Picture on side of Layla and what she is wearing to the Benefit Gala.  Sorry for the writing on it but I couldn't find another picture that showed all 3 angles of the dress. :)

Dedicated to NeverHappy_EverAfter. Her comments are hilarious :) Thanks for spamming me with comments! And also a dedication to everyone who keeps commenting every chapter!!!!! <3

Happy Reading :)

I got up the next morning later than I wanted and I busted to get ready. I had so much to do today that I couldn't be late to the office. Slipping on pencil skirt and a black blouse I brushed my hair and left it to be somewhat wavy. I put only a little bit of makeup on to hid the dark circles under my eyes and to make my cheeks look like they have some life in them. Grabbing the heels I have claimed my own by now I grabbed my stuff and was out the door. I was not looking forward today, I just wanted it to go by fast so I can have the weekend to relax.

As I headed to the office I was slightly excited because I would finally be getting paid. It was pretty stupid of me not to ask Ashton what the pay was like and when I would get my check, but like everything else I found out on my own. Since I had missed the pay deadline the week I started I had to wait an extra 2 weeks to get paid. Thankfully I had money saved from my old job to last me until this paycheck. After everything that I have been doing these past 2 weeks it would be nice to see that hard work paying off.

You could tell it was a Friday for people were dressed somewhat casual and there seemed to be excitement in the air. I walked into the building at 6 o'clock exactly and talked to Neena briefly before I went upstairs to get to work. The list of things I had to do today went on for miles and I knew if I didn't get my work stuff done than I would be here over the weekend and I didn't want that. I had to come in on Sunday last weekend to finished up stuff, and that was not what I wanted to do again this one. I need a full weekend of relaxation to make up for a hectic 2 weeks.

The moment I stepped into my office I got to work. If anyone would have seen me they would have thought I had been working here for years instead of 2 and a half weeks. I flew across my office and down the halls quicker than anyone usually could in 4 inch heels. I was like a demon possessed woman as I zoomed through the work I needed to get done. I had never felt so over-whelmed or rushed in my life, not even in college.

After rescheduling all of Ashton's appointments, re-filing new paper work, and sending them to a supervisor on floor 15; I grabbed my stuff to go pick up Ashton's suit for tonight. It was almost noon so I knew I had to hurry to the suit place just in case they closed for lunch. I passed Judy's desk before she yelled my name.

"Layla!" She called after me. I turned and walked back to her desk.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"Your check is in." She handed me an envelope with my name. "Since you haven't filled out on your W-2 if you wanted direct deposit or a check I just told them to put it directly into your account. If you want you can change it later too its not a big deal." She said smiling at me.

"Thanks!" I said smiling down at the envelope. "Sorry to just run off on you but I have to get going. Your coming to the Gala tonight right?" I asked as I stepped back. I couldn't remember who I had sent invitations to. All Ashton did was email me a long list of names that consisted of 200 people maybe more. I did just printed it and sent it to the invitation place to be made, I didn't even look at the names. Thankfully though most of the staff here would be attending so that gave me Neena and Liam to talk to even though I would be working.

"Of course. I have to make sure Ashton doesn't do something stupid." She said with a smile. I giggled and waved at her.

"See you tonight then if I'm not back in time." I called and hurried to the elevator.

As I walked outside I saw Clark idling on the curb. I raised and eyebrow and walked over to him.

"Clark I thought you were with Ashton today?" I asked.

"No Ma'am. He instructed me to give you a ride anywhere you needed to go today." Clark said opening the door. I smashed down the feeling off happiness bubbling in my chest. Ashton didn't do it out of anything but my necessity. Atleast he wasn't going to make me pay for a taxi to drive me all over hell and breakfast. I sent Clark a thankful smile and got in the car.

"Where Ms. Kingston." He asked getting into the drivers seat.

"The 'dry cleaners' again. I have to pick up a suit for Ashton tonight. And call me Layla." I said to Clark.

"As you wish Layla." Clark said and started driving towards our destination. As we drove silence laced through the car and I couldn't help but fidget in my seat.

"So...how long have you been working for Ashton?" I asked breaking the silence. As you can tell I don't do well when its completely silent. When I'm by myself I am fine but with others I always felt the need to blab about random stuff. I am very guilty of vomit mouth.

"About 2 years."

"That's when he took over the company right?" I asked.

"Yes." His answer short. Nice conversation. I thought sarcastically. Clark wasn't much of a talker apparently. I clamped my lips shut on the words that were dying to break free. Fortunately the car came to a stop a few minutes later. I looked out the window and turned to Clark.

"Would you mind coming in with me? I have to pick out a suit and I could use your opinion." I asked. I will admit I should have done this a couple of days ago but with everything going on I forgot about it until last night. I was just hoping they had some good suits left, seeing this is the place to go in New York. Clark just nodded and got out. Before he could open my door for me I opened it and stepped out.

I entered the place with Clark behind me and started towards the back of the place. I didn't know Ashton's size but I figured they would since Ashton took his suits here to be cleaned. As I came to a stop in front of the desk the same man from last time stood there.

"Excuse?" I asked. He looked up at me and than he gaze shifted to Clark who stood behind me. Honestly Clark was pretty intimidating. His brown hair was buzzed short, he had very wide shoulders making me wonder how he fit in the car. He looked like an ex-wrestler or bodyguard. I don't know why I just now noticed how he looked but I did and I realized he was big.

"Yes Miss?" The man asked taking his gaze off of Clark. He seemed to kind of recognize me.

"I am here looking for a suit for Mr. Miller." After I said his name the mans eyes lit up. "I was wondering if you could show me some of your selections in his size?"

"Oh yes! Right this way." The man said energetically. Wow they must really value Ashton's business. "My name is Martin." He said as he lead us to a section even further in the back. "These are our best selections."

I stood in front of a big rank full of different colors, and styles of suits. This is going to be hard. I have never picked out a suit before. I shot Martin a smile and started going through the selections. I didn't know if he wanted a plain black one or maybe a grey one. Dammit I really should have done this sooner. I looked over at Clark for some help.

"What color do you think?" I asked biting my bottom lip and staring at the rack. All Clark did was shrug. I shot him a glare and turned back to the suits. "What help you are." I muttered under my breath. Moving around my eyes were suddenly drawn to one over on another shelf.

It was a deep blue color with lighter blue lines within it. The blue wasn't to dark to be black and the lighter blue wasn't to popping. For some reason it screamed Ashton to me. In the back of my mind I could see him in it and his deep blue eyes shining even more. I ran my hand over it and it felt so smooth and soft at the same time. Turning I nodded to Martin.

"This one." Was all I said. I glanced over at Clark and saw him sending me a small nod of approval.

"Perfect! And that is our last one in that size. Do you need a tie as well? " Martin went and grabbed it off the rack and headed to put it in case.

"Oh no I think we are good." I bet Ashton had enough ties to find one to match.

"How much will it be?" I asked once he was finished.

"No worries, we will just bill it to Mr. Miller's usual card." He said waving at hand. Yes one less thing I had to deal with. "Here you are. Thank you for shopping with us." Thanking him I followed Clark in the car and directed him to Ashton's apartment. On the way to Ashton's house I called the Venue, The Smith's Center, to make sure everything was being delivered and decorations were being put up. Since it was after noon and I had practically everything taken care of at the office I would have Clark drop me off at the venue. That way I could help if needed there.

Clark pulled up to Ashton's apartment and I quickly got out and headed to the elevator. My stomach grumbled but I didn't have time to stop and eat. With one hand I rubbed my stomach trying to calm it down. When I was hungry my stomach loved to make whale noises that were really embarrassing around people. Missing one meal wasn't anything compared to when I was in high school. I would sometimes go a week with no food or just a few scraps. 

Typing in the code once I got to his door I walked inside and headed to his room. Every time I come here I am still amazed by the size. It was easily 2 of my apartments put together, maybe even more. These past 2 weeks Ashton has made me run stupid personal errands for him and than bring them back to his house. Thankfully though he hasn't sent me out to buy condoms or anything like that. If he would have done that I think I might have quit or said something very inappropriate.

I set his suit on his bed to make sure he would wear it tonight and glanced around. I didn't want to stay in here longer than I had to. I could practically see all the times he brought girls in here and had his way with them on the very bed I slept on when I first met him. Sighing I left his room and headed back to the car. I had a Benefit Gala to go help with.

******

3 hours later I was ready to pull my hair out. Everything seemed to be going wrong. The barista called in sick so I had to hurry and call someone else to show up. The decorations and place settings were set up all wrong so I personally had to redo all 100 of them. Name cards were set at wrong tables and people who I knew wouldn't sit next to so and so had to be moved. Multiple pieces being auctioned off were late. And security was less than I wanted because one guy had a family emergency and a few others were needed somewhere else more important. I was currently on the phone with the catering wondering where they were.

"I need you here now, not in 2 hours! The benefit starts at exactly 7." I interrupted the lady through the phone. I knew I was being rude but it seemed to be the only way to get things done around here. God New Yorkers are hard to deal with. I thought. After almost yelling bloody murder at the lady she said she would be there in 20 minutes with all the food. I slumped against the wall and rubbed my forehead. My head was pounding with a major headache and I knew by the end of the night I would have a migraine.

"Everything's going perfect I see." Said a deep voice in front of me. I opened my eyes and shot Clark a glare. I was actually surprised at his sarcastic comment. A reaction other than a nod or one worded answer.

"Oh yeah perfectly. Everything is just fine and dandy!" I said sarcastically back.

"Everything looks great though. It will be a splendid party." Clark said.

"Did you just say 'splendid'?" I asked raising an eyebrow at him. He shrugged but I saw a small smile gracing his lips. "But thank you."

"May I ask though. Where is everyone else?" I glanced at him confused.

"Everyone else?"

"Yes other people to help. It seems you are the only one doing everything."

"That's because I am the only one." I said tiredly. What I really wanted to do was go home, lay in a bubble bath, and put on my pjs watching reruns Friends.

"Wait? You have had to do everything for this party? No one else?" I nodded to all his questions confused by his tone. He seemed shocked and confused finding that out. Before I could ask him why he was so confused my phone rang loudly echoing through the hall.

"Hello?" I asked not glancing at the caller ID.

"Layla where are you? You need to get home so we can get ready!" Kacey's voiced through my phone.

"Kacey I'm still working. I wasn't even planning on wearing anything besides what I have on anyways." I replied closing my eyes and pinching the bridge of my nose.

"Oh hell no! You are dressing up whether you agree or not. I will knock you out if I have to." Kacey threatened.

I sighed. "I'm busy here Kay. Clark and I still have a lot to do." I said Clark's name to hopefully get her to know I'm serious but it had the opposite effect.

"Give Clark the phone."

My eyebrows rose but I handed Clark the phone. He sent me a questioning look but I just shrugged. Kacey knew Clark was Ashton's driver since I told her but I had no idea why she needed to speak to him. I watched his face closely and inched closer hoping to catch whatever she was telling him but Clark's face was emotionless and by time I got close enough he hung up the phone.

"Layla its best we get going. You need to get ready." Clark said.

"Wait what did Kacey tell you?" I asked as I followed behind him. I knew I had to follow because if I didn't she wouldn't hesitate to come all the way here to drag me to get ready.

"Let's just say I value certain parts of my body." He said and opened the car door for me. I choked on my laughter as I slide inside. Only Kacey would threaten someone like Clark to cut off his man parts. The drive to my apartment was quick and before I knew it I was being hauled inside my place by Kacey.

I stumbled against her and tried to find my footing by she dragged me all the way to my room.

"Shower and than come to my room." She said pushing through my bedroom door. "And throughly! No hair!" With that she left me to shower and headed back to do whatever she was doing while I showered.

As I quickly showered I did what she asked. I shaved my legs again though I already did 2 days ago, shaved my under arms, and made sure to wash my hair really good. After about 15 minutes, no joke- have you ever taken a shower in less than 5 minutes shaving you legs-yeah I didn't think so, I was out. Stepping out the warm shower I wrapped a towel around my body and brushed my wet hair. I pulled on a pair of panties before heading to Kacey's room. I didn't know what she had planned and I was sort of fearful. As soon as stepped into her room the doorbell rang.

"I got it." She said and brushed past me. Like I was going to open the door only wearing a towel. I sat on the edge of her bed and she came in a minute later followed by Neena.

"Hey Layla." Neena said and came to sit by me.

'Hey what are you doing here?" I asked.

"You don't want me here!? I get it, you don't love me." She said grabbing her chest and falling back on the bed. "You wound me." I chuckled at her and hit her with a small pillow I found behind me.

"She's here to get ready with us." Kacey said going through her over stuffed closet.

"Wait 'us'?"

"Seriously where have you been? I am going to be Neena's 'guest'. Like hell I'm going to let you guys go to this without me. Now Layla come here I need to start on your hair and make-up. Neena your next."

For the next hour or two all three of us got ready for gala tonight. With strict instructions to stay still I sat in front of her mirror for about 30 minutes, with my eyes closed I might add, while Kacey poked and prodded me. While I was getting worked on Neena was moving about the room as well. She took a shower in my room because she just came from work. Kacey made me not look at myself just yet while she did Neena's and her own make-up. I sat on the edge of her bed and talked and laughed with them. Who knew getting ready for a gala could be so much fun.

Once Neena was done she unzipped the bag she had her dress in. She pulled out a beautiful yellow dress that totally screamed her. It was one shouldered and had 3 stripes of silver sparkles. The top part was fitted but towards the bottom it flared out and would swished against her legs. The moment she put it on I looked her up and down.

"Not trying to sound gay here but you look absolutely stunning in that dress Neena!" The yellow made her skin look tan, and her blue eyes popped. Kacey had kept her make up minimum making her look natural and her eyes were done in a pretty smokey look that totally matched her. Neena's pixie cut hair was straightened and slightly curved in at the tips towards her face. All in all she almost made me turn gay for her.

"I know right." She said and grinned at us.

"Let me get my dress on now. Layla your last." Kacey said pulling a dark purple strapless lace dress. The moment I saw it I knew it was for Kacey. She slide it on and had Neena zip her up. It was mermaid styled where the top half was fitted and it flared out a little above the thighs. A black bow was around the waist and the lace decorated the entire thing. Kacey's make-up was a little more than Neena's but not by much; just more of a blush to her pale cheeks. Her eyeshadow was a mix of black and purple and when she blinked her lid was sprinkled with purple sparkles.

"Wow you look...amazing Kay!" Just sitting here was making me questions my sexuality. I knew whatever I wore these 2 girls would out shine me by a mile.

"Thank you! Now your turn. The moment I saw this dress I thought of you." Kacey reached into her closet and brought out a gorgeous bright red dress. My jaw dropped to the floor as I stood and touched it. It felt like fine silk and I almost didn't want to wear it in case I ruined it. With the help of Kacey I slide it on and looked in the mirror. Standing in front of me was a totally different person. The bright red dress was a great contrast between my tan skin. The dress was mermaid styled just like Kacey, the top was strapless and came in helping push my boobs up higher. The bottom was ruffled and trailed behind me. Kacey had my hair curled and pinned to the side so it was over my left shoulder. My make-up natural and my eyeshadow dark with a hint of red on the corners and when I blinked.

I couldn't believe that was me in the mirror. Gone was that awkward, chubby, shy girl; in her place stood a confident, radiant, and curvy girl. My eyes welled with tears but I quickly fanned them away before I could ruin my makeup.

"Now Layla you look stunning!" Neena and Kacey both said. I turned and crushed them both into a hug not caring about our dresses.

"Thank you guys so much."

"You are welcome! Now hush we have to get going!" Kacey said pulling away and grabbing her shoes. I glanced at the clock and my eyes widened. Wow it was 30 minutes to 7; it took us 3 hours to get ready! Grabbing my Louis Vuitton heels I slide them on. Kacey handed me a small silvery clutch to put my things in so I headed to my room and grabbed my phone, money- you never know-, and extra lipstick. As I headed towards the door I had to lift the bottom of my dress and followed the girls out the door.

As we headed to the gala for once in 2 weeks I forgot about Ashton and laughed with my friends in the backseat.

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Hi guys! Long chapter huh! Sorry but I had to cut this chapter into 2 because writing the gala part would make this unbearably long. So the next chapter will be all of the gala. Interesting things are about to happen and surprises will be seen!!

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and let me know what you think as always :)

Thank you guys so much for making this story ranked 235 in Romance! We are getting closer to number 1!!! Thanks for all the reads, votes, comments, and for adding my book into your reading lists :)

If any of you guys want to see what Neena and Kacey's dress looked like comment and I will try and post them in a blank chapter or something. Just let me know :) If not just google 'gorgeous dresses' and scroll until you find them. Neena's was three rows down and when clicked on the yellow dress 3rd over. And Kacey's was 8 rows down. :)

VOTE, COMMENT, and READ!!

<3

-Kendoll