Revenge Of The Discarded Ex-wife

The Actor's And The CEO'S Proposals

LORRAINE'S POV

My heart was just beginning to heal from the pain of my ex-husband's betrayal, but the man showed up again and freshened the wounds. Still, I am too strong to be distressed by a reminder of his existence.

I am supposed to meet Hollywood's second most famous moviestar today and present my stylish designs to him so he can model them. It's my opportunity to conquer men's fashion. Hopefully he won't be full of pride like most celebrities are.

I thought the actor would arrive much later in the day, but I walk into the designing studio to find a crowd of designers and models surrounding a tall, stunningly beautiful figure at the center of the room.

Jessica stands right beside Ryder Starling, leaning in like she wishes to lick his handsome face. The crowd of models shove each other in a struggle to take pictures of him. They also smile amorously and ask uncomfortable questions.

The actor appear to be used to handling such situations as he smiles warmly at them and ignores the uncomfortable questions.

Stephen Vale stands aside, watching with a disgusted expression as each of his employees fight for the actor's attention.

The actor is the first man I have seen who actually looks nearly as stunning as my ex-husband. Still, my heart does not swell with the desire to be close to him.

Mr. Vale notices me and quickly approaches.

"Thank God, you have finally arrived." He says. "I have the urge to fire them all." He adds, gesturing at everyone surrounding the actor.

"Be patient with them. It's not every day that one of the most popular actors of all time walks into this studio." I say.

Stephen Vale nods his head in agreement, but the actor suddenly fights his way through l the little crowd and heads towards us. Jessica and the others follow behind like his little loyal puppies.

"Meet Miss Rosefield, our greatest designer." Stephen Vale introduces.

"It's an honour to meet you, Miss Rosefield." The actor smiles enticingly. He bends slightly and pecks the back of my hand instead of simply shaking it.

"Glad to meet you too, Mr Sterling." I say.

I am surprised when he keeps holding my hand afterwards, his gaze fixed on my face.

"I must confess, I accepted the contract because I was awed by your terrific designs. I wasn't expecting you to be so young and breathtakingly beautiful though." He says, causing my anxiety to surge.

Jessica interrupts before I can figure out a proper response.

"Miss Rosefield has done a great job of learning from me since she got a job here. I literally inspired her creativity." She proudly claims.

I did look up to her when I got my job here, but I never learned a thing from her. We became friends when my designs began to gain popularity.

"I hope you don't mind looking at some of my timeless designs. I cannot think of a better model for them." She says to Ryder Sterling, flashing her best smile.

"Maybe another day. Today, I would like to focus on Miss Rosefield's creations." Ryder responds. "She is taking over the fashion world, and I would love to be her mannequin." He adds and Jessica's smile fades.

"That's fantastic. You will not be disappointed by what this princess creates." Mr Vale assures. "Show us what you got." He requests and I reach out for my laptop.

I found it easier to sketch out the new ideas digitally than by hand. The design softwares have the tools to make them more realistic so that the sewing teams have no problem bringing the imaginations to life.

"That's... spectacular!" Ryder Sterling exclaims after checking out my first sketch which is perfectly coloured to a point of giving a hint of the materials required to make it.

"I would love to wear the outfit for the Rogue Justice premier red carpet next week. The best of fashion and lifestyle reporters will be there." He says.

Rogue Justice is his forthcoming action film and the most awaited movie of the year. I have already seen several of his interviews while promoting the movie. An iconic outfit would trend if he wears it to the red carpet.

"I will have one of our tailors take your measurements. The outfit will be ready for fitting before your movie premiere." I assure and he appears quite pleased.

I carry on to show him the other ideas which he shows a lot of interest in as well. Seems like I judged his tastes well.

"You made all those in one day?" Jessica asks in a voice full of skepticism.

"Yes. Where else would I have gotten them?" I question, and she falls quiet.

"A lot of people must be jealous of such a young, exceptionally creative mind. I would rather feel inspired." Ryder Starling says with an enticing smile. "May I speak with you alone? I promise not to waste much if your time." He requests.

I feel a little nervous as even Stephen Vale appears surprised. Of course I am curious to know what the famous Hollywood actor wishes to speak about privately. I have no doubt that my fellows will be feeling left out though.

My best friend is literally glaring at me.

"No problem. We can speak in the next room." I say and motion to Ryder Starling to follow me to the fabric store.

"See me in my office after your little meeting." Mr Vale says and I nod before leading the way to the fabric store. Ryder Starling follows closely.

"Which of these materials will you make my coat with?" he asks, scrutinizing the many rolls of fabrics in the room.

I point at a white leather fabric and a white silk fabric at the back.

"I will mix the two fabrics for the outer layer of the coat. Then I will add fur with animal print around the neck." I say.

He smiles as he walks away from the fabrics and closes the space between us.

"I fell in love with remarkable clothes while dressing up for my roles. I was so obsessed that I began thinking of starting my own fashion brand. But I do not have the creative brains to make original impressive ideas that are marketable to the masses like yours." He reveals. "I would hate to grow old while still acting. I plan on becoming a fashion icon right now that my movies bring me all the popularity I need. Once people start following my style and fashion choices I will launch my own brand." He adds.

"Sounds like a genius plan." I commend.

"It is. But you must be part of it." He says, and I raise an eyebrow.

"I may be a movie star but I need actual remarkable outfits to suddenly become a fashion icon as well. My brand will also need impressive designs to compete with those that have existed for decades." He explains.

"Will you partner with me?" He asks.

I am utterly shocked. Designing for a brand that I will not just be an employee sounds like a good idea. But I also don't believe in partnerships with men. Not after I was selfishly betrayed and rudely insulted by my ex-husband and his true love while they kicked my useless ass out of his home that I had looked after for years.

"I will think about your proposal." I say.

"Good. I will eagerly wait for your positive feedback." He smiles pleasantly while pulling out his card from his trousers pocket and handing it to me. "Feel free to call me anytime."

A lot of women would kill to get his private contacts. Others would pay millions to be alone in a room with him. I am not any of them but I politely nod and force a smile. He has been so far the opposite of the handsome jerk I had expected him to be. He is a respectful, passionate man that has got his future figured out even as he enjoys the fame and wealth that comes with being one of Hollywood's biggest stars.

"May I have a picture of us?" He surprisingly asks in the sweetest of voices. "That is If you don't mind of course."

The public only knows my name. But I will be present in the next runway event of our brand which will be swarming with reporters. I may as well show my face to the world now and it won't be one of the mysteries that reporters will focus on capturing during the event.

"I don't mind." I agree

He comes closer and rests his left hand around my shoulders. The scent of his expensive cologne fills my nostrils as he takes his time fishing out his smartphone from the pockets of his coat. His strong hand pulls me closer to his chest before he snaps the photo of us.

I don't get a chance to see it as he quickly pockets the phone.

"Thank you for meeting me, Miss Rosefield." He says, pecking my right cheek before walking out of the room.

I am astounded by his actions. Does he go around kissing strangers or is it just me?

I leave the room few minutes later after regaining my composure. Still I get weird stares from everyone as I walk back into the designing studio. I keep walking past the studio and escape to Mr Vale's office since he had already asked me to see him.

"So, what did the actor want to speak with you about privately?" He asks as soon as I enter his office. There is curiosity and worry in his eyes as he gazes up at me.

"Ryder Sterling dreams of becoming a fashion icon. Thinks I can help." I answer, avoiding to tell him about the actor's dream of starting his own fashion brand.

"That will be very profitable to us. The only thing almost as good as a visionary designer is a passionate model." He smiles for a brief moment. Then his expression turns serious again.

"What did you think of him?" He questions, staring at my face as if judging my expressions.

"He seemed nice." I answer.

"That's because he was attracted to you." He responds in an anxious voice. "I saw how he looked at you, Sarah. Producers would pay him double if he could act that It's nice to just the designs he wants."

I don't know what to say. There are many reasons Ryder Sterling may have showed some kind of admiration. My designing talent being one of them. Defending him though would seem like I in love with him just like Jessica.

"He may seem like a good man for now. But I assure you that all Hollywood men are the same. He will betray your heart as soon as he gains all he wants." Stephen Vale warns. “If you wanted a good man to be with, why don't you give me a chance?”