Winning My Ex-Crush

Fenella’s POV

“Well, Fenella, dear, please sign here.” Jessy handed over a folder containing job contract documents.

My mouth dropped open as I looked at the stack of documents he placed on the table. I had just finished a magazine cover shoot and decided to take a short break in the cafe outside the studio with Jessy. After this, I still had another appointment later in the afternoon for a small promotional video shoot on social media.

I was sure the list of projects I signed last month hadn’t been completed yet, and now I was signing another stack of new project contracts. Wasn’t I incredibly lucky?

“This many more?” I asked incredulously.

“Yes, isn’t it great? You should know Alan really went all out to promote you to all the agencies and producers.” Jessy waved both his hands and emphasized each word, making sure I knew it was all real.

“Wow, it really feels like being the main model at an agency is starting to make a difference,” I said as I began to open one contract title after another.

“I told you, didn’t I? This year is your year, and next year, and the year after that, and the one after that until I hope you get tired of working as a supermodel,” Jessy chuckled as I read through each contract he handed me to sign.

“OMG! Is this real? Modeling for Kiky Lingerie’s collection for a year? The latest Muses perfume, Lady Jinny shampoo, Baby McGee music video, and the list for the Spring/Summer runway shows for next year just keep going,” I exclaimed joyfully, flipping through the contract pages with a rustling sound of paper.

“Yes, of course, dear! It’s all real!” he exclaimed, widening his grin and laughing gleefully.

My heart raced, and I suddenly felt like jumping for joy. All those brand names, big names in the fashion world, and all the projects supermodels always dreamed of were now truly in my hands. My emotions surged with happiness, and I immediately reached for Jessy’s hands.

“I’m going to be a supermodel!” I shouted to Jessy, my voice filled with excitement.

“Yes! You’re going to be a supermodel!” Jessy echoed back with the same high-pitched voice.

We linked all our fingers and jumped with fiery enthusiasm onto our seats. We didn’t hesitate to squeal in joy, though we quickly toned down our voices when we realized we were still in a quiet little cafe.

“Oh, my goodness. Thank you, Jessy. I’m so happy. Everything I’ve dreamed of, I’m getting it now,” I said, hugging him tightly.

“Oh, darling, sweet girl. Congratulations, Fenella. Finally, you’re reaping the rewards of your hard work over the years.” Jessy hugged me back tightly, softly speaking into my ear.

Tears welled up in my eyes. I had never felt this ecstatic. For the first time in my life, I truly felt the joy of achieving these projects. I realized anyone who had ever gotten these projects would be tagged as a supermodel, and now I got it.

“Sorry, I was overwhelmed,” I said, releasing Jessy and slowly wiping my cheek after a few minutes in tears.

“No problem, dear. This is indeed an incredible piece of good news,” the man said, nodding full of empathy.

“I have to thank Alan, right?” I asked, repeatedly rubbing the corners of my wet eyes.

“Yes. He’s the godsend for you. I can’t even believe what he’s done to secure these projects for the models at Gene, especially you,” he said, shaking his head.

“I’m so grateful.” I sighed deeply.

“Yes, you should be. Be grateful and work your best to excel in all these projects,” Jessy said, patting my arm.

“Of course.” I nodded, then sipped from my paper cup of coffee.

Suddenly, I noticed Jessy looked different in an instant. He seemed to be contemplating something, and it saddened him. He sat quietly with drooping shoulders. His eyes were vacant, unlike moments ago.

“What’s wrong, Jessy? You seem suddenly down,” I asked, furrowing my brow.

“Oh, well, I just feel everyone handles these things differently,” he said as he sipped his coffee with a shrug.

“Who do you mean?” I turned fully to Jessy.

“Mike,” he huffed in annoyance.

“What about Mike? Is he causing trouble?” I asked, furrowing my brow.

“Oh, never mind. I don’t want to spoil your happy moment,” he dismissed his issue to me.

“Hey, Jessy, it’s okay. I mean, you’re my friend. You can tell me anything. We’re still friends, right?” I asked as I began to take a pen and sign each contract on the table.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re right. It’s just that Mike’s not just trouble; oh, boy, he’s a nightmare.” Jessy’s eyes widened, and he immediately rubbed his temples.

“What happened?”

“You know, he’s been acting crazy. He showed up late to meetings-more than an hour late. He damaged property and clothes-accidentally, but it made us pay the designer,” he inhaled sharply.

“Not to mention he swore at the valet, argued with waiters, and came to the photo studio in a drunken state several times.” Jessy’s voice choked, and he shook his head with his hands still rubbing his temples.

“Oh, my God. You were right when you said he would bring problems,” I commented before continuing to sign the contract.

“Yes. The worst part is, I can’t reprimand him professionally because he’s my boyfriend.” Jessy groaned desperately at me.

“Have you tried to warn him subtly?”

“I have. Very subtly, even. He got furious. Then he did various naughty things to make me forget my anger,” he sighed, his hands clutching his chest.

“Oh, damn. He’s already taken advantage of your weakness and diverted it well enough to distract you.”

I tapped the pen on the table and pursed my lips.

“Yeah, it’s bad. It’s getting messier, and I can’t control it well anymore professionally as his agent,” he said.

“Have you talked to Alan about Mike? They live together, so he should be able to warn him, right?” I furrowed my brow and returned to focusing on the contracts with my pen.

“That’s the problem. I feel like Alan is ignoring Mike’s behavior. I think he’s too wild to be controlled by anyone, even me.” Jessy sighed irritably and took another sip of his coffee.

“Sorry, I’m ruining your happiness with my issues,” he said, his lips pursing with difficulty.

“Hey, it’s okay; take it easy. Are you going to request a replacement agent from Alan?” I suggested it casually.

“I’ll try later, but I’m sure Mike will be mad again.” Jessy’s legs moved quickly, full of anxiety.

“No other way, right? Try it first, so you can really separate your personal issues from your professional capacity as an agent,” I said as I tidied the contract documents and handed them to Jessy.

“Yeah, I’ll try later.” Jessy took the stack of documents and put them back in his bag.

“Oh, yeah, I almost forgot,” he rummaged in his bag again and pulled out a piece of paper.

“What’s this?” I asked as soon as I received the paper.

“Tickets to Mexico; I’ve printed them for you,” he said.

“Mexico?!” I blinked.

“Yes! Don’t tell me you forgot about Jemima Hors’ Cruise collection show this weekend,” Jessy said.

“Oh, damn,” I cursed at my own foolishness.

“I thought it was still next week,” I said, biting my lower lip.

“Oh no, wait a moment. Did I forget to tell you about the schedule?” Jessy asked me.

We hurriedly checked our agendas on our phones. Through a daily planner app, Jessy and I usually set our shared schedules together online. Once again, I reviewed my schedule at the end of the third week of November.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“It’s empty,” I whispered.

“Oh no. It’s my fault. I messed up your and Mike’s schedules. I’m sorry, honey. It won’t happen again. I promise,” Jessy squeezed my arm.