Style || Taylor Swift

Chapter Fifteen

Since she had landed in Paris, Alessia had been putting the finishing touches into the show and making sure that everything was perfect.

This show wasn't like any of the others they had done before. It felt more personal to Alessia but perhaps it was due to the fact that it was the first one she had physically attended in a long time after spending so long away from the spotlight.

So, she was looking forward to going back out there and proving to the world she was just as amazing as what she was back then.

Today, however, was the day of the fashion show and it Alessia felt like this was the biggest day in her career. Perhaps it was down to the fact that it was her first appearance in a while, but also because it was Paris, and Paris Fashion Week was always the big one.

Alessia was stood at the end of the walkway, looking out at all the empty chairs that were soon to be filled, and taking it all in. In a few minutes, the seats would be occupied and the music would start, and the models would be walking down the runway in her clothes.

"Well, well, well. I didn't think I would see you here." Alessia was brought out of her thoughts by a familiar voice. One that she never wanted to hear again.

She turned around and placed her hands on her hips. "Well it is the Cadieux Fashion Show. So I suppose I could ask you what the hell you are doing here?"

Alessia was so sure that his name wasn't on the 'do not enter' side of the guest list.

"I just wanted to check up on you and see you fail once again." Joel looked at her smugly, and all she wanted to do was walk over there and slap it off his face.

Instead, she let out a 'hmph' and forced a smile, trying to act the bigger man. "Well, Joel, I'm doing okay for myself, no thanks to you. Now if you don't mind leaving, then that would be great. Or, I can get someone to lead you out but I know you wouldn't like to be embarrassed like that."

Just as Alessia was about to walk away and get a member of security, Joel stepped forward and took her wrist in his hand, holding it tightly to the point she knew it would leave a mark. "Do not push me. Just remember the power I have over you."

As Alessia tried to release his grip on her hand, she momentarily gave up, confused by his response but choosing to remain strong. "You have no power over me Joel. You never did. You just chose to spread lies, I'm the one that has the power. I'm the one that has the dirt. So walk away before I tell the world what a sleazy and disgusting man you are."

With that, she swung her arm free and called for security, however Joel held his hands up in surrender and walked himself out. "Just make sure that he actually leaves, and don't let him back in please? Thanks."

Alessia walked back down the walkway just as the doors began to open and rubbed her wrists as she did so. When she glanced down she could see the bruising starting to appear from how hard he had grabbed her and so, once she had made it backstage, she made her way to the makeup area and tried hiding it with concealer.

Before she turned back around to face the music, she looked at herself in the mirror and took a few deep breaths. That was the first time that she had seen Joel in years and the mere sight of him just made Alessia nervous. She knew she had to remain strong for the next while but it wasn't going to be easy.

"Miss Cadieux, these have been delivered for you." Alessia was snapped out of her trance and turned round to see a large bouquet of all her favourite flowers. It instantly brought a smile to her face, and it widened when she read the card that went with it.

Good luck today. I miss you. See you soon.

T