Chapter five

Vivian had styled her brown hair up, neatly tied back in a ponytail, keeping her look sleek and tidy. She slipped on her round-rimmed glasses, which framed her warm brown eyes, adding a touch of intellectual charm to her appearance. Feeling a bit more confident this time around, Vivian Mercer sashayed out of her apartment, her bag and files in hand.

The drive down town was as usual, and the sun had long risen into the sky, ushering a new day for everyone. As she stepped into the bustling modelling agency, the atmosphere was electric with energy. Models were scattered around the spacious, modern lobby, some practicing their walks, others reviewing their portfolio with the agents. The air was filled with the hum of conversations, punctuated by occasional laughter and the clicking of heels against the polished marble floors. This was her life, and it swelled her with pride of be able to work here.

The receptionist, a young man with a snarky attitude greeted her first, the gum in his mouth popping and snapping with each chew. He was dressed in a flamboyant petaled shirt. “good morning, Honey,”

Vivian returned his smile with a smile of her own, “good morning, Horace. How is your boyfriend?” she called out as she walked past him.

“He’s finnnnee” the man giggled before picking up the call that was coming in. “hello…”

As Vivian made her way through the office of various staff members, the sounds of Horace’s voice seemed to drown with the endless sea of chatters. Various staff members called out their greetings. “Morning, Vivian!” “hey, Vivian!” “looking sharp as always, Vivian!”

She acknowledges each one of them with a smile and a nod, feeling a sense of pride in the company and respect she had cultivated within the agency. Her roles as general secretary and assistant manager had always been a demanding one, but it was moments like these that reminded her why she loved her job.

Walking past the open-concept workspace, she noticed a group of models gathered around a mood board, discussing their upcoming shoot. She paused briefly and took a deep breath. These were the most expensive models in the country. Tall, elegant, fair skin, luscious hair and class. They were like goddesses. She could never be as pretty as they were and not to mention the fact that were the kind of women Damien was more or less inclined with.

The rich and successful CEO who ran his own modelling agency, and not to mention the fact that he was devilishly handsome, it was only right that he ended up with the models he worked with, and each day, she felt further and further away from ever being part of his world.

“L-looking good, everyone. Keep up the great work!” Vivian faltered but still managed to put up a smile as she came to stand before the women and all four of them turned to her with a mock expression. The women’s faces seemed bored and uninterested when they heard her voice. Lacking any form of enthusiasm. The glares in their eyes sent a shiver down her back, making her feel small and insignificant. And that feeling only became clearer when one of the models stepped forward, her green eyes gleaming with mockery and hostility as her height towered over that of Vivian’s.

“huh? Did someone say something?” The woman sneered, her sharp nose pointing upwards in a snub manner. The other models giggled, but Vivian smiled, a trickle of sweat gliding down her cheek.

“good morning to you too, Lisa.” Choosing to bite back her words Vivian maintained her smile. Lisa Jonathan, the youngest, yet prettiest model at the agency. At just twenty, she was a hit, her name was a household name where she appeared in almost all the big-time advertisement.

Vivian hated her. Because behind that pretty smile was a she-devil. Over bearing and hard to please, always making her job harder than what it was already. In all honesty the only time she “played nice” was when Damien was nearby. Always trying to get on his good side…tch.

“oh…where are my manners…GoOd MoRnInG, MisS MeRcEr…” she dipped her head mockingly before bursting into laughter. Vivian forced a smile, swallowing her irritation at Lisa’s mockery as she felt her blood boil. Lisa’s laugh grated on her nerves and she was about to say something when the sudden wave of giggles and whispers came through,

“he’s here…”

“omg, he’s so hot…”

Came the series of giggles and compliments and sure enough, it was Damien Sullivan. Strutting down the scene with a charming smile that spoke of so much confidence. His presence had an immediate effect on the room, his charm effortlessly commanding attention and his sparkling blue eyes gleamed with mischief and purpose.

Vivian felt her face pale and her blood turn to ice when she realized he was coming this way. She really hadn’t expected to run into him this early in the morning and she wanted nothing more than to run and hide, but how fast would her feet even carry her? but before she could make any sudden decisions, Damien was already at her side and she slapped herself mentally.

“good morning ladies,” Damien greeted the small group of women warmly. “I trust you’re all doing well this morning…. Vivian,” he turned to the woman and she sighed, knowing there was nothing she could do now but play it cool.

“Good morning, Mr. Sullivan,” she greeted, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions she felt quivering in her chest and stomach.

“everything is on schedule for today.” she said.

“excellent,” Damien replied, patting her gently on the shoulder for her diligent work, but his gaze lingered on her for a moment than necessary, and Vivian felt like ice that had been left out in the sun for too long. He was the sun. Damien leaned in a bit closer to her ear and whispered to her hearing alone. “I have a few things to discuss with you in my office when you have a moment.”

“of course,” Vivian nodded with a pressed smile. But she hated how calm he seemed right now, his acting was superb, or maybe it wasn’t an act at all. The way his hands glided down her back, resting just above the small of her waist sent her mind racing, travelling far off to a land of imaginations, replaying bits and fragments from her dreams, she blushed. It was only when she lifted up her eyes did she finally notice Lisa’s eyes narrowing in barely concealed jealousy.