CHAPTER 1

The buzzing of her cell woke her up,grabbing her phone from the night stand she answered still sleepily.

"Hello...."

"Miss Cruise it's Alissa here I'm gonna need you to come in early today as in be here in fifteen minutes we meeting a client in twenty minutes.They've specifically asked for your design so get your ass here now."

The call after that was disconnected."No hello or good morning Miss Cruise just get your ass here now we have a meeting in twenty minutes it's an important client."Reina mocked.She got out of bed slowly and headed for the shower,she never really did understand her boss Miss Williams the woman is always stern and serious she doesn't smile much or talk alot she's barking orders at everyone and if you mess up you're fired.Reina has made sure in these past six months not to step on her toes so if she doesn't wanna get fired she better get her ass moving and be done in five.Exactly after five minutes she was done and almost out the door when her mother called her back.

"Where are you off to so early?"Her mother asked.

"Work mom.My boss called and I need to be there now."She said.

"You not even gonna drink coffee before leaving or atleast eat something."

"No I'll grab something at work I don't wanna be late."

"Okay enjoy your day then I'll call later to make sure that you really did eat."Reina said nothing only shook her head and left,normally she takes a train to save money but today she's gonna have to take a cab if she's gonna want to get there on time.She checked her wrist watch only seven minutes left. She asked the driver to drop her off at the Emporers palace once she was inside the taxi.

"Mr is it possible to speed up a bit I have to be at work in five minutes or else I'm gonna be in deep trouble."He only nodded at her request and sped off.The moment the cab came to a stop she jumped out paid the driver and ran inside she only stopped briefly when she reached the elevator and pressed the up button,which will take her to the second floor the Augustus Tower where her place of work was.The company owns the entire floor since they had opened and launched their bridal department six months ago,apart from them selling bridal gowns they also sell clothes for women and men,shoes and accessories as well Reina had seen a few of their collections and liked some of their designs she knows she'll never be able to afford it but hopes someday that she will be able to wear one of their dresses,her salary is enough for them to survive for the month and then the bank takes most of it leaving her with practically nothing.She's not complaining at the moment they still have their home and that's what matters most.The ping of the elevator snapped her back from her thoughts she was in the foyer now passing the front desk she greeted Cameron the receptionist and kept on passing until she reached her boss's office at the far end of the building.Knocking softly she waited a second before hearing Alissa's soft voice saying come in,entering she quietly close the door behind her and made her way further into the room.The whole building had glass floor to ceiling windows one can see the whole of downtown and the strip there was a glass table in the center with Alissa's chair facing her that was white leather as well as the two chairs infront facing her.In the corner of the office was a small cabinet with some refreshments on it.

"Morning Miss Cruise you may sit down."She sat down immediately and looked at her boss she saw that Alissa was looking at her wrist watch she wasn't late or was she she asked herself shifting uncomfortably in her chair.She began fiddling with her fingers in her lap the silence was killing her and her boss wasn't saying anything to her,after a few minutes she finally lifted her head and looked at Reina.

"I won't waste time I'll get to the point.Today Miss Garcia is coming she's getting married and wants you to design and make her gown."She said.

"Me!"Reina asked dumbstruck.

"Yes....as I was saying she wants your design specifically and Miss Cruise I'm gonna expect you to give it your best this isn't just an ordinary client her brother has a share in this company and is one of the richest men in the world who has businesses everywhere not to mention he also owns half this building so please I'm gonna need you to keep her happy at all cost my job as well as yours depends on it.Is that clear."

Just great Reina thought if she messes up she's out of a job if she disagrees with the client she's out of a job.She'll be a nervous wreck the whole time there just isn't pleasing princesses they are never happy with anything they demand and change their minds like their underwear she should tell Alissa that they should find someone else but before she could say something Alissa interrupted her."You'll get to make yourself known you're very talented this might be your chance to prove yourself and make it big rich people get married every other day if you get this done I'm giving you a raise."

What!A raise?That would be fantastic she desperately needs the money that's for certain and Alissa could be right this might be the break that she was waiting for getting her stuff noticed by everyone and who knows maybe one day she'll open up her own Atelier that's the one thing in life that she wants the most.

"That is if you do this job properly and correctly."She heard her say bringing Reina back to the present."Don't forget Miss Cruise keeping the client happy is our main goal."Before she could answer there was a knock on the door and someone entered Alissa got up and smiled at the person who was behind her.Reina also got up and turned around to look who it was,the woman was looking very beautiful with her long curly brown hair that was hanging loose around her face she was wearing white designer jeans a black blouse with matching black stilettos and a black bag on her arm.Her make up was perfectly applied no mascara or eyeliner was out of place her mouth had red lipstick on,she looks more like a model and not a bride who's about to get married.

"Isabella."Alissa greeted her."It's been a while how have you been?And as always you look fabulous."They exchanged hugs before pulling apart.

"Alissa it's good to see you again and I'm good and please how many times have I said call me Bella we've known each other for a while now haven't we?"They made their way over to the desk.

"Isa-.....Bella."Alissa quickly corrected."This is Miss Cruise the one who will be designing and making your gown."

Reina extended her hand forward."Miss Garcia it's a pleasure meeting you and I'd like to thank you for giving me this opportunity I promise I won't let you down."

Bella shook her hand."I'll hold you to it."She said.

After the introduction all of them sat down and started talking about Bella's dress Reina learns that the wedding is in two months time which doesn't leave her with much time.She is gonna start by drawing up a few sketches and show them to her to get a better understanding of what she wants.Bella gave her a few ideas of what she had in mind of how the dress should look like Reina wrote it down and also added a few suggestions of her own.When the meeting was done Bella immediately left Reina gathered up her stuff and was about to leave when Alissa stopped her.

"Don't forget that tonight we're hosting a fashion show and I hope I'll see you there."Reina could hear that it wasn't a request whether she likes it or not she has to come but how can she when she doesn't have a single thing to wear and ontop of that she won't know anyone she'll look like a deer amongst a bunch of wolves there has to be a way she can get out this.

"Ma'am I can't make it tonight...I..I have a family matter I need to sort out and I also don't have...."Her boss cut her off by saying.

"Reina I wasn't asking you.I expect you at the fashion show tonight and as far as you not having anything to wear I already have something here."Alissa walked over to her closet that was on the other side of her office next to her bathroom when she returned she handed Reina a garment bag and she took it.

"It's one of our own brand of clothing you can wear this tonight I'm lending you the dress for today and on Monday morning I expect it back in the same condition.Is that clear Miss Cruise?"She was taken aback by what her boss has done and couldn't believe she'll be wearing a dress that was from the boutique something that she had only dreamt about."Miss Cruise are we clear?"She asked her again.

"Yes,yes ma'am I promise I'll take care of it."She said quickly.

"You may leave for the day after all it's Friday go and get ready and don't be late."She nodded and left.An hour later she was sitting inside Komez fusion waiting for Cathy to arrive after her talk with her boss Alissa she had received a call from her friend asking her if they should meet up at their usual eating place.