A Parisian Fairytale

Chapter Twenty Three

Dan lent in and kissed her, she pulled back. "What are you doing??" Annabelle said sternly pushing him off her. "Kissing my girl." "I am not your girl. Now it's time for you to leave." "You're not Johnny's girl, you never will be, he's not here for you. I am. Just try it my way.." he whispered tucking hair behind her ear. "Please leave." Annabelle said sternly but still emotionally. She hated how sad and broken her voice sounded. Dan grabbed his phone and wallet from the side and headed towards the front door. "I'll wait for you... just take all the time you need. I assure you though. He won't give you the life you want." He opened the front door forcefully and was blinded by a flash. "What the fuck!!" He shouted and the journalist shouted "Fucking bingo!!!" and snapped another photograph. "That's the money shot." He said loudly rushing off down the corridor as Annabelle face palmed her hand. "Fucking great." She said under her breath as Dan walked out the apartment slamming the door shut.

Annabelle groaned. It had been the longest day and her head and heart were muddled. She quickly showered, desperate to wash the stress and worries away from the day, before getting into her comfiest pyjamas, performing her skincare and climbing into bed. She didn't have the energy to think about it any more so sent a message to Johnny.

Goodnight.. x x x

Sweet dreams my angel... Not long until you are back by my side, and I have to admit I can't wait. x x x

The next day arrived far too quickly and Annabelle groaned as her alarm went off. She normally would go for a run or to the gym before work but she didn't want to face a crowd of gawking people so decided to have a leisurely breakfast before getting ready for work. It was 6:30am in London, which meant it was mid afternoon in Australia and she wondered if her sister had bothered to message to see if she was ok. She checked her phone and nothing, as she climbed out of bed it rang and almost startled her. It was Johnny, of course it was only just gone 10:30pm at night for him, so she answered.

"Hello"
"Don't Hello me.. What is going on?" Johnny sounded a little drunk.
"I'm sorry... what?" Annabelle asked.
"Why is there a picture of you with that ex of yours all over the papers?"
"What?!?" Annabelle said loudly
"There is a picture of you, in your apartment, with that fucker and I wanna know why?" Johnny said calmly before continuing.
"Either we are a thing or we aren't but don't mess me around. I can't be messed with any more.. I was doing all I could to protect you and then boom.. you are back with your ex?"
"Johnny.. listen.."
"No you listen. I thought we had something special, Paris was amazing, London too. I wanted you to come to my fucking island.. but now. You have obviously made your decision. Good luck in life." Johnny abruptly hung up the phone leaving Annabelle shell shocked.

Meanwhile, sat on the couch in his LA home Johnny threw his head back. There was an open bottle of red wine almost finished in front of him, and Sean was on the opposite couch. "Sir.." "Keep her safe. Still send security, but I want nothing to do with her. I won't be made a fool of again Betts." Sean nodded before standing and leaving the room. He discreetly pulled out his phone and text Stephen about the situation.

Annabelle sat on the edge of her bed in silence, holding her phone tightly. What had just happened? Johnny had dumped her, that's what. Mind you, she couldn't blame him, she wouldn't know how to react if she woke to find photos of him and his ex together. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes she slowly came to terms with the fact that the Parisian Fairytale was really over.

Once she was dressed, she headed into the kitchen, ditching her cold coffee in the sink whilst staring out the large window. Although the sun was shining brightly, it did nothing to lift her mood. Her Parisian fairytale had been exactly that, a fairytale and she had blown it in a mere evening. What was Dan even thinking coming by and what was she thinking letting him into her home?

After navigating her way out her building and heading to work, Annabelle entered her office and demanded a large coffee from her assistant. She sat down at her desk and pushed her hair off her face before opening up her laptop. Her inbox was full, mainly work related items but some were from colleagues pointing out stories breaking all over the internet of her relationship with Johnny, and then even more this morning with the articles showing the photograph of her and Dan. She sighed deeply, deleting many of them without even reading them. Her phone rang and she answered it. It was her boss, one of the most senior directors in the firm announcing he wanted to see her in his office immediately.

"Its no secret that the exposure you are getting is starting to become a nuisance. However, we think it might work in our favour. Will you go to New York and cover the Autumn show?" "Excuse me?" Annabelle asked shocked. She wasn't a journalist. This was a job usually left to one of the writers/content creators. "We want you to go to NYC immediately. Vogue will be doing a large spread on it and it is vital our look matches." Annabelle took a deep breath. "Ok fine. When does the show start?" "Friday is opening night, Saturday is the runway, if you are lucky we will be able to nab you a ticket to the Chanel party after, and then Sunday is press. Scout around see if you can get an exclusive, or just our next cover girl." Annabelle nodded. "This Friday?" "Yes.. that is why this is kinda urgent. Get Abby to get you on the first flight tomorrow... and Annabelle.." "Yes David?" She turned as she made her way out the office "Try not to fall in love with anyone else out there." Annabelle's mouth opened in shock before she turned on her heel but then paused. "I assume I can expense an outfit for the runway? I don't have anything from last season, let alone this season." "Don't go mad." her boss replied before shuffling some papers on his desk.

Annabelle returned to her desk and picked up her phone. "Laura.." "How are you hun? I came by your office but it was empty." "Yeah David needed me." "And..." "I am off to NYC like a bloody intern in order to ease the inconvenience.. " "Surely you can just go spend some time with Johnny and work remotely until this blows over?" "Johnny and I are over." "Over?" "Yes. Over."