Lucien P.O.V
I can't believe it. I fucking kissed Alessandro Greco. Technically, it is a kiss on the cheek but HOW DID I LET MYSELF GET SWEPT AWAY BY MY FEELINGS FOR HIM ?! I screamed mentally in embarrassment in my head while maintaining a cool facade. I reached my brother to see a soft smile on his face. He looked really happy. Even more happier than he was in my previous life. Speaking for which, something about the Greco brothers puzzled me. They seemed aware about me and Elijah. I tried to think how they know about us when someone tapped my shoulder. I turned around to see a man with red hair and grey eyes along with fair skin and standing at 5'9. I recognised him instantly.
This is Hayden Savio, Alessandro's manager. He is a 4th tier agent and very skilled at his work. In fact, the agency that Alessandro signed up with is quite impressive. Luce Stellare Celeste Entertainment is one of the best entertainment companies in City Daire and is top notch. The competition is intense when a person wishes to apply. Graham Dane and Rui Lin Zwei were also signed on by the company. I smiled and greeted Hayden. "Good evening, may I help you ?" I asked politely.Hayden smiled and thrust his hand out and shook mine. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Fabbri. I am Hayden Savio, a manager of Luce Stellare Celeste Entertainment. I would like to invite you for our model auditions which we will be hosting tomorrow. Please do report by 9:00 am. This is my business card." he said while handing me a black card with shooting stars and the name of the company in gold with his contact details.
I accepted it. "I thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Savio. I will see you at tomorrow at the auditions." I said controlling the excitement in my voice at receiving such an opportunity. Mr. Savio looked at me with respect and approval in his eyes. "I look forward to seeing your walk." he said and turned around. I let out a deep breath (which I didn't realise I had been holding it in) and turned around to see both Elijah and Clive beaming at me with pride and joy. Elijah pulled me into a one armed hug and whispered in my ear "I am so proud of you. I will be rooting for you." Warmth filled me up at his encouragement. Clive squeezed my shoulder and I knew that he was happy but will talk to me later he indicated. I was about to talk when I heard a voice call out to me.
I looked around to see a face I didn't expect to see. It was Dean Sam Caracas of the Estrela Art Institute. I immediately stood straight and greeted him. "Good evening, Dean. It is an honour to see you again. This is my brother Elijah Fabbri and my friend Clive Sanchez." I also introduced them to the Dean as the years of etiquette rules were drilled in me that it was second nature to me. They shook hands and made small talk when the Dean suddenly asked "CEO Fabbri, may I borrow your brother for a few minutes ? I would like to speak to him alone." he requested which baffled me.
Elijah smiled and nodded. I followed the Dean to the balcony. We stood there for a few minutes. It felt like the Dean was steeling himself for the conversation. I took a deep breath to calm the nervousness that was threatening to overwhelm me. He turned around and spoke. "I saw your painting that you did in the first round. It was so beautiful and expressive. I could feel the sadness and despair in the drawing. It choke me up." he said with a tinge of sadness. I walked up to the Dean and held his hand in comfort.
He smiled at the gesture and continued on. "I thought that this kid was very good with his basics and very talented in expressing emotions that would choke the audience. Your interview was also the same. All of us were impressed which is why I have come with an offer." I held my breath nervously. He smiled and patted my hand. "Lucien Fabbri, instead of wasting 4 years in classes will you be my apprentice and learn from the real world experiences that shape your perspective and form your art ?" he asked, eyes glittering with mirth and seriousness.
I was floored. I knew that my skills would be able to place in the Department and Institute but Apprentice !!!!! I couldn't believe it ! My mind began to run a hundred miles at the thought of being the Dean's apprentice and the power he holds but I felt hesitant as I knew that my shameless 'parents' will try and destroy it. I was lost until the Dean patted my head distracting me from my spiral of negative thoughts. He looked at me with resolution in his eyes and a wicked smirk in his eyes that sent chills downs my spine. "Your shameless aunt and uncle will not be able to do anything to it since I hold enough power in high society to stop them. So don't worry about it." he said with confidence. In that moment, I knew that the Dean will be one of the people I will forever trust with my everything. I took a deep breath and faced the Dean squarely. "I will accept the honour of being your apprentice, Teacher Caracas. Please take care of me." I said bowing.
The dean shot me a smile and then suddenly cackled which made me feel spooked. "Yes !!!! I can't wait to rub it in the old man's face. Humph ! He was so sure that you would reject me for classroom teaching. Heh heh heh heh heh hehe !!!!" he cackled like the cat that got the cream. It was a little disconcerting. However, anticipation filled me up with at the thought of being an apprentice. "Teacher, I will come and pour tea for you soon." I promised. The Dean smiled. 'I know you will. You go and slay the audition. I know that you will do well. After all you take after your mother." I nodded when I realised that I misheard something. He called Leo and Ilya as my shameless aunt and uncle earlier and he just mentioned that i will take after my mother.
Shock filled me up. I turned to look at him with wide eyes. The Dean had a look that told me that he got the reaction he was looking for. " Oh sweetheart, I recognised you the minute I saw your photo on your application. The suspicion got confirmed when I saw Elijah today. I knew that you are Andre and Ciana's missing children. In fact, it is not just them who are looking for you. Not everyone knows except for the apprentices and me since I am very close to the Agosti-Fabbri Family but I shall tell you in order for both of you to be prepared. You have an older brother."
My mind shattered and all I felt was shock. Elijah and I have an older brother. Tentative hope fille me up and I looked at the Dean, urging him to continue. The Dean understood and continued. "He is the head of two well known makeup companies - Luminosi Cosmetici and La Moda Della Casa Del Paradiso. He founded it when he was 16 with the hope to find you." The names sounded familiar until it hit me.
Amerigo Fabbri-Agosti, the ruthless tyrant of the Italian business circle. Oh boy, looks like our family just got bigger. I can't wait to tell Elijah about this. The Dean patted me as a comforting gesture which I accepted. We got up and then walked away. I went back to Elijah and Clive who looked a little worried at me being gone in a long time. I smiled to reassure them. "We should leave. Eli, we need to talk. Clive and Decker need to be there for this." I said. Elijah studied me carefully. He saw whatever he was looking for and nodded. He asked Clive softly for which he nodded. We said good bye to the host and left.
I am ready to fight. It's time to fight back.