Chapter One

“Jesus, Eliana. You look incredibly fat in that dress.” Shauna Martel, my boss and supermodel complimented.

I hold back an eyeroll. As she strutted around, her slender legs carrying her with purpose, she distributed instructions to the caterers in a less-than-kind manner. Her fiery red gown clung to her figure like a second skin, barely reaching her mid-thigh.

She always seized every opportunity to look her best, and on a night like this – the anniversary of her boutique – she couldn’t afford not to.

I couldn’t help but envy her dark hair cascading down her back in waves and her tanned skin. She was truly a sight to behold and never failed to remind me that I wasn’t.

I smoothened out my black bodycon dress with spaghetti straps, which extended all the way to my feet and headed towards the entrance to guide people in.

At nine, the party was in full swing. The room was filled with super models like Shauna, CEOs of different companies, people with rich daddies, in short, people who breathed money.

My feet hurt from ushering in these rich snobs inside due to the heels I was wearing. I was forced to by my boss. I’m not the brightest but I wasn’t that stupid to make such a decision.

After what felt like the hundredth person to come in, my job was done for the night. Unless someone else was joining this party, I could finally take my seat.

My train of thoughts was interrupted as a black car, no doubt worth’s more than my six-month salary, parked in front of the entrance, a man no doubt a CEO, judging from the tailored suit, highlighted the vehicle.

His stance screamed power, the suit doing nothing to hide his defined stature. His car drove away as he took defined steps to the entrance where I was failing to hide my stare.

My heart raced as he approached, looking straight ahead.

With his sharp jaw, plump lips and electric blue eyes, he was undeniably handsome and with the waves of arrogance washing off him, he seemed to know it.

A scowl appeared on his devilishly handsome face as he approached the party. I prepared to greet him, but the words died in my mouth as he arrogantly strode in without a second glance.

I couldn’t help but glare at his back. Of course. Full of himself, why did I expect less?

Shauna spotted him as soon as he joined the party, instantly flirting with him and staking her claim as the other ladies kept glancing at where he stood.

It was clear he was the most sought-after person at the party, even men kept trying to talk to him.

Rich people, beautiful but vain.

I dragged my feet towards the drinks table, opting for a glass of orange juice. I longed for a swig of whiskey to rid the taste of arrogance from my mouth, but I couldn’t get drunk on the job.

I hated this job. But I had to do it. After my dad passed last year, I had to work two jobs to help my mum keep the house. I also had to save up for college. Shauna was unbearable, but the risk of losing my job let me tolerate her. I also loved fashion designing, so I kept pushing.

My sister also worked but she had high school. I made her quit.

It was stressful dealing with an entitled diva all the time, but if it meant keeping the house, then I could deal.

I took my drink and some party snacks to enjoy while watching a room filled with rich and fake people.

As I turned around to head to my hiding spot, I collided with a hard object in front of me, causing the juice in my hand to spill onto the person’s shirt.

The person let out an annoyed groan. “I’m so sorry”, I began to apologize, but the person interrupted me with a deep, rich baritone voice.

“God, so clumsy. Do you know how much the suit costs?”

I looked up and gazed into the most electric set of blue eyes I had ever seen.

His handsome face was clouded with disgust as he looked at me.

“of course, you don’t. I don’t expect someone like you to.”

My embarrassment turned to annoyance in an instant.

“Excuse me?” I asked, irritation seeping into my voice.

He rose an eyebrow. “Did I stutter?”

The forming crowd around didn’t matter to me at that moment. I inhaled sharply, ready to lash out at the egotistical man standing before me. But before I could, Shauna interrupted our stare down.

“what’s going on?” she asked, eyes darting back and forth.

She saw the huge stain on his shirt.

“oh Noah, I’m so sorry about your shirt.” Shauna exclaimed, her tone apologetic.

I held back the urge to roll my eyes.

Shauna turn her attention to me, finally understanding the situation.

“You,” she said, waving a manicured finger in front of my face. “I’m going to remove the expenses from your pay.”

I could feel the blood rushing to my face as I seethed with anger.

“Don’t worry about it, Shauna, you would probably have to remove a year’s worth of pay. Besides, she needs that money to survive,” Noah said, his tone dripping with condescension.

“In the future, please don’t hire animals.”

He straightened his tie, shot me one last glare, and strode away, Shauna running after him like a puppy chasing its master.