HIS SUCCESS

THREE YEARS LATER 

VANESSA STERLING'S POV 

"Another lawsuit!" William informs, dropping a pile of documents on my desk. "They’re claiming we stole the designs we released last week."

Not again!

There have been plenty of bad news for the past three years since I made the gravest of mistakes, marrying the worst of men and appointing him as the head designer of my brand. 

I trusted Cyrus and believed in his designing talent. His countless impeccable designs had brought great acclaim to my brand. I chose to marry him to ensure that he would always work for my brand.

However, it soon turned out that he has been stealing designs from lesser known designers and passing them off as his own. Now we're being sued left and right. Customers are outraged, and our competitors are circling like vultures.

"That's not all. Our sales are plummeting at an alarming rate. Customers are outraged." Amanda, the head of my marketing team, adds as she takes a seat.

"You should see the reactions to the marketing post Amanda's team put up yesterday," William says, and Amanda quickly opens her phone, swipes, and then passes it to me.

I see a flood of angry comments:

“Shameless thieves! I'll never buy from Starlight styles again!” 

"You're stealing from others? This is shameful!"

"This is another copied work!!#Disappointed"

"Fuck Cyrus,” I spit. "Is there even a single piece he made on his own?"

"We need to do something ,” William insists. “The brand’s reputation is on the line here.”

I nod. If I don't find a solution, my brand will be dragged down with my shameless husband. I won't let that happen, not after all the hard work I've put into building it up.

I am not sure what to do though.

Amanda and William exchange a look, and William continues to speak, "We've come up with a potential plan that can placate this situation, but..." he pauses, looking nervous.

“We would like to ask for a salary increase if it works,” Amanda finishes for him.

I raise an eyebrow. I doubt the two can come up with anything substantial. But at this point, I'm willing to consider anything. "You'll have to share the plan first." 

William grins, “We think we should shift the public focus away from the lawsuits by giving people something else to talk about. We need something big to distract their attention.”

"We don't have something big," I remind.

"We found something." Amanda informs in a proud voice. I nod at them to carry on.

"You must have heard about this new male supermodel taking the spotlight of the fashion world. He has gained a legion of fans, both women and men are obsessed with him,” William explains.

"Runway Angel ' is his newest nickname," Amanda adds. "We were thinking if we could hire him to model our male designs, all eyes would be on him. People would be so enamored by him that they'd forget all about this copyright scandals," she explains.

William nods in agreement. “We will draw attention to him while we handle Cyrus's mess discreetly."

Sounds like there is potential in their plan. I have heard the name, Runway Angel, several times within the last two months. I never bothered to know who it is as I was focusing on handling the mess that Cyrus has created. 

It's hard to believe that my disgusting husband is actually a true brother of my beautiful and hardworking ex-husband, Abel Blackwood. I miss him every single day that I wake up to Cyrus's ugly face.

If this new male model is even half as beautiful as Abel I am certain that people will be too busy fawning over him to focus on the lawsuits filled against my brand. People's obssession with his beauty might give me time to quietly settle things with Cyrus and the other designers he stole from. Then I will be able to move forward with a clean slate.

“Who exactly is this model?” I ask.

"We haven't met him in person either. But 

The Maisons Elegance is having a runway show tomorrow, and rumor has it that the Runway Angel will be one of the models that will be walking the runway. Representatives of all other major brands will be there too, mostly seeking to book him. He turned down our last request to model for us. We thought it would be a good idea for you to come with us and try to talk to him in person.” William says.

The model turned down a request to model for my brand?! That's shocking. 

I’ve always hired models through modeling agencies, I have never had to hire a model directly. But desperate times call for desperate measures. If this model can really help divert attention from Cyrus’s mess, he might be worth it.

"Alright, I will come with you."

ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV

"Wow, you're really making a splash in the industry," my friend, Wesley, exclaims, thrusting a glossy magazine toward me. 

My face graces the cover, and the bold headline bellow reads, "Runway Angel, The Breathtaking Model Who's Turning Heads!"

It's not the first time I am seeing my face on a popular magazine, but the thrill never gets old.

When I first started, I never imagined I'd achieve this level of fame. But thanks to my modelling talent I never thought I had and utter determination, I am no longer the wrench that was shamefully kicked out of Vanessa sterling's mansion. 

For three agonizing years, I sacrificed everything for our marriage, worshipping the ground she walked on, giving her my heart and soul, certain we would be forever. We made vows for better or worse, But, no those were just words to her. She tore me down, piece by agonizing piece, until I was a shell of a man. Then, she had the audacity to replace me with my own brother, as if I never mattered at all. She made me think I was useless. But that was then, guess who's the star now. I found my own success.

Still, I was surprised when I received a lucrative offer to model for my ex-wife's famous brand. Who would have thought that she would seek me after leaving me for my talented brother? I turned down the offer offcourse. 

"You're killing it, but remember, the industry is unpredictable. One day you’re on top, the next… who knows?" Wesley tells giving my shoulder a friendly pat before walking back to his stylist.

Wesley was the star male model of this agency before I got hired. He was also my role model when I first started. I know he's happy for me, but maybe a bit jealous too. Of which I can't blame him since I'm the one in the spotlight now. I hope this newfound success doesn't strain our friendship since there’s enough room for both of us.

"Alright, let's see how this looks on you. It is the signature piece of the whole collection," my female stylist says holding up another stunning outfit consisting of a long, white buttonless, fur coat, sleek silk white pants and stylish, golden ankle boots adorned with a silver chain.

"No shirt?”

She shakes her head. "The designer wants the coat to stand out." 

I nod, slipping off the leather trousers she had me try earlier and step into the new outfit. The sleek fabrics molds perfectly to my shape. 

We're getting ready for the 'Maisons Elegance' runway show tomorrow, and the stylists and designers are deciding the outfits to display on the event.

"You look incredible!” The stylist grins, adjusting the coat around my shoulders. "Seriously, you’ve got the perfect body for this.”

I catch my reflection in the mirror behind her and smile. I look incredible. A few models and stylists glance my way, their gazes filled with admiration.

"Wow!" exclaims the designer of the outfit, as she quickly excuses herself from assisting another model and makes her way over to where I'm standing. "With the right silver jewelry, you are going to rock this!"

Suddenly, the door to the fitting room opens, and our boss's assistant, a short plump man, enters. He scans the room before making his way over to me.

"Miss Raven has requested your presence in her office. She wants to see you right away," he informs.

I nod and excuse myself before following him out.

Aubrey Raven is our CEO and proud owner of Fashion Finesse agency. She inherited the modeling agency from her Billionaire father Mr. Raven and managed it to success. 

Her office is luxuriously furnished, reflecting her rich status. She is the only woman close to being as rich and beautiful as my ex-wife.

"Who gave you the right to be so damn fine?" she teases as I step inside her office.

"Thank you."

"Sit down. I’ve got great news,” she says, gesturing for me to sit across from her desk.

"You have earned my agency more success than I would have achieved in a period of ten years. You've earned us a lot of popularity, we have bypassed competitors that were miles ahead of us and I couldn't be prouder." she says appreciatively.

"Wow, that's incredible!" I respond, genuinely thrilled.

"Yes, it is. You will be the star of the runway tomorrow. All eyes will be on you, including those from the top fashion houses. You have to shine out there so we can stay on top." she emphasizes and I nod in understanding.

"And as a reward, I'll increase your f*e share for every booking you receive," she offers graciously and I smile in delight.

"Thank you!” I say appreciatively.

"Now, go out there and get ready to impress everyone tomorrow," she encourages, winking at me.

I rise from my seat, feeling a little more motivated, as I make my way out of her office.

As soon as I step back into the fitting room. Wesley approaches me.

"So, what did Miss Raven have say to you?" he asks.

Wesley harbors a hopeless crush on our beautiful boss, which is basically the worst thing since he has clearly set his goals too high. A billionaire's daughter who is also his boss?! 

I cannot let him know that his crush has promised me a f*e increase for each booking, as that would only upset him.

"She just asked that we do our best tomorrow," I reply and he visibly relaxes.