Chapter 2 2. The Highest Bidder

Jayla

It's been four months since Blake and I broke up, and I have declined every one of his desperate calls and messages.

The big exhibition day was here, and I had to make sure everything was all smooth as big names were arriving with a strict instruction not to let Blake inside.

"Good morning Ms. Jayla."

"Ma'am we need your signature on this."

"Okay let me have it."

"Why do you keep doing the same thing?"

My body ached from preparation, signing a few paper works while the event planner juggled between the stage and the red carpet area.

Today was my first exhibition show. Investors, celebrities, artists, fashion designers were coming and everything had to be perfect.

My design had always spoken for themselves and so today would not be an exception for new clients.

"Here we have our founder Jayla Carlton, can you tell us the inspiration behind this." the reporter on the red carpet asked me and I proceeded to answer her followed with more questions.

After the interview, the main event started, the mannequins placed on each platform of the stage while the gleaming floor shined across the hall. The lightning and decor, the eye-catching brand logo carefully crafted by the best in the city of Los Angeles all stood out.

I gazed at everything, marvelled by the efforts I had put to bring all this to life.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all, we are starting right away, but first make a round of applause for Jayla's Be-Spoke Couture." a loud roar of applause filled the room.

The presenter said, and the auction began. He pointed to one of the dresses on the mannequins.

"Five thousand dollars." a voice from the crowd said, then another one followed.

"Fifty thousand dollars." The room that was once quiet began to get noisy.

I was praying so hard in my mind. I looked across the crowd and received a thumbs up from Naya, her support meant a lot.

The last standing auctioned dress was a masterpiece and the best of the best.

"Two million dollars." The crowd flared up before everyone went quiet.

"Anyone going to counter this." the presenter asked, followed by silence.

My heart beat increased.

"The J-Aurora Luxe carefully curated and crafted has been sold to No. 14." My eyes widened as I realized what had just happened.

I just sold out my most expensive craft.

People trooped in around to serve their buffet, and I walked around greeting everyone I could greet that had arrived.

Going through my phone while seated in a corner, Blake appeared behind me.

"What are you doing here and how did you get a pass in?" I said while trying to keep my voice low.

"I've been trying to live since you cut me off everywhere." Blake said, and a chuckle escaped from me.

I stared at him, the memory of that day coming back to my head, but I shrugged it off and answered him "You get what you sow." I hissed and stood up to leave.

"Jayla, it's okay, I am here now." Naya met me halfway and attempted to calm me down.

"Blake, just leave now." I heard her say that to him.

"Scumbag." she let out a sigh.

I asked her to inform the security to walk him out and never let him in.

I saw a well-dressed woman approaching me, and I excused myself from the other guests.

"Megan Garrison." She extended her hands to greet me and I smiled while also reaching out for a hug.

She was my biggest client and I instantly recognized her.

"I am impressed by the J-Aurora Luxe, I couldn't let it pass me by." she said cheerfully.

"I'm happy you do not regret your money, time, and investment, Mrs. Megan." My smile was unable to contain my face. This was a big chance.

She shook her head without taking her gaze off me.

"Call me Megan, well, I would like you to meet my son, he is currently out of the country but once he gets back, I will introduce you to him." She said, and I silently hoped he was an investor so I could add to my list of investors.

"May I ask what he does." I said politely, not wanting to screw anything.

"That will be his to talk about, I'm leaving you in suspense" she giggled at me.

"He is not on the internet, so be patient." She continued.

"I would also like you to meet my husband." Meeting the husband of my billionaire client.

"It will be a special honor for me".

"Excuse me for a while, let me get him, I left while he was on a phone call." she quickly said and left.

"Sure, Megan, I will take the honor to wait. I replied while maintaining a smile on my cheek. The day couldn't have gotten any better.

A few minutes later, Megan came back to me.

"He's coming right now." she said as she reached over to my side.

She gestured at someone, and I turned around to take a look at the person coming.

My gaze landed on a familiar figure striding towards us.

Immediately, my stomach twisted and my body froze. My throat filled up with lumps.

This can't be happening now. I said silently to myself.

He took off his glasses. I was right, It was him. The man I woke up next to four months ago.

"Hello darling." The man dropped kisses on Megan's cheek before he faced me.

"Jayla, meet Richard, my husband." Megan said with a proud smile and I smiled back at her.

He stretched out his hand and for a second my palm became sweaty and red.

I swallowed the lump that had built up in my throat and tried to keep my composure.

I worked so hard to reach this level only to have slept with my client's husband.

Megan kept on talking but I heard nothing. I took a glance at Richard and a smirk claimed his face.

What the hell have I just walked into?