If getting away from Justin before wasn't hard enough, it definitely was now. I bit my lip as I watch him laugh at me when the door shut, he was still the same infuriating man from years ago and I hated it. By the look on his face and his body language , I could tell he hadn't lost that confident aurora about him. But I wasn't going to let him come into my life and cause mayhem once again , simply because I had a wonderful man and I know my worth. Justin was the type of man who deserved no woman to fill his heart, he didn't earn it correctly from my experience .

I wasn't sure why I was still thinking of him but, I knew one thing; I loathed him. Justin had no right to prance into my life as I was a growing business woman, I needed no distractions , Nigel was enough.

I sighed as I stared at the the passing buildings from the slightly tinted windows of the car. The fact that I was abandoning my date with my fiancé just to fix a problem that could've been taken care of by a capable worker , shows that my business would crash without my dedication and involvement.  I was sure that the model that they were having trouble with was just a brat who wanted different lighting or something.

If I couldn't leave my company for a day I knew I would make a mistake with giving Jamie a higher position. He was the one running the shoot, this was his first chance to prove to me that I could trust that he was capable of simply shooting for a handbag ad. Trust me, I wasn't going to scold him –but he will know that I expected better from him.

My phone suddenly vibrated in my hand, it was a message from Nigel; Sweetheart, Justin and I are going over to my home to see the blueprints for our project. Come join us once you're finish?

I rolled my eyes and thumbed a reply; No thanks baby, I'll probably just go home and take a bubble bath....without you.

Nigel 4:45pm: you always know how to bring a man to his knees, I'll be there to join you.

        I smiled slightly as I slid my phone back into my purse, Nigel was something else. There was one thing I️ loved about him, he made many sacrifices for me; he'd drop anything he was doing to tend to me. Although, I didn't think that was the right choice at times and often scold him about it, he still wouldn't care so much. Like The one time he left the middle of his business meeting because I'd told him that the barista at the local cafe had pissed me off, only to go and get the man fired.

They treat me like royalty now.

There were plenty of times that Nigel's vigilant behavior has gotten out of hand; and I warn him, that is the easiest way to lose me. I've grown to dislike when any man thinks it is fine to interfere with my life with their overbearing qualities. Maybe, I believe, it is because of my past relationship or my animosity has grown out of thin air.

"Ms. Smith?" The sound of the divers deep tone brought me from my self judgement, "c'est ton arrêt, oui?"

"Oui," I acknowledged, sending a gentle smile towards the driver who seemed to have a concerned frown on his face, the door was open and I felt the cool breeze of the Paris summer weather brush against my exposed legs. I gathered my small purse and exited the car, taking the hand of the driver as aid. "Merci"

    As I entered the building, many of my employees were at work or pretended to be; nonetheless, everyone looked productive. The interns running copies and important notes to others, the sound of rapid typing filled my ears. Many of the studios filled with working photographers and interns also, the only difference was that there was one particular room that had been at a stand still.

Immediately as I pushed the door open many of of my employees looked relieved, yet some looked uneasy. As if I were going to shout, which I admit was my plan. "Where is Jamie?" I asked Emile, who happened to be the photographer of the shoot.

     "He's in the dressing room with Gustavo, " Emile looked relieved almost, it was amusing. Her dark brown hair flowed down her back and her porcelain features gave he a look of innocence. "Excuse my language but this shoot was going to shite before you came." I couldn't help but laugh at Emile, that was the first time I've heard her curse and it was adorable.

By the time I had reached the door to the dressing room, it swung open to revealing a flustered Jamie. I rose an eyebrow and studied him from top to bottom; his lips were pink, clothes were slightly disheveled, and his usually perfect hair had been tampered with. He locked eyes with me and gave me a meek look, before he could explain himself Gustavo appeared behind him.

"Why are you stil– Oh. Hello, are you an intern?" He asked with a thick Italian accent, looking at me as if I were lower than him. I nearly scoffed and verbally took him out, but I promise myself that I will keep a certain level of professionalism with models, clients and photographers.

"No, I'm Sequoia. The owner." Simply said, by that time Jamie was turning a shade of red every time I glanced at him. "And you are the model of this project? Gustavo la'ché?"

       "Yes I am but I am confused, I thought this was Jamie's company."

   I wanted to laugh in his face, instead I just gave Jamie the look . That look your mother gave you when you were doing something that you weren't supposed to. " No, sir. Jamie here is just my assistant who I put in charge for ten seconds and couldn't handle it."

By that time, I was angry myself. Jamie was shocked, that was the first time he didn't have anything to say. Gustavo angrily stepped around Jamie , cursing in his own language. I wanted to follow to assure that he wouldn't put out a bad word for my company.

   " You . My office once we wrap up the shoot. I hope you understand that I am disappointed and not angry."

  -

"Yes Jade, it's crazy right?" I ranted, I was on my way back from the drastic shoot. I'd convinced Gustavo to keep quiet about Jamie, It didn't take much since he was embarrassed himself. He himself was just starting to get more popularity and if word got out about his affair with a common assistant had gotten out, Paris tabloids would have a fit. Besides that, I was catching Jade up about the other unfortunate situation I had.a

Justin.

"I can't believe he's here though, I thought you guys would never see each other again." She exasperated , I could tell she was more stressed than I was about the situation. After I moved away from Miami, she was the main one who checked on my progress. Jade and Ryan were my life savers, they often visited and supported me as I opened my business . "Babe, I know you hate him and all but please don't let that man too far into your life."

"I'm not Jade, I'm doing too well and I don't need any mess in my life." I promised, as I dig into my purse in search for keys. I decide to go back to Nigel's, since his home was closer to my company than my own. Besides, I wanted to cuddle with him. Is that too much to ask? I hadn't told him about my change in plans, either way I'm his fiancé and I can spend the night or week if I wanted to. "Hold on a sec Jade, I gotta find these damn keys."

  I take my phone and shove it into my sweater's pocket, while I concentrate on finding the keys. I picked up lipglosses, lipsticks, cash, and some old receipt before I found the keys while I also let out a small victory cry. Yes. I pulled my phone from my pockets and placed it to my ear.

"Anyway, I just hope Nigel's business with him is quick." I expressed as I turned the key to the large door, jingling everything in my hands as I stepped in and closed the door. Hearing laughter upon my arrival, I just assumed that it was something else like the television or just Nigel being boisterous with his dad on the phone. (Completely normal ) "I don't want him linger–"

I was cut short by the site before me, it felt as if I couldn't get enough of this for the day. Nigel and Justin were sharing a drink, while laughing at whatever was said before I walked through the door. As the door shut the two men had turned and looked in my direction, I knew that Nigel was happy to see me and so was.... the other one.

"Ah, sweetheart. I thought we were meeting at your place?" Nigel asked, his thick accent usually made me shiver but I knew it was the familiar stare of his business partner. "Come join us?"

Jade was still on the phone, "hello, hello , Sequoia? Do I have to come over and fúck somebody up ?"

"Jade I'll call you later." I say quickly, ignoring her quick rant.

I give the two men a small smile as I hang up the phone, the dark wooden table had seemed far away from where I stood; I wasn't sure if I wanted to make that trip or make an even longer one to Nigel's bedroom. For the first time in years, I was uncomfortable. Should I stay? I needed a drink, the situation I had dealt with prior was was the reason for it. Then again, I could just soak it all away in a nice bubble bath with a glass of wine.

    "Um, No thanks baby. I'll just go take that bath."

     "Rough day?" His voice suddenly spoke up, concerned as if it were his business. Nigel glanced at him confusingly, which caused Justin to clear his throat and move uncomfortably in his seat and I to turn my attention to the wooden dark brown floors "uh, I mean goodnight Ms.Smith."

"Goodnight."

Nigel had quickly walked over and towered over me, engulfed with the smell of his cologne and whiskey I glance up at him lovingly. Slightly leaning into his touch as his large hand softly caressed my chin, "bonne nuit fleur." His voice so soft, I almost didn't hear it.

"Bonne nuit." I say back, matching the his soft spoken words. From across the room I can feel the stare of Justin's, I wasn't sure if I should look him right back in the eye and roll my childishly like I did to boys who stared to long when I was a little girl; or avoid and ignore my favorite combination. It was an odd feeling, the idea of this stranger staring as I shared an intimate moment with my fiancé. "Don't keep me wait too long, okay?"

"I promise, get in that bathroom already fleur."

I give him a small smirk as I turned and began my voyage to his room, but not before glancing over at Justin. He was staring at the rest of his whiskey, clenching his jaw tightly; he almost looked angry. I shrugged and continued down the long hallway to Nigel's bed room. My hair products and makeup still remained in the same place I left them earlier.

   Sighing as I sat my keys along with my purse on the vacant table, the urge to get into a hot bath was strong. I kicked off my heels , sat down on the edge of Nigel's spacious bed and massaged the heel of my foot; letting a content hum pass my lips. Closing my eyes as I stretched my legs and plopped back onto the plush bed.

   I couldn't help the current thoughts racing through my mind, I was worried at the fact that things from my past would come back. The immature version of myself would resurface and I would be in trouble yet again. But on the other hand I wasn't so concerned, I know how to handle myself— I know that whatever happens at the end of the day, I was a grown woman with responsibilities.

    I just hope I stick to those responsibilities.

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Im sorry pleaseeee don't hate me guys, I have another one coming after this one .

It's been a tough year for me, for any college student for that matter.

Buyuutttttttttttuturu I'll try to be consistent. No promises tho

Also please officer is at half A million readssss I'm excited .

Lolita is at 90k I believe, and I'm so happy because when I first wrote these stories I was only 17 in highschool with social anxiety ; look at me now .

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