Chapter 7 Infamous Photographer

I breathed out heavily and stood up, took some files he wanted me to check. I went to Mr. Layne's cabin. I knocked and entered. He spared a glance at me, I placed the files on his table and began to say. "Sir, you have a meeting in an hour with Mr. Bangs to talk about the promotional photoshoots for our new project." He just hummed without looking up from the file he is holding. "Also Sir, I need to talk to you." He slowly raised his gaze and raised an eyebrow, gesturing to me to continue. "About the contract... Section 1, clause 7, about not sharing my personal information." He finally gave me his full attention, closing the file and leaning over while putting his elbow over the table. "What about it?" He asked, his hand is over his mouth but I can see a hint of a mischievous smirk. "Sir, What exactly does this personal information mean? My name? My age? My number?" I asked. He removed his hand and leaned back and as I have guessed, he was smirking. I kept on my stoic face but from inside my heart began to beat so fast, my breath became shallow. "Everything." He said in a low yet firm voice. I gave him a questioning look and replied, "In that sense I cannot talk to anyone." "Well, that's not my problem." He shrugged. "Sir, how is it related to my job?" "Now, I can't have you roaming here and playing your so-called sympathy card." my mouth gaped at his absurd words. I couldn't believe he just said that. "You know I will never do this." I defended myself. "Ms. Beth. You have two choices, either sign the contract or you can leave the job.. But let me tell you; you will not find a job with a pay like this one that quickly." He said triumphantly. Smiling wickedly. I just stared at him in disbelief. His mocking words made me feel like he wanted me to work. Something pernicious shone in his eyes which deprived my energy as I felt vulnerable, left with no choice but to sign the contract for the sake of the future I sought. I took a deep breath and took out the pen in my pocket, handing him our seal where the security of my future lies in his hands. “Here, Sir,” I breathed out, entrusting my future to this job. Leave everything, the pay, bonus, they cover medical bills, they also have provident fund, the weight of benefits was heavy. How could I not sign? "It will surely be an experience worthy to remember... for you." I forced a smile when his tempting tone made my inside twitch and replied, "I hope so." I took a step back and turned to leave. Clutching the pen in a tight grip unknowingly, it broke and hurt my palm. I went back to my cabin and threw the pen away, “Argh, damn this pen.” “Where did he get this tempting voice anyways?” I muttered and gritted my teeth and looked at my hand which had blood drawing out from it. I scoffed and just went to the restroom and washed my hands. I was not complaining, I came to work not socializing but didn't he think it's too far, that I couldn’t interact with anyone. I couldn’t have any friends from work. And what was I supposed to say why I couldn’t talk, because it was in the contract? Will it break the confidential term? “Ah, leave it, who cares?” Since I didn't have any bandaid, I pressed my index finger upon my palm to stop the blood, maybe I applied a little force. When the bleeding stopped a mark was formed. Ignoring it, I walked out. I took another pen from the table. It hurt a bit to write or hold anything but I shrugged the pain. It was nothing. I walked out, standing in the corridor with a cold look. I saw Mr. Layne walking in my direction. “Let’s go.” He ordered. I just blinked and then moved to my side instantly, his dominant posture made my whole being stop with strange sensations. He buttoned his blue jacket and set his cufflinks. I noticed how handsome he looked while doing that. One could tell why everyone was head over heels for him, he was a creation created with care and compelling aura. ‘How could I slap him? Was I blind? This was all the club’s lighting fault,’ I walked behind him, his strong scent of expensive yet addictive cologne filled my nostrils. I looked at his broad back, walking straight up with pride. I deeply admire his virtues but sometimes his taunts were just… infuriating. We entered the conference room, he of course sat in the head's position. I sat in the flanking position, because he said so. Then our other partner Mr. Bangs came. I stood up and greeted him and his secretary politely, placing the best of my posture. He was an old guy, but still had a superior air around him. He took the seat right in front of Mr. Layne as his secretary sat beside him. Then a few other people came. It's almost time for the meeting but Mr. Layne hasn't started yet. “Why aren’t we starting, Sir?” I asked. “One more person left. He is late, again.” He replied, using his phone calmly, apparently not concerned about it. Normally, he hated tardiness but apparently none of them were affected. “Ah, he is late again,” Mr. Bangs also added. Mr. Layne gave him a warning stare, “So?” “I-I was only saying… don’t mind it,” He chuckled nervously. “That’s what I thought,” “Who?-” I opened my mouth to ask, intrigued at this point but then someone entered. A guy around Mr. Layne's age.. Maybe older. He has piercing green eyes that are so exquisite that it can hold anyone captive in them. My heart began to beat fast when I looked at him, his long brown hair swayed along the wind, his features were similar to Mr. Layne. “Oh my God.” Thankfully I said it under my breath and not aloud or else it would have given Mr. Layne a new reason to mock me because his one glimpse induced a bubbly sensation in me. ‘So beguiling.’ I thought, latching my eyes on him. He wore a green shirt with blue jeans and a scarf around his neck and a cool hat, an eye-catching smile lingering on his lips. He surely looked handsome but wasn’t this unprofessional for the meeting? “Sorry guys, I hope I am not too late.” He said sweetly, scratching the back of his neck nervously. “Just about time, Lucien. Thankfully.” Mr. Layne said from behind, sighing at him but motioned to him to relax. “Great.” He greeted others and turned to me with an appealing smile. He noticed me, his attention on me stiffed me. ‘Have I seen him… before?’ My heartbeat increased even more when my eyes made contact with his. His eyes were so green, shining like emeralds. He walked to me and offered me his hand. I took them hesitantly, glancing at Mr. Layne. I thought it would be inappropriate for the meeting but he showed no reaction. He kissed the back of my palm slightly as he spoke in a low yet heavenly voice. "Nice to meet you, Miss Beth. I am Lucien Layne. The marketing and promotional manager of this campaign and of course, the photographer." My eyes widened in shock as I questioned, "Layne?" "My twin brother." Mr. Layne replied from behind, in an uninterested tone. I turned back to Lucien, feeling strangely good, his smile was the most attractive part. Seems like both brothers were an epitome of beauty. I shook hands with him and replied, "Pleased to meet you too.. Uh.. Mr. Layne." He chuckled and said persuasively, "Just Lucien." “Can you sit down now, Lucien,” “Sure, Mr. Workaholic,” Lucien chuckled at his brother’s frustration, taking a seat right in front of me, setting his eyes on me that sent butterflies in my stomach. During the meeting, I wrote down all the important points until. “Dream-” “Dream?” I asked,stopping for a second. “That’s him, the renowned photographer, Dream,” They said and continued to which Lucien smirked at me, stiffening my whole being. “He owns a whole section in the biggest magazines. He is the highest paid photographer plus an efficient promotional manager.” Mr. Bangs’ assistant informed me in a low tone. How talented! I never knew it was him, I had seen his work, his skills were immaculate. He was just amazing! Everyone was suggesting models for the photoshoot for the promotion of our new beach resort. During all the meeting Lucien's eyes were fixed upon me which made me so nervous. A skillful man like himself seemed interested in him. My hand hurt a lot while I was writing but I didn't show it, since I didn't put a band-aid on, blood flowed out again although the meeting soon ended fortunately. I was grateful that I wrote with my left hand or else it would be difficult to shake hands with a bloodied one. "I am looking forward to working with you, Garnet Beth." Lucien said with a smirk, making me feel weird. "Wait, how do you know my full name?" I asked. Lucien stopped in his tracks and turned to me, his compelling smile growing wider, softer. "I am having a feeling that we had an ancient relationship, Garnet." He winked which made my heart skip a beat. A shiver went down my spine, he gave me a satisfactory sensation in the first meeting. “What?” “Your one sight evoked this thought so I said it.” He smirked, lifting his hat a little to look at me properly, sly expression not leaving his face. Before I could say anything he left, leaving me in a daze.