Chapter 29: They were very much alike.

 The elevator opened, and Lily stepped out, walking through the hall to the apartment Ryan had specified. She checked the address he had sent her, confirming that she was at the right place. With a deep breath, she raised her hand and pushed the door bell. 

 The door swung open, and Ryan stood before her, a hint of a smile on his face. "Lily, right on time," he said, stepping aside to let her in. Lily entered the apartment, her eyes scanning the space. The room was a treasure trove of fashion design, with, mannequins of various shapes and sizes, dressed in intricate garments

Rolls of fabric stacked against the walls, in a kaleidoscope of colors and textures

Sewing machines and cutting tables, scattered with threads, needles, and pins Sketchbooks and design portfolios, filled with Ryan's creations

Racks of clothes, hung with precision, showcasing Ryan's finished designs

A large, wooden worktable, covered in patterns, fabrics, and half-finished garments

Inspirational boards, pinned with images of fashion icons, nature, and art

The air was thick with the scent of fabric, thread, and creativity. Lily's eyes widened as she took in the space. "You're a fashion designer."? 

Ryan nodded, his smile growing wider. "Guilty as charged," he said, gesturing for her to come further into the apartment.

 Lily shook her head. "I never imagines a gigolo like you could Have such a wonderful talent." 

Ryan's smile faltered for a moment, and a hint of annoyance flashed in his eyes. "I'm not just a gigolo, Lily," he said, his voice taking on a slightly sharper tone. "I'm a businessman, and I have multiple interests. Fashion design just happens to be one of them." He paused, studying her for a moment. "And I think you'd be surprised at just how talented I am, in many areas."

 Lily scoffed muttering under her breath."so Mr business man why do you want me here." 

 Ryan's eyes narrowed slightly but he smiled again."I'll tell you my story." 

 Ryan took a deep breath, his eyes clouding over for a moment as he began to speak. "I come from a family of businessmen," he said.

 "My father was a ruthless entrepreneur, always looking for ways to expand the family empire. But my mother... she was different. She was a fashion designer, with a passion for creating beautiful things." Ryan's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as he spoke about his mother. 

 "I inherited her love of fashion, but my family had other plans for me. They wanted me to take over the family business, to follow in my father's footsteps." He shook his head, a hint of bitterness in his voice. 

 "But I refused. I wanted to pursue my own dreams, to make a name for myself in the fashion world." Ryan paused, his eyes locked on Lily's. "So, I did something that would change my life forever. I secretly studied fashion design while I was abroad studying business. And when I returned, I started working on my own designs, in secret."

Ryan's eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in thought. "But my family found out," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "They were furious. They saw my fashion designs as a betrayal, a waste of time. They wanted me to focus on the family business, not pursue some 'frivolous' dream." He scoffed, the sound bitter. "But I refused to give up. I kept designing, kept creating. And then, I received an ultimatum from my family." Ryan's eyes snapped back into focus, his gaze intense. "They told me that if I was truly talented, I should be able to create a dress that would win the top award at the next fashion gala. And if I failed, I'll have to stop resisting and Take over the family Business. "

Lily's thoughts flashed back to her childhood, growing up with every luxury at her fingertips. But her father's disapproval of her modeling career had been a bitter pill to swallow. She remembered the countless arguments they'd had, her father insisting that she take over the family business, and Lily refusing to give up on her dreams. Ana's influence had been a turning point for her. Seeing her best friend's determination and self-reliance had inspired Lily to take control of her own life. She'd vowed never to ask for help from her family, and instead, had worked tirelessly to build her own career. The memory of those struggles made Lily's heart swell with pride. She'd come a long way, and she knew that Ana would be proud of her too. But now, as she stood in Ryan's apartment, she couldn't help but pity him, they were very much alike. 

 "So what do you want from me?. To be your fashion model"? Lily asked folding her arms. 

 Ryan smiled." You wish.... Only a woman with a certain elegance, a certain poise, ...a certain sophistication, and refinement could pull off the design I have in mind," Ryan said, his eyes roaming over Lily's face. "A woman with a slender yet curvy figure, with porcelain skin and hair that cascades down her back like a waterfall. A woman with eyes that shine like diamonds, and lips that curve into a subtle, enigmatic smile." He paused, his gaze intense. "A woman who exudes confidence, intelligence, and a hint of mystery. That's the kind of woman I need to wear my design, Lily."

 Lily felt her face hot." You don't have to be so descriptive I... 

 Ryan cut her off. "I'm talking about my mother." 

 Lily felt embarrassed realizing that Ryan was actually talking about his mother not her, she felt like digging an instant hole for her self.

 "I get it ,so why you want me here."? 

Ryan's eyes sparkled with determination as he began to explain. "I want you to be my assistant, Lily. I need someone to help me get my creative juices flowing again. It's been a while since I've designed anything, and I'm feeling stuck."

Lily raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "You think I'm just going to agree to be your assistant? Why would I do that?"

Ryan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Because, Lily, I'm willing to offer you a substantial amount of money. Enough to make it worth your while."

Lily snorted. "You think you can just buy me? I'm not some commodity you can purchase."

Ryan's smile never wavered. "I'm not trying to buy you, Lily. I'm offering you a business proposition. You'll be paid handsomely for your time and assistance."

Lily crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. "I'm not interested."

Ryan's eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained. "I think you'll find the terms of the contract... persuasive. Shall I have my lawyer draw it up? Or..." He pulled his phone out of his pocket Showing her the picture of them, he had used it as his phone's wallpaper. 

 "I'll really love to see the trending news, Lily Huston being kept by a rich man.... "His voice trailed off. 

 Lily's eyes widened in horror as she took in the image on Ryan's phone. She felt a wave of panic wash over her, and she knew she had to think fast.

"How dare you!" she spat, trying to keep her voice low. "You're trying to blackmail me."

Ryan's smile grew wider, and he shrugged. "I prefer to think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement," he said. "You get to keep your reputation intact, and I get to... well, let's just say I get to indulge in my creative pursuits."

Lily's mind was racing, trying to think of a way out of this situation. She knew she couldn't let Ryan blackmail her, but she also knew she couldn't afford to have that picture leaked to the press.

"What do you want me to do?" she asked finally, trying to keep her voice steady.

Ryan's eyes glinted with amusement. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I want," he said. "I want you to be my assistant, Lily. I want you to help me create something truly special."

Lily felt a surge of anger, but she knew she had to keep her cool. She was trapped, and she knew it.

"Fine," she said finally. "I'll do it. But I'm only doing it because I have to, not because I want to."

Ryan's smile grew wider, and he nodded. "I knew you'd see it my way," he said. "Now, let's get started, shall we?"

 Lily Frowned." What do I do around here. "?

 Ryan pulled out a tab and pen handing it over to her." Since I wish to compete at the fashion Gala, I need to create something extra ordinary, so you would need to go online and learn more about the previous dresses that wan the 1st prize at the gala, make reports send them to me, also learn morr about the materials. "