Chapter Eleven
As Robbin left, I took a deep breath. Now it was my turn to prepare for work, and I had less than three hours before my meeting with a client. Just as I was mentally listing all the tasks I had to complete, Aunt Linda’s voice called from the kitchen.
“Why aren’t you ready for work?” she asked, her hands full with ingredients for breakfast. “Hurry now, go get yourself ready, and I’ll make something quick to eat.”
“Thanks, Auntie,” I replied, grateful as always. I rushed upstairs and quickly took my bath then changed into a pair of fitted trousers and a jacket I’d designed myself.
When I returned to the dining room, Ethan was already at the table, looking as lively as ever despite just waking up.
“Good morning, Mommy!” he chirped, his little British accent making the words sound so endearing.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” I replied, kissing the top of his head as I sat down. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yeah,” he nodded enthusiastically. “But… where’s Uncle Robbin? He promised to play wiv me this morning.”
I chuckled softly. “Uncle Robbin had to go to work, love. But good thing it’s summer, you’ll be home with Aunt Linda today.”
Ethan’s face scrunched up, his lips forming a small pout. “Can’t you stay wiv me today, Mummy? Just this once?”
I sighed softly, wishing I could. “Sorry, sweetheart. Some other time, okay? I’ve got important work to do today.”
He sighed, defeated but still managing to flash a smile. “Okay, Mummy. But promise next time, we cant spend the whole day together?”
“I promise,” I said, giving him a reassuring smile. “Be good for Aunt Linda, alright?”
“Always, Mummy!” he said, grinning again as he focused on his breakfast.
Aunt Linda, ever the lifesaver, had already packaged a small breakfast and coffee by the time I stood up from the table.
“Here you go, love,” she said, handing me the neatly wrapped package. “You’ll need this with how busy your day looks.”
I smiled gratefully, taking the package from her. “Thanks, Auntie. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Don’t–mention it,” she replied, giving me a playful wink “Now, go before you’re late. And don’t forget to eat, even if it’s on the go!”
“I won’t,” I promised, grabbing my things. “Ethan, be good, okay?”
“Yes, Mummy,” he said, smiling up at me. “I’ll help Auntie in the kitchen today!”
I chuckled, ruffling his hair. “You’re such a big boy now. I’ll see you later, sweetheart.”
With that, I grabbed my keys, breakfast and coffee, gave Aunt Linda a quick hug, and headed out the door,
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter Eleven
ready to face the day.
I drove through the busy streets of London, my thoughts drifting to how far I had come. Five years ago, I was a scared, broken woman with no sense of direction. After everything with Daniel, I thought I’d lost everything, but life had a strange way of turning things around.
As I pulled up to the building, the one place that had changed my life, I felt a sense of pride swell within me. It wasn’t just any place, it was where I’d rebuilt myself from the ground up. I walked through the large glass doors of the design company, taking a deep breath.
I remembered how I started here, just another face in the crowd, a worker with no special privileges. I was just trying to make ends meet, barely getting noticed. But over time, things shifted. My work began to speak for itself, my designs catching the attention of the right people. Slowly, but surely, I climbed the ranks.
And now? I was second in charge.
“Good morning, Ms. Taylor!” one of the interns greeted as I walked in. I smiled warmly, nodding at her as I continued down the hall, Ms. Taylor, yes Tasha Taylor, a name I went back to after my divorce,
“Morning.” I replied. It still felt surreal sometimes. Being responsible for so much now, having people rely on me, look up to me. I wasn’t just surviving anymore, I was thriving.
I made my way to my office, setting down my things and taking a deep breath. From here, I could see the city bustling outside, people moving quickly to get where they needed to go. Five years ago, I would have never imagined this life for myself.
But here I was. Stronger. In control.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed. It was a message from my boss, the CEO of Belvoir Couture, summoning me to his office. I quickly grabbed my tablet and made my way up, mentally preparing myself.
As I stepped inside, Mr. William Belvoir, a sharp–eyed man in his Late–fifties, sat behind his desk, watching me intently. “You’re 10 minutes late, Tasha,” he said without preamble, his tone as strict as always.
“I apologize, Mr. Belvoir,” I replied, standing tall despite his critical gaze.
“I’ve canceled your meeting with Vivienne Steele. I’m sure you’re aware we’re hosting one of our biggest fashion contests, partnering with Regal Threads, one of the top fashion brands in New York City.” His words were blunt, but I could sense the underlying pressure in them.
“Of course, I’m aware,” I said confidently, holding my gaže steady. This contest was monumental, the kind that could make or break careers.
He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “Good. You’re the best we have right now, Tasha. I need you to give this contest everything you’ve got. You’ve proven yourself over and over again, and I trust you’ll deliver.‘
I felt a sense of pride but also the weight of expectation. Belvoir Couture was a renowned name in the fashion world, and I had earned my place here. But being the best came with high stakes.
“Thank you, Mr. Belvoir, I won’t let you down,” I replied, my voice steady with determination.
“You never do,” he said, a rare smile breaking through his usually stern expression. “Now, get to work. New York won’t know what hit them.” 2
BONUS
Chapter Eleven
ready to face the day.
I drove through the busy streets of London, my thoughts drifting to how far I had come. Five years ago, I was a scared, broken woman with no sense of direction. After everything with Daniel, I thought I’d lost everything, but life had a strange way of turning things around.
As I pulled up to the building, the one place that had changed my life, I felt a sense of pride swell within me. It wasn’t just any place; it was where I’d rebullt myself from the ground up. I walked through the large glass doors of the design company, taking a deep breath.
I remembered how I started here, just another face in the crowd, a worker with no special privileges. I was just trying to make ends meet, barely getting noticed. But over time, things shifted. My work began to speak for itself, my designs catching the attention of the right people. Slowly, but surely, I climbed the
ranks.
And now? I was second in charge.
“Good morning, Ms. Taylor!” one of the interns greeted as I walked in. I smiled warmly, nodding at her as I continued down the hall, Ms. Taylor, yes Tasha Taylor, a name I went back to after my divorce,
“Morning,” I replied. It still felt surreal sometimes. Being responsible for so much now, having people rely on me, look up to me. I wasn’t just surviving anymore, was thriving.
I made my way to my office, setting down my things and taking a deep breath. From here, I could see the city bustling outside, people moving quickly to get where they needed to go. Five years ago, I would have never imagined this life for myself.
But here I was. Stronger. In control.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed. It was a message from my boss, the CEO of Belvoir Couture, summoning me to his office. I quickly grabbed my tablet and made my way up, mentally preparing myself.
As I stepped inside, Mr. William Belvoir, a sharp–eyed man in his Late–fifties, sat behind his desk, watching me intently. “You’re 10 minutes late, Tasha,” he said without preamble, his tone as strict as always.
“I apologize, Mr. Belvoir,” I replied, standing tall despite his critical gaze.
‘I’ve canceled your meeting with Vivienne Steele. I’m sure you’re aware we’re hosting one of our biggest fashion contests, partnering with Regal Threads, one of the top fashion brands in New York City.” His words were blunt, but I could sense the underlying pressure in them.
“Of course, I’m aware,” I said confidently, holding my gaze steady. This contest was monumental, the kind that could make or break careers.
He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “Good. You’re the best we have right now, Tasha. I need you. to give this contest everything you’ve got. You’ve proven yourself over and over again, and I trust you’ll deliver.
I felt a sense of pride but also the weight of expectation. Belvoir Couture was a renowned name in the fashion world, and I had earned my place here. But being the best came with high stakes.
“Thank you, Mr. Belvoir. I won’t let you down,” I replied, my voice steady with determination.
“You never do,” he said, a rare smile breaking through his usually stern expression. “Now, get to work. New York won’t know what hit them.” I
