His Regrets

TWO YEARS LATER

 

LUCAS RAVENSWOOD POV

 

My rueful parents sit on the two leather chairs facing my executive desk.

"We both deeply regret making you marry a shameless, self-centered freeloader that disgraces your brand. None of us thought that the famed actress would turn into a loathsome vixen after marrying you." My mother expresses in a sad tone.

"No one thought that she was all plastic either." My father adds in a similarly apologetic tone.

Their apologies doesn't help me in any way. Two years ago they made it clear that they would never accept my unaccomplished housewife as their daughter-in-law. They demanded that I get a successful, reputable woman that would actively help in even greater growth of my brand.

I was foolish enough to fulfill their demands by getting rid of the kindest, most selfless woman I have ever known. Loraine's attractive personality was my greatest comfort for two years. But I kicked her out in the most humiliating way so that I could create space for the suitable wife that my wise parents had recommended, the then most famous actress, Aubrey Sinclair.

Aubrey was much easier to get than my first wife and seemed ideal in every aspect, except for the tendency to offer her body as a bargaining chip anytime she needs something. I should have known then that there was a devil inside of her.

She also had an extreme affinity for luxury goods of the highest prices. Every time, she would offer me her naked body and soul in exchange for a premium item that she desired.

It wasn't until days after our marriage that news of her past immoral acts started to emerge and circulate on all social media platforms.

She had secretly seduced and slept with over a dozen movie producers, all of whom granted her the iconic roles that propelled her to fame.

She also acted as an escort for several other rich men who would later have sexual relationships with her.

Since she was already married to me she had the confidence to shake off the ignominy and boast about her new, affluent life that she didn't need to work for.

She hasn't worked a day since our honeymoon. She has been on various vacations spending millions on high-end beauty products, priceless jewellery and premium surgical enhancements. Yet she still looks like a plucked chicken without make up.

I miss Loraine's kind and adorable spirit more with every dawn and nightfall. I desperately imagine her by my side every time I have to endure Aubrey's company. She was never the leech I accused her of being in my quest to make her leave. I didn't realize just how much rigorous work she was undertaking until I let her go.

She was an hardworking housewife, yet she left a bigger hole in my heart than in the house. The things I and Aubrey said to her must have hurt deeply, but that doesn't explain why she disappeared without a trace.

She strangely left me a gift which I have since considered my most valuable possession. The aesthetic jacket made of fur and leather has the most sophisticated, timeless design I have ever seen despite being the owner of the most popular fashion brand.

I tried tracking down the designer, but there was no brand logo on the jacket and there seemed to be no similar design in the market. I wonder where Loraine had gotten it. Such an iconic design would fetch millions of dollars if someone put it in the market. I would also gladly hire the designer who made it.

"Apologies accepted. I was already aware of your honest regrets over the matter. I just wish Aubrey Sinclair was the only problem I have right now." I say to my rueful parents.

Of course they are not fully to blame. I too agreed to the foolish decision that cost me the woman that was worth my love. Now I have Aubrey's foolishness to deal with on top of sudden competition from Stellar Style.

"We heard about Stellar Style's trending designs. Why don't you hire their new designer?" Mother questions.

"My assistant is working on it. You should get home and rest." I answer.

"Is your wife still on vacation?" Father asks while taking one last sip of the vintage wine.

"Not since I stopped sending her new finances. She is coming back from Hawaii today."

"Then we would prefer to make a hotel booking than to meet her." He says.

"My secretary will do that for you." I offer and they leave.

My chubby assistant, Greg, walks in after, a look of despair edged on his face.

I assigned him the task of luring the new, incredibly talented designer of Stellar Style to come work for my brand so their little growth can end.

Glamour Elite is still the predominant brand by a considerable distance. It is the home of every remarkable designer and most sought out models. Celebrity influencers buy and promote our luxury products even without getting paid for it. The brand has been at the top for so long that it feels like it's it rightful place.

 

But with the new, visionary designer at Stellar Style I fear that the brand will soon be our fierce competitor. The once unpopular brand has gained so much recognition within the last six months that it has taken the second place in the markets. While it's still far behind Glamour Elite in terms of profits, I have no doubt that the innovative mind of their new designer will propel them further forward, taking over new markets that are currently of my brand.

"I emailed our most enticing offers to the new designer. Her name is Sarah Rosefield. She declined them all including the impressive royalties." Greg informs in a nervous voice.

 

I would be mad at his failure if he hasn't always been extremely effective until today. How could he fail to convince a new designer to start working for the more popular brand even when I have put more than enough resources at his disposal?

 

"Does the designer speak an alien language?" I ask.

 

"None of the offers we made seem good enough for her. This may sound strange, but I honestly think she doesn't wants to work for us, sir." He foolishly defends.

 

"That's ridiculous." I scoff. "There is always room for better offers when pursuing someone so creative. Are you at least capable of requesting for an actual meeting?" I question.

 

Greg nods his head. "I already have. She agreed to a meeting at Royal Haven hotel tomorrow evening." He answers.

 

"I will be meeting her personally, see if she actually dislikes our money." I state.

 

"If you don't mind me saying, your beautiful face may encourage her to change her mind. That doesn't mean I didn't try hard enough." He argues.

 

I am about to snap at him when the door opens, and my loathsome wife storms in, confident in her shiny red brassieres and a matching mini skirt.

"How could you forget to send me fresh money to spend on my most awesome vacation? I literally got thrown out of an hotel for failing to pay for their meals! Then I had to fly economy class just to get here!" She angrily complains, acting like an entitled child with only her happiness to worry about.

 

"Do you work for the money I send you?" I sternly ask and she freezes with shock. Then her expression softens and she elegantly walks around my desk. She wraps her hands around my shoulders and kisses my neck.

 

"Honey I... don't have a job right now. No one will hire me. But I am your loyal wife and I will do anything you ask me to." She pleads, kneeling down on the floor beside my seat.

 

She may have acquired her acting roles through fraudulent means but she is extremely good at pretending nevertheless. Her body is all that she is capable of trading.

 

"I want actual work." I say and she immediately rises.

 

"But... what else can I do?" She asks in a feeble voice.

 

"Figure it out. You're an adult."

 

She sinks in the seat next to Greg and sighs in frustration.

 

"Should I put our new offers in writing? The designer may want to be convinced that they are legit before agreeing to work for us." Greg points.

 

"Sure, put the offers in writing. I would prefer that the designer signs them after our meeting. It will ensure that we do not waste time on another meeting." I say.

 

Aubrey's face suddenly lights up. "What if I can help you get the designer without offering him lots of money? Would you then send me the money for my vacations?" She excitedly asks.

 

"What's your plan?"

"Well, I am a woman with irresistible beauty. If you let me I can convince the designer to work for your brand without much pay. I will just have to wear a naked dress to our meeting." She answers.

 

I didn't expect an ethical plan. She is incapable of thinking of something else apart from the lure of her surgically reshaped body.

 

"Unfortunately the designer happens to be a young and smart woman." Greg gladly informs.

 

"And Lucas is the one meeting with her?" She questions in a worried voice.

 

"Yes. She has a creative mind that will attract millions of new customers to my brand. She is a woman of great value." I say to annoy her and it works.

 

She rises from her seat and storms out.

 

I am actually a bit eager to meet the designer. She got a gift that would lift any brand to the highest possible success.