As soon as the door closed behind Mr. Osbourne, Kyle snapped. "What the hell is wrong with you? Why didn't you tell him the truth?" Ashley chuckled "But he did tell him the truth." Kyle glared at her then averted his attention back to Dimitri. "I asked you a question star boy. Why didn't you?"

Dimitri loosened his tie further. "Just drop it okay?"

"No i'm not going to drop it. You and i both know that Valarie worked on those designs herself. You father needs to know."

"Look i will tell him okay just not now. Give me a break and some time to figure it out."

Ashley raised her eyebrow "There is nothing to say. You already told him the truth." Her voice echoed in his ear and he glared at her. "You. You just shut up. Why would you Ashley? Why would you do such a thing?" her lips quirked up into a one -sided smile. I think the better question is....Why not?" She walked up to his desk and flung the folder on the table. "I think you better get to the paperwork, we don't have much time." she turned to walk back out the door then paused "Oh and by the way, we have a date tonight. Your dad wants to meet with one of his partners to discuss a contract. They specifically asked for his son and his lady so you know what to do. I'll be in the lobby at 7." With that, she continued out the door.

"Oh I know that bitch didn't just-" Kyle raised his eyebrow then turned to Dimitri. "You are such a sissy. You are just letting this girl walk all over the world like she is some Queen or something. Your father must be so proud of you right now."

"Shut up!" Dimitri snapped.

"Oh you don't tell me to shut up. I'm not going to sit back and watch me sabotage my friend. I'm going to tell your father and i'm going to tell him now."

"Don't you dare. I told you i will handle it. I will make you regret it if you do."

Kyle folded his arms "Oh yea? How so?"

"You see, my dad told me about your ultimate pet peeve. I heard you absolutely hate it when your perfect record gets tarnished. In particular? When you get fired. If you tell my father, i will make sure that you get fired. FIRED. The day you tell my father will be the last day you ever work here."

Kyle's draw dropped. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was his dream job at stake here and to be fired, he just couldn't bare. He was furious. "You're a dick!"

Dimitri smirked "I know...and you like it. Now get back to work."

***

Not a second past seven, not a second before, Ashley stepped foot into the lobby. Her body modelled one of the designs from the show. It was indeed beautiful. Mr. Osbourne smiled and looked at his son. Dimitri balled his hands into fists and forced his mind to settle on something away from the scene. As Ashley approached, her outstretched her arms and laid a gentle kiss on Osbourne's cheek. "Ahh Ashley you look remarkable" he complimented. Dimitri rolled his eyes and began walking towards the door. "I'm going to get my car" he mumbled. Nikoli furrowed his brows "Dimitri I hired the lemo. There is no need." "I prefer to drive" Dimitri responded without turning back." His father shook his head and looked at Ashley confusingly. "What's gotten into him?" She interlocked her left arm with his right. "Don't worry about him, it's just the stress." "Ahh" Nikoli mused and began walking her out the door.

Even though Dimitri had left before them, he was nowhere to be seen when they arrived at the restaurant. Nikoli sat opposite to his partner while both their wives and Ashley filled in the other seats. The chair next to Ashley still remained the odd one out and stood cold in the night. "'Ashley why don't you give Dimitri a call?" She nodded and took out her phone to call him.

The wind rushing through his hair was enough to cool him just a little. Dimitri drove, with gas pressed to the max. He need to clear his head. He need to think of a plan. If he was going to rath Ashley out at this point, he needed to make it grand. He would make her known to the fact that all good things come to an end. The only thing he would make clear is that no more good things will ever commence at her feet henceforth. The sound of the phone ringing snapped him out of his thoughts. He picked it up to see the one person he wanted to have nothing to do with. Dimitri shook his head and flung the phone into the passenger's seat.

"He is not answering" Ashley informed. Mrs. Osbourne gave a reassuring smile "I'm sure he just went for a joy ride. You boys and their cars." Nikoli smiled and shook her head in agreement. Mr. Stephano smiled "Ahh. So should we wait on him or...?"

"Oh no, no. Please begin. He'll be here eventually" Mr. Osbourne encouraged.

"Okay great. Well I must begin by complimenting you on a spectacular show. It was the best I have ever seen and I have seen many. And my, my, my Ashley. You are such a talented designer. I can see great things happening in your future."

An idiotic grin plastered her face. "Aww thank you." Mr. Osbourne chuckled " She is something isn't she? Did you know that all this time she have been working under me and i had no idea that she designed? I believe she is an expert at surprises."

Mrs. Osbourne rolled her eyes and looked at Ashley in disgust. She was just one of those that if they met you, it's either they like you, or they don't. She didn't like her one bit. There was this twisting feeling she got in her guts every time she looked at her. She reminded her of some of her high school friends....fake.

"Nick, let's not forget that you have an amazing team of designers. Dimitri showed me a few of Valarie's designs before. They were spectacular. I was confused as to why they didn't make it to the show. I guess she haven't completed them yet."

"Ahh yes Valarie. Another talented soul of mine." Nikoli explained. "Speaking of which, she didn't show up for work today. That's unlike her."

"Aww really?" Mrs Osbourne furrowed her brows.

Ashley was getting annoyed with the change in attention. She hurriedly inputted "She called in sick today."

"Ahh poor thing. She was probably overwhelmed with all the excitement yesterday. That child works her butt off."

"Yes. I was wondering when she would ever take a day off. I literally have to beg her to sometimes."

Mr. Stephano chuckled. "Haha I think i would have to meet this Valarie too."

Ashley tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and shifted comfortably in her chair. "Uh, um, which of my designs did you like most Mr. Stephano?" she questioned.

He paused for a while to think. "Hmm, I think that grand finale dress of yours stole it for me."

Ashley placed her hand over her chest. "Aww really? Well i am flattered."

In that moment, Mrs. Osbourned took a sip of her wine to calm herself. It seemed like the more time she spend around Ashley, the worse she felt. She forced herself to plaster a smile on her face and hide her emotions.

They all continued talking about the designs and the plans for the upcoming show.

After what seemed like eternity, Dimitri finally arrived. His hair was in ruffles and his face flushed. He apologised for his informality and joined them at the table. "Are you okay?" his father leaned in to ask. "Yes, I put a new engine in my car and Ii was just testing it out." Mr. Stephano chuckled. "You sound just like my son." "Boys" his wife inputted while shaking her head.

"I figure your son and I would get along well" Dimitri smiled. "So what were you guys talking about?"

"Stephano wanted to pull of a huge show the next time, featuring our designs. This one is going to be live and worldwide."

"Ahh worldwide you say?" Dimitri questioned.

"Yes, isn't that awesome!" Ashley butted in. Dimitri turned in slow motion to look at her. Right then the greatest idea sparked in his head and he smiled maliciously. "Yes...that will be perfect." Ashley narrowed her eyes on him for a second but the idea of her being center stage worldwide clouded her thoughts and she drifted off smiling again.

"Dimitri where is Valarie?" his mother cut across. Dimitri paused and bit his lower lip. "Umm she-"

"I told you before she called in sick" Ashley reminded. Mrs.Osbourne glared at her then diverted her attention back to Dimitri. "She is,- she is home. She uh- just needed some time to rest." "Oh well tell her I said hi next time you see her." "I- I will" he assured her.

"I don't know about you guys but I am starving!" Nikolai lightened the mood. All agreed and they continued the conversation under a good meal.

***

"Wakey, wakey" a soft voice tickled her ears. Valarie peacefully opened her eyes. Jake hovered over her with a smile on his face. She giggled as the sight became clearer. "What are you doing?" she protested. "You told me to wake you up at 6am. I'm just doing my job." "Your job?" she chuckled. "That's supposed to be my job. I wake myself up. "Well it's about time that change. You always take care of people. You should let someone take care of you for a change."

"Aww you are such a sponge ball." "Oh am I? Last night you told me that I was douchebag who kidnapped you and that you were going to kick my ass. What happened to that ass-kicking side of you?" Valarie used her hands to help her sit up. "Let's leave that ass-kicking side for Ashley and her loverboy."

"Ahh yes they deserve it. Oh by the way some guy kept calling your phone. His name is Kyle." "Oh my gosh Kyle!" Valarie exclaimed. "He must be worried sick!"

"Who is he?" "My friend. My best friend actually. He was the good guy I was talking about. The one who had my back. If it's someone i'm going to work for is him. I just need to go down to the store real quick to buy an outfit that's work worthy then i'll be on my way."

"There is no need for that. I got you something." Jake got up from the bed and walked to to the table where he picked up a shopping back bag. He took out a black and silver slim fit dress. "I figured this might be your size. You are tiny."

"Oh Jake I can't accept that. I'll buy one at the store."

"Hey stop insulting me. In my culture when someone gives you something and you refuse, it's an insult."

"Ahh i'm sorry. " Valarie took the dress. "Thank you. Thank you for everything."

"Not a problem. I'll get get the car. You get ready and meet me downstairs when you are done."

Jake dropped Valarie off at work and gave her a stern message to call him if she couldn't bare to stay there. She had never felt that broken walking through the doors. She headed into the elevator to make her way up to her floor. The ride seemed twice as long. Her stomach churned as the elevator approached the final floor. As the doors opened, she came face to face with the last person she ever wanted to see...Ashley.