UNTIL SHE'S MINE AGAIN

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 14

HEAVEN

As I strolled into her office that evening, I met her staring out the window, her back turned to me, and a small smile tugged at my lips. She certainly didn't know what was coming for her.

I guess she had been so engrossed in deciding on whether to vape or not, because she didn't even notice my presence until her assistant called her.

"Miss Langston," the willowy lady called. I wonder if she was doubling as a model and assistant because she was exactly the epitome of a model. I made a mental note to ask about her while leaving, maybe we could consider her for our runway coming up soon.

She turned back, a frown on her face but it immediately disappeared when our eyes met, only to be replaced with widened eyes as she immediately tucked the e-cigarette in the pocket of her Palazzo pants.

Amanda had always been so stylish and that day wasn't an exception. No wonder she owned a fashion house.

"Heaven," she called, blinking as she walked up to me. Obviously surprised to see me in her office. We literally fought two days ago, so my appearance wasn't expected at all.

"Amanda," I replied, a smile curving out of my lips.

She scrunched up her face. "What are you doing here?"

"I'll take my seat even if you don't have the courtesy to offer me one," I replied, pulling out the leather chair in front of her table.

"Why would you just allow anyone in without my permission?" She snapped at her assistant who quickly shook her head.

"I'm sure we both know I'm not just anyone. Your assistant must have wanted you not to lose a potential client like me."

She swung her gaze at me. "Potential client?" She asked, it probably tasted bitter on her tongue with the way she squeezed her face while saying those words.

Of course it had to be. Why would your enemy be your potential client?

I crossed my legs.

“Yeah, I’m here because I’ve made a decision. For the upcoming International Shoe Awards in Milan, I’ve chosen you to design my gown," I explained, and her eyes popped for some seconds but her face soon morphed into a frown.

She dashed a scowl at her assistant who took that as a cue to take her leave.

"What are you trying to do?" Amanda questioned, her lips thinning.

I shrugged. "Helping the needy."

She flashed me a glare before taking her seat on the swirling chair.

"Do I look poor and hungry to you? I've never got to experience that type of life," she retorted, and I let out a huff.

"Really? But your lifestyle has dwindled a lot lately. You're probably not accustomed to this," I pointed out and she clenched her jaw.

It was no news that her father's company had gone bankrupt a year ago due to mismanagement and embezzlement, and ever since then, Amanda's business had suffered a great deal. Once upon a time, she had been the most sought after designer but that was no longer the case.

I guess fate was really on my side. It has set everything in place for me even before I decided to start paying them back. All their situations were just in favor of me.

She adjusted her sitting position. "Why are you really here? I know you have a hidden agenda."

I let out a low chuckle. "Not everyone has a hidden agenda like you. I'm just here to..." I looked around her office. "To put you back in the spotlight. I don't want your long dream to die this way."

She pressed her lips into a thin line. I could see her nose flaring.

"I'm sure I didn't request any help from you. Nothing is wrong with my business," she spat.

"Oh, really? How come we haven't heard of you all this while? How come you're idle at the moment? The last time you were on the news was because of me. I've been bringing you back into the spotlight whether you like it or not," I told her, and her cheeks flushed.

She lifted her head. "Why do you want me to be the one to design your dress? For an international event? Why would you choose your enemy?"

I creased my brows. "Enemy? I don't consider you an enemy. Yeah, you might have betrayed me and stolen my husband, but we were friends before that, right? You were the only one that made me feel good while I was married to him. You were the only one I could rely on, and the only one that accepted me as I am."

She furrowed her brows in confusion.

"Let's just say this is payback."

Amanda blinked, caught off guard.

"Pay back? Are you trying to ruin me?"

I gave a dismissive wave of my hand. "Of course not. You're on the way to ruin yourself."

She glowered at me and I gave a mock apologetic smile.

"I meant, pay you back for being a great friend before you switched."

She pursed her lips. "Why would you want to do that? We literally had a fight two nights ago. It just doesn't make any sense that you're trying to help my business as you claim."

I bobbed my head, leaning close to her. "Before your terrible personality, you're actually a good designer. I've seen you work several times. For this event, you're literally the only one I can trust."

A proud smile appeared on her face.

“Oh. That’s... unexpected. I thought you might go with someone else this year. It's a big event, so why go for a flopped designer?"

I leaned closer, lowering my voice just enough to land a subtle challenge.

“That’s the point. I’m giving you a chance to prove you can rise above your bad press. It doesn't speak well about your designs. Consider it... lifting another woman up.”

Amanda’s jaw tightened. I was sure she could feel the unspoken edge behind my words.

“I appreciate the opportunity," she literally choked the words out.

Rejecting me would have been stabbing herself. It was the biggest opportunity ever and showcasing her design at the international award would definitely help raise her business again. She would be one of the most talked about during the week, so it was too sweet a deal to reject, most especially for someone who didn't have any popular clients attending the event. I was literally raising her from the dead.

She cleared her throat. "So, what design do you have in mind?"

I almost laughed but decided to suppress it. Who knew Amanda would be at my mercy now?

"Nothing really. I want you to be creative. Let your design speak for you . Shock everyone with your imagination," I told her, and she narrowed her gaze at me before nodding.

"Fine, but I hope you know this won’t be easy. Expectations will be high.”

My gaze sharpened, a smirk tugging at her lips.

“Good. I want it to be difficult. Because anything less won’t do.”

Amanda nodded slowly.

“Understood. I’ll start drafting some concepts immediately.”

"Great. I'll be expecting something captivating." I rose to my feet, and she did just the same.

"It's nice to work with you." She held out her hand but I turned on my heel.

"I hope so," I said, my voice trailing as I headed for the door as a smirk appeared on my lips.

If only she had any idea.