Chasing Her Back by jenavocado

The words "I didn't sign up for this" escaped Eliza's lips inaudibly in a noisy, crowded room. The fashion gala atmosphere swamped her with overwhelming excitement. Her gaze swept through the brilliant display of tuxedos and costly gowns while her hands firmly gripped the champagne flute. They all confirmed to her that she had achieved success.

However, it didn't feel that way.

The spotlight briefly shone on Eliza's face, causing her mouth to form into a smile. She served as the representative for a newly established fashion company while still bearing emotional scars from her earlier life experiences. The complicated legal battles, combined with her divorce and continuous personal rumours, had made a significant impact on her. Despite her struggles, she stood among the fashion industry's elite as its undisputed queen.

She took slow sips from her drink while she observed the room. A woman dressed in emerald green stood near Eliza as she looked at her for an unusually long time. The woman's lips curved into a delicate smile that showed adoration with an underlying hint of deeper feelings. Eliza gave a polite nod and maintained her position even though she felt her stomach twist. Now she understood the game. You kept your flaws hidden from them.

The smooth and assured voice of someone saying "Eliza" broke through her train of thought. Her boss, Rachel, was approaching her with a confident stride and an open smile. Rachel presented herself with professionally styled blonde hair and a perfectly fitted black blazer. Eliza relied on her instincts and possessed the remarkable talent to sell ice to Eskimos.

"Stunning as always," Rachel commented while looking at Eliza's elegant black gown. The press is aflutter. Tonight, you're everywhere.

Though she felt no real enthusiasm, she simply nodded. She managed to maintain her happiness regardless of the constant attention she received from cameras and interviewers. The transformation required more than just changing her wardrobe and manipulating public relations. She found herself needing to rebuild her entire identity.

The divorce had nearly destroyed her completely. Her ex-husband displayed a cold, empty look when he left her to start a new relationship with someone younger. Their dirty laundry became public knowledge, and news headlines announced their betrayal to the world. During those months of rejection and loneliness, Eliza had learnt an important lesson: no one would give her anything. The scandal had hurt her hard. She had to endure it despite its financial implications.

Through determination, Elizaa reached the top as her global brand expanded at an amazing rate while she controlled a collection of high-end fashion brands. She established a successful business empire by herself, which served as a constant reminder of his mistake that she would fail without his help.

"I'm just doing my job," Eliza stated with calmness. Rachel raised one eyebrow as she chose to remain silent. She was aware of the reality.

Rachel confirmed, "Of course," but her smile held a sharp intensity. But, Eliza, you're not just anybody. You've changed. You are now a symbol.

The media team started their interview preparations with the top designers when Eliza's eyes wandered toward the opposite side of the room. She sensed the cameras turning toward her as they waited for the perfect moment to capture her image. It was the cost of achievement. She tried to change the subject away from symbols by questioning "What brings you here?"

Rachel laughed while she observed a tall man who was engaged in conversation with a well-known stylist across the room. His sharp suit made him stand out to everyone except Eliza who found no interest in his looks.

Rachel told her that she needed to make an introduction. He will present you with an offer you cannot refuse.

Interested, Eliza followed Rachel's gaze. The man was a stranger to he,r yet he possessed an undeniable allure. His magnetic presence overshadowed his stature as well as his perfectly tailored suit and the silver highlights in his dark hair.

He was unknown to her. Her accumulated knowledge provided her with enough information to understand that crossing him was not an option.

"Does he represent an investor?" Eliza asked even as she felt a wave of uneasiness pass over her. Her survival instincts from the harsh world she now commanded remained highly vigilant.

Rachel's mouth twitched. Not precisely. You need to pay attention to his words.