"I may be a movie star but I need actual remarkable outfits to suddenly become a fashion icon as well. My brand will also need impressive designs to compete with those that have existed for decades." He explains."Will you partner with me?" He asks.I am utterly shocked. Designing for a brand that I will not just be an employee sounds like a good idea. But I also don't believe in partnerships with men. Not after I was selfishly betrayed and rudely insulted by my ex-husband and his true love while they kicked my useless ass out of his home that I had looked after for years."I will think about your proposal." I say."Good. I will eagerly wait for your positive feedback." He smiles pleasantly while pulling out his card from his trousers pocket and handing it to me. "Feel free to call me anytime."A lot of women would kill to get his private contacts. Others would pay millions to be alone in a room with him. I am not any of them but I politely nod and force a smile. He has been so far th
LUCAS RAVENWOOD'S POV"Sarah Rosefield lives in a two bedroom apartment on Eagle Street. She drives a Mercedes Maybach S-Class and is saving up to buy a lavish house located in Future Front Avenue." One of the two private detectives that Greg advised me to hire reports.We agreed that they would have two weeks to find out everything about Miss Rosefield and that they would report every new detail to me immediately.I cannot win her back without knowing the best ways to impress her new, tenacious heart. She has grown in ways I had not anticipated. With a job and a promising career she no longer needs me like she used to. But she must have beautiful dreams that I can help her achieve."What about a partner? Does she have a boyfriend?" I ask, even though the thought of her with someone else makes my heart pound violently with envy."She doesn't have a boyfriend that anyone knows of." The older, male detective answers and his female counterpart keeps nodding in agreement."The men in her
LORRAINE'S POVJessica helps me carry my boxes of groceries into my apartment. She offered to escort me home for the first time since we became friends. But she has asked more than a dozen questions about actor Ryder Sterling on the way and still continues talking about him as I set down some of the boxes beside my fringe."I never thought Ryder Sterling would be dreaming of starting a fashion brand. It makes me feel like I didn't know him at all." She says like she has been his girlfriend for the last ten years.How can she think she knew everything about the man no matter how much of an obsessed fan she has been?"I still don't understand why he found it necessary to tell you about his plans. You will only be designing his clothes for a short while." She questions."He wants me to start the brand with him, as a partner." I answer and the box she was holding literally slips off her grasp. I instinctively catch it before it hits the floor."Why... why would he want you as a partner? Y
LORRAINE'S POV"Well, I . . . get inspirations from people's personalities and old cultures," I answer actor Ryder Sterling's awkward question the best way I can. If course there are several other things I get inspirations from. But I don't see the necessity to mention them all.Jessica comes closer and settles on the seat next to mine just so she can hear everything. "How do you create a design out of a person's personality?" the actor asks."Same as they do in the movies. You take note of a character and imagine an outfit that somehow reflects it's essence. I translate a person's unique traits and energy into outfits that speaks to who they are as an individual," I answer. Jessica eyes widen as though she didn't know about this already. "Sounds clever," Ryder Sterling compliments in the same thick, flattering tone. "What kind of outfit would you have imagined for my character in War gods movie if you were the film designer?" he asks.I am tempted to huff in annoyance. Why make m
LUCAS RAVENWOOD'S POVI carry my ex-wife's jacket back into my room like a treasure that will never be lost. Soon the design will be the newest trend in fashion world, desired by millions of men. But the original jacket means everything to me.I walk into the room to find my awful wife standing by the bed. She wears sexy lingerie as always, but she doesn't turn to delightfully embrace me like a child like she does every night. I hate the smell of her perfumes and every foolish word that comes out of her mouth.I walk farther inside and finally notice the over a dozen printed pictures of Miss Rosefield laid on the bed. My wife stares at them with murderous look on her face."It's her, isn't it?" she questions in a furious tone. "Stella Style's new designer is your ugly ex-wife!" she screams. I am thrilled to watch her seethe with rage and frustrations. Lorraine must have felt a dozen times worse when she helped me kick her out. Lorraine looks extremely beautiful in the pictures even
LORRAINE'S POV"Why did he make it look like you're his girlfriend?" Jessica asks despite the presence of a waiter at the table. She called me early to ask if we could have breakfast together in this vintage hotel after seeing actor Ryder Sterling's viral post. "A Beauty with big brains," was the actor's tag on the picture he posted. It doesn't say that I am his girlfriend, neither does it say that I am not, a thing that bothers many."I am sure he didn't expect people assume that I am his girlfriend from that simple statement," I point and Jessica scoffs. "He has his mascular hand draped tightly around your shoulders and his smile hints of genuine admiration," she argues. I know it's useless to argue with her when it's her celebrity crash we are speaking about. She assumes she knows everything about him, his desires, his intentions, his upcoming movies."Anyway I wanted to ask if you could properly introduce me to him in a manner that he will like me instead," she confesses. "Y
LUCAS RAVENWOODS'S POVLorraine's so called best friend called meto hear about the amazing deal I had the intention of offering her. She isn't a loyal friend and I genuinely think that my ex-wife deserves better. But I would not have this deal with Miss Rooney if she were loyal to Lorraine. So it's all to my advantage.I force a smile as my assistant guides her into my office. She wears one of Lorraine's best designs and a lot of pretty jewellery. It's clear that she dressed up to impress. Because the backless jumpsuit is too bold for the freezing cold weather outside.She looks around my office with admiration and smiles nervously."Hello sir," she greets after halting in front of my desk. "Your office is extremely beautiful. I am excited for whatever opportunity you're about to give me."I motion at her to sit and she settles on one of the cushioned guest chairs, observing all ladylike mannerisms in an enticing manner."I took a keen look at the best of your designs and couldn't he
LORRAINE'S POVOur brand's party is nothing like the simple fete I expected. Our boss must have spent millions to set up the glamorous event mostly to impress the media present than to actually celebrate our profits."Has Ryder Sterling called you again since that night?" Jessica asks as we make our way towards the red carpet that is surrounded by media personalities and paparazzi. The party features several luxurious decorations, models dressed in Stellar Style's latest collections and high-profile guests in their elegant outfits.Literally every one of our models and fashion influencers is dressed in one of the many imposing designs that I have made since joining Stellar Style. Which makes it look like I am the sole source of the great profits this party is celebrating. "No. Your crush hasn't called me again since that night," I answer Jessica's question and she smiles."I wish Mr Vale had invited him to this lovely party. There would be more paparazzi and lots of fans if Ryder St
LORRAINE'S POVMy laptop is on as I draw more designs for our brand's opening party. Luca Romanov stands by my side, staring at the sketches with interest. Actor Ryder Sterling is getting his man of the year award tonight, but I couldn't attend the event as there is so much that needs my attention. The big building now has our brand's name and trademark. In a few days we will be holding the launch party. Ryder Sterling said we would have invitation cards sent out by then to every one of the country's elite. Some will attend, some will not. Because right now everyone's attention is on the world's newest hero, billionaire Lucas Ravenwood. The sales of his brand have skyrocketed, with the coat he personally modeled leading in the number of purchases. I am sure he is dying to release the designs that Jessica stole from me. He promised I would have a hundred percent royalties. But I would rather have my new brand sell the outfits, regardless of how little the sales will be.We would have
LUCAS RAVENWOOD'S POVMy office phone hasn't stopped ringing for ten minutes since the actual truth about my underworld dealings aired. Every television channel is fighting to be the first to have an interview with me.I already got what I wanted, but people will find it strange if I do not address the things they are curious about. Especially considering the fact that I shot a man in that video. "Your plan worked perfectly. Ryder Sterling helped strengthen your repute and boost the sales of your businesses. But you will have more enemies now more than ever before," Greg says. "Did you find that traitor?" I ask, referring to the stupid man that betrayed us by filming a video for actor Ryder Sterling. "He had fled out of the country even before the news aired. Your best men are on him though. A week won't pass before we find him," Greg answers. "What should be done when he is found?" he asks. "Kill the idiot," I order and my assistant nods in approval.I paid the man well. He was i
LORRAINE'S POVI hand Ryder Sterling a glass of wine as soon as we walk into my apartment. My apartment is not as luxurious as the hotels he prefers to sleep in. But it's his choice to be here."I ordered food for us," he informs after taking the drink. "We can relax and talk about our future," he suggests with a seductive smile. "I do not mind talking about business," I state. "What do you think of the name Gracewear as our brand's name?" I ask, taking my seat on the couch."Fantastic," he happily approves while taking a seat beside me. "Your creativity never fails to amaze me." He leans in and pecks the side of my neck. "I would give up anything to be more than friends with you.""We are business partners," I remind. "Would you consider letting us be romantic partners some day? If . . . I turn out worthy of your love, of course," he asks.He is rich and almost as good-looking as my ex-husband. There is a chance he could make a perfect boyfriend. But love is something I swore neve
LORRAINE'S POVI watch Ryder Sterling's eyes fill with fury as he glares at my ringing phone."Do not answer that devil, Sarah. He may be seeking to threaten you," he urges. "I have to answer the call. He has got my designs," I tell him."You gave him?" "No. Jessica stole from me and tried selling to him. There is also the jacket that his brand released at the time I started designing for you. I forgot it in his house the day he asked me to leave," I answer. The actor watches me with astounded eyes. "And you didn't think of telling me this all this time we have been friends?" he asks in disappointment. "I am an independent woman, Ryder. It was my burden to carry," I answer before picking my ex-husband's call.I do not move away to avoid raising the actor's suspicion that I am hiding something from him. "Hello dear. How are you doing?" his voice sounds so calm and quite enchanting. Is he not worried about the disgraceful news of his illegal business as well as the calls for his ar
LORRAINE'S POVWho on earth throws a party to celebrate the fall of another person? Ryder Sterling must have been obsessed with destroying my ex-husband to have seen it fit to invite me and his rich, famous friends to this little celebration. It's the first time I have set foot in his stunning house. It's not exactly a huge mansion, but the interior has quite the exquisite decor. For some reason he has got a sculpture of Julius Caesar as the centerpiece of his spacious ballroom. There is pretty of expensive wine and good music. Some guests even brought gifts to congratulate the actor for successfully defaming mighty billionaire Lucas Ravenwood. I have spotted several of my ex-husband's old enemies looking quite exhilarated. I am sure some of them sponsored the protests that are now calling for Lucas Ravenwood's arrest and prosecution.The actor smiles proudly as the guests shower him with praise. I personally think that it's too soon to be celebrating. It's highly doubtful that Luca
LORRAINE'S POVMy eyes go wide as soon as I open the gift box. The same heels that I sold this morning are inside. What on earth?!A message from Lucas Ravenwood pops up on my phone as if he was waiting for the exact moment that I would have the box open. "Hello dear. You should have asked me for finances instead of selling my gifts. You can keep both the money and the shoes." The message reads. So the lady that bought the heels wasn't really an interested customer? Was she one of his insanely loyal employees? How did he even know that I was selling the heels?Does he have his criminal spies following me? I do not exactly feel safe. Hopefully he will have more worrying issues to focus on when the news of his human trafficking business airs on every popular tv channel. He will no longer have so much finances to waste. I walk to the safe drawer where I kept the heels before and put them back. For the first time I notice the murder mystery book that Ryder Sterling gifted me after I de
LORRAINE'S POV"I would beg you to keep the shoes if they weren't from that demon. Did he really think he can buy back your love?" Ryder Sterling asks as the team of auctioneers lead us to a secluded room where our rich buyer is supposed to make the payment for the shoes. I had no idea that there were such elite auction events until the actor told me about this one. The heels sold for a staggering amount of fourteen million dollars, which is nearly double the price that they are actually worth. I do not need to sell anything else to increase my contribution. "Is there something else that he gave you that I am not aware of?" Ryder Sterling asks. "No of course," I reply even though it shouldn't be his business. "Will you sell the mansion as well?" he asks. "No. I will figure out what to do with it," I answer. "Let me know when you are ready to get rid of it and need my assistance," he offers.I nod. The auctioneers direct the rich woman who made the last bidding to deposit the fin
LORRAINE'S POV"You didn't knock," I say. "I could have been naked.""Sorry. But I would not mind your nakedness. You would make a pretty model, you know that, right?" he answers, striding farther into the room.Of course I don't want him here when Luca is cooking in my kitchen. Why do they all have a habit of showing up unannounced? He places a bottle of wine on the table in front of me. "We should celebrate. The great fall of billionaire Lucas Ravenwood and his brand," he says with the happiest of smiles. "So the media is willing to air your evidence?" I ask."They are extremely excited. Once the video is verified to be authentic the story will air tomorrow. The entire world will know who their true enemy is," he answers.So my ex-husband is really going to lose his precious crown of great fame and probably get sued by families of victims of his human trafficking business. I doubt he would still keep sketches of my designs after his reputation gets terribly damaged."We must take
LORRAINE'S POVI am utterly shocked that it takes me a moment to pull away from his embrace. "I am not having sex with you! They are my designs and you got no right to have them," I snap.He sighs, turns and walks back to the table. "Maybe we should talk like adults. This beautiful lunch was prepared for you," he says, taking his seat and gesturing at the one across from him.I do not intend to make this look like a date, which I imagine to be the thing he seeks. But if he can forcibly kiss me then I can also take his food. Not in a nice way though.I walk to the table and grab the aromatic piece of cheesecake on one of the plates while still standing on my feet. I chew without giving a shit about grace."You have grown such an interesting personality since we separated. I would be enthralled to have you on my bed once more," he says with his enticing smile. "Your money doesn't impress me anymore if that's what you think would entice me to warm your bed again. Give up my designs and