something crazy. "Which is?" "I need you to be my male model." He looked at Kim before bursting into laughter. Jay was twenty-three years old. He was born and brought up in Texas and before he came to New York to join the boyband, he was a model and that was why Kim chose him. "Are you crazy?" Jay asked. "Please, Jay." Kim pleaded, but Jay didn't listen to him. "Please?" He pouted. "I don't want to." Jay folded his arms and glared at Kim. "Really?" He asked staring at Jay in disbelief. "Yes," Jay answered bluntly. "I promise
Riele and Charlotte had finished what they needed to do and were heading to Kim's office when Jay approached Riele. He grabbed her hand and Riele had to stop. She turned to look at who dared to touch her without her permission and to her greatest surprise, she saw it was Jay.Charlotte was shocked. "Um... I'll be in the office while you join me later". Riele nodded. Charlotte went to the office leaving Riele with Jay. Immediately after she left, Jay left Riele's hand."Isn't there anything I can help you with?". Riele asked politely.Jay stared at her for a while before replying. "Yes... actually, I need your help".Riele didn't want to seem rude because he was cute and he's the model her boss volunteered. She folded her arms staring at him to state what he needs her to do for him."I am new to this whole modeling thing so I was wondering if you could tutor me". He lied.Riele couldn't believe her eyes neither could she believe her ears. She knows she is in charge of the models but tu
Jay led Riele into one of the coffee shops. He was so protective of her to the point that Riele started to think maybe they were on a date. "This isn't a date". Jay said before waving his hands to the waitress. Riele scoffed. "I never thought it was". She lied. "Really?" Jay asked staring at her in doubt. "'Cos it's written all over your face if you ask me". "Hello. It's nice to have you both here today. What would you like to have?". The waitress asked with a broad smile on her face. "I need something cold". Jay looked at the book menu. "What do you suggest?" "We'll like two ice americano please". Riele smiled at the waitress who nodded with a smile before leaving. "Why americano?" Jay asked. "You asked for something cold, well that has ice in it, that's why it's called ice americano, just the drink you need." Riele explained. The waitress brought their orders and set them on the table in front of them. "Is that all?" "We'll let you know if we need anything else". Jay answer
Charlotte was restless. She had been worried sick about Riele.A knock was heard on the door and Charlotte rushed to open the door. She pulled Riele in as she shut the door. "Start talking". She commanded with her arms folded across her chest."After the outburst in his office, Jay offered to take me somewhere so we could talk"."So you could talk?? About what?"Riele remembered that they didn't even talk about the modeling stuff anymore. "um... about... um...". Charlotte was glaring at her friend with folded arms waiting for the lies to just leave Riele's mouth. "...He asked me to tutor him about modeling".Charlotte looked at her friend trying to see if she was lying but Riele kept a straight face. So she believed her because she could tell when she was lying."Why didn't you pick up my call then?". She asked."I didn't know my phone rang. It was on silent". Riele explained."Do you know how worried I was? I thought something bad had happened to you or Maybe Jay kidnapped you and di
Jay went home feeling a bit worried about the whole thing. He wasn't sure if he was making the right choice or the wrong one. He was still busy with his thoughts when Kim appeared in front of him."What are you thinking about?." Kim asked."uh?".Kim folded his arms while looking at Jay. Ignoring him, Jay went to his room but Kim followed after him."Where have you been?"."Out". He replied bluntly."To where and with whom?". Jay was confused."Since when do you become so engrossed in my life; what I do and where I go?" Jay asked."You went out with Riele, didn't you?""Are you interrogating me right now?". He looked at Kim while waiting for an answer but he was silent. "Wow!". Jay said in surprise as he tried to walk out on him but Kim grabbed his hand and pulled him back.Jay smiled. "You know, I'm starting to wonder if peradventure you have a thing or two for this girl"."What are you saying?".Jay shrugged."She is my assistant"."Ex". Jay corrected."What?"."She is your Ex-Assis
Kim arrived at the company the following day but was surprised when his assistant, Charlotte didn't attend to him. He went to her desk and he saw Riele busy with her laptop. "Where is Charlotte?" He asked."She isn't feeling too well, so she decided to take the day off.""Why didn't she tell me that?""She did but you refused.""No, she told me she needs a day off and when I asked why she didn't reply.""I don't blame her if she didn't tell you.""Excuse me."Riele gave him a fake smile and said, "If there is anything you'd like me to help you with, don't hesitate to ask me."Kim ignored her and left. Riele didn't understand how she could hate someone in just a couple of weeks. She went back to her laptop when she noticed a figure staring at her. She looked up and saw it was Jay with his bunny smile standing in front of her. Riele couldn't help but smile back."Sorry I left quite early, it was urgent.""I know," Jay replied. He looked and was surprised to see Charlotte's seat was empt
Kim sat on the edge of the bed, his hands folded tightly in his lap. The room felt too quiet now that the words he had been holding inside were finally out. The weight of everything—his feelings for Riele, the kiss with Jane, the way he had been juggling both women for so long—was pressing down on him. And yet, for the first time in what felt like forever, he wasn’t sure where to go next. Jay leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he regarded his friend. The tension between them had always been palpable, but now it was different. Jay knew Kim had been struggling with his feelings for a while, and he knew it wasn’t easy to come to terms with it. Still, the conversation they needed to have wasn’t over."You've got to talk to Riele about the kiss," Jay finally said, his voice steady but firm. "You can't just let that slide. It means something, Kim. She deserves to know how you feel."Kim’s eyes dropped to the floor as he exhaled sharply. “I know it was a mistake,” he muttered, his voi
Kim stiffened as Jane’s lips touched his, his mind racing. The kiss was fleeting, but the impact lingered like a storm cloud ready to burst. He pulled back sharply, his hand raising as if to create distance between them.“Jane, what are you doing?” His voice was low, confused, and laced with regret.She smiled faintly, her eyes searching his. “Reminding you of what we had… and what we could still have.”Kim clenched his jaw, his heart heavy with the weight of her words. “That was a long time ago. Things are different now. I love Riele.”Jane’s expression darkened, but she masked it with a bitter smile. “Love? You think what you have with her is love? We built something real, Kim. That doesn’t just disappear because she came into the picture.”“It’s not about her replacing anything,” Kim said firmly. “It’s about what’s real now.” He took a step back. “I can’t do this, Jane. I’m sorry.”But before he could say more, a gasp from behind startled them both.At the garden’s entrance, Riele
The morning sun filtered through the grand hotel windows, filling the room with a soft glow. The air was warm with the scent of fresh pastries and brewed coffee as the four of them gathered for breakfast. The mood was lighter than the night before; the glow of victory still clung to their smiles and conversations.“Any plans for today?” Jay asked, his eyes twinkling with playful energy as he glanced around the table.“I think we should take a break and explore,” Jane suggested, her fingers idly stirring her cup of tea. “After all, we’re in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.”Riele nodded, the idea of getting some fresh air and exploring beyond the competition appealing to her. “That sounds great. We should make a day of it.”Kim, his hand resting lightly on Riele’s, looked between her and Jane. “All of us together?”Jay grinned. “Actually, why don’t we split up? I’ve got some places in mind, and I was thinking Riele might want to join me. You could—” He flicked a glance at
After the award ceremony’s excitement settled, the group decided it was time to unwind. The long hours of preparation, the tense competition, and the adrenaline of victory had left them all exhausted. They headed back to their hotel, each person retreating to their respective rooms to savor a moment of peace before the after-party.Riele entered her room and closed the door, leaning against it for a moment. The plush carpet under her feet felt grounding after the overwhelming rush of the day. She took a deep breath, her mind still replaying the events of the evening—the applause, the bright lights, and Kim’s heartfelt speech thanking them all.When Kim had pulled her into that celebratory kiss, her heart had leaped in her chest. The kiss wasn’t just about winning; it had felt like a culmination of every moment they had fought for. Even now, the memory left her feeling warm and light-headed. She had kissed him back, completely forgetting the cameras, the crowd, and the world beyond the
The air was thick with excitement as the awards ceremony reached its climax. The grand hall buzzed with energy, the flashing lights of cameras catching every angle of the designers, models, and industry professionals who had poured months of hard work into the competition. The atmosphere was electric, the crowd eagerly waiting for the final announcement—the winner of the year’s prestigious modeling competition.The host stood at the podium, his charismatic voice booming through the venue, addressing the crowd with flair. “Ladies and gentlemen, before we announce tonight’s winner, let’s take a moment to thank all the incredible participants who have made this competition so remarkable. Without each of you, this show wouldn’t be the success it is today. A round of applause for all our competitors!”The crowd erupted into applause, and the models and designers stood proudly, each one sharing in the collective pride of what had been a hard-fought competition. From the beginning, every one
The atmosphere in the venue had shifted again, this time to a celebratory one. The excitement in the air was palpable as the models, their looks still sharp and ready, mingled backstage, awaiting their next assignment. The host, a charismatic woman in a bold red dress, stood before the crowd, her eyes glinting with enthusiasm.“Now, everyone,” she announced, “it’s time for something special. We want all the bosses of our incredible models to join them on stage for a photo op. It’s time for a snapshot of success, a symbol of the hard work and collaboration that’s gotten us to this moment.”Riele felt a small wave of anxiety at the mention of the "bosses"—that meant Kim would be front and center, just as he always was. The others gathered in groups, some laughing, some adjusting their outfits, while Riele remained slightly apart, her gaze flicking to where Kim was already motioning for her."Riele," Kim called, his tone casual but firm, “come on over here. I want to get a picture with yo
The music pulsed through the venue, echoing off the high ceilings and filling the space with an energy that was impossible to ignore. Riele stood backstage, her hands trembling slightly as she waited for her name to be called. The sound of other models walking, the faint murmur of the crowd, and the laughter of the host were all distant noises in her ears. Right now, the world seemed to narrow to the space right in front of her—the runway, the lights, and the anticipation building with every passing second.“Next, Riele,” came the voice of the assistant, calling her forward.Her heart thudded in her chest as she took a deep breath. She had prepared for this, practiced for months, and now it was time to shine. She couldn’t let her nerves control her. This was her moment.Jay gave her an encouraging smile as she passed by him on her way to the runway. “You got this,” he whispered, his words simple but full of conviction.Riele’s smile was small but genuine. “Thanks, Jay.”The moment she
**Chapter Title: "The Road to Glory"**The morning light filtered through the sleek windows of the luxury car, illuminating the faces of Kim, Riele, Jay, and Jane as they sat in silence, the anticipation thick in the air. The competition was just a few hours away, and the nerves that had been building up over the past four weeks were reaching their peak.The car was spacious, comfortable, and equipped with everything they could need for the journey. Plush leather seats, tinted windows, and soft music playing from the speakers set a calm tone, but the undercurrent of excitement could not be hidden. Kim was at the front, his face set with determination, while Jane sat next to him, her posture stiff, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her jacket. Riele and Jay sat together in the back, the distance between them and Jane palpable.As they drove toward the venue, Riele couldn’t help but look out the window, trying to calm her racing thoughts. This was it. The moment she had been waiting
Utter sat in his dimly lit living room, the cold glass of whiskey in his hand reflecting the soft glow of the lamp beside him. The room was still, save for the low hum of a nearby fridge and the occasional clink of ice as he took another drink. His thoughts swirled in a haze of frustration and regret, the burn of alcohol barely numbing the ache in his chest.He had been planning to leave for the competition, eager to reclaim some semblance of control in his life, but that had all been derailed by Madison. She had shown up, as if out of nowhere, and completely dismantled the fragile plans he had made. The anger still simmered beneath the surface. He had to admit, he wasn’t ready to face the competition now—not with everything weighing on his mind. Not with the unresolved mess that was his life.But what else was left for him? He had rejected Charlotte’s pregnancy, and the fallout from that decision had been harder to ignore than he had anticipated. He hadn't been prepared to see her lea