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.