Caught Between Two Hearts

CHAPTER FIVE

PATRICK

"But why did I care at all?"

I paced my office with a million thoughts running through my head.

That question had been stuck in my mind ever since Ella stormed out of my office. I had given her

no answer because I didn't have one. It made no sense. I had attended countless fashion events

over the years. Designers, models; they all came and went.

Yet somehow, the woman who slapped Ella Mayfield had become impossible to ignore.

My gaze drifted toward the city skyline beyond the glass walls of my office. The events of the day

replayed in my mind, dragging me back to the board meeting that had taken place earlier that

morning.

***

The executive conference room had already been full when I arrived.

"Good morning, everyone," I said as I took my seat. "Let's begin."

The presentation started with the usual reports; attendance figures, sponsor engagement, media

impressions, and projected revenue.

"Overall, the Luxe Fashion Gala exceeded expectations," the Events Director announced.

"Attendance increased by sixteen percent compared to last year."

"Excellent," I replied.

The next executive stood. "Media engagement has also surpassed projections. Videos and photographs from the event generated exceptional traffic across multiple platforms."

I nodded. Then the screen changed. A photograph of Ella Mayfield appeared. A collective tension settled over the room.

"There was one incident that attracted substantial public attention," the Marketing Director said.

"Go on."

The next slide appeared — Mae Hayes.

"There was an unexpected incident involving Miss Mayfield and one of the featured designers."

"Unexpected?" I asked. She looked uncomfortable.

"Perhaps... that's not the best word."

"Continue."

A video clip began playing. Ella destroying the gown; Mae confronting her; Then the slap. An awkward silence filled the room. Then fiinally, someone spoke.

"Public support is overwhelmingly in favor of the designer."

“Many viewers felt she was defending herself against unfair treatment.” Another added.

"Because she was defending herself," I said.

The screen filled with comments praising Mae. For the first time that morning, I found myself smiling.

Not because of the scandal; but because she had refused to be intimidated. Most people spent their lives trying to avoid offending someone like Ella. Mae Hayes had done the exact opposite.

“With due respect Sir, we should remember that Miss Mayfield has been a long-time supporter of Blythe Luxe. Publicly distancing ourselves from her may create unnecessary tension.” One executive attempted to defend Ella, citing her influence and relationship with the company, With the rest of the executives wearing a surprised look because of how I supported the designed other than my girlfriend.

Ella's father shared a strong relationship with my dad. That's why they bother fathers wanted us to get married. Ell knew very well, I didn't like her for anything. The she resulted to supporting Blythe Luxe, doing unsolicitaed brand advertising for us, just to buy her through to get to me, but honestly, I wasn't drawn to all of it. She's a nice person, don't get me wrong, but I just don't have that romantic feeling towards her.

"Did you all watch the video clip closely?" I asked the executives.

"Yes Sir!" They chorused.

"Miss Mayfield destroyed another person's work in front of cameras. Regardless of her family name,

wealth, or connections, that behavior was unacceptable." I shut the argument down quickly.

The meeting ended two hours later and then I headed back to my office. Still in remoresful thoughts of Mae. I rang the bell on my table to beckon on my PA, Marcus.

"You called for me, sir." He came almost immediately.

"Yes. You'll be running an errand for me." I commanded.

"Alright boss." he gave in.

I took out my cheque book from my drawer, signed a cheque and extracted it for him. Giving him with a short note, to package it and send it across to Mae at her atelier. Just as Marcus left my office, Ella barged into my office.

"So taking the designer's side at the gala wasn't enough? You also ignored my calls?" The confrontation escalated quickly.

"Your calls?" I asked surpised cause I had not gone through my phone since I returned from the meeting.

"I'm not aware you called;"

“Oh please, Patrick! Get off that high horse of yours. What’s the worst you could do again? You’ve already done all you can. Or you still think I’d grovel on my knees begging you to marry me, O Patrick? You’re funnier than I thought” she mocked.

"Make this make sense to me." I said in total confusion.

"You couldn't even speak in my defense at the conference meeting. After the entire conversation yesterday in the vehicle; you taking sides with her, you decided to make me even a more object of riddicule before the executives;"

I knew that some of the executives that had a relationship with her dad had given him feedback of how the meeting went and how I spoke in favour of the designer rather than hers. But I was only standing on the side of truth and justice.

"If I would ask you, what's it with this designer? why do you care for her more than myself?"

***

The memory faded, bringing me back to the present.

"Why did I care at all?"

I still couldn't answer that question. I was interrupted by a knock on my door before Marcus stepped inside.

"Sir... I delivered the cheque. Unfortunately, I couldn't meet Miss Hayes in person, so I left it with her

friend."

I nodded. "That's fine. I believe she will get it."

Marcus left again, and as usual, the entire environment was graveyard silent, save for the distant chattering of staffs, and also horn blaring and chatters down the streets from my window. I couldn't stay in my thoughts forever; I had to bail myself out of it; I stepped out to the production room, to supervise the activities of the day, and also see the progress on our recent design orders.