Too Late for Regret novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Analise’s POV

My hair received a balayage technique, and I also had a manicure. They worked in tandem, working on opposite sides of me. The beautician on one side, and the manicurist on the other. I usually get pinks and mauves. My mother always told me to pick demure colors. Today, I had my nails painted a bold red. My fingers looked stunning with my new glossy red nails. I admit, I loved how they looked.

My hairstylist told me that since I wasn’t much for upkeep, balayage was the best option for me. I wouldn’t need to touch it up as much, and it looked more natural. She assured me that it wouldn’t be as in–your–face as other options. That it would give me a sun–kissed look, which I thought would be nice. She knew I didn’t want to be blonde, but I wouldn’t mind some lighter shades to add some depth. She was happy to help.

I had told them that I would defer to them about my haircut. They asked if I wanted bangs, but I didn’t. They usually got in the way when I was designing. I didn’t mind a middle or side part, but I preferred to be able to pull my hair up out of my face. I usually went to work with a bun. I can’t remember the last time I had my hair down at work. They decided that long layers would be the best solution for me, and I would still be able to put it up without any issues. They agreed to just cut off about eight inches. They wanted it to still be long enough for me to wear it down or in a high ponytail.

I let them do as they wished. I answered a few emails and then turned my phone back off. I wouldn’t put it past Seth to try to track my phone to find me, and I’m not going to let him ruin my day again. When they finally turned me around to face the mirror, I was stunned. My face looked slimmer with my hair curled. It looked shiny and full, with some of the weight removed from it. The colors were subtle, as if I was born with them, and I have to admit I loved it. With each step I took, I felt better about myself than I had for a long time.

“What do you think?” she asked.

“I’ve never felt more beautiful than I do right now,” I honestly replied. I took a picture of the wand she used, and she told me where to grab one. I was never going to flat–iron my hair again. She told me to come back and handed me her card. I was genuinely surprised by the attention I was receiving. My confidence was growing. I felt so cute after getting my hair done that I had a smile on my face. Several men had tried to stop to speak, but I just smiled at them and continued on. I was doing this for me, not them. However, I must

admit that the ego boost was quite nice.

I stopped by a lingerie store. I had some fairly new pieces that I bought two months ago, but I needed something else. I picked out three new sets: a nude set, a black set, and I pale pink set. Some of my

y newer

outfits had a deeper plunge to the neckline that I needed to account for. I made a mental note to return soon with Gwen and Emily. I’m about to have a lot more time on my hands, and seeing all these cute sets is giving

me ideas for a new intimate line. One that was more inclusive of plus–sized women.

My last stop was to a bedding store where I found a comforter set that would work for me, which included a

sheet set and pillowcase. I headed to a laundromat next. I needed to wash the comforter set and my new underwear sets. I was wearing one of my new outfits to work tomorrow.

16

Escaping my Cocean

I had bought a bag to wash my bras in, and had washed them together along with my sheets. I didn’t have

time to wash them separately. I washed the comforter inside another washer. It was a ghost town at the laundromat. I started to make additional plans for tomorrow. I had a lot going on, and I didn’t want to miss a step. I walked next door to buy a laundry basket and a charger after putting my laundry into the dryer. I’d left my charger at my condo, in my rush to pack.

This day had started off badly. Seeing how badly Roger betrayed me in the early morning hours. Discovering that our name meant more to my family than it did to me was a tough realization. However, as the day progressed, it had improved significantly. I’m not asking permission anymore. I deserve to live my own life how I want to, and not have to do what my family wants me to do.

I had picked up a notebook, colored pencils, and a sharpener, I was making sketches while I waited for my clothes to dry. I’ve decided to create a specialty line for all sizes. I’m still considered to be plus–sized at a size fourteen, but I love my curves. The right man for me will love them too. I felt pretty for the first time in a long time. I want to ride out this feeling for as long as I can.

I will discuss it with Gwen tomorrow. She was getting the jewelry copyrighted first. We had already decided which of the three sets I had designed to send for production. This set was a full set: necklace, earrings, and ring The other two sets were necklace and earring sets. I loved this particular set and had wanted one of them for myself. The one I was going to make had a delicate opal as the center stone, but it was highly customizable. You choose your favorite stone, or your birthstone, for it. You can also customize the length of the necklace to whichever length you like.

The delicate base flowed around the stone. It created a timeless and elegant look that was soothing. The ring was a smaller version of the necklace. The earrings dropped about two inches, with the same design and stone at the bottom, but in a smaller size. They would catch the light as you moved. It was a beautiful set, all done in either white or yellow gold. Everyone has a preference for what they like best, and I wanted to

cater to their preferences.

The dryer sounded, and I put everything in the bottom of my laundry basket. I didn’t really fold anything, as I could tell they wanted me to leave; it was almost closing now anyway. I put the basket in my passenger seat and headed to pick up my dinner, before heading to Fashion Forward. I’m always proud of my company and what I’ve achieved. I built this. This was mine, and mine alone. No one could take it away from me.

I pulled up to the gate, and the guard did a double take. Thankfully, it was the same guard as earlier. He came out and said, “Nice ride. I need to take another picture, Ms. Wade. With your new haircut, you look completely different.” I smiled for this picture, and he made sure to step back and get a picture of the car too.

I smiled even bigger, and he said, “So they know what you drive. Have a good night Ms. Wade.”

It also seems like Seth is fine with forcing me into doing this. Well, if he wants to do this, to save our reputation. How come he’s a notorious Playboy? Doesn’t that affect how we are viewed, too? I mean, it

should. I have gone this whole time with no scandals or issues. Seth, on the other hand, has been embroiled in several scandals over the last five years. Two pregnancy scares. Exposes with several unflattering pictures of him entering and exiting hotels, but not with his current girlfriend. He paid to have the trends removed, but the damage was done.

I just worked. I didn’t cause any issues and kept a low profile. I was a homebody, and I spent most of my

downtime designing. I had two companies to keep afloat, and I didn’t have time for much else. It was a double standard. It took two trips, but I finally got everything into my office. Gwen had given me my own security code to enter and exit the company. I set it as something that no one else would ever be able to figure out. I was towards the back of the main offices, as I liked my privacy. This area was separate from the

This area was before you arrived at the main entrance. All one story, and connected to the main building by a long hallway. There were windows all the way down the hallway, with some nice landscaping between the building and the parking lot. There was a sand garden on the other side. It included rocks, and trees, and the raked sand made it a tranquil space. Few people knew about it, as it was located in an area with limited foot traffic. It lead to all the main offices, and finance. There was an emergency exit just down the hallway from

I was glad my parents had given me input while I was building the company. They told me to have a bathroom off my office and to have a shower installed as well. I knew I needed the toilet and sink, but having

the shower in there had been a game–changer. I ate my dinner at my desk while I made a few new designs on my tablet. My mind was full of ideas. I finally saved my work and made the bed. I made a mental note to get some pajamas tomorrow and hit the laundromat again, or Gwen’s house.

I slept in my clothes today. I set up my hygiene items in the bathroom to be ready for tomorrow. I set out my clothes for tomorrow, and I will shower in the morning. I grabbed a piece of paper and listed everything I

needed to do tomorrow.

Go to the bank and get a cashier’s check.

Meet Christine at the villa to let her take pictures and give her both sets of keys.

Have Roger/Sasha’s items packed up. Have them delivered to the office later on this week. Donate my

old clothes.

Take cashier’s check to the dealership.

Call insurance and cancel the old car, and have the new car added.

Order new towels, pajamas, and that curling iron online.

Buy some new makeup.

Go to work, but don’t correct my team’s errors, and call my Broker to sell my shares.

Tomorrow is going to be a really busy day for me, but I can’t wait to start the day. Last night, when I went to sleep, I felt like my life was over. Tonight, I went to sleep with a smile on my face, anticipating putting my plan into action.