Chapter 2

Mia's POV

I had always known that Enzo Renault disliked me, and it wouldn't surprise me if he couldn't stand the sight of me.

It all happened around ten years ago. I had just turned 19, and I remembered seeing Enzo attending James' parties and events, which I was too young to go to. But then when I was celebrating my 19th, James had invited me to one of his parties, which excited me as you can imagine!

James always rubbed shoulders with the high society and socialites of the community, he had a lot of friends. The idea of getting to hang and party with these people was something so exciting for a 19 year old girl who was obsessed with celeb and socialite culture.

I had always had a silly little crush on Enzo, despite him being older than me, at least ten years, or maybe older. I wasn't really sure how old Enzo would be now. But one thing I always noticed about Enzo, he was the only friend of my brother that never smiled at me. James' other friends were always so polite and welcoming, but Enzo seemed to act as though I repulsed him.

I had dressed up so cute at that party, a simple black dress and my blonde hair curled and styled to perfection. After all, I had spent a long time on my appearance, knowing I would see Enzo there.

I had a few drinks, to lessen the blow and give me more courage as I was about to talk to Enzo. My eyes were on him most of the evening, tall, dark and incredibly handsome. He had spent a lot of time mingling with friends and chatting. The smile on his face was not like anything I had seen him give to me during the small times we had spoken.

"Alright Mia, this is it," I said as I downed the last shot, feeling my head become a little fuzzy as the alcohol hit me. Enzo was now alone, and I wanted to sneak in before anyone else caught his attention "It's now or never girl!"

I grabbed Enzo's arm as I approached him, and I watched him turn toward me. The look on his face, so bright as his gorgeous smile beamed toward me. As soon as he realised it was me who was trying for his attention, his smile turned into a frown.

"Hey Enzo," I said with confidence as the alcohol fuelled me "You look sexy tonight, would you like to go for a drink somewhere and talk? We just never talk do we?"

I could hear the words pour from my mouth, but I also felt as though I couldn't control it. My inhibitions had been lowered so much, I was beginning to scare myself.

Enzo pulled his arm from my grip "No Mia, you're drunk. Go home and stop embarrassing yourself," His cruel gaze burned into me, and I could feel the hate emanate from him.

I took a step backwards, feeling my head spinning further and it was as though the entire room of people were laughing at me. I felt humiliated, I wanted to ground to swallow me up.

So I left the party and never saw Enzo again for a while.

A year later I was with James, he had taken me shopping to find something for Christmas. We always did that. Instead of buying gifts we had to pretend to like, we always went shopping together to get presents we were guaranteed to enjoy.

As I browsed the shoes in a designer store we went into, I was fawning over the new line of Louboutin heels that were displayed so enticingly on the shelf. I was about to pick one up, when I heard a familiar voice behind me.

I turned and saw James talking to Enzo, and my heart began to race in my chest. He still looked as gorgeous as ever, and even though I wanted to keep on staring at Enzo, I also wanted to run away before he saw me.

I turned my back to Enzo, and it wasn't long before he left the store. I looked outside, watching Enzo as he left and I noticed he was with a beautiful woman. She had the figure of a supermodel and the grace of a gazelle. I had to admit I felt the jealousy begin to burn inside me.

As they left I caught part of their conversation. The beautiful woman recognised James from a conversation they must have had before "Is that the guy with the sister who asked you out at the party? Did you go on the date?"

Enzo laughed "Oh no! She's pretty enough, but absolutely boring. The last girl I would ever date, at least,"

So that's how Enzo really felt toward me. He assumed I was boring. Well perhaps I didn't want to be with anyone who couldn't appreciate me!

After that Enzo had barely acknowledged me. Whenever he came from France to visit James and their mutual friends, he would always act as though I didn't exist. It made me feel the lowest of the low when Enzo was around.

The very idea of possibly working with Enzo now left a hesitation in me. It would be embarrassing, but back then I was young and naive. It was in the past and I'm sure he had forgotten about it. But also, he could be the opportunity I needed to get where I wanted in life.

I had become so distracted by the thoughts and decisions that entered my mind, I had become shocked when I felt my phone buzz, and immediately read the message. Hoping it wasn't another creepy one from Matt.

Not this time, this was worse!

"Hello Mia, it's Enzo Renault here. I've been talking to James about giving you the opportunity to work for me,"

I felt my heart thud in my chest as my face became hot, my cheeks burned with the frustration and embarrassment of it all. But did I respond? Or did I just ignore the message?

I had to make a decision, and fast!