Chapter 39~ A proposal
Lora smiled in satisfaction when she saw Ivy's red, angry face.
When she heard that Ivy had gone to visit her, Lora instructed her assistant to call the reporters over. She knew Ivy only came to make trouble for her, so her plan was to beat Ivy at her own game.
'Serves you right. Don't think you can trick me with your innocent façade this time around,' Lora said in her mind while the reporters took several pictures of them.
Just like that, Lora and Ivy were making headlines together again. The internet was buzzing with news about how Ivy took the initiative to apologise and openly admit her plagiarism while others praised Lora for her humility.
Later on, Lora was in her office, a smirk on her face as she read through the comments on some social media pages.
"Congratulations Miss Davis for getting your most deserved apology! That woman used your designs to try and get you banned from the industry. Too bad you forgave her, she was supposed to pay!"
"This is still good for Miss Davis, aka Miss L. As a legendary designer, it would be petty of her to hold on to grudges, after all, Miss Williams admired her work so much that she opted to steal them. Now that she's admitted her plagiarism in public, no one will ever take her seriously."
"You're right. Miss Williams is such a joke."
Just like Lora had supporters, there were also others who spoke for Ivy.
"Miss Williams is also a veteran designer and as one, it's good that she knows mistakes can be corrected. She admitted her mistakes and is willing to do better. I'm looking forward to her new work. Cheer up, Miss Williams!"
However, this particular comment attracted backlash as many of Lora's fans reacted to it with angry emojis and replied to the comment.
"What are you saying, blind follower? Miss Williams stole two of Miss L's designs. If she wanted to admit her mistakes, the first time she stole Miss L's design and had it mass-produced, she would have come clean. But she made Miss L look like the thief." "She's admitted to plagiarism quite alright, but when will she respond to the fact that she was a mistress who ruined someone's marriage? She has no morals at all... not only is she a plagiarizer, she's a homewrecker too. #lvyWilliamsmustbebanned!"
"I think this was a futile attempt by Miss Williams to save her reputation, however, it didn't work. We've already seen her true colours. Behind that kind, innocent face is a venomous snake."
Lora smirked as she read the negative comments directed at Ivy. Indeed, revenge was sweet. Even though it didn't hold a candle to what Ivy had done to her, at least, Ivy was now the subject of ridicule. She now knew what it felt like to be on the receiving end. As for Lora, people said she forgave Ivy because of her compassion and empathy. Since she was generous enough to let Ivy go, Lora's reputation grew and this good image made the stock price of Davis & Co. skyrocket. Hannah rushed into Lora's office and announced, "Ma'am, the stock price went up by one thousand percent! Wow! You've broken the record, I'm sure this will annoy those shareholders who want you out." Lora smiled and replied, "I came here to win, Hannah. In all areas."
Later in the evening, Lora got off work and stepped out of the building. To her surprise, Jason was waiting for her outside again.
However, he looked different this time, more formal. He was dressed in a tanned suit, with neatly styled hair and he was holding a bouquet of roses in his hands as the city lights illuminated his frame.
He looked like a prince from a fairytale and people couldn't help but stop to see what the handsome young man was up to.
"Jay? What's going on?" Lora asked, her eyes wide.
Jason had brought her flowers before but this looked different, romantic even. He was even playing soft music from his car.
"Lora, I can't wait anymore," Jason began. He approached Lora and gave her the flowers before saying, "I love you, Lora. From the day that I met you, I've always wanted to make you mine." Lora's lips twitched and her stomach knotted with nerves. She didn't expect Jason to do this in front of everyone.
"Ja-"
"Shhh, let me finish. I know, you've been hurt before, you told me your past relationship didn't end well. Although I don't know the details, whoever he was, he was a fool to lose you. I'll never be that fool. I'll love you the way you deserve... I'll give you the sweet kisses and caresses a woman like you deserves. Lora Davis, will you be my girlfriend?" Jason confessed. Lora's lip quivered and her eyes watered with tears. Those words... it's all she ever wanted to hear from the man she loved.
She thought Jason was a good man. Unlike Ryan, he never treated her like she was an option. It was clear that she was his priority and there was no confusion in her mind. She wouldn't have to constantly question where she stood in his life because he showed her the place she would have in his heart.
If someone treats you as a backup plan, it's better to cut them off and choose someone who chooses you.
Jason could see that Lora was contemplating, so he added, "I'll make you the happiest woman in the world, Lora. I promise."
When Lora heard that, her heart felt at ease.
Jason was right... she believed she could be happy with him and she believed Jason deserved a chance. He stood by her for so many years without expecting anything. Moreover, Lora also wanted to move on with her life. Why would she deprive herself of love just because one relationship didn't work?
Taking in a sharp breath, she looked into Jason's brown eyes and answered, "Yes, Jay. I'll be your girlfriend."
"Really?" Jason's eyes lit up.
Lora chuckled when she saw the happy look on Jason's face. It felt good to know that there was someone this happy to be her man. She nodded and repeated, "Yes, really."
"Yes!" Jason exclaimed and without warning, he cupped Lora's face and pecked her lips.
The crowd erupted in applause and took pictures of the beautiful scene.
...
Meanwhile, Ryan was at the club with Adan Nicholson. Adan had been scrolling on his phone when he came across the latest news.
He showed Ryan his phone and said, "It seems Miss L is in love."
When Ryan saw the photo on Adan's phone, his hand trembled and the wine glass he was holding slipped, crashing to the floor and shattering into a million pieces.