Heart's Redemption

A middle-aged woman walked into a blue-coloured bedroom and headed straight for the curtains, drawing them apart in one go. The sun rays splashed in, lighting up the room. Uhhh!, a feminine voice winced softly, turning her face away from the window's direction. Suddenly, she jolted up and grabbed the alarm clock on the table. Oh gosh! It's 8:07 am! I'm late for work! She exclaimed, jumping out of bed and dashing past the middle-aged woman who stared at her with a smile on her face. Don't run, Melissa; you might slip in the bathroom, the middle-aged woman said and walked out of the room.

In less than ten minutes, Melissa walked out of the bathroom with a blue towel draped over her fair porcelain skin. She wrapped her wet hair in another blue towel and quickly grabbed the body lotion on the dressing table. She squirted a bit on her left palm and rubbed her palms together before massaging her skin with the lotion. She dried her hair with a blowdryer and combed it back, letting it cascade down behind her. She pulled out a black and white bodycon gown that stopped an inch on her knees. She matched it with a black belt with a gold Louis Vuitton buckle. Her signature baby pink lipgloss glittered on her lips. Her black leather stiletto heels gave her a corporate look. She picked up her phone, handbag, and car keys before walking out of her room. She walked over to the open kitchen and hugged the middle-aged woman from behind. Good morning, Auntie Wendy, she said with a wide smile and picked up a pancake beside her. Good morning, dear. How was your night? Wendy asked as she took the plate of pancakes to the dining table. It was awful! And it's all because of Lory. Melissa groaned, pouting slightly. I heard my name; what's going on? A young lady said from behind them. She rubbed her eyes sleepily as she dragged her feet to the nearest dining chair. Speak of the devil, you got me drunk last night because of your birthday party, even though you knew that today is my first day at work. Melissa grumbled. Did I force the alcohol down your throat? Lory asked. Yes! Melissa replied, glaring at Lory. Oh! That's right. But that was because you were not having fun at my party. Who goes to the club and doesn't take alcohol, huh? Lory argued. You know I have a low tolerance for alcohol, Lory, Melissa said. Look who is arguing; aren't you late for work? Lory said, smirking slightly with her left brow arched. Realisation hit, and immediately Melissa grabbed her bag, dropped it on the table, and rushed out of the house. Melissa got into her red sedan and put on her seatbelt before driving off. Although it's Melissa's first day at work, it's not her first time working. She used to work in a fashion company in Maryland, not as a model but as a manager. Although her slim, curvy physique and baby face often got her on her models bad side, as she was often mistaken to be a model and stole the spotlight on several occasions. Due to the pressure from the models as a result of frequent misunderstandings, she quit her job and moved over to Los Angeles to live with her aunt and cousin. Luckily for her, she was able to get a job in her dream company... Ava entertainment. She parked her car in the huge parking lot and hurried out. She ran all the way to the entrance before slowing down, taking careful strides. She walked up to the receptionist. She raised her head and faced Melissa with a smile. Good morning. How may I help you? She asked in a polite manner. Melissa showed her card, and the receptionist mouthed an "Oh." Miss Melissa DeVille, right? Please take the elevator to the third floor and head towards the right end of the Mr. Louis office, the receptionist said, and Melissa nodded slightly, flashing a smile as she walked away in the direction of the elevator. As she walked into the elevator, it became occupied with a few other people. Wow, I didn't realise that they were hiring a new model. One of the staff members muttered, staring at Melissa. She's beautiful! If she showed a bit more skin, she could pass the audition and probably overtake Cassie, another muttered. Melissa greeted them, and that was all. She didn't feel the need to clarify anything. She was just going to focus on her work and earn a living doing what she loves. She got off the elevator on the third floor and made her way to Mr. Louis's office. She read the inscription on the door and nodded slightly after confirming. She knocked on the door and stood rooted, waiting for a go-ahead. "Come in."She walked in and met a man sitting behind a monitor, his gaze fixed on what he was writing down. He lifted his face to see her. His features were easy on the eyes. You must be Melissa; please have a seat, Louis said, adjusting his posture on his swivel chair. You are assigned to Cassandra Hudson; you will be her manager. I'm sure you were already briefed on this earlier, Louis said. Yes, sir, I'm fully aware of my duties, and don't worry, I have experience with these things, Melissa said, earning a slight smile from Louis. Take this and head up to the floor above this one. Go to the dressing room with No. 10, and there you'll meet your model. Good luck! Louis said, handing her the company's ID, which she hung around her neck. She picked up her handbag and excused herself before heading up to meet her new client. Cassandra's dressing room Urghh! This is such a mediocre job! How dare you ruin my beautiful face with this substandard makeup? Are you sick or something?!!!! A tall, slim, fair lady screamed furiously. I'm sorry, Miss Cass. * pah *. Cassandra slapped the timid lady in front of her, causing her hair to scatter all over her face. You dare to mention my name with your wretched mouth, huh? Cassandra sawthed and raised her hand to slap the lady again, but someone held her hand. Cassandra turned around to look at the person who had the audacity to hold the hand of the company's top model. She glanced at the lady standing beside her, and her eyes caught the name on her company's ID card. "Melissa DeVille?!" Melissa DeVille, huh! Oh, so you are my new manager, Cassandra said with a sly grin. Melissa let go of her hand and faced the makeup artist, who was already in tears. You can leave now. Sorry for all the trouble. Melissa said, and the makeup artist scurried away. Cassandra turned Melissa around roughly, holding her left arm tightly. What do you think you are doing? Cassandra seethed. Calm down, Miss Cassandra; I was saving your reputation. I sighted a reporter coming this way, so I hurried over to prevent you from becoming the most trending scandal on social media, Melissa said, taking her arm away from Cassandra's grip. Cassandra calmed down a bit and flipped her hair back as she walked over to the lounge chair, making herself comfortable. So you are my new manager; I guess I can work with you. At least you aren't dressed in a tacky outfit. Just know these three things if you want to work well with me. "No tacky outfits! My manager must be of high standards." "Never try to lecture me; I hate people who think they are above me." "And thirdly, never ever try to upstage me... Although that's next to impossible, Cassandra said. That's fine with me, but I also have some things I would like to put forth now. Melissa said, making Cassandra arch her brows. She straightened her face and leaned back on the chair, shutting her eyes. "Let me hear you out," Cassandra muttered. Don't raise your hand at me; I will not tolerate any form of assault. Two, I'm your manager, so I'm responsible for your image and reputation, amongst other things. Try your best to listen to me. And thirdly, never pry into my private life, Melissa said firmly. Cassie opened her eyes lazily and glanced at Melissa. "Whatever," but I'm not sure I'll be able to do the second one. I don't like anyone forcing me to do what I don't want to do, so whatever mood I'm in, just handle it, she drawled. Melissa sighed and picked up the file on the desk. This is your schedule for this week; shall we begin? I'm tired from all the yelling; get me some apple juice, Cassandra muttered, shooing Melissa out. Melissa dropped the schedule clipboard and walked out of the room, heading to the cafe downstairs.

Outside the building, two black SUVs pulled up, and the driver of the first car came out and walked to the second car, opening the back door. An average-height, aged woman stepped out of the car. Her flower hairpin held her hair in a neat bun. Her blue cotton gown matched perfectly with her designer shoes, giving off a classic British duchess aura. She walked briskly into the office premises and was greeted with respect from staff and others who came across her. Mrs. Dolores Sullivan, welcome to Ava Entertainment. We are pleased that you took time out of your busy schedule to meet with us.

A full-bearded man greeted us, although his beard was combed neatly. The pleasure is all mine. I had to come over and have a look at the contract myself. I mean, my son won't be available, so I will be handling it, Dolores said with a smile. "It's a shame Mr. Brian couldn't be here himself, but the day isn't wasted; please follow me." "Lead the way." Mrs. Dolores Sullivan, I'm so glad that you are interested in our proposal, the bearded man said, smiling. Same here; I can't wait to announce our partnership with your company. Let's have the party to announce it this weekend, Mr. David, Mrs. Dolores said. That's fine by me, Mr. David replied, and they shook hands. As Dolores turned around, her eyes caught a familiar face passing by. She followed in the direction of the mystery person, earning confused looks from Mr. David and her assistant Joan. The mystery person, who seems to be a lady, halted at the entrance of the cafe for a moment before going in. As she walked out, she bumped into Dolores. "Oh, I'm so sorry... Dolores took a good look at her face, and a wide smile appeared on her lips. "Melissa?" "Aunties Dolores," Melissa said with a beaming smile. They both hugged each other affectionately. "How have you been, dear?" I've been doing good; I hope you are doing well, Melissa said as they walked towards the lounge chair, making themselves comfortable in preparation for a long chat. I haven't seen you in a while; it's been five years since you graduated, and I haven't heard from you since then, Dolores said. I lost your contact and almost everyone else's that year because my phone had problems, Melissa replied. It's okay, we meet again, Dolores said, flashing a warm smile. What are you doing here anyway? Dolores asked. Well, I just got a job as a manager for one of the models in this company, Melissa answered. I've always wondered why you never took up modelling; you are a beautiful girl, and your looks alone will earn you several contracts, Dolores said in a sassy voice, praising Melissa's beauty. Come on, Auntie, you are making me blush, Melissa said, holding her flushed cheeks. Does Brian know that you are back in? Dolores asked No Auntie, Melissa replied. You were always at our place through out your college days; you and Brian were so close that on several occasions I thought you were dating each other, Dolores said, and immediately Melissa's face turned a shade of pink. "That's not true; I was only at your house often because Brian and I usually get paired with him for group work in college, and he was my tutor, Melissa muttered. I still think you guys would have made a great couple, Dolores said, catching Melissa off guard slightly. It's good you work here; I hope to see you at the upcoming party to announce my son's company's alliance with Ava Entertainment, she said as they both stood up. Oh really, then I'll do my best to be in attendance, Melissa said. I'll be expecting you, Dolores said, and they both shared a hug. PRIME CONGLOMERATE A tall masculine figure stood facing the glass window, staring down at what was below. His hands were firmly in his pockets, his eyes scanning aimlessly at the scene below. A subtle yet pronounced knock was heard. "Come in." Mr. Brian, the deal with Ava Entertainment is finalised, and the announcement will be made at a party hosted by Ava Entertainment this weekend. An average-height man in a plaid long-sleeved shirt paired with black khakis and leather loafers. "Hmmm," Brian grunted, his gaze still fixed on the window. "It's not necessary for me to be in attendance, is it?" "You have to be in attendance, Brian," a feminine voice echoed in the monochromatic office. It was Dolores talking over the phone. Gabriel, hand over the phone to my son, Dolores said, and immediately Gabriel dropped the phone on the desk next to Brian and excused himself. Why do I have to attend? Brian said, although his voice was rather calm. Because your presence was requested, Dolores said in a rather high-pitched voice. "Mrs. Miller, what are you hiding?" Brian asked, sensing the lie. "Just clear your schedule for that day and make sure to be in attendance, and that's an order, Dolores said and hung up. Brian sighed and pressed a button on his desk: "Gabriel, get everything ready for the meeting... AVA Entertainment What took you so long? Cassandra half yelled, staring at Melissa. "Sorry I was so late. Here has your apple juice; I've added your supplements inside. Also, I brought a new makeup artist, so you should get ready for the airline shoot," Melissa said. Cassandra blinks twice and takes the drink. The makeup artist came in with a trolley of dresses and a huge makeup kit. "Do a mediocre job, and I'll make sure you never get a professional gig in your life." Cassandra seethed and sipped on her apple juice. "Don't worry, ma'am, you won't be disappointed," the artist said, picking up her equipment. Melissa smiled lightly. She had noticed that Cassandra likes people who are confident about their skills and are able to deliver. She sat down and began organising the schedule as Cassandra was getting dolled up. Two other models walked in and took their seats on the lounge chairs, crossing their feet like they owned the place. Hey Casey, the fair-average-height lady said. Hey Harley, what's up, Jenna? Cassandra said as the makeup artist touched up her makeup. Jenna and Hayley were also models like Cassandra.Jenna squinted her eyes a bit before mouthing an "OMG." Are you a Taylor Swift fashion star? Jenna asked, and the makeup artist nodded. "Yes, I am." Wait, you mean the most talked-about makeup artist on Instagram and brand ambassador of over ten different foundation and lipstick brands? How did you get her? Jenna asked Cassandra. "My manager got her for me, Cassandra said nonchalantly, but inside her she was happy. Although Jenna and Hayley were her friends, they were also her rivals struggling for top model, and she didn't ignore the many times Hayley tried to flaunt her wealth and try to put her underneath. The look on Hayley's face was priceless. "Whatever, I can get many more like you with the snap of my finger, just saying," Hayley said and rolled her eyes secretly. "Melissa, Cassandra called out. " Yes" "Take a picture of Taylor Fashionstar doing my makeup and post it on my Instagram account." "Sure, Melissa replied and brought out her phone and began taking pictures, and some had Hayley in the background trying to hide her jealousy. Melissa posted them, and in less than ten minutes, she already had two thousand likes and counting. The comments were seriously hilarious, and Melissa stifled her laughter. After Taylor was done with the makeup and fixing Cassandra's dress. Melissa took another set of photos. "Come over and do mine as well," Hayley said nonchalantly, staring at her phone screen. "Sorry, but I already got fifty clients lined up, so I won't be available for a while, but I'm sure you can get many more like me with the snap of your finger," Taylor said in a soft voice, but everyone could sense the mockery, and we're finding it hard to hold in their laughter. "You piece of..." "Excuse me, I'll be taking my leave now. Have a nice day, Taylor said, and she picked up her kit before walking away. Jenna couldn't take it anymore and burst into laughter. Hayley was literally boiling with rage. She stood up and stomped out of the room. Hayls, calm down, Jenna said admist giggles as she walked after her. "Bye Casey, see you at the shoot," Jenna said, blowing Cassandra kisses before going after Hayley. "Bye Jenna, Bye Hayley," Cassandra drawled and burst into laughter. I think I like you already, Melissa. Cassandra said and sipped on her juice, admiring herself in the mirror.

MELBOURNE STREET (MELISSA'S APARTMENT) I had a stressful yet wonderful first day at work, Melissa said as they all sat around the dining table. "That's awesome, dear, so glad you are doing well already," Auntie Wendy said with a smile. How about you, Lory? Umm, it was okay, I guess, Lory said softly as she tossed the food around on her plate. Aunt Wendy and Melissa exchanged glances before looking back at Lory. "What happened, Lory?" Melissa asked softly. "It's nothing; I'm just not hungry. I'll go to bed early tonight; good night, Lory said as she stood up from the dining chair.

She walked over to Auntie Wendy and pecked her cheeks before dropping her plate in the kitchen. "Are you feeling okay? Is it your period already? Melissa asked again. "No, just feeling sleepy," Lorraine replied softly, and this worried Wendy and Melissa because usually she would use this opportunity to pick a fight. She walked slowly upstairs to her room and shut the door. Friday Morning (Cassandra's Apartment) This is the first time you are coming to my apartment, so go around and get familiar with everything because you will be here more often, Cassandra said as she relaxed on the plush sofa.In less than ten minutes, Melissa went around the apartment taking notes of important things. After that, Cassandra ordered lunch for herself. "Read the gossip column for me; I want to know what's going on," Cassandra said as she placed the chicken salad in her mouth. "Okay, Melissa said and started reading a few of them. I'm going to have a quick bubble bath before the shoot this evening. Oh, and have you prepared a dress for tomorrow's party? Cassandra said. "I've narrowed down two options for you to pick from, Melissa said. "And for yourself?" "I'll do that now, Melissa said with a bright smile. Cassandra hummed a reply before walking away to her bathroom. Melissa was suddenly drawn into thought. " Brian" HAYLEY'S APARTMENT Hayley sat down on her plush queen-sized bed, scrolling through the gossip column. A wide grin spread on her face as she read about the scandals her dad had inflicted on Taylor fashionstar on her request. "No one mess with me and gets away with it, she muttered. As she scrolled through, an article popped up that caught her attention. "Brian Miller will be attending the fashion diva's runway show after party, OMG!" She exclaimed, jumping up from the bed. " Kevin!!!, She screamed. "Yes, miss Hayley," her manager Kevin came in. "Get me the most exclusive, most stunning outfit for tomorrow's party; I want to be the most beautiful lady in attendance," Hayley said, and Kevin nodded slightly before getting to work. "Brian, my dream man. He was made specially for me. I'll make you mine, Brian; I love you so much, she said, kissing Brian's picture on her phone screen. Meanwhile, Kevin called up Scent Boutique. "Hello, this is a scent boutique line; my name is Lorraine; how may I be of assistance?" "I would like your latest collection on designer dresses, shoes, jewellery, and other accessories, including designer handbags," Kevin said over the phone. "Would you like to visit the boutique to have a look, or would you opt for our home service?" "Home service would be great; I'll send you the address." Kelvin said and hung up the phone. As he sent the address, two dainty hands wrapped around his torso. He jerked a bit and turned the person around. "Miss Hayley, what?" Hayley pulled him closer by the collar of his shirt and began unbuttoning his shirt. He held her hand tightly. "What are you doing, Miss? I have a girlfriend," Kevin said, but Hayley pushed him to the sofa. "I'm not asking you to break up with your girlfriend; I'm just asking you to fulfil my desires, Hayley said in a tiny seductive whisper and planted soft kisses on his chest. "No, ma'am, I can't..." "Shhhh," Hayley said, placing her finger on his lips. I know you want me; I see the way you stare at me when I get dressed for a shoot. Don't you want to know how it feels to hold my breasts in your hands? She said and placed his hands on her breasts. She was wearing thin net lingerie, her nipples poking out of the wide net holes. Hayley straddled him, rubbing her ass on his d**k. "Just a quick one; it's an order." She smirked when she felt the bulge in his pants. Kevin tried to push her off, but she immediately smashed her lips on his, sucking on his tongue. He grabbed her b**ts and gave them a light squeeze. She moaned in his mouth as he pinched her hard nipples. She began unbuttoning his shirt and unbuckling his pants. He ripped off the lingerie from her body and grabbed her breasts, sucking on it with so much passion. He turned her over on the sofa and made her stay on her knees before thrusting his member into her. "Oh!!!" Hayley moans loudly. "Faster, harder!!" She screamed as he drove her to cloud nine. SCENT BOUTIQUES Lory finished arranging everything to be delivered to Hayley's apartment and informed the designers. She dragged her aching body to the staff room to get changed and head back home when she bumped into a masculine figure. "Hey Jerry," Lory greeted with a smile. "Are you alright? You don't look too good," Jerry asked as he noticed how pale she was looking. "I'm good; I guess I caught a cold or something; I'll be fine; don't worry," Lory said. As she stepped forward, she felt a little dizzy and stumbled back, but Jerry held her hand to steady her. "You are not fine; you need to get treated. Come, let's go down to the pharmacy; besides, it's closing hours already," Jerry said and took her bag from her. "Thanks, Jerry," Lory muttered as he helped her out. PARTY HALL (8:30 PM) "You rocked the runway, Casey!" "I love you so much, Jenna!! " Crazy fans screamed as the models pulled up in front of the red carpet after the runway. Jenna came first. Her manager, Tia, opened the door for her, and she stepped out. Immediately the cameras went wild, taking several pictures as she walked down the red carpet. She flaunted her afro hair and brown, smooth skin that glittered in the night light. She had light makeup on, rocking a blue armless dress that cascaded down her slender legs. Her silver accessories complemented her silver designer handbag. She completed her look with her branded hairpin. She looked absolutely gorgeous. "I love you, Jenna." "Your brown skin is to die for." "Look at that ass; I'm jealous." "Your fashion sense is killer." Jenna waved at her fans while posing for the camera as she walked into the hall. Next came two other celebrities before Hayley pulled up in her Mercedes. Kevin opened the door for her, and she stepped out, heels first. She was cladded in a black sequence dress that revealed her back and a huge slit at the side of her dress stopping just below her bum. Her diamond jewellery, diamond studded heels, and designer handbag sparkled as she walked majestically amidst the cameras. "So sexy." "I love your dress, Hayley." "Please notice me." "I would give anything to kiss those lips." Hayley basked in all the praise and admiration she was getting, although she never waved to anyone or gave anyone attention except the cameras, of course. Next was Cassandra. She arrived in a Mercedes G waggon together with Melissa. The attendant pulled open the door, and Cassandra came out. Melissa came out as well, although Cassandra started walking before her. Cassandra was dressed in a red flay dress with mesh sleeves with a beautiful floral design. Her silver-red bottoms, ruby jewellery, and ruby-studded designer handbag stood out, complementing her smokey makeup. Melissa dressed in a short bodycon dress that stopped just above her knee. It had a v-neck, and it had long sleeves. Her gold dangling earrings and matching black and gold purse looked beautiful next to her fair spotless skin. Although she wasn't as regally dressed as the others, her beauty was outstanding. She gave Cassandra a little gap so as not to share the spotlight with her. "Queen Casey is here." "The most beautiful model in all of Tennessee." "I love your dress, Casey, and I love you more." "Smile for the camera, Casey; it's to die for." Cassandra smiled cutely as she walked into the hall. The reporters brought down their cameras as almost everyone had gone in. Melissa walked a few steps forward when her brooch fell off. She bent down to look for it when she heard a car pull up behind her. Immediately, everyone's attention turned towards the car. As the person came out, cameras started flashing, and it caught Melissa off guard. She stumbled back, but she felt a hand on her waist stopping her from falling. She looked up at the bright light, and her eyes glittered at the man before her. "Brian?" Brian? Melissa muttered softly. Brian helped her stand up and walked away without a word or expression. He walked down the red carpet as photographers and reporters took pictures of him. Melissa stood rooted to the ground. She bit her lip slightly. "He's still as hot as ever," she muttered before walking into the party hall. Several dignitaries crowded Brian, celebrities included. Hayley stood at a distance, admiring him. She wasn't alone, as almost all the single ladies and a few married young ladies had their lustful eyes on him. Hayley waited for everyone to leave Brian's side before approaching him. "Hi, Mr. Brian," Hayley said in a seductive voice as she stretched out her hand. Brian shook her hand and tried to withdraw, but Hayley held his hand. He gave her a death glare, and she slowly disengaged and tucked her hair behind her ear. "I'm sorry, Mr. Brian, You must not remember me. Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Hayley. Hayley Banks... "Hmm," Brian hummed a reply before walking away, leaving Hayley hanging. Hayley slowly withdrew her hand and tightened her fists. "Who do you think you are, Brian? Trying to play hard to get with me, huh?" Her frown was replaced with an unsettling smile. "I'll make you sing my name. Mark my words!" "We have gathered here tonight to mark a wonderful contract and new business relationship between Ava Entertainment and Prime Conglomerate!" Mr. David announced, and everyone gave a round of applause. "I would like to invite Mrs Dolores Sullivan to give us a toast." Dolores walked up to the podium and collected the mic before facing the audience. "Today marks a wonderful event, and get ready because this new collaboration will soon be topping the charts, cheers!" Dolores said, and everyone raised their glasses. Dolores sighted Melissa by the bar and walked over to her. "Hello, dear," Dolores said, drawing Melissa's attention. "Hello, Mrs. Dolores," Melissa said, standing up from her seat. "Please don't be so formal, dear; give me a hug," Dolores said and pulled Melissa into a hug. "Let me introduce you to Brian," Dolores said, pulling Melissa along with her. Brian was having a conversation with some dignitaries, but Dolores demanded his attention. Brian signalled Gabriel, and he took the people away. Brian faced his mother with an emotionless gaze, his hands in his pockets, lazily switching gazes from his mother to the dainty lady behind her. "Brian son, I want to introduce you to someone... one of your old acquaintances," Dolores said with a smile on her face. Brian arched his left brow, a look of surprise on his face for a moment before replacing it again with a neutral expression. "It's Melissa, that cutie pie you always brought home from high school," Dolores said as they both took a seat next to Brian. Brian's expression seemed to have softened up. "Hi Brian, been a long time", Melissa said, extending her hand. Brian met her halfway through and shook her hand. While the trio exchanged pleasantries, someone's evil glares landed on Melissa. "How is it that that little pocket witch is talking and shaking hands with my man?"Hayley seethed, tightening her grip on the glass of wine in her hand