All thoughts in italics, the mistakes are all my own.
Enjoy
…...
"What the actual fuck was that bitch on?! Who gave her permission to give judgements on me like that? How can one person be so self-aware! Ugh one of the many reasons I left the States in the first-place self-important woman from rich families who don't have a clue about the world away from money!"
Emma's thought ran wild she could feel eyes on her from the rest of the carriage on the central line she looked at her balled up fists and angry reflection in the window behind an old lady happily in her own world.
"Trust me Petal if he cheated he's not worth it"
Emma blushed finally coming out of her internal rant. "How does she get under my skin so easily?!"
"Oh urh.. Thanks"
Emma gave her an almost genuine smile it was one of the things she loved about London. The people said what they thought and would happily tell you what they were thinking but it was the kindness of strangers that enthralled her.
The rest of her journey back to her apartment in Canary Wharf gave Emma time to ponder the events of the day she knew couldn't let Regina Mills get to her it. Simply it could not happen.
…...
"I should be in bed all curled up dreaming of hot girls and yet here 4am I'm awake and getting ready for this photoshoot"
Throwing the covers back and getting ready. Emma sighed the sky was still dark the new day still hadn't started but instead of sleeping she was carrying the camera equipment and other bags that felt heavy, she often wondered if Mr Gold had put weights in the bags just to piss her off, it wouldn't surprise her. It was the sort of thing he liked to than to inflict pain or embarrassment on others just to gain control over them. It was all a sick game with him but if she was an ahead of his game she would be fine.
"Nolan you're here! Get cracking already you've got money to make me before the gin runs out"
"what an asshole" Emma pondered
Mr Gold continued to stagger around the set as he began shouting at the crew throwing his weight around as he usually did. All the crew began to dread him choosing them as his next victim he was known for making at least one person cry in a shoot, so naturally everyone avoided him like the plague.
It was at that point Emma noticed Henry being screamed at to help her with all her bags
"Thank you Henry just ignore him if he gets wind that it's got to you he'll never let it go"
What people didn't know about Gold was he did as little as possible and took all the credit. Sometimes he would still be drunk at shoots yet no one could or would say a word or dared to his reputation made him famous as a young man but as he had aged his talent went to his head. The ideas began to dry up so he would use assistants with talent to feed the brand Gold.
"That could possibly be the fourth Martini he's had since he turned up at 3.30" Henry whispered to Emma as she began taking light readings.
"Just keep him away from the models and me Henry and we will sail through this"
Emma motioned for all the crew to come over to her. She had been his assistant for over a year his longest to date, this had been noticed by the crew they regularly used who respected her and would go out of their way to make sure she had everything she needed.
"Morning everyone I am Emma Nolan Mr Golds deputy I will be getting started in 3 minutes so toilet breaks last amendments need to be done. Get your motion sickness pills down your necks. I will not be run behind nor will I have any diva shit If you don't like it the door is over there you know where it is. As you can see Mr Gold will be over seeing from outside so I'm in charge. I'm asking you to respect that and I will respect you by taking stunning photographs of you that will have you captured in a perfect moment for the rest of your lives. Simple really"
Causing a few chuckles as they glanced at the past out man trying snoring.
The shoot went smoothly only a few random out bursts from a half-asleep Mr Gold and one model who was always a problem for Emma, Erin Dempsey she was a pain in the ass. Ever since Emma had politely turned her down but Erin wouldn't take no for an answer every time Emma turned her down it made it worse.
"Emma when are we going for dinner you said you would think about it"
Erin ran her hand down Emma's arm causing her to cringe and pack her stuff up faster.
"I'm still thinking. I just have things I need to be doing. Like now and away from you"
Leaving Henry to deal with Erin and her demands.
…...
10am creeped around and Emma was on the second event of the day breakfast with her parents at the Shard. Having changed into smarter attire ready for round two with Queen Evil Cupcake herself.
Emma sat at the table waiting taking in the view of the city she now called home in the rays of sunshine piercing through the clouds illuminating sections of the city. She knew she looked the part today this was her armour her tight jeans white shirt and suit jacket with her Tom Ford designer glasses she looked the shit and she knew it by the glances coming her way.
The Nolan's turned up along with Regina in a white designer shirt and jacket, her skirt was like a second skirt accompanied by Christian Louboutin heels and large Dior glasses she looked good. Her eyes were fixed on Emma; she was drinking in the blonde's appearance and how free she looked. She watched Emma who was taking pictures adding them to Instagram her face full of concentration and amusement totally in her own little bubble it was refreshing.
"What a transformation" Regina pondered taking Emma's appearance in before she was a beauty and this for some reason had taken her by surprise and made her wonder about her previous misconceptions about her. Regina shook this thought off no way was it going to let this distract her from the task at hand.
They all talked over the beauty breakfast that had been prepared for them Emma was getting irritated by the brunette's chocolate orbs on her it was distracting her not to mention irritating.
"Ems were going to be hosting a charity Masquerade ball here at the Shard in two weeks' time I want you and Ruby to be present also you Regina I know your family will be flying in for this so will be a big deal for us as a company. Emma cheeky ask I know but do you think you could donate some of your photographs? And get hold of Emma Swan to donate some art maybe? I know you know her so that would be great if either of you can bring something to the table I know Ruby's got some pieces from the gallery"
David was trying to be tactful of asking his daughter.
"So you actually know Emma Swan?" Regina's voice was high rather than its smoky low tone causing her to flush pink as she gained her ice queen composure.
Emma huffed as her face was no longer a happy one
"I do, but that's private knowledge that needs to stay that way seeing as this identity hunt is on. I don't need the hassle that's what your delightful Mr Gold is for."
"Do you think per chance you would ever consider"
"Did you just hear what I said?! No way!"
Emma snapped quickly she couldn't hide her emotions it was crystal clear she was angry.
"That's not what I was going to ask Miss Nolan. Before you rudely jumped the gun as per normal, I was going to ask you if I could come to one of your shoots. But if you're going to bite my head off maybe I will reconsider. I would like to see Mr Gold in action"
Regina had that shit eating smirk on her face again, whilst the Nolan seniors were talking between themselves quietly. Her mother gave Emma the look, the say sorry look.
"Oh.. Urhm sorry. Sure, if mom and dad are ok with it? As for meeting Mr Gold, I would say that is one I wouldn't put on anyone he kind of breaks the illusion. Let's just say he's not the man people think he is"
"Miss Nolan I thought you knew Mr Gold is my God father"
"Well aren't you lucky" Emma shot back sipping her coffee.
Mary Margaret clapped her hands together rather enthusiastically happy with this idea.
"Regina that would be great I think this would give you a far better comprehension on what we are trying to do for Nolan Corp"
"If you think so Mrs Nolan then I would love to see what's going on the creative side of Nolan Corp"
"Again no more Mrs Nolan its Mary Margaret and David"
Emma was pretty bored of the conversation going on and began playing with her glasses it was going to be fun, fun Fun.
"Miss Mills docklands at 8am sharp tomorrow. I'll pass on the details later also keep the Loubos at home you'll need flat silent shoes as I'm sure you're aware Mr Gold hates the noise"
"I'll be there Miss Nolan" with that Regina walked away from the table swinging her hips for all to see.
…...
True to her word 8am came around sharp Regina she was greeted by a door bouncer who signed her in and walked her up to an old warehouse the heat hit Regina like a wave.
She took in her surroundings it was lit by huge neon pole lamps and fans with a beautiful vintage chaise long sofa on a black reflective floor. It had a stud wall with gold and duck egg blue Edwardian wallpaper that shone under the lights. It was an understatement that she was impressed by the detail. The whole aesthetic was beautiful and complex the lights giving an eerie light.
Emma came out dressed all in black with a black workout shirt on. She was holding a camera and pointing to giant flash boxes. A red headed model came out in a strapless tight blue latex dress, a choker around her neck and her makeup was over the top in a bright green it made her blue eye stand out like ice.
"Miss Mills you made it I see and in low shoes now that is a sight to behold" Emma teased as she set her camera up on its tripod.
"I aim to please, Is this under my godfather's instructions?"
The whole room went silent at the mention of Mr Gold and all were looking at Regina with rather angry looking faces.
"What did I say?" She asked brushing her hair out of her face with a forced fake smile.
"I don't know who you are lady but Christ that's insulting to Emma she did all this while that jack ass sits in his offices. This is Emma's shoot in her name her money nothing to do with that weasel man" Killian spoke up this seemed to shock Regina slightly who was looking more and more awkward.
"It's ok Killian, Regina didn't know about Mr Gold I was about to tell her. Regina this all my doing my time, my money for the show for my parent's charity fund raiser. This is Erin Dempsey she's currently Diors it girl"
Erin was staring at Regina directly in the eyes not breaking eye contact, they shook hands Regina looked surprised as Erin squeezed.
"It's nice to meet you dear" Regina was trying not to react to the striking woman's strong grip on her hand
"We'll aren't you a true beauty. Emma didn't tell me about you, probably for good reason. I get what I want apart from Emma she won't play ball. Are you gay?" Erin was blunt and to the point.
"That's none of your business Miss Dempsey. As for Emma I believe you may not be her type"
With that Regina was taken to Mr Golds office and the door shut behind them. Emma was trying not to laugh at Erin.
"Who the fuck is she?"
"That's Cora Mill's daughter, as in Mr Golds goddaughter. She's working with my parents at the moment plus super clever plus annoying and used to be super fat"
With that Emma continued with her shoot.
…...
"I wondered when you would turn up" Gold sat at his desk.
"You and mother want this job done. I'm the best to do it" Regina faced the away from her uncle she was watching Emma as she lead her shoot. She had no idea how hard the blonde worked. By the state of her godfathers office it was obvious he had been washed out a long time.
"Of course you're a Mills that's what you do. I need to warn you it won't be an easy task Miss Nolan isn't easy to crack believe me. I've enjoyed pushing her to her limits."
She could sense his delight in this the whole thing was fucked up she was up to her neck in it and desperate for a way out. This was the game she had to play to get out of this nightmare..
