Chapter 1
ROAD BRIDGE
Her legs wobbled against each other, almost like her brain couldn’t process the movement. At every turn, it felt like something or someone would leap out of nowhere and pounce on her. Bloody scars tattooed her fragile hands. In her attempt to wrap them around her bony skin, it went cold.
She turned her head to look behind her. Suddenly, her steps hastened like someone who indeed had a destination. Tears lingered in her eyes as she hopped in place of walking. Her senses are on alert, making her fear every shoulder that bumps into her, and the continuous honking of cars reminds her of the sound his jaguar makes whenever he returns.
It would be dumb of her to hope for a miracle. In her world, miracles are an illusion. She would never know what it feels like to live happily in peace. Even if she runs from now until the end of the world, he will find her and torture her until she stops breathing. She has to choose an easy path rather than wait for a moment that would scar her.
At the sight of the endless span of water, her legs abruptly stopped by the side of the bridge. They knew where they had to go, even in her dazed state. For the first time in what felt like ages, she raised her head to marvel at the night sky. It looked stunning, with the stars complimenting it. A fat lone tear finally made its way down her hollow cheeks.
It will be the last time.
She turned off any sound that might try to convince her otherwise in her head. She climbed onto the bridge rail and held it firmly with both hands. She stared down at the dark waters, and it felt welcoming. She would find peace here. The signs are evident.
Opening her cracked lips with difficulty, she mumbled in a stifled tone.“If there is anything like a next life, I don’t want to experience it. I want peace. A life without chaos.”She inhaled sharply,“Only death can give me the life I desire.”
Without hesitation, she let go of the rail, disappearing into the dark water with a noiseless splash that transcended into the night.
~~~
S&M COSMETICS BUILDING
Sinclair stared down at his wristwatch and let out a small yawn. They have been at it for the past two hours since the actual closing time. From the look of things, everyone’s brain in the room except his is clogged. Their ideas are not only dull, but they sound stupid. The creative director, Sheila, had her eyes partially on the table filled with agents of diabetes. Sinclair rolled his eyes in distaste.
“Enough of all your nonsense. Take a thirty-minute break, and we get back to the meeting. I warned you all that no one will leave here until we make headway. Dorothy, get the progress report for the fundraiser event this weekend. I need to be sure it’s perfect.”He ordered, leaving them all to hurry off to the refreshment table.
Excusing himself, Sinclair returned to his office to light up a cigar. He only does that when his creative intentions aren’t resonating with his team, and he can’t seem to get what he wants from everything they keep offering. He inhaled deeply, calming his nerves.
There has to be someone for him out there, someone whose natural body is still very much intact. Sinclair’s company, S&M Cosmetics, was built to make women feel beautiful and radiate confidence. The dream is to breed a legion of highly self-esteem women who would rule the world. He isn’t called the Queen Maker for no reason.
However, this new project is unique to Sinclair. He had guarded the idea selfishly and didn’t share it with anyone until he had brought it close to perfection. He needed to portray an almost flawless woman who had never gone under the knife. He has nothing against anyone who chooses to make themself more beautiful, and it just has to happen differently this time.
Throwing his head to the back, he blew the smoke into the air, enjoying the way it faded off.
“Excuse me, sir. We are ready.”His assistant, Dorothy, announced from the door.
Putting off the smoke, Sinclair joined them. Their faces appear brighter than it was a while ago. Food sure has its magical effect on hungry folks.
“So, let me see the models you have.”Sinclair requested.
Sheila hurried to the work board,“This is—“
“Another one.”Sinclair interrupted, not waiting for her to introduce the model.
She looked deflated. It had taken her a couple of weeks to compile the list. Sheila looked down at her tablet, and a small smile appeared. She still has about nine more to showcase. They can’t be all that bad, however, to her utmost disappointment. Sinclair rejected all of the models.
“Don’t you get it!”He hollered.“I need just one person for this product, someone who would convince half of the world’s population that the product is worth investing in. My dream for this product is wild, not to be known in America alone but worldwide. Trust me when I say it surpasses everything S&M has ever created. I want a perfect figure and an untouched face. Why is that so hard to get? Why are you all staring like my vision is an illusion?”
“Sure looks like it,”Sheila murmured under her breath.
“Say one more thing, and you will be off this project.”Sinclair threatened.
Everyone exchanged a knowing look with resigned faces. Whenever Sinclair gets in this present mood, not even the arrival of an angel will soothe him.
“Why don’t we focus on the fundraising event for a few minutes and then return to the matter on the ground?”Dorothy suggested in an attempt to ease off the tension.
Sinclair hissed.“Alright, get on with it.”
Dorothy gave a toothed grin and scrolled through her tablet quickly.“So, it has been decided that the event will occur close to the sandsbay beach.”
“Why?”He inquired.
“Because the theme of the event is to protect the environment. Sandsbay Beach is one of the most polluted in the city. Sheila suggested it would make people see the extent of ruin and how much help their funds will do. Mrs Moore agreed to it, too.”She explained.
Cursing under his breath, Sinclair sighed heavily. Suppose his mother had not announced to her bougie friends that S&M Cosmetics would host her fundraiser this year; he wouldn’t have to deal with this. Being one of the major shareholders, she can be a pain in the neck sometimes.
He waved his hand in dismissal.“You know what? As long as it would turn out well. Check once again that the invites were completely sent out by the logistics agents and make sure nothing goes wrong. Or I will feast on your heads.”He bickered, standing up.
“Sir, we haven’t checked the rest of the models,”Sheila called out to him while gesturing to her assistant for the folder containing another list of models and influencers.
With a reproachful look, Sinclair mumbled without mincing words.“Trash them!”
