Chapter 2 02: Ma Cherie

Ruelle~

Money sure could buy a lot of things but if only it extended the hours until sunrise, giving me a few more hours to sleep in.

Silencing the alarm that was blaring right next to my ears, I rubbed my eyes gently while sitting up with a yawn. Dawn was around the corner and no matter how beautiful the sky looked past the semi-opened windows of my room, in this sleepy state I could barely register my own self.

Begrudgingly getting down from the bed, my eyes caught my reflection in the mirror, and past the sleepiness, I took a minute to appreciate my reflection. I had the habit of sleeping in the exclusive lace lingeries designed by my brand, not just because it was highly comfortable but also because it made me feel pretty.

The blush pink material didn't necessarily cling to my skin. It let me breathe freely. The silk underneath the lace covered the upper chest and was held over my shoulders by thin straps. The material below the chest was sheer lace, showing hints of my toned stomach that I've been working hard to shape into abs for years matched with silk shorts with lace outline on the edge.

It was half past five in the morning- the time when I religiously start my day.

An hour of workout was a must even though during the initial days I could hardly move a muscle after all the exercises, it was a time when I vowed to be serious with myself.

For they don't simply say that if you don't take yourself seriously, no one will.

Sweating and panting as I finished fifty squats, I fell back down on the floor, breathing through my mouth. The sports bra constricted my chest but it wasn't as uncomfortable as the starting days. The small room of the penthouse I had converted to a mini gym served well, an indirect self-appreciation for following a tight schedule for the past 3 years.

Once I felt my breaths gradually turning normal, I took a huge gulp of the cold water, sighing in utmost relief when it parched my thirst. Pushing away the baby hairs sticking to my forehead, I scrunched my nose at the amount of sweat as I walked down the hall toward my room.

The house was empty of any soul apart from me. The house help should be here around half an hour from now. There were guards stationed outside the penthouse- all for safety purposes and to ease my parent's worry.

Parent as in my father.

Throwing the gym wear in the cloth basket, I got in the shower for a warm relaxing bath before beginning the hectic part of the day. There were times when I let the inner child in me reflect on the surface and this was one of those times.

Holding the lavender-scented bath bomb, I saw the ripples in the water when it dropped with a drowning sound in the bathtub. Within seconds, the water was filled with foam and the alluring scent of lavender. Dropping the robe, I got in the tub, submerged until the water was up to my neck, and closed my eyes, feeling the water on my skin.

I'd have fallen asleep if not for my brain asking me to open my eyes out of the blue.

Once the feeling of relaxation engulfed my muscles, I got out of the bathtub, draining the excess water. I wrapped the robe around myself once again.

Wet hair was something I didn't like trading with and without wasting a second, I tied it around a towel, sighing in relief when the annoying strands wouldn't bother me anymore.

With that, I made my way to the kitchen to prepare a good morning's breakfast. Food was something that my mother thought of as an intimate connection. The reason why I made my meals on my own at home unless I couldn't.

Quick pancakes, a peach smoothie, and a side bowl of chopped strawberries and round cherries were what I ate. By the time I kept away the dirty dishes, I touched the rogue strand peeking from the towel and hummed feeling that it had almost dried but not completely.

Quickly blow drying them- even though mama would throw a fit, I tied them in a braided ponytail and picked the outfit for the day. Opting for a beige-colored chenille full-sleeved top, and tailored black leather pants, I chose a two-layered gold pendant with matching studs, a black wristwatch, and my usual rings for accessories. Keeping the makeup on the minimal side apart from the reverse cat eye and a good coat of nude matte lipstick, I looked pleasing enough to my eyes.

Once done with my look, I did a once over in the mirror and smiled in satisfaction. Picking up the small handbag and my phone, I unlocked it to reply to the few messages and sent a habitual voice note to mama and dad, informing them that I was leaving for work.

It was a habit I had developed after shifting out of the Farrington mansion and it did a great job at easing my parents' queries.

The elevator opened and soon, I found myself on my way to Ardor headquarters. I spent half an hour of the drive checking the official site of Ardor.

I thanked Jose for opening the car door in response to which I didn't miss the eye roll he sent my way.

Habits don't change easily and being polite to people who deserve it causes no harm to anyone.

"Morning!"

The chirpy voice of Louis was enough for me to raise an eyebrow. Usually, he'd be sulking while reciting my schedule for the day but today he looked far too energetic and lively.

"Anything special today?"

His grin was so wide, I feared he might split his lips. It was creepy but cute.

Whatever that means.

To my question, I watched with a tinge of amusement when his cheeks turned a shade of blooming red. Clearing his throat, his wide grin turned into a shy smile as he nervously scratched the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at me.

"Oh, ahm, you see, J-Jade said 'yes'."

Personal talks were not my forte at work albeit when it came to Louis, there were more than a few exceptions than personal talk at work.

Jade was the girl he was romantically invested in and proposed to her two years back, right around the time he was hired as my assistant. Needless to say, those days were absolute nightmares. Not for him, for me.

New girlfriend-boyfriend dynamic was like watching a cliche scene from a rom-com novel, just a little more cringy than it appears on the pages.

A few months back, he had rambled in a drunk state about proposing to Jade for marriage. He was so nervous that he slipped a little too much information to convince himself that she'd say yes.

It was a relief that finally he grew up and asked the question and by his mood, it didn't take a genius to guess when he did so.

"Good then, now, what's my schedule for the day?"

He didn't seem to mind my lack of excitement about his disclosure, instead, chirruped around like a sparrow for the rest of the day, looking like sunshine personified by his wide smile and bright eyes.

A meeting with a potential investor was first on the list followed by the monthly board meeting to catch up on Ardor's progress.

Partnering with potentially profiting companies was a tough job to sort out, especially when the competition outside was nail-biting.

Today's meeting was set with Jasper Wilson, CEO of a bubbling modeling agency. 6 of the remaining designs that were showcased in glass boxes during Ardor's grand opening a few days back would be advertised by hired models for people to buy.

Ardor in itself didn't sign contracts with models because they were highly unreliable and unpredictable, especially since many went back and forth with different companies, most of which the public would like to label as mortal enemies.

"Miss. Farrington?"

Louis peeked in with a professional smile and I knew then that Mr. Wilson had arrived. Closing the file I was reading through, I made my way to the meeting room, all the while listening to the brief report Louis had prepared on Grandeur.

"Up until now, they seem to be clean and safe to work with. The least controversial model agency and according to the Fashion week reports, the models signed under them have high ratings."

"No negative publicity?"

He paused at my question, looking down at the file he held.

"There was but not recently. It has been buried for the past 11 months. Should be safe, right?"

He sounded extremely hesitant with the question and I didn't blame him. I was very particular about the people involved in my business and any wrong calculations in the smallest details could lead to a full-blown blunder.

Entering the meeting room, I spotted Jasper Wilson talking in hushed tones with his secretary. They looked far too serious with whatever it was they were whispering to each other and the reverie was only broken after Louis scoffed twice.

Jasper Wilson looked the least bit phased while his assistant gave me an apologetic smile.

"It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Miss. Farrington."

Slipping on a polite smile, I shook hands with Jasper. He eyed my hand in his, turning it a little to the left as though inspecting it and when he saw the faintest confusion on my face, he offered just a small smile.

"Your grip is very firm for a woman."

Stereotypical.

Mustn't have ever known that there are women stronger than him that exist.

Biting my tongue from replying to his prejudice when Louis subtly nudged my back, I felt hostility creeping into my smile and I knew the same would be heard in my words.

"Shall we start the meeting?"

He was smart enough to simply nod and proceed with the arrangement. My lawyer sat by my side while Wilson's lawyer recited the clauses from their end.

Share percentage, interest rates, engagement in the work, and the division of the final deposit that would follow the deal after its launch.

"15%."

I raised an eyebrow at the underlying demand in his tone. Folding my palms ahead of me on the table, I gave him an incredulous look without breaking eye contact with him.

"6%. Sign the deal or you're welcome to leave."

I presented the share percentage based on the company ahead of me. For instance, in this case, even though Wilson's Grandeur was doing well, there were many loopholes within the company's strategies and its working style.

Pray tell, why would I make a fool of myself by investing a greater sum in a company that is yet to solidify its foundations?

The faintest nerve appeared on his face. He looked offended by my tone and use of words.

Pity, I didn't care.

For the next five minutes, he discussed the topic with his assistant and lawyer. Back-and-forth aggressive words were exchanged which were not audible to me since I was sitting on the other end of the oval-shaped table.

"It's a deal."

Not as idiotic as he looks to be.

Louis passed me a pen and within a moment of time, the contract was signed and sealed. The duration was 6 months and if both parties were satisfied with the work, we could renew it after the term ended.

"I look forward to doing business with you, Miss. Farrington."

A flatterer.

My personal thoughts were getting a little too bold by throwing words at him but I couldn't blame my conscience.

People do say that the first impression you make is the best impression.

Replying to his words with just a curt nod, I walked out of the room, asking Louis to escort them out. The slightest annoyance was visible in Wilson's eyes at my dismissal but I wasn't the least concerned to send him a last glance.

Time after that slipped through my fingers. Going through piles of paperwork, I took breaks in between to stare at the falling sun.

Leaning back on the leather chair, I let myself relax as I stayed silent alongside the changing sky. Dusk was my favorite part of the day. I liked me for its beauty, for the hues of unmatched perfection in its colors, and most of all, I loved the shadow of the sun caressing the moon, bidding goodbye shortly after they met.

A hardcore businesswoman I was, but the girl in me longed for poetry and flowers, for stargazing and midnight drives, for sweet biddings and hushed touches.

"I never thought I'd be jealous of the sky."

"Why?"

"Because you stare at it like it's the center of your universe."

The blanket was tranquility marred into rising waves. Closing my eyes, I took in deep breaths, burying the sounds resonating in my head to the very chamber I had kept them locked in for so long.

Lies were often told but there were a few that people whispered to themselves- to either forget something or to accept one. I did just that.

I lied to myself that it was the workload getting to my head.

"Louis, get me a cup of chai."

The intercom buzzed and Louis's 'on it' was heard. Shaking my head, I kept away the rest of the files, promising to get done with them by tomorrow.

I massaged my temples, feeling the first evident throb of an impending headache.

A knock on the door was left unanswered by me for I knew Louis would anyway take a peek, glance at me, and then silently walk in pretending to be a sneaky character, and place the cup ahead of me before tapping on my desk twice.

I gave him a small smile which he returned with a bigger one. The steaming cup in front of me looked enticing and just as I was about to burn my tongue with the hot drink, Louis placed a bouquet of wildflowers on my table.

Giving it a long look, I stared at my assistant who shrugged, rounding the bouquet as he spoke,

"Went to get your order and found a delivery waiting for you at the reception. It was couriered. Nothing apart from this and oh, look! There's a note!"

I wasn't blind, but yeah, sure.

Picking the folded piece of scented paper, I opened it to read through the contents only to experience the first drop of discomfort trickling slowly down my spine.

The uncomfortable feeling grew in vigor, coiling like a snake around my throat until I could hardly breathe. The intangible slither of something poisonous made me drop the paper at once, unable to make out all of Louis's rambles for the words on the note were simply suffocating.

'Missed me, ma cherie?'