Her Success

LORAINE'S POV

 

"Congratulations on the incredible performance of your designs. You're the first girl to make me jealous of your creativity." My friend, Jessica, says while standing beside my work desk.

She is Stellar Style's chief designer and someone I used to look up to when I first got my job in this studio. Now my designs are causing a sensation in the markets.

They weren't worn by the best of our runway models, yet they gained not just the attention of the event attendees but of several celebrities and popular influencers as well.

Thanks to my designing talent I am no longer the wrench that was shamefully kicked out of Lucas Ravenswood mansion. I found my own success, without depending on any man's fortune.

l also transformed in ways not even I thought was possible. I did not just change my name, but physically as well. I shed off extra weight during my morning runs. And I get time to care for my skin. Now, my appearance is almost as stunning as those of our runway models. And it has revived my confidence.

Still, I was surprised when I received a lucrative offer to join my ex-husband's famous brand. Who would have thought that he would seek me after declaring that a dog would be more useful to him than I could ever dream to be?

I turned down the offer. But his stubborn assistant didn't give up calling me relentlessly and sending over a dozen emails. I accepted a meeting with him just so I can make it crystal clear that I have no desire to work for Glamour Elite.

I must however lie about my reasons for turning down the offer. The assistant cannot recognise me since my marriage to his boss was a great secret and I am sure my ex-husband never spoke about me to anyone. So lying to the assistant should be easy.

"Mr. Vale wishes to thank you personally. He has requested that you see him in his office." Jessica informs.

Stephen Vale is our CEO and proud owner of Stellar Style. He inherited the brand from his father and managed it to success. But it is my designs that have made it the household name it has fast become.

Stephen Vale has set up a party to celebrate the profits. And just remembered to personally thank me in time.

"Thank you. I will go see him." I say before leaving the studio to head to the executive offices.

Stephen Vale's office is luxuriously furnished, reflecting his rich status. He of course isn't nearly as rich as my ex-husband who was also as beautiful as a blooming rose in early morning sunlight. But Stephen Vale definitely possesses a better heart.

"How dare you look more beautiful than my models?" He compliments as soon as I walk into his office.

“Thank you. I heard you wanted to see me.”

He nods. "Have a seat. I got a lot of good news for you." He says, and I take the seat across his desk.

"You have earned my brand more success than I would have achieved in a hundred years. We have bypassed competitors that were miles ahead of us in terms of popularity. So I am offering you the position of chief designer." He says, and I gape in shock.

That position is currently held by my best friend, Jessica. And she considers it the biggest achievement of her life.

"You don't look as happy as I had imagined you would be." Stephen Vale observes. “It's because Jessica is your friend? You're worried about upsetting her?”

"The position means everything to her." I answer.

"You think she will be offended that you're the better designer. Jessica knows she can't have the position just because she wants it. It's always awarded to the most creative and she isn't that right now." Stephen argues. "I will give you time to think. But do not let your friend's feelings of entitlement get on the way of your success." He encourages.

I nod. At least he is giving me time to think about it.

"Actor Ryder Sterling just accepted the contract to promote our brand's male designs. But he only wants new, impeccable designs that have not been worn by anyone else. So I picked you to design some ideal outfits for him to model." Stephen Vale informs.

Once again I gape in astonishment. But this time, I am genuinely delighted by the opportunity. To design for the second most famous Hollywood movie star. Ryder Sterling isn't just a classic public idol, he is also adored for his drama free lifestyle despite being a Hollywood celebrity.

He is the kind of man that mature women desire, and men want to become. Any new design worn by him would immediately catch the attention of the vast population.

"I appreciate this opportunity, sir. Ryder Sterling would be the perfect trendsetter for male fashion. I will create the best possible outfits that suit his charm." I promise.

"I am certain you'll make something outstanding. The actor will be visiting our studio the day after tomorrow. You can meet him then and discuss his expectations." Stephen responds.

"Thank you for the chance." I say before getting up from the seat.

"Think about the position I offered." He reminds, "It would be a shame if someone undeserving gets it." He adds.

I step out of the office and head back to the studio, thinking all about the privilege I have been granted, to design for actor Ryder Sterling. He is my key to revolutionizing men's fashion.

I will begin working on the outfits immediately, so I can still have time to meet my ex-husband's assistant tomorrow and make it clear that I have no desire to join their big brand.

"What did the man say?" Jessica asks as soon as I return to my desk.

I cannot let her know that Stephen Vale offered me her position. Her reaction would be unpredictable. And obviously not a happy one.

"Actor Ryder Sterling signed a contract to promote Stellar Style's male designs." I inform and a delightful smile graces her face.

"The man is my celebrity crush." She confesses shyly. “Has our creative director decided which designs he will be promoting?”

"Uh... Mr. Vale tasked me with creating designs for the actor to market." I answer, and her joyous smile fades.

"So it's not the brand's designs he will be promoting?" she questions.

“I am a designer of this brand, am I not?”

"Of course you are. Sorry if I sound jealous. You deserve the opportunity." She says with a forced smile.

"Thank you." I say,

"Is that all that Mr. Vale gave you?" she inquires curiously.

"Yes," I lie. “Designing for Ryder Sterling is a unique opportunity.”

"I would demand more if I were you. But that's probably because I am a lot more passionate than you are." She proudly comments.

She believes she is the best even when none of her designs has ever actually gained popularity. I should probably take the position that Stephen Vale offered me.