Marcus finally turning back to her, his voice soft but intense "You're wrong. My intentions towards you, wasn't to control you. I just want to be part of your life. But I won't lie, I'm still going to fight for what I want. And I want you."
Lisa left the restaurant that night more confused than ever. She didn't trust Marcus, but his words had rattled her. Could he really have changed? Could they ever find common ground?
As the days passed, Marcus kept his distance, giving Lisa the space she needed to think. But he was never far from her thoughts. He was like a storm she couldn't escape, pulling her in despite every instinct telling her to stay away.
Meanwhile, Lisa's brand was thriving. The international deal with Maison du Soleil has taken her brand into the global spotlight. Her designs are in demand in the market like never before, and she found herself busier than she had ever been.
But the industry is ruthless, and whispers about Marcus's continued influence over her business began to spread. Competitors hinting that Lisa's success was all tied to Marcus's connection to her. Not long enough before the media houses, caught up with the rumors.
At a brilliant glamorous industry event, a journalist approaches her.
"Lisa, there are rumors that Marcus Blackwood has been pulling strings behind the scenes to help your brand. Care to comment?" Journalist smiling brightly, but with an edge
Lisa's eyes flashed with anger. She knew Marcus had power, but she had worked too hard for her success to be dismissed as just another of his conquests.
Lisa lashed out, her voice steady but sharp "My success is my own. Marcus Blackwood has nothing to do with my brand's achievements. And anyone who says otherwise clearly hasn't been paying attention."
The journalist smiled, sensing a story brewing.
Journalist pressing further
"So you're saying there's no relationship between you and Marcus, professional or otherwise?"
Lisa hesitated for a fraction of a second, the weight of the question hitting her really hard.
Lisa finally says out, her voice cool and composed "I owe no one an explanation for my personal life. But let me be clear. The success of my brand is tied to my hard work."
Just when things seemed to be stabilizing, Lisa received devastating news. The factory that was producing her latest line had been sabotaged. Machines broken, orders delayed. Her entire collection is at risk of not being ready for the biggest fashion show of the year.
She immediately suspected Marcus. Even though he promised to back off, his fingerprints are showing all over it again.
That night, she stormed into his office without notice, her eyes blazing ready pounce.
"Did you think I wouldn't find out?" Lisa slamming the door behind her
Marcus looked genuinely confused, rising from his chair "Find out what?"
Lisa's voice shaking with anger "The factory, Marcus! My entire collection is about to be ruined, and I know you have something to do with it."
Marcus his brows furrowed, stepping closer to her " Hey Lisa, I have nothing to do with this. You know I wouldn't"
"I don't know what else to believe anymore, when it involves you. Every time I think I've gotten ahead, you're there, pulling me back." Lisa cutting him off, her voice cold
Marcus looked at her, his expression softening. He reached out, but Lisa stepped back.
"Lisa, I swear, I didn't sabotage your line. I'm not your enemy." Marcus uttered, his voice low and sincere.
Giving out such an innocent response, she almost believed him. But her instincts quickly snapped her out of it, not letting her guard down.
"You've been my enemy from the moment we met." Lisa shaking her head, her voice bitter.
Lisa determined more than ever to save her collection. She stayed up all night, coordinating, repairing and working with her team to get the factory back to work. But though she is focused on the task at hand, yet something about Marcus's reaction keep hitting her stronger than ever.