Chapter - 6

Porshiya wasn't fond of exercising. But that doesn't mean she didn't appreciate the occasional runs on a fall evening through the streets while blasting her favorite fall playlist in her ears. It was her favorite season after all. There was no nip in the air and the weather was warm and pleasant. The streets were busy as usual, full of life and activities that always stirred a sense of nostalgia.

The fall foliage was her favorite thing to watch and it was also a best season to go camping, which reminded her they hadn't gone camping for two years now. With how big Vinora had grown in just four years, it was impossible to take a break now.

She slowed to a stop and walked around a bit, just looking around as she mulled over her recent phone call with Seokjin aka her Jinnie. The first time she saw him was on an ad that popped out of nowhere while binge watching a k-drama. His handsome face and charming smile was all she could see and dream for a week before she found out who he was and devoured all the dramas and movies he'd starred.

Her obsession on him had led her to persuade Taehyung to reach him for his summer collection and the rest was history. Kim Seokjin the twenty-eight year old actor had swept her off her feet just like she expected. And it still made her dizzy to think he was as interested in her as she was invested in him.

They had exchanged phone numbers and their late night chats had now led to daily face time and endless flirting. So when he called her this evening, asking if she could get her best friend to do a photoshoot for his upcoming drama...she'd been too drunk by his charm to say no.

If she even so much as used her brain, she would have said no. But...nope. That wasn't what that had happened. She had to say yes and she even went on to brag her best friend would never say no to her demands.

It wasn't until one of the Plexis directors jumped into a call with her, she'd realized the graveness of the situation. They had been trying to get Katy for the past year and a half, all the proposals gracefully turned down by her beloved Katy. Now that they knew Seokjin was signed by Vante, it shouldn't have surprised her that they would use him to get her. She should have known better. Fuck!

She called Taehyung, confirming Katy's location first. Either she had to be at home or at office. But home was the best bet. No one would be there to watch her discard her pride and beg the devil. A groan slipped out of her mouth and she palmed her face.

"What were you even thinking, Posh? How are you going to convince her now?"

She found a lonely bench and perched on it, thinking of an action plan. If it was something else, she wouldn't have to think twice. Because Katy would jump from the 75-story U.S. Bank tower if she asked. All except for this one thing.

Half an hour passed and she came up with nothing. Perhaps, she should wait for their spa trip tomorrow. Talk to Katy when she was in good mood. But the bitch doesn't give in that easily. Porshiya huffed in annoyance. So, she resorted to the old method. Seduction by food. She stopped by their favorite vendor, ordering Katy's favorite fried chicken as she sent prayers to every deities she rarely prayed to.

***

Porshiya found Katy tucked behind her huge double monitors in the makeshift office in the corner of their luxurious bedroom. Katy wasn't fond of Photoshop. She had a dedicated team working for her to edit the photographs to her preferences. But on rare occasions as today, one could find her tinkering with the images. It meant she was working on her hobby photos, getting ready for the annual charity exhibition, where she sold her photography to support a few local charities. That was the only time Katy got passionate about photo editing.

What started as a hobby in high school has resulted a business major Katy to choose photography as her minor degree. Then on a fortunate day, just before the first launch of Vante, Katy who didn't fancy photographing people had stepped in to save the day when the so-called famous photographer they hired bailed on them.

Well, it didn't take long for Taehyung to convince her to photograph his future collections and by extension Porshiya too used her adorable puppy eyes to hire her bestie as the exclusive photographer to La Perle as well. Now there was a catch that brought Porshiya to her current predicament. Katy was exclusive to Vinora. She has never so much as paid heed to the proposals that would have considerably fattened her bank account. Not that, she her account isn't fat already. The bitch could explode with the kind of wealth she had being the key shareholder of one of the most influential giants in the corporate world, not to mention her position as the founding partner of Vinora.

Porshiya knew she was nervous about broaching the subject. Not just because Katy was exclusive, but also the bitch was lazy, valuing her comfort way too much. She knew it was nearly impossible to get her ass moving to do her bidding such as this. But what kind of friend she would be, if she didn't know how to get Katy to say yes.

With that confidence, she hovered in front of their shared master bedroom, a bucket of Katy's favorite fried chicken tight in her grasp. Several deep breaths later, she put a bright smile on her face and strode in with a loud greeting.

Katy barely spared her a glance, her gaze glued to the monitors as her fingers worked diligently around the image she had captured during one of their trips three months ago.

"That's a beautiful shot," Porshiya hummed in appreciation. "You're so talented, boo."

"Mhmm..." Katy hummed. "You're early today."

"Yeah. Where are the others?" It was almost seven p.m. They should be here already.

"McGriffin Jr. is stirring the pot." Katy pulled back from the monitor, stretching her body as Porshiya went to perch on her desk. "She and Jimin are in a meeting with that bastard and his legal team, who are challenging us for terminating his contract early." She took the bag from Porshiya digging into it as her face lit up.

Porshiya snorted. "They don't know who they're against. It's our Jiminie who prepared that contract. And we always have a special clause that allow us to terminate the contract at our sole discretion."

"Yep. It's a headache nonetheless. Waste of our time. I say we should run a background check on all our future clients. We didn't give it much thought when we started our business," Katy agreed, biting into the piece of her chicken.

"Tae already spoke to Yoongi oppa. The security firm he is partnered with is good. It shouldn't be a trouble to get them on board for this one."

Katy nodded. "Yep. So, what brings you here today?"

"What?" Porshiya feigned ignorance. "Can't I come to see you?"

"Oh, please...I've known you since you were rolling in your diapers. What do you want from me this time?"

Bitch.

That was true. Porshiya's parents were the family doctors for the Park family and she along with Aera, Katy and Jimin went to the same day care. They met Tae in kindergarten before becoming close friends when they were thirteen. So, obviously Katy would know with just one look.

"I know I am," Katy said as if reading her thoughts. "Now spill."

Porshiya sighed, preparing herself to make a deal with the devil. "You know our recent project for Plexis..." she trailed off, continuing when Katy hummed, her lips wrapped around the chicken as she swiveled in her leather chair like a kid. "So...they saw your fall photoshoot and—"

"Nope."

"I didn't even say what it is."

"You don't have to." Katy looked disinterested as she chucked the bag of chicken on the desk, wiping her hands in a tissue. "You know me. The answer is no."

"Boo..." Her nickname for Katy slipped out easily with her tone pleading as if her life depended on it. "It's once in a life-time chance."

"For you or for me?" Katy quirked a brow.

"For me, of course." Porshiya looked offended. "You know this is my chance to get closer to Jinnie."

"You can always take Robert or Johnny. They'll be happy to accommodate your request." Katy turned her attention back to her computer.

Porshiya rolled her eyes at that. If she wanted Robert or Johnny, the freelance photographers they worked frequently with for other projects not related to Vante or La Perle, she wouldn't be here seducing the devil with food. "Boo, they don't want just any photographer. They want you. You're obviously the best in what you do and you know it."

"Not doing it. Thanks for the chicken though."

"Boo..." Porshiya grabbed the chair, forcing Katy to face her and cupped her cheeks to squish it. "Look at me," she pouted making her eyes wider. "How can you say no to this face?"

Katy laughed. "How I always do. N-O. No."

Porshiya stood and stomped her feet. "Do you not want me to be happy?"

"Of course, I want you to be happy. But your happiness shouldn't come at the expense of my sacrifice."

"Come on, boo. You know I'll do anything you want." Porshiya knew she was losing the game and if she didn't do anything sooner she'd have to go back to Jin with her tail tucked between her legs. And how would that make her look? She had puffed her chest saying she would get Katy on board with such a broad smile and confidence when they hesitantly asked if Katy would agree to this. They all knew her well. After all, they have been trying to hire her for a while now. "I'll cook your favorite food every weekend for three months."

Katy reclined in her chair, crossing her legs. "You always cook for me whenever I ask you to whether or not you owe me. This doesn't even qualify."

Porshiya huffed. "Exclusive jewelry design only for you this winter. A fantasy inspired one you always wanted."

"Every jewelry you design for me is exclusive. I already know the fantasy piece is already in the making ready to be gift-wrapped. Anything else?"

Porshiya screamed internally. Ugh! How can this go downhill? She always designed something exclusive for the girls and the boys whenever she launched a new design. It was a ritual and she should have known it wouldn't work.

"A full wardrobe makeover?"

"Pass."

"Full body massage whenever you want it for three months?"

"Pass."

"No pranks for a whole year."

"Pass." Katy's lips were stretching with a wide smile Porshiya knew well.

"Ugh! Just name your price, devil. I know that evil smile very well."

"Three chances to throw you under the bus, irrevocable, can be used at any time, any place and can be executed as I see fit. Deal or no deal."

Porshiya's mouth went slack. That only meant trouble. But what could she do? She was desperate enough to do anything it takes.

"Think twice before you say yes," Jimin's voice came from the doorway and Porshiya set her mouth on a thin line.

Katy's grin only widened. "Yep, babe. Think twice or maybe even hundred times. Remember it's irrevocable until I say the deed is paid off."

Porshiya regarded her best friend since her diaper days for a long minute. "Fine! Three chances to throw me under the bus. In turn you'll take this project from Plexis."

Katy smiled smugly. "You have a deal."

Jimin whistled under his breath. "You shouldn't have done that."

"What choices do I have to get her to accept the photoshoot?" Porshiya griped.

"None," Jimin laughed while Taehyung sauntered into the room going straight to the box of chicken.

"I can't wait to see what you'll be facing this time," he said grabbing a piece of chicken for himself and Porshiya stomped outside with a huff.

At least, she didn't lose face with Jin or Plexis. 

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top