Beyond The Lie

Chapter 53: Unanswered

Adeline.

Sunday was a blur of conflicting emotions - anger, sadness, pain, regret, and anxiety. The weight of Monday's meeting with Elena loomed over me, making my stomach twist into knots. What if she said no? That would be the end of everything I'd worked for. And honestly, the chances of her saying yes seemed slim - less than 20%. I was just one face in a sea of millions; why would she risk her reputation on me?

I took a deep breath, gathered my courage, and stepped into the Elite House at 11 am on Monday morning. Time to face Elena and my uncertain future.

As I stepped into the Elite Fashion House, the sleek, modern atmosphere enveloped me, making my nerves flutter. I spotted Hannah, Elena's assistant, sitting at the front desk, her eyes locked onto mine.

"Adeline, hey! Right on time," Hannah said with a warm smile, her voice a comforting sound amidst my jitters. "Elena's waiting for you."

I took a deep breath, smoothing out my dress as I followed Hannah to the elevator. My mind was racing with worst-case scenarios. What if Elena dropped me as a designer? What if my reputation was beyond repair?

The elevator doors slid open, and Hannah led me to Elena's office. The door was already open, and Elena stood up from behind her desk, a poised smile on her face.

"Adeline, thanks for coming," Elena said, her voice warm but professional. "Please, take a seat."

I sank into the chair opposite her desk, trying to read her expression. But Elena's face was a mask of calm, giving nothing away.

I fidgeted with my hands, trying to appear calm despite the turmoil inside. Elena's office was a testament to her impeccable taste - sleek lines, modern art, and a stunning view of the city.

Elena leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied me. "Adeline, I'm sure you're aware of the... rumors circulating about you and Eryx."

My heart skipped a beat. Here it comes. "Yes, Elena. I'm so sorry about the drama. It's all been a bit of a mess."

Elena's expression remained neutral, but I detected a hint of curiosity in her voice. "Tell me, Adeline, what's going on between you and Eryx? The truth, please."

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something about Elena's kind eyes put me at ease. I took a deep breath and began to explain...

Ugh, I'm still cringing about the lies I told Elena. I know, I know, it was a white lie... or at least that's what I keep telling myself. But honestly, how could I possibly explain the whole Eryx situation to her? That he kidnapped me, proclaimed me as his girlfriend, and then... well, everything that followed?

So, I gave her the CliffsNotes version. I told her that Eryx and I had to pretend to be a couple because of some complicated circumstances. I left out the part where I was basically held hostage, and instead made it sound like we were two willing participants in this crazy charade.

I feel guilty about lying, but at the same time, I know it was necessary.

Elena leaned back in her chair, her expression professional but with a hint of kindness. "Adeline, let's address the situation at hand. The rumors surrounding you and Eryx have raised concerns among our investors and partners."

She paused, her eyes locked on mine. "As your mentor and the head of Elite Fashion House, it's my duty to ensure that our brand and reputation are protected. I want to emphasize that I believe in your talent and potential, but we need to take proactive steps to mitigate any potential damage."

Elena's voice remained calm and measured, her words laced with a sense of authority and expertise. "Let's discuss possible strategies to address this situation and get your career back on track. I have a few ideas, but I'd like to hear your thoughts as well."