Chasing Her

Chapter 3: Business and Empire

♡♡♡Alexander♡♡♡♥︎♡♡♡

I walked into the conference room, where my marketing team awaited. Rachel had briefed me on the agenda – a new campaign for men's perfume.

"Good morning, everyone," I began, taking my seat. "Today, we're launching a new advertisement for men's perfume. I want innovative ideas, something that captures the essence of masculinity."

My team nodded, laptops open, ready to brainstorm.

"We have three perfumes to choose from: 'Eternal Night', 'Midnight Seduction', and 'Wild Desire'. I want you to select one and create a campaign that showcases it as an attractive scent for the ladies."

Ideas began flowing – sensual ads, celebrity endorsements, social media campaigns.

I listened intently, nodding. "I want something bold, something that grabs attention."

After an hour, the meeting concluded. My team had a clear direction.

I retreated to my office, tackling paperwork and contracts.

Just as I finished signing a deal, my phone buzzed. Victor's name flashed on the screen.

"Alex, we've got a situation," Victor said, his voice low. "One of our guys was spotted meeting with a Morano associate. Looks like they're planning something."

My grip on the pen tightened. "Get me more information. I'll take care of it."

Victor hesitated. "Alex, this could get ugly. We don't know what they're planning."

"I'll handle it," I repeated, my tone cold.

The Morano family was pushing their luck.

I made a mental note to increase security, to prepare for the worst.

I hung up with Victor, my mind racing with strategies to counter the Morano family's move.

My phone buzzed again. This time, it was Luca, my top enforcer. "Boss, I've got eyes on the Morano associate. He's meeting with someone from the Russo family."

The Rusilos were neutral, but their involvement could tip the balance.

"Keep watching," I instructed. "I want to know what they're discussing."

I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers. This was escalating faster than anticipated.

My thoughts turned to the upcoming meeting with Don Morano. I needed to assert my dominance.

Just then, my assistant Rachel knocked on the door. "Mr. Luciano, you have some paperwork to sign."

I nodded, taking the files from her.

I focused on the documents, signing with precision.

The Morano family would soon learn the true meaning of power.

♡♡♡♡♡♥︎Sylvia ♡♡♡♥︎♡

I stood under the warm shower, letting the water wash away my worries. But they lingered, like a persistent itch.

Wrapped in a towel, I made my way to the kitchen, pouring myself a steaming cup of coffee. The TV chattered in the background as I settled onto the couch.

My mind was a jumble. Quitting Desire had been a relief, but now I faced uncertainty. Writing was my passion, but my novel was stalled. Writer's block had me questioning my skills.

"Fucking hell!" I muttered, frustration boiling over. "Why can't I just write?"

I'd always written as an escape, but now it felt like a chore. The pressure to deliver a bestseller weighed on me.

And what about my future? Modelling was a temporary fix, but I needed a long-term plan.

Tomorrow's gig with Steph offered a welcome distraction. Maybe it would spark some inspiration.

But for now, I felt lost. Unfocused.

I grabbed my laptop, scrolling through my manuscript. The words blurred together.

What was missing?

I needed something, someone, to shake me out of this rut.

Maybe a change of scenery or a new experience would help.

Time to clear my head.

I headed to my closet, picking out an outfit for tomorrow's gig.

I settled onto the couch, laptop open, and dialed Steph's number. Her face lit up the screen, beaming with excitement.

"Hey, bitch! Tomorrow's the big day! Are you ready to slay that catwalk?"

We dived into discussing our outfits, giggling as we modeled our choices on camera. Steph showed off her stunning red dress, while I flaunted the black.

"This dress is everything! Your ass is going to look amazing," Steph squealed.

"As if I needed another reason to love this dress," I laughed.

As we chatted, Steph shared stories of her past relationships, making me laugh with her candid humor.

"And then, he had the nerve to say I was too clingy. Like, dude, you're the one who's been texting me 24/7."

I snorted. "What a freak."

As we chatted, my mind drifted to darker memories.

"Steph, I'm still trying to process everything that happened with Brandon," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Steph's expression turned sober, her eyes filled with understanding. She knew the story all too well.

"I still can't believe I let him hurt me for so long," I continued, shaking my head. "The physical abuse was bad enough, but the emotional manipulation... that's what really messed me up."

"It's just hard for me to trust anyone again. I feel like I'm broken, like I'll never be able to truly let someone in."

Steph's expression softened. "You're not broken, Sylvia. You're healing. And when the right person comes along, you'll know. They'll earn your trust, and they'll love you for who you are, scars and all."

I smiled faintly.

Steph smiled. "Plus that motherfucker had small dick energy anyway. He had a queen and fucked around like a little bitch. "

I swallowed hard, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.

"Thanks, Steph. Just talking to you makes me feel better."

"We're in this together, bitch," Steph said, smiling.

We chatted for a while longer, discussing everything from modelling to our favourite TV shows.

As we wrapped up the call, I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

I just need to make it through tomorrow and then find another way to occupy my time.