Fame or no fame

Russell's fashion empire

Alex Russell summoned a meeting for employees who are in the field of creating new designs.

He wasn't smiling; he had a sour expression on his face. And he hasn't slept well for weeks.

All he wanted was to find a way to be balanced, and what was pulling his legs was Marko's disapproval.

"We are here again; you all know that for the past few years, Russell's fashion empire has been one of the most outstanding fashion companies in this country.

"Yes boss!"

"It's been so noticeable that we are beginning to lose ideas on bringing out a unique design for the upcoming competition. I had instructed each of you to come up with an idea of what we were bringing for the audience," he asked, and the employees were all nervous.

They began to whisper among themselves about their works.

"So can you all start coming out to tell us your idea for the work?"

They all agree, but the problem they were facing was who would start the presentation.

"Will you all stop with this bullshit or do your job?" He said it coldly, and one of the employees came out with a nervous expression on his face.

"Okay. Well, you all know we have been doing this competition for some time now, and now we are to work according to the theme. So the first theme I have worked on is the historical theme." The man said this and brought out his iPad, connecting it to the wide-screen TV facing them all.

"Mr. felix Your work is good, but this design almost looks like one of the designs on the Miss Universe fashion show I've seen. So going with this is going to get us accused of plagiarism. So this one is cancelled. I want you to come up with another idea. Next!" He said it coldly, which made the man frightened a little.

They're all presenting their works, and only five were accepted, and the rest were instructed to come up with another idea.

…..

"Mr. Marko, this is good news. I love what you did; you've been supporting them for some time, and now it is time to see if they're capable of creating new, unique designs by themselves." Diego said.

Diego had been Alex's opponent for a long time. They were once close and started their fashion journey. Everything was smooth until they began to come out successful, and Alex was taking all the credit.

This made Diego angry, but he decided to keep it to himself. As time passed, Alex and Diego had a fight, and because of that, Diego left Alex and started his own fashion career. He was also claiming that he left because of Alex's toxicity.

His career led him to be at the top, but not ahead of Alex's.

"You're welcome, Mr. Gonzalez."

"It is for sharing your design ideas with them and taking credit. And this will be the perfect time for me to see the defeated look on his face." he laughed.

"So you wanted me to cut tiles with him just because you wanted to defeat him in the competition? Saying this is a waste of time, but this isn't to conquer one another; this is to show the world your creativity. Remember, fashion is a work of art." Marko said.

"Oh, please, Marko, this is a competition, and you know what competitions are for. We compete to see the best out of everything. And I want to be the best since this involves the

the world to see." He remarked, making Marko chuckle.

"Alright, now that my work is done, I'm going to leave," he said, standing up and adjusting himself before reaching the door.

"Come on, Marko, not so fast. I am not done yet. Since you aren't collaborating with Russell's how about you collaborate with me?

"Mr. Gonzalez, the deal is to turn down Alex's proposal and not work with you." Marko frowned.

"Marko, almost everyone in the fashion industry knows you for your work. You are one of the most creative designers we have ever known. Just join me, please; Ican give you whatever you want, give you millions of dollars, give you credit, an name your price," he pleaded.

"I'd really love to, but I can't die. I am so sorry." he apologized.

"Okay, Marko, I'll really give you some time to think about this juicy offer. If you have a change of mind, you can call me. Even if it's two design ideas, I don't mind. I'll give you the credit, and if we win, I will make you noticeable all over the world," he said, and Marko looked at him for some time and left.

He wasn't sure if he meant what he said or if he said that to make him change his mind. Diego wasn't after winning the competition for the world to recognize him; he was after winning and making Alex lose.

...

"Papa, you're here again. If it is about the wedding, I am not interested in hearing about that." Alex said it in a chilly way, resting the back of his head on his chair.

"Stop being a spoilt brat, Alex. Have you checked your text message?" Aaron asked.

"No, why?"

"An information from your mother and your sister. They're coming back this evening from France," he said, and he smiled. It's been a while since he heard from his mom because he was so busy.

His mother was his favorite, and he loved her so much. His sister may be a crackhead, but that doesn't mean someone should joke with her.

"Finally, a company that will keep you away from me," he said sarcastically, making his dad frown.

"So how was the meeting? "Will anything come out productive?" he asked, sitting on the couch facing him.

"Well, I can manage to say it is quite impressive to me. But what about the audience and the judges?" He asked, and his father smiled.

"It doesn't matter; just be confident in what you do; you don't need Marko to do things for you, and besides, you are truly gifted." Aaron replied.

"Thanks for the moral support, papa, but I just want the designs to be so impressive to them all." Alex grunted.

"So about the wedding, we were supposed to go to your bride to be family." His dad said, and Alex pretended he didn't listen. He hates it when his father tries to do something he doesn't approve of.

"Father, I am not interested in getting married, okay? Even if I am, it wouldn't be some random lady I don't know," he stated.

"Stop being a kickass, son. The contract has been signed. So after this competition, you're getting married," he said, and Alex looked at him with a sour expression.

"Whatever! Besides, even if I got married to the unknown lady, she wouldn't stay a month and then ask for divorce." He said that, and his father laughed.

"Son, I am an old man, but I know that women these days don't care if you don't give her attention; as long as you are rich and famous, it's not a problem for them." Aaron said.

"Stop being stereotypic, papa. Besides, I can't wait for mom to come back and oppose what you did. Tear the contract and take your money back." He said this and sat in his chair, facing his computer.

"We'll see about that, Alex. But seriously, whether you like it or not, you're getting married, and it's final." He said this and stood to leave his office.

"I am a grown man, and it's my choice to decide if I should get married or not," he groaned as he watched his father leave his office.

….

Alex got home from work looking stressed out. His mind has been on the competition, and Diego has always been on his neck. He doesn't want to compete with Diego alone; he just wants to be known all over the world.

"Welcome boss!" One of his female hourwalkers came with her eyes glued to the floor. She took his briefcase and his coat.

"Dinner is ready, sir." She also said, and he motioned for her to leave. He walked towards the elevator and pressed the last button to take him to the hallway leading to his room.

As soon as he left the elevator, his mom and sister surprised him.

"We're back," they both said, and he pulled a false smile, and his mom hugged him.

"I miss you so much, Alex," she said, looking at his face.

"You're growing into a fine man," she said, and his sister Sasha faked a cough.

"Welcome back, both of you. Thanks for the surprise, but I am so tired right now." he said, and they both allowed him to make his way to his room.

He entered his room, took off his shirt, and hung it on his coat hanger.

He made his way to his bathroom and took off his clothes, turning on the shower, making it a hot one. After the hot shower, he got out of his clothes and went to the dining hall, where his family was waiting for him.

"I never knew we were having dinner together; I thought you might have gone home to dad," he said, and his mother frowned.

"Don't you want me to have some time with my son?" she asked, and he smirked, staring at his sister. "If that's how I've been coping with her, You're right," Sasha said, and he smiled.

"So, son, now that you're here, let's talk about the wedding," Aaron said, and Alex immediately lost his appetite.

"Like I said, dad, I don't want to talk about anything concerning the wedding. How many times do I have to say this?" He groaned.

"Yeah, I heard your father arrange for a woman for you to get married to." His mom said,.

"Yes, mama, and I don't want to get married now. Can you advise your man that I am not ready yet?" He whispered, touching the tip of his nose.

"Well, that's good news." She smiled.

"What? How can you support this mama?" He asked, frowning.

"It's high time you birth me grandchildren."

"Is that the reason for my getting married? I'm still young, mama, not that I am in my late thirties. I'm still 27." He said that, and she scoffed.

"How old am I? I'm approaching my seventies," she said, and Sasha laughed.

Well, all I'm saying is, I can't wait to see my soon-to-b sister-in-law."Sasha cut in and left the table, walking to the guest room.

"Well, I guess we all can't wait to see you married." Aaron said, and they all left him in the dining hall.

He couldn't say anything because his mind was on the text message Diego sent him.

"Whose lady, darling?" Linda (Aaron's wife) asked as they both entered the elevator together.

"Well, her family is moderately rich; she's a pretty girl, though. Her father owned me and was willing to pay me back. But as soon as I saw the pretty damsel, I knew she'd be good for our son, so I have to let him sign a contract and then give him more money." He said that, and Linda had a shocking expression on her face.

"I know Alex is a man who is never ready to settle down with a lady. But we shouldn't force him to marry. Yes, I want him to get married, but since the contract has already been signed, no problem then." She said that, and they both laughed and left the elevator.

...

"See you in the competition." Diego texted Alex.

"How did you get his number, then?" Marko asked, and he laughed.

"I know my ways, Marko. I know my ways of getting what I want. The first thing is to be sarcastic to Alex, thinking he'll win this competition, and then, surprisingly, I will win it." He laughed.

"So, Marko, how far has it been going?" Diego asked as he started at the wall clock in his office.

"I have sketched out some designs to see if they are good for you or not. It's left for you to decide." He said that and handed the sketch book to Diego.

Diego went through the book and smiled. .

"This is epic. I fucking love the design so much." He said that and continued to go through the pages.

"The competition is next month. If you want a change in the design, I can do another one." Marko said, smiling.

"Thank you very much, Marko; you have been a good help to me in reaching my goal. Very soon I'll be well known, and Alex's fame will be destroyed." He laughed out loud.