Till she says yes

Ava POV

"Will you marry me?" Austen asks on one knee as he holds out the ring in front of her

"Yes" her voice comes out breathy as there is an abrupt cheer from the people surrounding them, putting the ring on my finger Austen stood to his feet and kissed her deeply, then shouted

"She said yes" jumping and power punching into the air, she stares at her ring with glossy eyes, her other hand coming to cover her mouth as she squeals

"Cut," the director says as the scene ends, all the crew claps as the last shoot comes to an end,

It's been months and finally, I can drop this character because she was a bit draining in contrast to my personality, looking down at my outfit, a cute yellow sundress, and bodice fitting me like a glove, I fit so well into the picture of happy ever after I could almost deceive anyone, and that's why I love my job.

As a supporting character in the A LIFE FOR YOU movie, the female lead sister's friend cheering the newly engaged couple for the last scene and any scene before this one with very few roles, I was a part of them

I watched as the male and female lead moved to their trailer probably to go finish the kiss scene without an audience, rumour has it that they've been sleeping with each other, grabbing my bag from where I stashed it

Mr. Shawnn" I rush to where the director is in my heels, a tall brown man with a beard, turning to me

"Hmm..." he stutters

"Ava," I say for him smiling at the the fact that this might be the nth time I've introduced myself

"Yes Miss Ava, hope you enjoyed the shoot, your role" he asks as he sorts through some papers in his hands

"yes sir, amazing work, I can't wait for it to be released, I enjoyed every moment of it" Clearing my throat, he looks up at me

"All Alright, why don't you go with the others I hear there will be a celebration dinner tonight" he says curtly at me

"Thank you sir" he grunts well turning to leave

"Uhm sir," I pull out a folder from my bag and hand it over to him

"Please take care of this for me sir"

"Miss Ava you know this is not the format..." he begins

"I know sir but last time, the audition information for this movie was sent to a particular set of people, if this is not a format, please just help me out this once for any future project" I gulp, my lips in a grim line as I wait for his reply

"I'll see what I can do", he pulls his card and slips it into my cleavage, looking me up and down, his gaze leaving cold chills down my spine, I thank him keeping my smile in place, he smirks before leaving

I pull the card out of where it hung between my breasts looking at it and back at his retreating figure, squeezing hard I throw it into my bag, breathing out with expiration

Already changed and heading home in my sweatpants and hoodie, the trailer for supporting characters to change was full and I had to return my outfit, of course, they were all excited about the dinner held this evening that was sponsored by our prestigious Reed Thompson (the M.C)

He probably slept with half the actresses on set including extras and errand part-timers, typical blond handsomeness that has every lay running at his beck and call add the fact that he is from a wealthy family gives him an ego big enough to carry an elephant, Layla (FL) should know better but I guess his charms worked on her too

Unable to be bothered by the unnecessary gushing and ingenuine heart-to-heart talk while drinking in the name of celebration because it's all about sucking up to who would aid your next job.

I sigh as I try to imagine how many ladies Mr. Shawn will sleep with, remembering how his eyes roamed my body earlier, my phone buzzes in my pocket,

I take it out to pick but the caller ID has me pause, staring at my phone till the ringing comes to a stop, I switch off my phone and pocket it,

Finally getting to my neighbourhood, it's a rundown part of New York, pretty sure the government have forgotten about this area, kicking an empty can on the pavement, and the sun has set.

It's already evening and I haven't gotten dinner, reaching my studio which is on the last floor of the apartment complex, with a failed elevator.

I have to climb ten flights of stairs, opening my door, I gulp as I stare at green eyes with a figure covered in a full black outfit, his hat doing nothing to hide the tattoo on his forehead, his hands gloved and his feet booted.

He rises to his full height and stalks me, comes in Ava he says as I can't run anywhere, after so long of running he's finally caught up.

I turn back to run but a big man awaits me just outside, he stalks me back into my room and closes the door.

"That wasn't very smart" He scolds

"How did you find me"

Acting unfazed I moved into my small room and dropped my bag on the desk.

Six foot and buffy, he takes up so much space, that I can't see past him from where I stand.

"It's obvious you have been running away from me" So how do you think his eyes roam my body, making me ick

"Gordon..." unable to complete my sentence because two steps and he is already in my face

"We had a deal little one, it's not fair for you not to keep the end of your bargain, don't you think?"

His voice comes out with no contempt as his hands move to my face and caress my cheeks, I close my eyes as I remember his nickname for me.

"I just graduated" I manage to say, didn't know I was holding my breath

"We both know that's a lie now," he says as he returns to where he was seated and makes himself once again comfortable

Smiling at his statement, I scratch my neck and turn to the fridge to get water, the temperature just dropped,

"What do you you mean by that" I retort, my back to him as I spend more time than necessary grabbing a bottle of water from a fridge that isn't capable of housing full groceries

"Because I have eyes everywhere" The bottle falls out of my hand and rolls to his feet as I manage to close the fridge and face him,

"Did you think you could run and hide from me? then suddenly show up on TV," he says in a condescending tone, picking the water bottle from his feet, he raises it to me,

"I had to sort out somethings after I was done" I stutter, A sudden chill rolls up my spine as I move forward, on reaching him,

He opens the water and I carefully take it from him

"Drink"

My heart is beating faster than the first time I met him, I was just a shy young girl then, until I saw an opportunity and took it, made a deal with a boogeyman only then I was too bashful to see it

"Why are you here" I say drinking the water, a few drops coming off the side of my mouth

He chuckles at my reaction and cleans the water off my chin, turning me to face him

"You owe me and I always collect," he says as I mutter the last word in unison with him.

I should have known, four years and I thought maybe I had escaped.

Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I never thought I would be back in this outfit, black two-piece mesh lingerie that has ropes attaching the bottom to the top.

The bottom is made of ropes with only a small material covering my pussy, with the net sock my feet are in 6-inch red heels that are strapped to my ankle.

My dark hair that's normally middle back length is now hanging below my neck as I put it into a high bun

Gordon had dragged me out of my studio and taken me to the outskirts of the city, I sat still in the car with him beside me he only came with his driver_ as the evening wind blew into my hair, and all I could think about was when I thought Gordon was an angel,

He had offered to sponsor me through college to study Theatre and Performing Art.

I didn't get to finish high school because I left the system and got stranded with nowhere to go for days, Gordon almost ran me over, and missed by little chance.

I had fainted though cause I hadn't eaten or slept well for days so he took me to the club and fed me.

Since I didn't have a place to go I begged him to work as a waitress to repay him and asked if I could stay cause I knew nobody did anything for free in this world, he looked at me and laughed.

I can imagine how I looked to him then 14 years old, frail and young, what could I do?

I told him I would learn the ropes and do a good job as long as did not take me back, he looked at me and said in moments like this as a kid I should just say thank you.

I had looked at him as if he had grown an extra head, people were never nice for no reason and I wondered what he wanted in exchange for this thank-you.

Looking back I see how scared and naïve I was.....

"Do you still know how to dance" his voice had brought me back to the present

"No" was all I said as I sank deeper into the sit and folded my hands around my elbows, raising the windows

"That can be worked on" removing his gloves and placing them in the centre console,

The outside had a subtle bar theme just like before, the parking lot was empty as of the time we got here but for a few expensive cars, the bodyguards had opened the doors for us, stepping in it looked different the air was humid

A couple sat at the edge of the glass wall and laughed quietly at each other, the waitress walked around attending to everyone, that used to be my job until someone tapped me,

"Ava?" I turn looking at the person who called me, engulfed in an embrace

"Anna" my little friend I made during my time here, she's still with him I thought as

My eyes watered, I finally took a relieved breath after encountering Gordon

"It's so good to see you, what are you doing here" I smile, cleaning my eyes

"I got a promotion, I'm a manager," she says gushing and shaking my hand and whole body as she squeals.

"That's great, congratulations " That was a big move, no longer the cleaning girl from back then, she looks great now too.

We were still talking when Gordon calls me, I excuse myself, hugging her once again promising to find her so we can catch up.It s nice seeing a familiar face after all these years I liked actually_

Following him to the elevator, it hadn't opened to the club but to his office instead, an open space with a very long sofa, in the middle, a mahogany red table with chairs for meetings a mini bar with a shelf full of expensive liquor and then his desk on which he sat.

Taking in my surroundings I see a large painting portrait at the far end, turning to him, his green eyes on me, he answers my unspoken question

"You were leaving, I didn't want to miss you too much" Picking an apple from the tray of fruits, he draws out a Swiss knife and cut it, eating while staring at me.

I don't have time for this

"What were the terms of our deal," I ask trying to act like I had forgotten.

"We will talk about that later, for now, I want you cleaned up and ready for the night," he told me as if on cue one of his men entered the office, his name was Gregory, tall and lean also dressed in a black suit.

Gordon had told him to take me to my room to change and here I was, changed already.

I used concealer to cover the tattoo on the back of my left shoulder, a scar from being burnt when I was young,

The door opens as Gordon walks in, blowing a low whistle, I'm guessing in appreciation of what he's seeing,

"You looked lean, I didn't know this was hiding under all those funny clothes you wore"

"Stop acting as if you haven't seen me in this before "I scoff at his half-baked compliment .

"That was only once and it was a long time ago, I'm getting old you know," he says as he sits in a chair beside me,

turning to face him "I'm not going out like this."

"too bad you have no option" he tells me crossing his leg over the other

"I can't go out like this, you found me on TV, there could be someone who could recognize me, I'm not that famous but I can't tarnish an image I'm trying to build" I fold my hand and stare at him down

"Down my feisty little one" as if he's considering what I just said.

"What do you propose, there's no backing out of this, a deal is a deal, "he tells me arcing his brows at me.

Looking to the side as I think of what I could do to keep my image and still hold my end of this deal, when I finally look at him he chuckles, knowing I have come to a conclusion.

"I need a mask", he blows out a laugh and stands

"you want to hide your highest selling point" he tells me but stand my ground

"Isn't it always about my body, my face is just a bonus, plus the leaving something for the imagination plays well into this character, a little mystery, don't you think" mirroring his expression.

"My little one has indeed grown up za aq hasn't she, ever the smart one," he says bobbing his head in agreement.

"Alright, I'll have a mask ready for you, aren't you forgetting something though"

"What?" as I can't think of anything I missed

"You want to hide your face little one, you need a stage name," he tells me turning to leave.

"Masked girl fits just fine" I reply turning to him

he stops and looks at me then nods.

"So be it," he closes the door leaving me to myself again.

20 minutes later a box is delivered to me with a message on it

"You wanted to be a star, tonight shine like you are one"

I open the box and see the most beautiful mask, it's black and glittering and it fits just half my face, definitely fits my outfit, this might not be a bad night after all, my lips tainted red smile at my reflection in the mirror

I learnt how to dance here, I was working upstairs and told not to ever go downstairs but I sneaked in one night and saw the ladies own the stage, the pole and the people.

A knock on the door tells me that's my cue and I move to the back door that leads into the club, it's already midnight and the club is full from the noise coming from there.

The guards open the door for me, as I hear the name, taking a deep breath, I strut in taking slow and definite steps owning my walk like the sensual being I have come to play, obvious eyes on me as I climb the dais, taking hold of the pole.

I begin my movements as I remember them like it was just yesterday, sex, sweat and alcohol feeled the air, as the men watch mesmerized, the nerves start to kick in.

Swinging my body around the pole to the slow music, immersed in the moves," No one recognises me" I repeat the mantra in my head.

There are a lot of eyes on me but I catch one in the corner, he's seated with Gordon, a glass in his hands taking slow sips as his eyes drink me in, a black suit, navy blue?

_can't tell with these lights_ It doesn't look ruffled by a day job, his features are faint from this distance.

I bet he's one of the high and mighty since Gordon is entertaining him himself.

Money sprays and fill the dais as drunk men try to get my attention, some who could reach spanked my ass, But I won't be doing more than this tonight, as I do a back hook spin finally settling my feet

Turning my attention back to the corner, it's empty, no sight of them, goes without saying our guest left early, didn't get to see the end of the show or didn't enjoy it.

Already done with my performance, I leave the dias, as other dancers take the spotlight, heading to get changed and get out of there, Greg blocks my path and directs me to another room.

"Gordon says to entertain a VVIP guest" That's all I get from him as he keeps his face straight and unmoving, motioning with his head to follow him.

"I'm supposed to see him, I already did what was asked of me today" standing my ground and refusing to move, what the hell is Gordon playing at thought to myself, I need to redefine the terms of our agreement before leaving.

"That's the order, ma'am" gesturing to the direction of the room with his hands, what a gentleman I scoff

Taking a deep breath, I exhale slowly who could I possibly need to entertain, Gordoncan't keep having me do this.

Following Greg till he stops in front of a door and opens it but doesn't step in, giving me space, I step into the room and Greg closes the door.

My heart slams against my chest as the door shuts behind me because I'm face-to-face with the guy from earlier.

Now he's in his vest, suit jacket by the edge of the large sofa he sits on, and a pole standing tall in the middle of the room.

Ethan Pov

"You are late" turning to the woman who clasp her hands around my arm.

"Fashionably,won't you agree" Sarah kisses me but I turn sideways her lips landing on my jaw instead.

She raises her hands to my face and caresses my jaw as an excuse to touch me, knowing her lipstick never stains

"I told you we were needed early, I hate tardiness and you know it" Seething through my teeth, I wear back my smile as reporters take pictures, patting her hands in mine,

anything to be done with this day and event.

It was a collaboration between both our families, using our new engagement announcement as an excuse to hold another extravagant party to show off, in a clear statement of the possible merging of two companies in this business world, like we are monopolies.

Moving into the hall, decorated from top to bottom music plays softly as people from all business orientations converse with each other, this place is full of celebrities, thanks to Sarah

Her family owns the largest entertainment business in the industry.

"And the beautiful couple arrives," my Father says when we are within speakable range.

Curtly nodding at my Father, kissing my mothers cheeks and shaking Sarah's father as they were in a conversation while waiting for us

"Why did you need me here I have pressing matters at the company to resolve, Mom" I whisper to my mom, keeping a straight face as Sarah takes on the conversation between our dads.

"You know your father wants you here" Mom says as her hand drapes my shoulders, patting me on my back

"We already had an engagement party, was this necessary."

"Stop being whiny about it, do it for your Father, okay, he's been worried for the company," we walk, obviously taking me to where fewer ears are.

"Smile Ethan, people would think we forced you into this" Mom takes a champagne glass from a waiter.

"Didn't you?"I stop, turning to face her

"It was all you wanted Mom" my face straight, jaw tightening.

"Don't talk to me in that tone Ethan, it could save the company and Sarah is a....." pausing, she brings the glass to her nose.

"Wonderful girl" she says downing the champagne.

"Even you don't think that Mom" staring her down.

"Well, your father was on the verge of a heart attack when the company took that hit so I did what I could" I looked at her all 5 ft 3 of her and exhaled, so in love with the man.

"Fancy seeing you here brother.....oh this whole party was a little show for you wasn't it" Phillip walks to us with a grim smile on his face.

"Mother" he addresses mom like always, respectful to the point of being disrespectful but daring not to disrespect her either, I see it through.

"Phillip darling, when did you get here" Going for a hug, she pats his back.

"Haven't been here long but I did see Ethan come in, thought I'd greet the soon-to-be-married brother since I missed the engagement party," he says turning to me.

"Congratulation little brother" he hugs me patting my back forcefully.

"Good to see my boys together, where is Josh" Mom asks looking at her golden wristwatch and sighing.

She picks out her phone from her purse and dials his number but it doesn't go through.

"He said he was coming in from Europe today, have none of you heard from your brother" She puts her phone back in her purse, then stares at both of us.

"We'll call him and make sure to know his whereabouts, right" looking at Phillip by my side and Mom facing him too.

"Yes " he nods at her.

"Don't worry" I assure her before she starts lecturing us both here.

"He's your little brother, I know you all have your lives but you should still look out for each other" her voice low but a bit edgy.

"Leave it to both of you, I want us to have dinner tomorrow, it's been a while since he travelled, we should celebrate the success of his new film don't you think" Mom kisses both our cheeks and leaves to go find our father as usual.

Watching her retreating body wondering how she loves him so much and expects me to marry just anyone.

"Playing couple is not going to save the company that's.."Philips voice turns serious, drooping the charade as moms presence is no longer here.

"It is none of your business and as so you have forgotten, you are the president and you will stick to your business, I will handle the rest" I cut him.

"That position is not yours and you know it" he sneers at me as I turn to walkway.

"Tell that to Father," signalling a waiter to where my brother stood.

"Don't forget to smile, we are at a party after all, it would not be nice for a camera to catch us glaring now," I say to him with a smile and walk away.

I hadn't even gotten far and my father called me "Yes sir."

"You were supposed to greet the representatives of the business that came here to celebrate with you," he says stomping his walking stick slightly.

"If I remember quite well, Father, I didn't want to be here, they seem to be enjoying the environment we have provided them" I gesture to the guest looking around.

"You would not disrespect this people by leaving now" he said slowly arcing his brows in question.

"Unlike them Father i have other matters to deal with, the company isn't completely out of the heat, and yet here we are, celebrating, that's a façade" I meet his stare.

"I put you in that position for a reason, you are unyielding, but you have to learn, the people only see what we allow them to see" he comes closer looking up at me, he pulls me into an embrace the whispers.

"Because the insides are breaking, only a fool shouts out for his enemy to see"

"You forget, we can only hide it for so long before it begins to show on the outside, the engagement might have done a few sealings but someone has to plaster the whole thing back in place" I tell him

Pulling out of the embrace, I check my Black Rolex watch and clear my throat.

"Now if you will excuse me, that person is me, you put me in this position remember" Patting his back, his lips in a grim line, I take my leave.

"Ethan!"

I hear Sarah calls out for me but I don't even answer her, I walk into the car as John drives us away.

"Did you have a little fun sir," John asks

"The company John," I say to him loosening my tie.