The Billionaire's Oldflame

Chapter Two

Jasmine

"You never loved me....you're a liar and a big pretender.....I can't believe I ever trusted you."

"You didn't deserve my love heck you don't even deserve love"

"Two faced two - timer and lying cheating w***e"

"Two faced two - timer and lying cheating w***e"

I turned and tossed but the voices wouldn't stop.

He glared at me.....he hated me....I clutched onto his arms again and again but he pushed me away.

His words rang out again in my senses.

"Two faced two - timer and lying cheating whore....unworthy of love..."

"Nooooooo" It came out a harsh whisper as I jerked up, startling myself out of my nightmare.

"Nooo" I muttered again to myself as I realized all of it had been a dream. My hand flew to my chest where I clutched with desperation as my heart hurt badly.

In the dark room, my nightmare seemed to be looming over me once again, sucking me once again into torture and pain from the past and the realization made me c***k out a sob.

After what felt like a long moment, I looked to the ceiling hoping to keep the tears at bay, whispering to myself, "get it together...you got this...I got this...it's over now."

I sniffled and reached for the lamp switch, flipping it on. The warm orange light illuminated the room and I grabbed the water bottle, to quench my thirst.

I got out of bed and strolled to my tall window.

I pulled the curtains aside and the dimly lit city of sky scrapers came into view.

The morning sun was still rising, casting a warm glow over the landscape. It was eerily quiet except the gentle wisp of the wind which added a more calm serenity to the environs of my private property.

I sighed and just reveled in the view, hugging myself.

Sometimes it was really moments like this that helped calm my inner demons.

My phone chimed with a text completely slicing through the silence.

I glanced back to where it lay atop my bedside table before wandering towards it.

"Be at the studio by nine" I stared at the text a bit longer. It was from my producer and if I was interpreting this message properly then it meant he wanted he wanted to have a meeting with me where he'll probably be giving me a long ass conversation about completing all the processes for my music production.

He had been on my neck for some time now, concerning the shooting of a music video, for my newest hit that was topping billboards these days.

I was Jasmine, a famous artiste he had signed under his label four years ago after my freestyle went viral, my music was going placing, topping charts and Thomas, my producer had never been prouder than me.

Music making, rapping was like second skin to me, people called me a guru at music and my voice was melody to the ears.

I had achieved alot for both myself and Rebel records,my voice was bagging cashes for the label and myself , granting me more fame and achievements, it had granted me an honorary citizenship in the states and many more wins and I was still winning more.

After having a bitter past...I had instantly picked it up from there. I had never been one to give up when things got shaky, so I took the time to build myself over the years to become this strong independent woman, making history in music.

Now I was living my dream life, coupled with love from everyone around me and I can say I am very content with where I am today.

I let out a breath.

I do not know why I had a dream about my ugly past out of the blue.

My past was a closed chapter of my life, a story I has only told through music. I had worked so hard to keep it away from the limelight and I had no intention of revisiting it anymore.

Tonight was nothing....I wouldn't let it rile me up.

I did my morning routine, worked out in my gym and when I had grabbed a refreshing yogurt, I made my way to the elevator, while texting Chloe, my bestfriend, to hang out.

I needed some company.

Living alone here alone at my second home could get boring sometimes. It was a luxury upscale penthouse I had built to my taste. I had this building merged into my home and office.

The ground floor had a mini reception room and board room, where I receive visitors to have comfortable meetings.

The first floor was where I had carved out for my music studio and offices for everyone on my production team. Rebel records had a big label studio but since I had the money, I had carved out a space for myself here to make my music. It was more convenient for me, and every music made here was still released under the record label so Thomas had no problem with it.

This floor also had my dance studio and photo shoot studios. I had everything built to my expensive taste, and finally the second and last floor gave space to my luxury bespoke home. I had another home in New York but I spent more time here, because of work.

The elevator slid open when I arrived the first floor, just below my home and I casually strolled into the corridor, still on my phone.

"5..6..7..8..9" The unmistakeable voice of the dance instructor singing out the choreography steps fell on my ears as I approached the dance studio. Thomas wasn't here yet, my receptionist hadn't given me a call yet so I was hoping to watch the dancers till he comes, probably join them too because I was still yet to master the steps too.

I pushed open the door as I made my entry into my dance studio, a vast room with white walls and large mirrors around. At a far end was where the speakers sat, currently blasting my recent music in low volume, and beside the speakers, was a bar setup I had installed there. I loved wine collections, so I installed a bar everywhere I lived and worked.

They were currently having a dance rehearsal for my music video. The dance instructor,. Ciana threw me an acknowledging look and I gave a slight wave as I made my way towards my sound manager, Sandro currently perched atop a bar stool at the counter, working on his laptop with Jasper, my creative director standing behind him, as they viewed some stuff on his laptop, placed atop the counter,

As I approached them, I noticed their gazes often switched from the laptop to the dancers. They weren't being too discreet about it, if anything they were had a word to say to each other each time they glanced at the dancers.

Perverts!

I settled on a stool opposite them, completely blocking their view and narrowed my eyes at them,

"You guys are watching the ladies asses while they're dancing?" I teased glancing between them both.

Sandro raised a brow at me, a ridiculous look on his face, "Please...we are just working" He voiced in an incredibly unbelievable tone, pointing to his laptop.

"You know you're not really a pro at lying" I gave him an obvious look.

"Pretty sure you are the one imagining I'm telling lies" He laid off casually.

That made me chuckle, before my gaze shifted to an engrossed Jasper, which made me smirk.

"Well I'm not sure I can't say it's same for Jasper" I nudged my chin at him. Sandro glanced at him too and Jasper just shrugged, after realizing I just caught him oogling at Nicky's butt. I raised an obvious brow at him.

"What?....I'm a man" he said making me roll my eyes at his obviousness. Sandro pursed his lips at his words and gave him a tap at the back.

Jasper gave him a teasing smirk, "Bro weren't you just completing Stella's butt right now.."and a mild laughter filtered out of me seeing Sandro's face transform into shock at the way Jasper was candid in speech. The sight was funny.

"Way to go Jasper....spilling all the bean" he gritted out, his gaze roaming the room.

"And you Jas...you are such a spoil sport"

"Oh please you two cut it...." I managed to say through the laugh burstling out of me.

"By the ways..how did ciana let you both stay here? From what I remember she doesn't let anyone see the dance till the shoot" I asked casually as I threw a short glance her way.

"Well aren't we just lucky......Ciana needed my help in the music but Jasper is just here to size butts" Sandro shrugged, folding his arms.

Jasper threw him a playful glare, " pretty sure you were the one who wanted to check them out" he nudged in the dancers direction with his jaw.

These men....gosh. I groaned.

"Okay okay enough" I couldn't stand them being so raw anymore so I had to say change topics else I would be hearing alot of nasty stuff and they were being so candid about it. I just shook my head as I unscrewed my yogurt. "Just make sure not hit on any one of my girls" I glanced between them both, waiting for them to concur.

Sandro tsked all the while, definitely staring at someone behind me, or something probably an ass, "can't promise you that" He simply voiced.

I crunched up my nose at him, "you're disgusting" , before sipping my yogurt, making Jasper break into a chuckle.

Sandro finally glanced back at me, and raised a teasing brow at me, "now why don't you go join the show princess and give us some view of that perfect ass" he teased in a sensual voice.

I flipped him off, "f**k you, you walking hard on" I blurted getting up and squinted my eyes at both of them, as I leaned in closer, pointing an accusing finger, between them.

"And don't you guys dare ogle at my ass.....am I clear?" I arched a perfect brow, awaiting response.

"You got it" Jasper blurted in a very play filled voice the same time Sandro threw me a wink, with folded arms, "Sure boss."

I rolled my eyes at those two annoying hormonal driven males before turning to go do my warm up so I can join the dance.

If I had my way, then they wouldn't be here cause all those two ever thought about was rated.

And uggh....Sandro. Sometimes I was tempted to forget he was my best friend's brother and just smack him across the face for always trying to hit on me. Although I know he never meant any of it, he was a good friend too, all of them were but he was a Playboy and all that. Everything would just be easier if he stops hitting on me...I mean.

I warmed up and joined in the practice. Ciana made way for me as I took my place in front and very soon, I had things under control as the rehearsal continued.

After what felt like I had been rehearsing for like forever, the door to the studio opened and my assistant, Henry walked in, spotting a clean suit and holding a tray of morning treats for me, this was why Henry was the best person I could ever pick as my assistant, always looking out for me. We shared an acknowledging glance, before I continued rehearsals.

"Timeout" I said,signalling the end of the dance rehearsal and as my dancers dispersed, I moved away from the practice area.

Henry was behind me instantly,handing me a bottle of water. The music in the room tuned down as I gulped the water.

We made small random talk with Ciana, about the progress of the Choreography. I placed my hands on my waist and listened to her talk.

Just when I was done having a chat with her and she turned to leave, Jasper called out to me from the bar.

"Hey Jas.....come look at this"

I turned my attention to him, watching him with puckered brows. He had mischievous glint dancing around in his eyes, same with Sandro. Whatever it was, must be what they viewed on the laptop in front of them, seeing the way their eyes alternated between it and myself.

I glanced back at Henry, and he just shrugged.

I walked up to them with Henry trolling behind, rounded the bar to be by their side.

"What?"

"Look" Jasper nudged his chin towards the laptop, my eyes went to it.

"They think you and Henry are a thing" I heard Sandro say behind me as I watched the screen with scrutiny......

You gotta be f*****g kidding me.

There were posts and articles about us, the way the bloggers portrayed the pictures made it look like we were really a thing.

There were pictures of Henry holding my waist as he guided me out of events, that was his way of protection but the bloggers had another onlook. Pictures of him, in different places with me, pictures when we shared warm looks and all that.

Then the comment section was swarming with thoughts. Everyone was buying the rumors from the bloggers.

I read one comment,

" Oh they look so good together, would make cute babies"

" I always knew they had it for each other" and the comments just went on.

" What the actual f**k?" I withdrew from the laptop overwhelmed by the ridiculrity of it all and glanced at Sandro and Jasper.

I could see the amusement dancing in their eyes.

I heard Henry let out an ludicrous chuckle, shaking his head. " These bloggers are really jobless" he said before withdrawing too.

"This s**t ain't even real" I pointed towards the laptop and switched my gaze to Henry.

He seemed unnerved by it all, as he just turned his focus to pouring wine into four tumblers. "That rumor is absurd" He stated bluntly.

I'm pretty sure he was finding all these ridiculous, because we both knew our relationship was a completely platonic one. If anything, he acts like an older brother to me.

"Don't let it unnerve you Jas" He finally said, handing me a glass of wine. He did same to Jasper and Sandro.

Sandro sipped his wine, "Henry's right. I mean this happens alot these days.....we all know the rumors are false, and that's all that really matters, let them think what they think"

"True....don't give them a reaction girl, and you'll see it'll soon fade. These bloggers just want you attention" Jasper chimed in.

These guys knew how I had zero interests in having a man at the moment.

"Oh it better fade, cause all this is s**t talk......Last week it was the Russian DJ, a month again it was Kent, the hockey star and now this? These bloggers give me headache"

"They all just wanna know your man, see who's lucky enough to have you in their arms" Henry added in a tease tone.

"Oh and they better be rest assured, they'll won't be getting the tea if I have one, until they see me with two kids and a belly bump"

That cracked them up, their laughters filtered through the whole room, it was so infectious, it made me laugh too.

We laughed and laughed, and soon enough, we were laughing about completely random things, the topic had changed to an entirely different conversation on absolutely random things.

This was how I waved rumors away, I had never let them get to me, and I knew soon enough, they'd just fade away.

Henry's phone rang,interrupting us. His eyes instinctively went to his pockets,as he drew out his phone. His brows furrowed slightly as he checked the caller ID.

"Who's it?" Jasper nodded towards his screen. "Your last night's hookup?" he added making Sandro chuckle.

I just grinned awaiting his response.

Henry shot him an irritated glance "No..fuck no...it's just Thomas." he said before picking up the call.

I furrowed my brows.

I suddenly remembered I was supposed to meet with him today.

Was he calling to ask about me?

It had to be me.

Mr Thomas always calls Henry to discuss matters about me like right now.

I know he wants to know how much progress we are making towards achieving the video production.

My recent music, "Love me more" still played softly in the background as I drowned myself in my thoughts.

We were currently working on dance moves for the music video. My song was already a jam and all my fans were awaiting the release of the music video.

There was just so much pressure. I sighed but everyone was too busy to notice. Sandro and Jasper, had their eyes back to the laptop.

I sighed again.

I did ask for the spotlight and the wealth that came with me being a popular singer in the States but the whole stress in the music production process was just not my thing.

Couldn't wait to get over with the project and just sit back and ravel in the wealth and fame that flows in.

"Thomas wants you in his office" Henry said,when the call was ended startling me from my thoughts.

"He's here?" I asked,finally dropping the tumbler in my hold to the countertop.

"Yes..."

I glanced back at Jasper and Sandro. They were also listening to Henry but as I turned to glance at them,Jasper gave me a mischievous grin,like he knew why my producer was calling me.

"Goodluck" he whispered and the urge to roll my eyes was so strong but I kept it in as I stood up and made my way to the exit.

I was still in my cropped tank and gyming leggings as I sashayed down hallway towards his office. I flung the door open and walked in like I owned the place..I literally did.

The sight I was met with was of him hitting the butt of his cigarette against the ashtray on his table.

His eyes flickered to me in a second "How was practice today?" He asked as he lowered the stick to the ashtray,shoving it aside and reclining back in his seat.

I strolled farther into the vast office. "We made better efforts today..right Henry?" I asked as I settled on a seat opposite him.

Henry gave a nod, and I switched my attention back to him.

"I see. So when will the steps be perfect?"

He asked.

"Say by the weeks ending?" I shrugged.

"Hmm" he nodded to himself.

"You called me?" I asked, not willing to spend any more time here.

"Ahhh...yes" he said,reaching for his drawers. He drew out a paper file and handed it to me. My gaze flickered to it for a moment before I took it from his hold.

"We are planning to partner with Ace jewellers to arrange your costume for the music video..."

"Hmm.." I briskly went through the file. "Do they make costumes?" I asked,closing the file.

"No...not sure but we want to purchase the diamond stones your designer would need to make the perfect jewelry dress"

"Okayyyy so I need to give my permission..sign somewhere or.." he cut my rambling short.

"The decision has already been made." He deadpanned.

"What?..by who?" I asked absolutely startled.

"I gave the order...because I figured out that you have been purposely delaying this project."

I furrowed my brows in question but he continued, "Your costume designer told me that he discussed it with you but you gave no reply and here I have been wondering why it is taking us so long to produce the music video."

I almost rolled my eyes at that.

"Look Jas....you need to realize that this isn't about you anymore. It's about our company,it's about our profit and the faster we buckle up,the more money we make. You have been signed under this label,you are doing great, you've gathered alot of Fame and our company is revenuing millions daily but this is not the time to back down or relax.

"There are alot of mashups online,fans are agitating for a music video release seeing how famous this new song has become and so,we need to take quick action" He let out in one breath as I stared at him dumb founded.

"Wow.." I let out a deep breath I didn't know I had been holding.

"So what do you say?" He asked as he reclined in his seat. "I mean if you don't like them we can look for another..."

"Okay.." I cut in.

"Okay?" He questioned.

"Yes..okay I'm fine with it....as long as the costume comes out gorgeous...I won't settle for less."

"That wouldn't be a problem....your designer is quite an expert....." and I nodded to that.

"So I'll send your designer along with a couple others and Henry....if you are okay with that.."

"Henry can go....I don't need him tomorrow" I scrunched my nose at him as he gave me an unsure glance. "I'll be fine" I reassured.

"Good now it's settled" Thomas said.

We talked some more before I decided to make my exit.

When we were outside, I glanced at Henry.

"Call the driver..tell him to ready the car"

"Which one Boss?" He replied drawing out his phone.

" The Lamborghini" I replied as we made our way past the mini lounge at the corridor and towards the exit.

I stood outside as the car came into my view and halted and I walked towards it. Henry held open the door for me and as I settled in, I glanced up at him through the rolled down window.

"No need to tag along...I need my privacy now."

His brows furrowed as he responded "But I am not supposed to leave your side Jasmine, especially not when you are on car rides with no escort."

I rolled my eyes as I reassured him "I'll be fine..no need to worry..besides I'm just going to my home in downtown."

He gave me one last unsure glance,before he let out a defeated sigh.

"You have the day off..go take your girl out " I teased.

"I have no girl Jas"he retorted mirroring my tone before he proceeded to round the bumper to speak with my driver.

I just gave my head a shake as I waited for their mini discussion, probably about my well being to be over.

I was a popular figure so security was critical to me.

Henry was always looking out for me and almost always by my side but for now,I just wanted my solitude, or time with Chloe, she was coming over anyways.

I needed to get my mind off everything related to this music video production and probably focus on other things,like my new business I was planning to start.

That was why I was going to my home in downtown,which was always lonely,except for the servants who worked there.

I heaved another sign and placed my head on the headrest,closing my eyes as the engine roared to life.