I ignore Hailey while finishing my coffee and pancakes. She and Ace have been speaking though. As soon as we finish eating, I stand and start to leave. Ace wishes Hailey happy birthday again, before following me out.The silence is awkward and horrible. I get in the car and look out the window, still avoiding eye contact with Ace.‘I want to apologise. I had no idea, and did not expect you to be a virgin. Thinking about the moments we’ve had in our office and in the kitchen. I may have moved too quickly for you. Forgive me. I hope you’ll tell me if I’m too much,’ he says, sincere. Shocked, I make eye contact with him.‘You’re not annoyed I’m a virgin?’ I ask.‘Shocked, but not annoyed. In fact, it’s kind of hot,’ he answers.‘Really? I heard a group of men say they didn’t like virgins because of how inexperienced they are. And how annoyingly clingy they become after losing their virginity,’ I explain.‘I’ve personally never been with a virgin. I don’t care how inexperienced you are, a

On Monday morning, on our way to Pure Fashion Industries, I’m still adjusting to seeing Ace so relaxed and happy. I never could have imagined him like this the day we first met. His usual security follow behind us, into the car park.We walk to the elevator and acknowledge how difficult it is not holding hands, or touching each other.‘It will be easier when we’re in the office and close the door,’ he winks, and we greeted the staff at each level we went through.I make my way over to my desk and get started on the work I have to do.‘I won’t be in the office much today. I need to be downstairs at the photoshoots. I have to make sure all the outfits for the fashion show are almost finished. During lunch, we will go see if we can find Brent,’ he says.Nodding, I stand up and kiss him, before he leaves the room.‘You may as well leave the door open,’ I smile.After a couple of hours of work, I open my handbag, and pull out the note from my parents’ murderer.That’s when I notice they bo

The door is finally opened thirty minutes later, and I slowly sit up before being dragged out.‘Every time you try to attack me, you will be locked in that box! Do you understand me?’ Red Back yells, and sniffling, I nod, before I’m pushed back into the chair, and more Spider Backs walk in.‘Mr Rich Guy doing what we expect?’ Red Back asks.‘Yes. We followed him, and he went straight to the Savage Snakes. They’ll be here soon,’ one guy says.‘Good! Everyone in position then,’ he orders, and I watch them arm themselves with knives and guns, and load bullets into them.‘What are you planning on doing with my friends?’ I ask.Red Back looks annoyed.‘We knew they’d come for you, and we wanted them dead long ago. They’ll be here soon, armed. But not to worry. The Snakes are the only ones dying tonight,’ he laughs.One of the Spider Backs runs into the building, panting.‘They’re here!’ He yells.Moments later, many motorbikes roar in the distance. I don’t want any of the Snakes to be hurt

The next day, on Tuesday, Mark picks me up, takes me to work, and we have lunch together. I feel much more relaxed around him, now that he isn’t hitting on me all the time.After lunch, one of the models walks in.‘Ace is meant to be checking all the dresses on the models today to see if they’re finished, or need any more adjustments. We’re stressing out downstairs,’ she says, worried.‘Are they all ready to be seen now?’ I ask.‘Yes, they are,’ she replies.‘Ok, I’ll come down with you, and see what I can do. I didn’t get your name?’ I ask.‘Oh, sorry. I’m Cleo,’ she says, putting her hand out to shake mine; she is one of the models.‘This dress is amazing!’ I squeal. ‘Could you slowly turn around for me? I’ll text some photos to Ace, and we can get his approval,’ I say.Cleo smiles and walks up and down the office as if she is on the catwalk. I send some photos to Ace.‘That was great! Let’s go down, and do the same with the other ladies,’ I smile.Following Cleo, we go down to the

Ace, refusing to stay home and rest, comes to work with me. We enter Pure Fashion Industries holding hands, and greet our colleagues, smiling. By the elevator, Ace leans down and kisses me on the lips.We hear their instant whispers; ‘Ace and Zurielle are a couple!’ Smiling in the elevator, we go up to our office. Everyone gawks and gapes at us holding hands. Ace calls Grace to the office.‘Should I go while Grace is here?’ I ask.‘No, stay and hear what she has to say,’ he replies.Grace barges in and glares at me.‘Don’t look at Zurielle like that!’ Ace snaps.‘This is her fault! She knew Mark liked her and she led him on. If she wasn’t being so difficult, Mark would still have his job. He wouldn’t be holding ice packs to his head as we speak!’ She yells.‘How can you say that, Grace? He almost sexually assaulted my girlfriend! He is lucky I didn’t kill him!’ Ace yells.‘So, the rumours are true then?’ She growls.‘Yes, the rumours are true. Zurielle is my girlfriend. Now, tell me.