Bittersweet Billionaire

Four

I stood on the balcony of a large and wealthy manor, overlooking well manicured gardens. The sun was just peeking above the trees, bathing the earth in yellows, oranges and golds. Steam drifted up from the hot coffee in my hands as the information my bodyguard Fletcher had filled me in on when he had arrived.

I had barely slept, nightmares from four years ago resurfacing to the point it was as if it happened yesterday. My anxiety was peaking and instead of being able to calm myself enough to drift back to sleep I ended up drawing a whole new set of runway clothes. I could tell my Co-partner was not surprised I was sending him emails with designs so early in the morning.

Fletcher had managed to get a hold of both Sammual and Cheyanne's schedules for today. I needed to slide onto their radar quietly, just enough to start asking questions to approach me. I had created some bogus back story as to who I was, but the internal struggle to either remain anonymous, or to confront them directly was still raging.

The look of shock and horror on their faces when they realised who I was would be completely worth it though. I heard Fletcher enter the kitchen, making himself a coffee

"Miss Cheyanne has just left for the dress shop for a dress fitting. After that a stop at Gucci, then Dior for a bag and some shoes, for a bit of retail therapy I'm assuming" he informed " I am yet to understand what stress that woman endures to incite that kind of spending" he mumbled. A smile tugged at my mouth at that. I turned and walked back into the kitchen to sit at the breakfast bar, wrapping my hands around my mug

"I love a bit of retail therapy" I jested, raising an eyebrow

"You've earned your therapy retail sessions Ms Ludovic. I'd wager that barbie would have a mental breakdown over a broken nail" he scoffed, eyes flicking to me briefly when he realised who he was talking about "No offense ma'am" I let out a laugh

"Relax Fletcher, my Grandma isn't around to give you a few whacks with her stick" I sipped my coffee "However I am more than willing to give a few whacks if it makes you feel more at home?" I added, hiding my smirk behind my mug

"Ha Ha" he mocked, taking a sip of his own coffee "I still have plenty of blackmail on you to use. Don't tempt me" he jested back. Fletcher was only a bit older than I was, tall, broad shoulders and large chest. His hair was short but styled, sharp jaw, rounded nose and piercing blue almond shaped eyes. We had butted heads in the beginning, I had managed to sneak away from him multiple times after my Grandma had charged him with my care.

I had really tested his patience, and skills. But after a while he became one of the very few people I trusted. He was practically my brother. Except I paid him and had the ability to boss him around without getting tattled on.

Well, almost.

"You can call me by my name while we are at the house as well. I feel so old being called Ms Ludovic all the time" he raised an eyebrow at me

"This isn't one of your tricks to use against me later is it?" I let out a bark of laughter

"No Fletcher, I just require a little normality while here. Things are going to be very...heightened for a while. I need those I trust close to me, else I don't think I have the strength to do this" I let out a sigh

"Ms Ludo- I mean, Sairina, you are one of the strongest women I have ever met. And I have met your Grandmother. Being scared isn't a weakness, it just means your are human" I regarded the man for a moment - He did surprise me sometimes with things like that

"Look out, we have an inspirational quote generator in the house" I laughed again when he gave me a face. After a while I retreated upstairs to get ready; it was time for Sairina Tulcott to come home...

~*~

I watched from the car while Cheyanne strutted into the Gucci store as if she owned it, head high, her lose golden curls bouncing as her butler followed behind, arms already loaded with packages from other luxury stores - She really did love to spend. Ignoring the front door clerk she brushed past and started looking around. I drew in a deep breath, steadying my nerves that were starting to claw its way up from my stomach. I reminded myself why I was here, why I was doing what I needed to do, to get back at the family that destroyed my life.

I nodded to open the door, allowing me to step gracefully onto the sidewalk. A few people glanced into my direction but I paid them no mind, word about a new wealthy woman would soon spread and appearance was necessary.

I walked over to the store, Fletcher in tow. I flashed a dazzling smile to the front door clerk as she opened it for me, thanking her as I passed. I glanced around the room, the overly pristine and exclusive store stretching before me. I noting the direction Cheyanne was going, her well manicured hand trailing over the glass counter top as she eyed the jewelry below.

I wondered from display cabinet to case, purchasing a few items for my cover, all the while keeping Cheyanne within eyesight. I had seen her glance in my direction, her dark blue eyes trailing up and down my physic to scope out who I was. She turned away after a while with that snooty look plastered on her face.

Fletcher gently cleared his voice while Cheyanne's back was turned, allowing me to slip close enough to carry out my plan, but far enough away that it didn't look suspicious. I could hear her arguing with the sales woman, her voice rising the more irritate she became when it was evident they didn't have a certain style in that she wanted. I rolled my eyes at the arrogant behavior.

After inciting a Karen like behavior, threatening the staff they'll lose their jobs, she turned to storm from the store. I stepped behind her as she turned, my shoulder bumping her just enough to cause her to stumble. I glanced behind me, offering a quick apology, her scowl twisting her pretty face

"Are you blind?" She hissed "do you know who I am?" I resisted the urge to laugh at how ridiculous she sounded, instead I gave another apology

"Oh I am so incredibly sorry I did not see you" she scoffed at the apology "I have just moved here from New York, I am unaccustomed to anyone in the area so I apologise again for not being aware of your status" she stared down her nose at me, that scowl still on her face as she contemplated her next words. I could on her face as she studied my features; she had no idea who I was.

Good.

Before she could reply ta woman approached us, ipad in hand. She was the lady you booked with for private viewings, especially when there was a new release - if you held enough status you were able to view them before the public. However, it was virtually impossible to purchase before release, unless you had connections on the inside. Luckily for me I had both. Cheyanne's face lit up then, a dazzling smile replacing the scowl as the woman approached

"Oh Eloise, you have an opening?" Fletcher appeared behind me, his larger figure daunting to all those that didn't know him. I saw Cheyanne look him up and down the same way she did me, however the purse of her lips told a different story of her opinion on my bodyguard. Eloise, the Corporate manager and owner of the Gucci store in this city, looked at Cheyanne a moment, confusion as to who she was crossing her face

"I apologise ma'am, but I require your name if you would like to request being placed on the wait-list" I had to contain my laughter while Cheyanne turned bright red

"Why would you approach me with such a ridiculous statement!" again Eloise looked confused

"Again, I apologize, I had no intention of approaching you, ma'am. My attention was on Ms. Ludovic" she turned her sparkling green eyes to me, noticing then the twitch of her lip that told me she was holding back her laughter as well "The viewing room is ready for you Ma'am, if you follow me we can seat you accordingly" I flashed another dazzling smile, watching as Cheyanne turned another shade of red in embarassment and rage.

As we walked away, I heard her let out a small scream of frustration, followed by a loud clop, stamping her foot like a child. No surprise there. Fletcher and I entered the elevator, only allowing the laughter to spill once we were moving. This had turned out better than I expected, hopefully the rest followed as seamlessly - I turned to Eloise

"I appreciate you coming in on your day off Eloise" she let out a laugh of her own

"Ms Ludovic, the reaction from that conceited, arrogant, condescending and egotistic woman was well worth it. She has been causing many problems over the past year since her finance announced their engagement" I rolled my eyes. I was surprised they had waited so long, but part of me knew it was because of his image and the public's opinion.

Getting married immediately after the loss of your son, and divorce of your wife didn't exactly look good in the public eye. Flecther leaned close to my ear

"Sammual has a two o'clock lunch with the CEO, we must keep moving Ms Ludovic if we are to keep on schedule" he informed. I let out a sigh

"I cannot linger unfortunately. As much as I am dying to see the new design, I will have to wait like everyone else"

"If you like I could have it delivered personally to your residence?" I raised an eyebrow

"Upselling an item I haven't seen yet Eloise?" she let out a laugh

"Oh, you and I both know you have already seen snippets of the design Ms Ludovic" I couldn't help but smile

"I knew this job would suit you well" she gave a small bow of her head

"Without your recommendation I would still be working my way up the ladder. I am indebted to you Sairina" the elevator dinged, doors sliding open silently. I gave the woman a quick hug before stepping out and making my way from the store, my stomach flipping at the thought of seeing my ex-husband for the first time in four years.

As I made my way to the car I noticed Cheyanne standing on the side walk, screaming into her phone; her driver had not yet collected her from outside the store front. I kept my face neutral as I strutted past my sister, not gracing her with even an glance while Fletcher held open the door, allowing me to slide effortlessly into the back.

I watched in amusement through the dark tinted windowas that ugly scowl staring at my window, her face still red with rage. Fletcher placed my purchases into the trunk, before slipping into the drivers seat. We both looked at Cheyanne, her golden curls falling out the longer the wind tossed her hair about. After another minute of screeching into her phone she hung up, letting out an irritated grunt and storming up the street, her butler scrambling to keep up without losing any of the precious items.

"Let's get on with it Fletcher" I mumbled, trying to keep my heart rate down as the car pulled out into the street.