Ariana's POV

I opened my eyes to the pounding on my door and heard Samantha's voice from the other side of my door, for a moment, I wondered why she didn't just enter my room as she has always done but then I remembered I had bolted my door when I ran in last night, I quickly stood up and opened the door for her,

"how dare you keep me waiting" she raged as soon as I opened the door, if she wasn't screaming at me, she was raging or cursing at me, all these are something I am used to from her

"I am sorry" I replied her to avoid any argument, she stared at me as if thinking of a new way to torment me.

"What can I help you with?" I asked her feigning indifference that I was far from feeling, my body aches and I was in no mood to fight with her, "arrogant bitch" she snarled and got no reply from me

"Get me my breakfast" she finally instructed and made to leave but paused at the door, her back towards me,

"get ready, you're following me to work today"

Did I hear correctly? "Huh" I managed to stammer out like a zombie.

"Are you deaf? You're following me to work, I thought you said you wanted a job?"

"I'm sorry, yes, yes, I do want a job" I quickly answered before she would change her mind, I can't believe she would actually get me a job, was this real? I suddenly felt very happy, whatever has made Samantha offer me a job, I don't care, I would do my best to please her, I quickly rushed to the kitchen to prepare her breakfast, took a shower, and was dressed before Samantha would be ready. I wore a baggy jeans trousers and a sleeve to cover the scar on my hand, I only wear long sleeves to always cover the red ugly gash on my arm, I stared at my reflection in the mirror as I packed my chestnut hair in a tight fist, I stared at my hazel colored eyes that looked wane and tried to clear the creases on the side of my eyes. Finally, Samantha came out, she wore a red gown and looked so beautiful in it, her eyes raked me in disgust as she snickered, " dressing you up wouldn't do any good anyway, it will be a waste of energy because you're already ugly and nothing can make you beautiful"

I made no comeback at her hurtful remark as I followed her out.

The fashion bureau has a very massive building and I was awestruck by it as we entered into the building, inside was elegant and busy, I walked behind Samantha carrying her bags as she walked elegantly and stylishly, she received greetings from all over, eyes stared at me curiously, some stared at my clothes in disgust.

"Oh Sam, you're here, finally" someone called out to Samantha and came to greet her but paused when she saw me,

"you finally brought a maid with you, how thoughtful" she must have concluded that I was a maid because of how I was dress but I didn't let that bother me, I am here for the job anyway and I would work hard, when I start earning, I can get myself a good and decent clothes.

Samantha chuckled that I was easily mistaken for her maid, "Jeanie, has the boss arrived?" Samantha asked as we entered into what seemed like a dressing room and got a "no" reply from Jeanie.

She quickly sat down and stretched out her feet, "pull off my shoes" she commanded and I quickly crotched to help her remove her shoes, "I'll get this job, save money, find myself a decent house to live" I chanted in my head as I helped her remove her shoes and massage her feet

"The boss is here Sam and is demanding to see the models, both old and new" Jeanie informed Samantha and Samantha stared at me, "help me get dressed"

"Huh" I answered and she gave me a cold look, I wondered what exactly is my job description, am I here to serve her?

I reluctantly helped her get dressed and fixed her make-up before following her out of the dressing room.

I was curious to see the CEO of fashion bureau, he has indeed made a name for himself in the whole of Carolina, this was the biggest company I have ever seen, I followed Sam Into a very large hall, it was filled with a lot of people and I wondered if they were all employees, on the centre of the hall was a large runway, the lights in the hall were dim, shining blue and red, for a moment, I pictured myself on that runway but of cause, I shouldn't even dream of ever doing something like that, I was no match for all the beautiful, elegant ladies that walked there, I stared at Samantha and for a moment wished I was as privileged as her, she was beautiful, classic and elegant and I was nothing compared to her "I need a cup of coffee" Samantha shouted at me amidst the night music, I was already enthralled in the view before me and was hoping to get a glimpse of the CEO, I frowned at Sam in dismay and she drew closer to me and said between clench teeth,

"if you really want a job here then you'll do all that I say or you forget about the job"

I swallowed the bitter reply that rose to my throat and walked away to look for a cup of coffee for her.

"Please, where can I get a cup of coffee?" I asked a lady who was hurrying towards the hall, she stared at me as if I had two horns, "I don't think I have seen you before"

"Um...um...I am with Samantha" I said as a reply and without another word, she pointed at a corner for me, "that's the canteen, you can get your coffee there" she said before walking out.

I had to hurry before the start of the event, I quickly got Sam's coffee just as she likes it, it was steaming hot, I was just coming out from the canteen when I saw the elevator doors were just about to close, I rushed and slipped my hand inside just before it will close and opened it, the sole of my shoe choose that moment to come off and I tripped, headfirst into the elevator, my coffee went flying out of my grip.

"Oh, shit" I heard a deep voice grumbled angrily in the elevator and knew the scalding coffee must have hit it's target, I quickly stood up and my eyes met with the most handsome eyes I have ever seen, my breathe whooshed out at his perfect face and for a moment I forgot I was about to apologize for spilling hot coffee on him, his eyes were narrowed on me in two angry slits and I shivered at what I saw in there, "are you blind?" His voice was calm but there was nothing calm about him as he radiated anger, "I...I... I'm....so...sorry" I managed to stammer out trying to clean the coffee stain on his white tux with my hands, he flung my hand away from him, "get the heck out of here" he snarled shoving me out of the elevator, head hung down, I stepped out, "how could I be this clumsy? Now I have to go back to the canteen and get another coffee" I walked dejectedly back to the canteen.

As soon as I arrived back, Samantha pounced on me, "where the hell have you been?" Before I could reply, she grabbed my elbow and led me into a room, bringing out a bright red gown, "put this on" confused, I stared at her and she clocked her tongue in impatience, "I said put this on, don't you want a job?" Before I could say dick and Harry, she started removing the clothes I was putting on, and put the red gown on me, I felt exposed and uncomfortable in it, the gown revealed the scar on my arm and the length of it barely came past my bum, my breast was just ready to pop out from the dress, she quickly put a bright red lipstick on me and some touch up, if I had my say, I look more like a whore in the dress, "this is the dress the models are supposed to wear for tonight, I have submitted your name as part of the models so you just have to go out there and do your best" the news caught me unaware and I cringed, "I don't want to be a model Sam, you know I'm not fit for it" I tried rebuffing but she paid no heed as she gave me heels with a very tiny point, "I can't walk with heels, I haven't worn one before" I complained and she rolled her eyes, "do not waste my effort, there's nothing there in walking with heels" she said as she tried to grab the necklace from my neck but instinctively I held her hands, I do not know what that necklace stand for but for some reason, I feel taking it off is like taking part of me away, Samantha raised her hands as if in surrender and pushed me towards the door as I was still having doubt, "I can't Sam, this is not the job I'm want" I protested but she only snickered and without warning, pushed me out, there was sudden silence as the blue spotlight shone on me as I found myself standing right in the middle of the runway.

Samantha's POV

I smirked when I pushed her out, she won't get out of this one, I thought gleefully, first of all, the color she was putting on wasn't the color for the models,in fact, it was forbidden to dress that way, how gullible, serves her right, it will be a small compensation to me for all the pains she had put me through, she alone had to feel motherly love why I was stuck with a father who doesn't care whether I'm alive or dead and yet, when I get the chance to finally experience a mother's love, she had to take that chance away from me, how could she be there and watch our mother get killed, I cannot be able to forgive her for that, ever. With how I have dressed her, the boss certainly won't let her off, she might even be imprisoned, serves her right, I smiled as I congratulated myself. I walked into the hall to watch the show unfold.

Ariana's POV

I shivered as I stood on the runway and took an unconscious step backward but I didn't know how to properly walk with heels, my ankle twisted and I fell on the floor, the tiny strap on the gown snapped open with the force of my fall and my breast spiraled out, the scar on my arm was visible and I tried shielding myself, I wish they could turn off the light, I heard the whispers and laughter of people and I brought my knee up close as I curled myself into a ball, "what a whore" I heard someone asked

"She's a saboteur" another announced and suddenly, everyone started contributing what they thought of me, I was left speechless, I wasn't any of that, how could they just judge me so harshly. The place was suddenly quiet as I saw two pairs of shoes standing in front of me, I glanced up slowly and my eyes almost popped out, it was the man from the elevator, is he here to help me? Did he believe I am being accused falsely? It then dawned on me that it was Samantha's plan all along

"Who's she? The man asked quietly and another standing by his side shifted uncomfortably, "Sir, she isn't on the list of models, I don't know who she is" he replied

"Have you called the security?" The man asked again and my eyes widened this time around In fear as the realization of what he was about to do dawned on me.

"Yes Sir"

I quickly jumped up from where I was sitting, awkwardly trying to cover my ugly scar, "please, there's a mix up somewhere, I came here for a job, but Sam had me dressed this way, please you have to believe me" I look around frantically as my eyes spotted Sam, "please tell them I'm not a saboteur Sam, please, tell them that they're mistaken"

Sam walked up to where I was, her hand connected with my cheeks and my head reeled, I shook my head as if to clear it and stared at her with tears brimming in my eyes, "you ungrateful bitch, how dare you?" She fumed at me and I stared at her in confusion, what was she talking about?

"How could you do something like this? You told me you wanted to serve me and I brought you here, how could I have known you had an evil intention"

I made to grab her, "don't do this to me, Sam, please say the truth, they're going to lock me up" I pleaded, desperation lacing my voice

"Serves you right, that's the least you deserved" she snarled and I turned to Mr elevator, it seems he is the president of the company after all, with palms jammed together, I fell on my knees, "please Sir, believe me, she set me up, she planned all of this"

"Save yourself the stress and confess your motive right now" he replied coldly and I shook my head, tears running down my cheeks, "I have no motive, I was set up"

He scoffed at my words, "you're the lady from the elevator, it was all part of your plan wasn't it?"

"The incident in the elevator wasn't on purpose, please, let me go please"

He snickered at my words, "when you're ready to confess, I'll know what to do with you" he turned towards the security who was standing, waiting for his order, he nodded at them and they grabbed my arms, pulling me away, "please, I'm innocent" I begged and turned to Sam, "please don't let them take me away, you know the truth" she simply turned her face from me in reply as I was dragged away by the security.

Dylan's POV

Something about the lady bothered me, something tells me that she is innocent of the accusations but it's difficult to tell, she had to be thoroughly investigated, her appearance would cost him a fortune. The expression on her face keeps haunting me, those hazel eyes filled with tears as they pleaded with him, I sighed as I leaned against my chair in the office with my eyes closed, I heard my door creaked opened, it must be my assistant, I wasn't ready to see anyone right now, "not now George, I want to be left alone"

"What you need now is to be with someone" a soft voice replied and my eyes flew open as I stared at the person standing in front of me, "Myla?"

She smiled as she came closer, the sight of her brought back all the past pains and I quickly masked it, she don't deserve to know how deeply she had hurt me, it's been more than five years since I last saw her and she hadn't changed a bit, she's still absolutely gorgeous, "what the hell are you doing here?" I asked suddenly disgusted by the sight of her, for a moment, she looked uncertain as she walked closer to me, the wolf in me roared, asking to be released, "wow, it has been ages since I last felt this way" I struggled with my wolf, trying to rein it in, "this isn't time for you to be out buddy"

"Get out of my office," I said tightly, the color of my eyes must have changed, alerting her of the danger of coming any closer because she suddenly stopped on her track

"Can't you forgive me? I was so naive and was deceived by Chase, I'm sorry"

"There's nothing to be sorry about, you made your decision, now get out"

"You're my mate Dylan, I...."

I stopped whatever word she was about to say, "our mate bond has been broken several years ago"

"We can still be together, please, Dylan, give us one more chance"

I could feel the claw as my wolf struggles to be let out, he must be angry also and perhaps, intended to pounce on her, I can already feel its fur on my skin

"I could kill you right now, leave while I have the little decency to let you go"

"I...."

"I said leave" I thundered, shocked, she slowly backed away and closed the door behind her.

Ariana's POV

"I am innocent, please don't throw me in jail" I begged as the cops dragged me towards the cell, it felt like a dream, I couldn't believe this was happening to me, "the only person that can save you now is Mr. Dylan Sabastine, of all the people you choose to offend it has to be him" the policeman shook his head as if in pity and my heart did a painful pang, "I was set up, I didn't mean to offend him or anyone" I cried in desperation but he paid me no further attention as he finally opened the cell and threw me in, I banged on the iron bars as he locked in and worked away, leaving me alone in the dark cold cell. Tears ran down my cheeks as I gazed around and slowly sat on my butt, bringing my knees to my chin, I couldn't believe Samantha would do such a thing to me, I have to find a way to get out of this mess, but I knew I have no one in the world that can help me right now, my hands went to the necklace on my neck, for some reasons, it brings comfort to me when I needed it the most, I put my head on my knees and allowed the tears to flow freely.

Ariana's POV

"Who sent you to sabotage my show?" Dylan Sabastine's voice sent a chill down my spine, he was not a man anyone could mess with, I stared into his eyes pleadingly, he's the only one that could get me out of here right now, I was surprised when the police had told me this morning that someone was here to see me and was more shocked when I saw his tall frame waiting for me, "I didn't mean to, you have to believe me" I begged, my heart pounding painfully in my chest, I don't wish to spend another night in this cold cell, he stared at me in disbelief, "what would I gain by sabotaging your show?" I suddenly asked him and he raised a derisive brow, "you tell me, how much were you paid?" I was dismayed by his question and felt like hitting my head against the wall, maybe this is my fate, to rot in this cell.

"I wasn't paid any money as I wasn't sent by anyone" I retorted but the expression on his face didn't change, "you were working alone then" he spoke as if concluding it in his mind.

"I've told you, you were mistaken, it was all mixed up"

"Do you know how much you've cost me? How do you plan to compensate for that?"

I opened my mouth to answer to no words seems to come out as I was lost for what to say, I was desperate to leave this place, I was really scared of going back there, I have to come up with something, perhaps I could work for him, I could do anything for him if only he could let me go, he raised a brow at my silence, "Cat got your tongue?" His tone was derisive and I flinched, he turned his back to me as if to walk away, no, I can't just let him leave, he has to get me out of here, instinctively, I grabbed his jacket, "please, don't leave me here, I would do anything you ask of, just get me out of here" I know I sounded desperate but I couldn't help it, it was exactly how I was feeling, he paused, turning slowly to face me, "anything you say?" His words held a double meaning and I took two steps backward, I licked my already patched lips, I hadn't had anything to eat nor drink since I was brought here, the police have blatantly refused, I knew they were punishing me on purpose, I suddenly felt the strength drained out of me, I was tired and hungry, I held his gaze as I nodded, "anything" I whispered making my decision, it would be better than this cold dark cell.

"You'll be my slave, you'll serve me whenever and however I need your service" his tone was sardonic as he arch a brow waiting for my reply, my heart skipped once, twice, "s...s...slave?" I managed to stammer out, "either that or you'll rot in here until you pay for the damage you've cost me"

I couldn't answer him as I was lost for words, slave, to be a slave to this horrible man, he could snap my neck any second, I shivered even though I wasn't cold

"I see you're having a difficult time making a decision" he turned to leave and I rushed to say, "I'll do it"

He gazed at me as if he never expected that I would agree to his request, "what did you say?"

"I...I...I said that I'll do it, I'll be your slave, I'll serve you as long as I want"

He stared at me for a moment before nodding once and standing up, he spoke to the officers while I closed my eyes in exhaustion, leaning my head against the chair that I was sitting, soon he appeared and I opened my eyes as a shadow fell on me, "let's go"

"What?" I gazed at him, not believing my ears, without another word to me, he walked away, I quickly jumped up from where I was sitting and rushed after him, freedom, I am free at last. What an irony, I thought. I am back from freedom into slavery" I sighed as I quickly followed him out.

Author's POV

Myla watched as Dylan came out of the police station, her eyes narrowed when she noticed Ariana following close behind, there was just something about this lady that she doesn't find comfortable, why would Dylan let her off the hook so easily, he never forgive anyone who crosses his path, he had even chased her out of his office the other day but here he was bringing out this lady from her cell, what's going on? Does he have a soft spot for her? She shook her head vehemently in refusal, Dylan only had a soft spot for one person and that was her, he was her mate and although she had broken the mate bond years ago, she would rekindle it, she would bring back his affection for her, surely, she would still have a place in his heart, even if she doesn't, she would crawl her way back in and no one would stand in the way of her plan, if anyone does, she would have no choice than to remove that person from the picture.

Ariana reached Dylan's home and her mouth hung agape, his house was massive and she wondered just how many people live in it, he opened the door and they were greeted by an elderly woman, "she's my slave, coach her very well" he said brusquely before walking off. The elderly woman turned to Ariana and smiled warmly, "Hello, I'm Greta the housekeeper"

Ariana's tension eased a bit when she saw her warm smile, "I'm Ariana"

"I'll show you to your room so that you can freshen up and have some rest" Ariana walked with the housekeeper towards her room, her eyes rounded when she saw her room, it was huge, more like a princess room and looked nothing at all like where a slave would stay, "I hope you like it," Greta said, "are you kidding? I've never seen something like this" Ariana entered inside with caution, the floor was made of Mable and shiny, for a moment she was scared her legs will dirty it, she ran her palms across the bed, it was soft, she turned to Greta, her eyes doubtful, "are you sure this is my room?" It was too good to be true that she would have such a big and beautiful room, Greta's brow furrowed in confusion at her question, "yes it is, is there anything lacking?"

"No, not at all" Ariana rushed to reassure her, "it's just that it's too beautiful to belong to a slave"

Greta smiled with relief, "freshen up and have some rest" she said simply as she turned to leave, Ariana quickly stopped her, "I have something to ask you?" Greta turned and waited in silence, "I just wanted to know what it is like being Dylan Sabastine's slave" she averted her eyes as she await an answer, her heart pounding and her body tensed, Greta looked at her with something akin to pity, "being his slave because you offended him is the worst thing that can happen to anyone, Dylan Sabastine does not spare an offender"

Her reply sent an icy chill down Ariana's spine and she wondered what deal she had made with the devil.

Ariana groaned as a knock sounded on her door, it seemed like she just closed her eyes to sleep, she wasn't ready to leave her soft fluffy bed just yet, "Ariana, please wake up, it's dawn already" she heard the housekeeper called in her sleep and she rolled on the bed, stretching as her eyes slowly opened, "dawn? How could it be dawn so fast?" She slowly got up and walked to the door, rubbing her eyes and trying to clear the sleep from her eyes, she slowly opened the door and met Greta standing there looking displeased, "master has sent for you" Ariana's eyes widened at that statement, the remnant of sleep flying off from her eyes, "what....but...why...?" She stammered and Greta looked at her as if she suddenly has two horns, "you're his slave, he can send for you anytime"

Ariana was in a panic, her heart raced frantically, "what does he want from me so early? What does he want from me? She chanted the question repeatedly in her head, Greta gazed at her in pity, "calm down, he doesn't bite"

"Doesn't bite, hell, he's the devil himself who wants his pounds of flesh by making her his slave and he doesn't bite? What an irony" Ariana tried to steady her nerves as she asked for directions in a shaky voice.

She slowly walked to the room, following Greta's directions, her palms were sweaty and she repeatedly cleaned them on her Jean, she stopped by the door and took two even deep breaths before knocking softly.