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LIAM

“ She what?! “ My voice came out in an alarmed way than I intended it to.

I couldn’t stop myself from reacting this way because we were already late for the photo shoot and here they were informing me that Lydia just got involved in an accident and won’t be able to make it for the photoshoot.

The worst thing is that we were already pulling into the venue where the shoot would be held. I felt frustrated and confused.

“ Please take her to the hospital and make sure she gets all the treatments that she needs, “ I said to Lydia’s manager before ending the call.

I massaged my forehead because I had a headache coming on. I felt Maya’s gaze on me and I knew she would wanna ask me what happened.

Luckily, the driver stopped the car and I alighted immediately. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to her yet, looking at her, she reminded me of Chloe and her betrayal. I couldn’t just fire her because I knew she needed the job.

Also, I find what Patricia did on the plane really embarrassing. That night we had a one-night stand. On that night I got drunk and boarded my plane to Paris after I caught Chloe cheating on me, that's how I ended fucking Patricia in my airplane. Which I regret even now. 

Since that night Patricia didn’t wanna leave me alone even though I made it clear to her that I didn’t want to venture into any relationship, let alone have sex, I wanted to abstain from them all.

But I’m sure when I led Patricia away to talk to her in private, Maya thought we went to fuck and I wondered why it bothered me so much. I wondered why I felt guilty because Maya and I weren't even dating.

When I alighted from the car I briskly walked into the hall because I could already see Silver's car parked outside which means we were late. Maya scurried over to walk beside me trying to keep up with my footsteps.

When we entered the hall, I saw Silver standing and monitoring the decorations that had been made by the photographers. They were getting ready for the photoshoot to commence.

I squinted my eyes and cursed under my breath. How on earth was I supposed to tell Silver that my model wouldn’t be able to make it and that I would have called for another model to take her place, but they were all fully booked for today?

Silver's eyes were on Maya from the moment we stepped foot into the hall. He was hitting on her and this made me angry.

Why was it even making me angry? I asked myself trying to understand what was going on, but deep down I knew I wasn’t ready for the answer that my heart would give to me, so, I canceled the questioning thought from my mind.

Silver approached us and we shook hands. Unlike before, he had a broad smile on his face today, even though we never had a good history together. That was the more reason I knew he was trying to impress Maya.

I resisted every urge that wanted me to scoff at his behavior. Maya stretched her hands for a handshake and he shook her hands which lasted a bit more than it should.

“ Silver, I’m sorry we’re late, the traffic was really slow on our way here, “ I lied and Maya turned to look at me with a surprised look on her face but masked it off with a smile when she noticed Silver was watching.

“ Our sincerest apology Sir, “ Maya pleaded with Silver too. She had a genuine smile on her face.

“ It’s not a big deal Maya, I just got here a few seconds before you two. So, you see, I didn’t even wait here for long, “ He answered Maya like I wasn’t even standing there.

Really? He could answer Maya but he couldn’t answer me, her boss. I found this act disrespectful and I was utterly displeased with how he was acting. 

For a moment, I was glad that Lydia couldn’t make it because Silver was still as annoying as when we were growing up together. To think this douchebag was my best friend before the incident that made us stop talking to each other happened.

Maybe accepting to partner with him was a wrong choice for me to make. Thanks to Lydia I wouldn’t be making a mistake that I’ll regret, by partnering with him.

“ I’m sorry Silver, but the model who was supposed to be here for the photoshoot was involved in an accident and wouldn’t be able to join us here right now. I’m sorry but the photoshoot has to be canceled because all my models are fully booked. My company would refund your payments and even pay for any inconvenience we have caused you, “ I said to him with a sorry look on my face.

“ I’m sorry about that. I wish her a quick recovery, “ Silver said with pity in his voice. Maya looked surprised when I relayed the news to Silver. I didn’t blame her though, it’s not like I told her about it beforehand.

“ Well, our partnership means a lot to me because I feel we both can mend our broken friendship through this. So, I wouldn’t want our partnership to end because of something that can be fixed. Let Maya take the place of Lydia. She’s more beautiful and endowed in the right parts of her body than Lydia is after all, “ Silver said with his gaze never leaving Maya.

“ Excuse me, Sir, what? “ Maya rushed to ask Silver with a shocked expression on her face.

Did I just hear Silver well? Maya should take Lydia’s place as the model for the photoshoot. Was he joking?

“ You're joking, right? “ I asked Silver with a neutral expression on my face, while Maya looked like she would pass out any moment due to how nervous she looked.

“ Of course, I’m not joking. Actually, I think Maya would be the perfect model for all my company designs, “ Silver said as he tucked both his hands in each of the pockets of his suit trousers.

I opened my mouth to speak but Maya motioned for me to let her speak. Surprisingly, I kept my mouth shut and let her speak which was so unusual of me to obey anyone. What was this girl doing to me?

“ Sir, you’ve clearly misunderstood everything and I’d be happy to explain to you since it concerns me, “ Maya said to Silver respectfully.

“ Go on, “ Silver urged her to explain what she said she wanted to.

“ Mr. Grey, I am Mr. Taylor’s assistant, not a model. I don’t even have any experience as a model. I have never tried it before, “ Maya said matter-of-factly, trying to explain to Silver.

“ There is nothing difficult about modeling. This is just a photo shoot. All you need to do is get dressed up, do some makeup, and hairstyling and you’re good to go. You’d be shown the postures to make for the pictures to be taken, “ Silver explained to Maya while I stood dumbfounded, watching everything unfold before my eyes.

“ What do you think Liam? “ Silver asked me with a straight face and I calmed myself down to prevent myself from stuttering because I was caught off guard. I didn’t expect Silver to make such a request.

“ Well, it depends on Maya. If I get her consent then she will do it. I can’t force her to do what she doesn’t want to “ I said to Silver and turned to face Maya before continuing to speak.

“ Do you agree to be the model for the photosho… “ I wanted to continue but was cut short.

“ Hey guys what’s going on here? “ A familiar feminine voice called out from behind us.