Chapter Fourteen
Daniel’s POV
I stared out of the window of my office, watching as the city moved around me, a blur of motion that I couldn’t quite bring myself to focus on. The skyline of New York City was supposed to represent everything I had worked so hard to achieve–power, success, the pinnacle of my career. But as the days passed, it felt more like a prison, a constant reminder of what I’d lost.
I rubbed my temples, trying to push away the memories that threatened to overwhelm me. Memories of her. Tasha. Even thinking her name sent a wave of pain through me. It had been five years, but the wound felt as fresh as if it had happened yesterday.
I never thought I would miss someone this much. Suddenly, my phone buzzed, pulling me back to the present. I glanced at the screen Vanessa’s name flashed up, along with her message. “My love, don’t forget the designer shoes I told you about. They’re a must–have!”
I sighed, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me. Vanessa. She’s beautiful, smart, and on paper, the perfect match for someone like me. We’d been together since the divorce, and everyone seemed to think we were the ideal couple, I haven’t even had plans on marrying her because lately, things had changed.
I read the text again and tossed my phone onto the desk, rubbing the back of my neck. Vanessa loved the lifestyle parties, designer clothes, fancy dinners. But that was all it seemed to be now: fashion, appearances, and spending money. It was as if the deeper connection we once had was replaced with surface–level desires.
I tried to focus on the reasons I loved her, she was vibrant, confident, and knew how to command a room. But it didn’t feel the same as it used to. There was a time when I could lose myself in our conversations, when being with her was an escape. But now, all we talked about were the latest fashion trends or where we would vacation next.
I couldn’t help but compare her to Tasha. Tasha was different grounded, genuine, with a passion for life that was contagious. It was her simplicity that made everything feel real.
Vanessa had her own charm, but it didn’t reach me in the same way. The thought nagged at me constantly, but I kept pushing it away. After all, who was I to judge what made her happy?.
I took a deep breath and replied to Vanessa’s text, keeping it short and sweet. “Got it. I’ll pick them up later.”
I couldn’t give her what she wanted emotionally, so I made up for it with gifts and gestures, hoping it would be enough.
“Mr. Sterling?” My assistant’s voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. I turned to see her standing in the doorway, looking hesitant. “The meeting is about to start.”
“Right,” I muttered, trying to shake off the haze of regret that had settled over me. “I’ll be there in a minute.
I needed to clear my head before the meeting, so I took a moment to compose myself. Shoving thoughts of Vanessa and Tasha to the back of my mind, I straightened my tie and grabbed the folder containing the details for today’s agenda. This meeting was important a potential game changer for my business.
Walking into the conference room, I was greeted by a group of suited individuals, each representing
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various aspects of Belvoir Couture, the renowned fashion brand that had been making waves in the industry. Their latest expansion into the American market was causing quite a stir, and it was no secret that they were looking for strategic partners to help solidify their presence.
“Mr. Sterling,” one of the executives greeted me with a firm handshake. “We’re thrilled that you could join us today. We’ve been eagerly anticipating this discussion.”
“The pleasure is mine,” I replied, taking a seat at the head of the table. “I’m looking forward to hearing more about what Belvoir Couture has in mind.”
The conversation began with the usual pleasantries and introductions, but it wasn’t long before we delved into the heart of the matter. They were planning a massive project in New York, an event that would not only launch their brand into the city but also serve as a showcase for the latest trends and innovations in fashion. It was ambitious, grand, and from what I could tell, potentially very lucrative.
“As you know, Mr. Sterling,” one of the representatives began, “we are planning a large scale fashion contest, something that could set the tone for our presence in the U.S. market. However, we are looking for partners who can bring more than just financial backing. We need someone with a vision, someone who understands the essence of what we’re trying to create.”
I nodded, understanding where this was going. They were looking for more than just an investor; they wanted a partner who could bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to the table.
“What exactly are you proposing?” I asked, leaning forward.
“We want you to
be a part of this project, Mr. Sterling, the executive continued. “Your reputation in the business world precedes you, and your expertise could be invaluable to us. We’re proposing an Investment opportunity, but we also want you to play an active role in the project’s development.”
I glanced through the documents in front of me, noting the scale and scope of the project. It was ambitious, but also an incredible opportunity. If this went well, it could mean a significant return on investment and a chance to establish a deeper foothold in the fashion industry, a realm that was lucrative yet different from my usual ventures.
“I see potential here,” I said thoughtfully, tapping my pen against the folder. “But I’d need to understand more about what you expect from my involvement beyond the financial aspect.”
“Of course,” the executive replied. “We’re looking for insight into market trends, strategies for maximizing exposure, and innovative ideas that can set this event apart from anything the fashion world has seen before. In essence, we want this to be an unforgettable debut for Belvoir Couture in New York.”
As they continued discussing the plans, my mind began to work through the possibilities. This was more than just a fashion show, it was an opportunity to influence a major market shift, to be at the forefront of something groundbreaking. It was exactly the kind of challenge I thrived on.
“Alright, I said finally, meeting the gaze of the executive. “I’m interested. But I have a few conditions of my own that would need to be discussed before I commit.”
“Naturally,” he responded, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips. “We’re open to negotiation.”
We spent the next hour hammering out the details, discussing terms, expectations, and the potential Impact of the collaboration. By the end of the meeting, it was clear that we had the foundation of a partnership that could lead to something extraordinary
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As I shook hands with the executives and left the conference room, my mind was already buzzing with ideas. This project with Belvoir Couture could be exactly what I needed, a new focus, a new challenge. Something to pull me away from the constant loop of memories and regrets.
This time, my phone buzzed again. I half–expected it to be another message from Vanessa, but it wasn’t. It was from Stanley.
“You free tonight?” the message read.
