Chapter 3 The Devil That Wears Prada
Zane's POV
“Boss, she's barely alive.”
“Can you save her?”
Leo stiffened, mute for a moment, I was impatient so I clicked my tongue loudly.
“I asked a question, Leo.”
“Yes boss, but it'll take a long time and she'll need blood, she's drained.”
“Take mine.”
He was stupefied and looked at me weirdly, I had one of the rarest blood types in the world, it was gold and I'm giving it away.
“But-”
“Do it.” I ordered snappily and laid on the bed.
Leo hesitated for a moment then did as I said. I looked at her, she was pale and devoid of life, bandaged from head to toe. My heart ached seeing her in that condition. I shouldn't have left her alone, I should've protected her but I failed ajd now I'll correct that mistake, that blunder.
Hours later, I was dizzy as a huge amount of blood had been collected so Leo stopped the transfusion.
“Have you contacted the plastic surgeons?” I asked him while I took some blood supplements.
“Yes, they'll commence the restoration in a week when she's more stable.”
“Good, keep an eye on her, I need to attend to important business.”
Leo kept mute, I could feel that he had questions.
“When I was a nobody, she saw the goodness in me and saved my life. I owe her my life Leo, I should've never trusted her with that bastard, I'll do anything to make sure she's fine.” I explained briefly.
“I trust your judgement.”
“Good. I'll be away for work for a month or so, she has to recuperate well. I'm leaving her in your charge Leo.” I informed him.
He nodded gently. “I won't let you down.”
I patted his shoulder and walked away, as I showered, I remembered how helpless and hurt I was seeing Arielle in such state, my men were keeping tabs on her and when they informed me that her house got burnt and she was hospitalized, I let her be, knowing well that her fiance would take care of her.
A doctor tipped me off that she was dying so I stepped in, her plea for death rang in my head, it infuriated me how a girl who was once full of life now begged for death.
I checked up on her before leaving for my business trip. I hesitated to leave, wanting to stay back to take care of her but the business was very important and I needed to be there so I left.
Leo gave me daily updates and I was content that was recuperating fine, the plastic surgery was a success and when one month elapsed, I was more than pleased to finally go home to see her.
“Welcome back boss, how was your trip?” Leo asked me as he picked me up from the airport. He's the only one I trust enough to know of my whereabouts.
“Tiring but worth it, all deals are sealed and loose ends tied, we'll be launching in three weeks time.” I informed him.
“Congratulations to us! I've done all you asked me to.”
We exchanged a few more words as he explained certain things to me in detail. I was told Arielle was in the clothing quarters of the mansion and I immediately went there to see her.
Her petite figure was just as I remembered and the scent of her perfume intoxicated me. She was inspecting a gown when I walked in.
“Are you going to introduce yourself to me?” She asked, quietly.
I cleared my throat and approached her. “Do you like the dress? It's yours if you want it.” I offered.
She chuckled softly. It was music to my ears. She turned to face me fully and she looked heavenly, skin had covered her burns, it wasn't perfect but she was perfect and still beautiful.
“The Doctor said it'll take time for it all to return to normal since it's my own skin and not a donor's.” Arielle explained, as if sensing my thoughts.
I smiled and patted her hair. “I know little bear, I've been keeping track of your progress.”
“Why did you save me?” She asked, catching me off guard.
“Why not?” I shrugged but she wasn't convinced. “Because you don't deserve to die.” I confessed and her eyes softened, her beautiful blue eyes.
She sighed deeply. “Thank you giving me life when I begged for death, I was in much pain an-”
“You don't have to explain yourself, I know you're not suicidal.” I interrupted, sensing that she was speaking out of hurt and pain. “How have you been?”
“You paid for everything, Leo has been helpful as well, how can I ever repay you?” A bright smile returned to her face as she asked.
I tut. “What's on your mind?”
“My supposed sister, mother and fiance didn't bother searching for me even after attempting to kill me.” She spat, bitterly. “Leo told me you had my body replaced at the hospital and the replacement is supposedly dead, it didn't take them a week before they celebrated Lisa's win, they couldn't give me the respect of mourning me.”
“What do you want to do?”
Her expression darkened as she clenched her fists.
“I want revenge.”
I nodded my head and held her hand, her expression softened and she retracted her hand, afraid of my touch, I laughed softly and snatched her hands, there were still signs of the burns there, it was faint but existential.
“Arw you sure that's what you want? Revenge? You can just start all over.” I asked her, partly for my own selfish reason.
I wanted her to start afresh, with me but she guffawed and stared at me in the eye. “You saved my life for reasons best known to you and you've helped me this far, if it isn't too much to ask, then please, help me get revenge.” She pleaded, desperately.
“What do you want to do Arielle?”
“I want to destroy them all, Mom, Adrian, Lisa, everyone who had a hand in my death.” She hissed, her eyes gleaming with a vicious thirst for vengeance.
I let go of her hand and straightened up. “No.”
“No?” She blurted. “Why?”
“Because it will destroy you too.” I lied, frowning.
She guffawed. “You think I'm not destroyed already? I do not care what it'll do to me!”
“I care, so no.” I said, dismissively and walked away before she could say another word.
I went straight to my room and made a phone call, I didn't want to see her spiraling down the path of revenge, it would destroy her completely. I took a shower and went to bed, still thinking about her.
Later that evening, I went to look for Arielle again and when I found her, she was infuriated.
“Why did you let me live when you won't let me get revenge on them!” She roared. “They deceived, used and dumped me, do you know how hurtful that is? It's more painful than these damned burns!”
Looking at her outburst, I burst into laughter which confused her.
“Follow me.” I told her and began to walk away.
We halted at a room and I opened the door to reveal dozens of beautiful dresses and three trainers were seated. I turned around to address Arielle.
“We're going to make you a supermodel again.” I announced.
She arched an eyebrow. “What does this have to do with revenge?”
“Because, what better way to take revenge than to take away that one thing they sacrificed your life for?” I asked, rhetorically and watched her pupils enlarge on realization. “You're going to ruin and crush Lisa's career, what do you think will happen to Mira and Adrian?”
A smirk curled at the corner of her lips and she walked into thr room, majestically.
“Make me a supermodel again, Let's give Lisa a run for her career, I'll be the devil that wears prada.”