Gambling Hearts with the CEO

CHAPTER 8: Losing Balance

I sat on my couch, anxiously waiting for that person’s arrival. Looking at me right now, with my position, as if an expected nagging will come, it looks like I did something so wrong that shouldn’t have been in the first place. With my restless finger tapping movement on top of my thighs as I lean on the couch with a gaze outside the glass window to distract myself, my heart is skipping a beat so fast that it might jump out of my chest soon.

It’s ridiculous because I haven’t had this kind of feeling for so long. This kind of emotion first existed when I had my first walk on an international runway with some of my friends. The second was when I had my first guest on a talk show. However, all those experiences and opportunities turned out so well that I am a hundred percent natural and comfortable being on the runway and on a talk show.

Looking at myself now, I have come such a long way after just noticing my comfort being in front of the camera and being called a public figure. I used to just admire those international models who endorse luxury brands and walk in big brands' runways every fashion week. I used to just look up and just be astounded whenever a senior model showed so much perfection in front of us. I used to be that rookie model that was close to being a wall to people’s eyes, until I got recognized by the public eye and it just goes on and on, and now… I have come a long way.

Many people say that they admire me a lot because of my success. Every single time a party was hosted by our family to celebrate such occasions, may it be business related or just birthday occasions, they always told me how they feel proud to see me on highway billboards, magazines, TV commercials, and even posters in the mall. They didn’t know that every time they acknowledge my hard work, it gives me more motivation to work even harder and become stronger in a field of industry where a bit of perfection is not welcome.

Surely my family’s acknowledgement should be enough. My parents' praise, my siblings' support, those should be enough. But during the first year I got my recognition, it wasn’t enough. I had to face struggles, hatred, and just simply unacceptable and hurtful words from those trolls on the internet who were trying to bring me down. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t think of giving up. But I tried staying strong, and the acknowledgement from those people outside my family, helped me go through that.

It helped me survive those waves of obstacles, learned how to ignore, and just enjoy what I have right now. For me, the most important thing now is the ones who support me. They are my prime focus, and they will always be one.

As my thoughts go deeper, the loud sound of the bell echoes throughout the entire room, indicating the presence of the person I am waiting for. I gazed into the door before letting out a deep breath, standing up and fixing myself, then walking towards the door to open it. Upon opening, a big smile greeted me… something I didn’t expect to get.

“Alexandra! My star!” She said, excitement obvious in her tone.

“Juliet! You finally arrived!” I responded, leaning in for a peck on the cheeks and a short hug. Behind her is my personal hairstylist and make-up artist. She really took them with her even though there really wasn't much of a need.

“We had to stop by the hotel first to drop things before coming here.” She passed by me, welcoming herself into my home. I have always liked her, except the times when she nags a lot and acts more like my manager than my usual sister-like woman. “It looks like your sis-in-law redecorated your whole unit again.”

“She always does. It’s nothing new anymore.” I said before closing the door when everyone had already entered.

“You have a great unit here. But the one in New York is bigger.” Erlene, my hair stylist, commented while wandering her eyes around.

Similar to her, Ciara went to wander more by checking each room carefully. Both of them haven’t really been here before, since I never really had any disruption when I am in the middle of vacation. This is the only time I have had one, and I can solely blame Brandon for it. He put me in a position where my break is taken away. My three-month break was taken away so quickly than I thought it would be.

“By the way, before we left, I had a talk with the CEO,” Juliet suddenly said, making me immediately look at her. I tried not expecting so much, but based on her positive expression, it does look like good news. “She gave you another two-month extension for your break. So your new return date should be after the New Year.”

“She did?” My eyes widened and side lips went up in excitement.

“Damn, I didn’t know such news would make you this happy.” She let out a small chuckle, shaking her head as she looked at me in amusement. She can’t blame me. I have longed for such a long break, but then she took up this offer and my vacation is just suddenly over. “She talked with the CEO of the Styles & Co.. It turned out that the process of the new collection or project will last for almost two months. So originally, by the time the project ends, you need to go back to New York right away. But since she feels guilty considering that she promised you a break, she extended your stay here for two more months.”

“She has always been so considerate,” I softly said, smiling like a little kid.

“Oh please! You just cursed her last time for not declining the offer before it got to you.” She rolled her eyes with a sarcastic tone. “But you should call her or send her a message. Say thank you and that you are doing well.”

Without hesitation, I nodded my head before excusing myself, since we needed to head out in a few minutes as well. The only main reason for Juliet and my personal stylists to come here is because of Styles & Co.. They offered me a team who would fix me up for the photoshoots that will happen soon, but I insisted on having my own team do the work just to annoy Brandon. Surprisingly, he agreed! So that is why even my stylists are here, but they are all coming back to New York after the photoshoots.

I took my bag from the console table and my phone next to it before checking myself out for the last time in the mirror. During my way out, I didn’t forget to send a thank you message to our agency CEO for giving me a longer break. It really is far from my expectations because I am actually ready for my emotional state to not spend Christmas here since I need to be back abroad by October. But fate is probably with me and now, I have until New Year! What a miracle!

Things were already going well. I felt happy and excited about the new extension of my break. I was so ready to have fun with Juliet, Erlene and Ciara while working. But all those disappeared as the sight of the Styles Group company building was seen from the road. My heart suddenly thumped in nervousness for some reason.

Maybe it is because I haven’t been here since the last meeting we had when Brandon already initiated such a deal. I didn’t know exactly how I should react around him because he appeared to act like we only knew each other because of work. On top of that, the deal was made and he could do anything anytime without me noticing. He didn’t know that the deal and the fact that I actually became immature just to prove something and sign the contract with them still bothers me. I just hope things can’t be more complicated once everything starts.

The meeting proceeded as each of us settled in our own seats. As usual, Brandon went to his seat in the center with his straight face after greeting the people who were with me. Like the first time I have been here, they didn’t waste any time and proceeded to discuss the contract further before the contract signing next week at a press conference they set. Everything they put in it, I could see the advantages it has on both sides. It is an equal portion.

“At first, I thought you had gone crazy when you decided not to renew the contract with CoLion. But after hearing everything that was in the finalized contract, I think you actually made a good decision. It’s not really a bad idea to experience a new journey with a new company,” She turned to Brandon with a big smile. I couldn’t help but sneak a smirk when I noticed how her eyes sparkled upon looking at him. Something feels so obvious here, but I don’t know if Brandon can even notice that. “Am I right, Mr. Styles?”

But as expected from someone like an arrogant, cold man like Brandon, he only gave her a nod and a small smile. With my disappointment, Juliet pursed her lips before acting like she wasn't just rejected by this cold CEO. She should just find something else. I’m pretty sure she won’t get anything from this guy anyway. He is cold as f*****g ice!

“I’m hoping there will be no problem at the contract signing, Ms. Borres.” Brandon suddenly said, making me look at him with brows raised. I nodded my head with no hesitation because a problem was the last thing I wanted to happen as well.

“We will make sure everything will turn out well, Mr. Styles. Alexandra is one of our agencies' trusted and top models. I assure you that you made a great choice.” Juliet butted in as if she was the one being questioned. The only thing I could do was smile because of her act of trying to still get attention from Brandon when it was already so clear.

When the meeting was completely finished, we already excused ourselves as well, so we could leave. We plan on spending some time for the rest of the day since they wanted to look around the city too. I planned on doing the same since it has been so long. I’m sure a lot of things have changed as well. But my plan changed when Brandon suddenly called for me.

“Do you have some time, Ms. Borres? I just need to clarify some more things with you.” He said in his usual formal tone. I already knew what he planned to clarify, but since Juliet is clearly unaware of it because I didn’t tell her, she gave him a confused look while I received a meaningful look from her. Brandon cleared his throat to end such nonstop gazing. “It’s about the contract and the photoshoots. We need her opinion as the model.”

In my own opinion, his reason is completely absurd! Only someone stupid or someone falling over heels for him will actually believe that reason. But much to my dismay, Juliet really is the former, so she agrees. Since she is still my manager, she needs to be at my side, so she will wait outside Brandon’s office as per his request for some confidential things about their new collection. Clearly absurd.

“You know you weren’t making sense out there, right?” A teasing tone escaped my lips, showing off a mischievous smile to annoy him more.

…but it all backfired.

Like at a bolt speed, as the door closed completely, he held my wrist and swiftly pushed me onto the wall. My back comes in contact with the cold wall a little harsh but bearable enough. His grip is a bit tight, and somehow, it felt weird being held by him or even getting to talk to him right now. I could feel his breath so close to me and I knew exactly what he was doing.

I looked up to meet his hazel eyes looking down at me as if he showed so much victory and was ready to eat his prey. He didn’t speak nor take his eyes away from mine. He only stares at me and breathes. For some reason, the longer I gazed back into his eyes, the more I got mesmerized that I didn’t even notice that he stepped closer, almost closing the gap between us.

“Already losing, Alexandra Katerina?” He whispered in such a deep voice, putting on a small smirk. “Here I thought the game would last long.”

My lips formed a thin line as I tried to control my madness about coming out. It was already enough that he almost got me there because I was flustered by it. I can’t just let him assume that he is actually winning, nor even had a chance to win in the first place. In the first place, he should know that he won’t be able to seduce me at all.

I pulled my wrist off his grip and let it rest on my side. A smirk formed my lips as I returned his playful gaze. “Oh please. The game is just about to start. Don’t judge too much, Brandon Riley.”

“Really?” His eyes squinted at me, as if trying to observe my whole being, before a scoff escaped his lips. “I think I’m pretty sure you already lost, Alexandra.”

“What makes you so sure about that, Brandon?” I argued.

“You didn’t show up for the rest of the month after we made the deal. Here I thought you were so brave and up for it only to find out that you chickened out.” He suddenly leaned his face closer and almost made a jump at my spot. Now is the time when I wish the wall would abruptly do some magic and let me through so I could escape him. “See? You can’t even stay this close to me.”

Those words were enough to trigger me. Without any doubt, I stood properly again and leaned my face closer to his face until there was only a little space between them. I could feel his warm breath and could see every small detail in his face. The small scar on his forehead, near his hairline, is so obvious that it made me suddenly focus on it. The next thing I knew, my hand subconsciously made its way to touch it. But before I could even do so, he held my wrist again, only to pin it back to the wall like earlier.

“Going too fast, aren’t you? Shouldn’t we go with smooth talk first before touching?” He teasingly said, obviously meaning something else.

I let out a scoff before I turned my face where his hand held my wrist tighter now than earlier. “You are talking as if you aren’t doing it yet.” I said.

With that alone, he let my wrist go slowly and I felt a little numb because it was only after he let go that I felt how tight he actually held me there. As a sigh escaped his lips, I could feel that something was bothering him. I shouldn’t care what it is about, but somehow, it made me curious. It made me wanna know what was bothering him. But maybe it is just so I have something to use against him. It is just that, Alexandra.

“Don’t ever try to touch me on my forehead again.” He warned in an authoritative tone. But as someone who doesn’t actually care for his warnings, I grew even curious about what that scar means for him to act like this. His fiery gaze watched me as my hand rose once again, which he only caught before it could even reach the top, then pinned it back to the wall. “I told you not to touch it.”

His tone is more deadlier now, as if I did something so wrong and the only way to make up was to go to jail. With my wrist pinned back to the wall, this time in an even tighter hold of his hand so that I could feel the throbbing pain already, my back was pressed hard into the wall as he stepped forward again. He gazes at me with such a cold, deadly look that it actually sends a shiver through my spine.

“Don’t. You. Ever. Try. To. Touch. It. Again.” He emphasizes each other with a deep tone. He speaks as if I am his subordinate, which is not really that wrong. But still! He could have just said it without being this violent.

Maybe it was because of my silence that, without any warning, his hold became tighter. I winced in pain as the mockery I had on my face earlier disappeared and was only replaced by fear. I know he is cold and arrogant, but I didn’t know he had this kind of side to him. The side that no one probably wants to encounter. And I could feel he could do more than this.

“B-Brandon, it hurts.” I winced in pain but he only disregarded my pain.

“If you ever touch it again, I—”

“What the hell is going on here?”

Both of us turned in the direction of that familiar voice only to see my manager and his secretary standing side by side. Juliet looks at my wrist held by Brandon in horror, while his secretary can only look down. Before Juliet could even approach us, I pushed Brandon with my other hand. But with the strength he put in his other hand to hold my wrist, he ended up pulling me with him as he fell to the floor after tripping over something behind him.

I winced in pain again after feeling a burning pain in my elbow. As Brandon raised half his body after falling, I helped myself to stand up. Juliet immediately approached me but her attention was fully on my elbow.

“You’re bleeding! f**k!” She shouted, completely panicking.

After that, everything happened so fast. I didn’t even know where I scratched my elbow because the fall happened so fast as well. The next thing I knew, I was sitting on a bed inside the company infirmary with a doctor mending my wound carefully. But every single time the cotton, where the alcohol was poured in, came in contact with the wound, I couldn’t help but winched in pain. I tried acting that the pain didn’t bother me much since Brandon is here with his straight face on, but I guess I failed.

“You are good for now. But just make sure you clean it well and dress it up properly so it won’t get infested since the cut is a bit deep.” The doctor said after putting the bandage on my elbow.

“Deep? Doesn’t that mean she needs to have it stitched?” Juliet’s face showed horror the moment the last word escaped her lips. She knows it will be so much trouble if that actually happens, since a model’s body is almost as precious as a gem.

“Not really, ma’am. She just needs to mend it properly and be careful starting now.” The doctor turned back to me with a smile. “You are lucky that it wasn’t your head or your manager will probably throw havoc here.”

It was only that time that I could smile again ever since leaving Brandon’s office. As the doctor excused himself, we were left in silence. I tried not to speak to that jerk, but when I managed to do so, he was just looking down with brows furrowed. Without a single word said, he just suddenly left the room in silence with his secretary following afterwards.

“What a f*****g jerk,” I whispered.

My vision was blocked when Juliet occupied the seat next to me with a meaningful look. “So tell me, what was going on in there? The two of you know each other, don’t you?” I cleared my throat and looked away to escape, but it would never be a good escape from her. “What’s your relationship with one another?”

“Nothing! Okay? We are just batchmates but in a different department. We aren’t even close.” I explained it as simply as it can be.

“I doubt that. Your definition of not even closeness is not what I actually saw earlier. The two of you look really close.” In a second, she suddenly gasped while looking at me with wide eyes. “Don’t tell me… He was actually the reason why you accepted the offer? It’s because of him, not the contract?!”

As I listened more to her questions, it made me grow frustrated even more and more, to the point that it could reach the highest peak of Mount Everest. When I realized she wouldn’t stop even after we arrived at my unit, I decided to just spill about everything. How Brandon and I met. How I hated him for what he did to my friend. To the bet Kai created because of my allegations and to the deal Brandon and I have now.

But there is one thing I only managed to grasp just now… he really was one of the reasons why I accepted his offer. It was his deal that made me accept his offer. It was him.

Oh no, Alexandra. What have you just done?