"Jennie what do think of these designs for your second half of m/v shooting, I specially designed them according to your style and concept." Jennifer Christopher my client who is world known singer and actor currently appointed me to style and design clothes for her according to the concept. We have already done the first half of the shoot in Barcelona, Spain. Now we are in Lenno, Italy.
"Lina it's beautiful can I try all of it now??" "Sure, let's do an outfit check."
After one hour of the process and fit check, we packed our things and moved to another schedule. But before I could leave the room, she asked me to join for lunch with her and I couldn't refuse her.
"Boss" I turned my head to look what happened. Sarah Lee is my assistant and one of the trusted people I hired at the beginning of my career. With a medium body frame and tanned skin, unlike other Asians, with round glasses on her eyes running behind me with an iPad in her hands.
"What?" I asked looking at the expression of urgency on her face.
"Boss we must attend Mr Ricci's banquet by 7.30 pm and we have to leave the venue before 4 o'clock" I checked my schedule and nodded.
We went to the restaurant and discussed her upcoming schedule and everything in between. Jennie wants to collab with one of my photographer team for her upcoming Hollywood photoshoot.
After lunch, Jennie and I parted ways to different schedules. Sara and I went to my hotel room. my makeup artist already there to do my makeup since it was a professional banquet, I choose styled myself with one of my collections.
Finally, it's done my team is waiting for me at the outside door. I looked into the mirror. I wore a black square neck top where white crystal embraided around my upper chest line with black straight pants, to make it a little bit professional I styled it with a black suit and black crystal heels. My long wavy brown hair was tied low mermaid ponytail. Nude makeup, and a small star pendant on my neck. "Perfect."
Sarah exclaimed "Oh my god, you look gorgeous" "Boss believe me you gonna make people go crazy with your looks."
Sarah circled me like a lost puppy who just found her owner.
"let's go it is already past 5.30, we need to move to the venue." I turned to my closet and take out my white Chanel bag. I put all the necessary items which I needed to be there in the bag.
Sarah opened the car door "This car is much better than the previous one boss."
I replied to her with "Hmm". Miles Berg my bodyguard and his well-built tall body in a black fitted shirt and pants opened the door and get inside the car. He looked at me and exclaimed "Boss, why don't you date, I never saw you date anyone" I glared at him coldly.
"ha ha ha boss I'm joking by the way this time hotel provides Poche 911."
I didn't reply to him and looked outside the view. It's been 2 years since I haven't gone home. Back-to-back fashion events and multiple stores opening in Europe. somehow, I manage to fly to Italy for an M/V shoot. In the last 2 days and haven't decided on the location for my new flagship. I'm leaving next week for home; I need to buy gifts for them. Eirene and Kevin have an engagement at the end of January and I have 3 months to design her gown.
AH…..Eirene my best friend I had known for more than 10 years, now works for the government but when it comes to clothing, she needs someone to help her. After 10 years of being in a relationship with the same guy, they are ready to get married. I gonna super busy for the next few months.
"BOSS we are at the location." "Sarah, Mile be there with me and don't make any moves unless it needs." "YES, BOSS".
We directly went inside the venue MR. Ricci loves his wife and daughter today is their 05th marriage anniversary. The luxury Villa Del Balbianello has been decorated with lights and flowers, especially the lakeside decorates with small lilac lights tried around hydrangea flowers.
I stroll around the venue and meet a few business partners from previous deals and Luca Ricci is one of them. After 1 hour of back-to-back conversation, I finally came face-to-face with Luca.
"Congratulation, MR. Ricci for the upcoming deal and also for the 5th anniversary."
"Lina, you shouldn't have to be so formal with me I already said that you are my sister, and as for the deal thanks for your help we cracked the deal easily." I smiled at him and said nothing.
"Lina, it's been so many years, and you are still without a date. Do you mind if I introduce you to a nice man, don't give me that cold glare, beautiful, and talented you have millions of followers, half of the songs are produced by you, and you own a fashion line. A multi-millionaire and yet you won't have a date." Enough for today whenever I meet him, he starts ranting about me for a blind date and his wife yet to come. I need more champagne in my glass!!!
"Where is Ashley?" Luca chucked at me "You are good at diverting topics, as for your question she is with Ray. They will be here within 15 mins."
Ashley my cousin and meet Luca when she was with me in Edinburg. They fall in love and now they had a 2-year daughter Ray.
"By the way how Uncle and Aunty are?? Are you going back to India? And when?" I looked at him "Hmm after the shoot is over."
Luckily, Luca's assistant interrupts our conversation because some important guest is about to arrive at the venue, I don't want to be nagged by him "Excuse me, Luca I'm going outside."
"Lina, let me know if you need something, I will get back to you" I didn't say anything to him and gave him a simple nod.
Sarah and Miles tagged along with me. I needed some air after continuous energy-draining, so I went towards the lakeside because of the arrival of an important guest everyone went to show respect. There were only bodyguards standing corner of the lake as a protective measure.
There are wood benches for sitting arrangements. I turned around Miles and Sarah "You guys should go and eat something; I have no appetite for dinner so you guys should go"
"Boss, how could we leave you alone here." Sarah protected against the idea and Miles nodded his head with her. "don't worry I know how to protect myself and Luca's bodyguards already there." "Now, go."
"Boss how can you miss tasty food inside, Miles said they invited a famous Italian chef for every special dish." She looked at Miles then he gave puppy eyes. Sometimes I doubt myself how I hired them as my assistant and bodyguard are too childish.
"you guys should go; I need some alone time." "No boss". I gave them a death glare.
"DO YOU GUYS WANT TO SPEND 2 MONTHS WITHOUT A PAYCHECK?" After a few minutes of silence. Sarah and Miles came to a mutual agreement that they would be back within 15 minutes.
I sat on a wooden bench and admired the view. It feels nice, I started saving my phone and connecting with my air pods. I took a few pictures of the garden, lights, and lake to post on my Instagram.
"I should start writing new lyrics, and now the atmosphere is also good." After 5 minutes I was done with my lyrics. Suddenly, I feel like a soft and furry thing touched my ankle. I looked down to check what was.
"Hmm? Puppy? What are you doing here?" "EL you should be with Ray right now, are you lost while playing with her?"
Soft white small puddle Luca's daughter's dog. Last year I gave her a birthday present. Ray loves EL took everywhere she goes.
"Let's go, she must be worrying for you." I pick him up and walk toward the villa. I texted them to stay in the venue. I will be there in a few minutes.
"Ray must be around the venue if you are here."
"Woof, woof" "You must be hungry" I rubbed through furry hairs.
After strolling around for five minutes, I finally found Ray. She stood beside Luca and Asley and her eyes are looking for something. When she saw EL in my hands, she ran towards me with her small tiny legs.
"EL, where were you, I looked everywhere. Bodyguard uncle said you are not here." I gave EL to her and then pick her up.
"You shouldn't run away from your mom and dad, there are lots of people, what if you lost in a way?"
"Then Aunty will find me like you found EL, I missed you Aunty, and thank you." She kissed my chicks. Her cute and childish was enough to make love to her.
I walk towards Luca and Ashley and give Ray to them. Ashley hugged me and smiled at me "Lina darling I was looking for you, your assistant said you are at the lakeside."
I smile at her "I was there but EL found me. She must be worried about EL."
Luca interrupted us "Lina, I want you to meet someone." My first thoughts were no not again"
I looked at a man standing beside Luca. He is about 190cm tall handsome mixed-Italian man, who is probably in his early 30's. his ink black hair, sharp jaws, perfect nose, and hazel green eyes looked at me like he found something in me. My eyes run to his perfectly tailored white shirt, black pants, and black suit with a long trench coat. He knows his style.
"Lina here, Christian Romano" Luca slowly whispered in my ear "He has a real estate business you can contact him for good property in Europe."
"Christian this Lina Ray, and my soul sister" then he slowly whispers in his ear. When he smiled a small dimple appeared on his cheeks. I heard a deep voice "Nice to meet you, Miss Lina"
I replied to him with politeness "Nice to meet you, Mr Romano". Luca looked at us "Christian, Lina I have to meet Mr Larsen you guys continue." He ran away after setting up with some unknown person. Let's professionally deal with this and end small talk as soon as possible.
I looked at him "Mr. Romano, actually I'm looking for good property in Italy and Luca said you can suggest me some, here's my business card my assistant will contact your office. Thank you and good night." He took my card and replied with a dimpled smile "Good night, Lina."
It was already past nine and I didn't want to stay in the venue after wove my eyes around the venue. I found Ashley, Luca, Sarah, and Miles sitting in front of the round table and laughing. They saw me when I reached there, all of them looking at me with their questioning gaze.
Luca stood up and asked me directly "Lina how is he, isn't he good?" I clenched my jaw and looked coldly at them "I'm NOT INTERESTED IN DATING ANYONE."
they I reached my breaking point, "It's already late, I have a shoot in the morning. I need to go. I brought some gifts for Ray they will reach your home by tomorrow morning."
"Goodnight and let me know when you find the right location."
I turned around to leave the venue, and all of a sudden, I found myself practically colliding with someone when I looked up only to find, it's none other than the infamous, Christian.
My eyes lost track of those hazel green eyes. I immediately tried to maintain the intimate distance between us but I lost my balance. he pulled me into his arms. I can feel his warm hands wrapped around my waist. His expensive cologne and minted smell.
my heart pounded heart so fast. The close intimacy between us made me nervous. I pushed him and straightened up.
"Thank you, Mr. Romana"
When I looked at the people around us, there was an awkward silence on their faces and I didn't want to talk with anyone. I saw Sarah holding her phone and typing so fast I'm sure she was clicking my picture to send Eirene. By now it should have been sent to her.
I looked at Luca and Ashley who were smiling like a fool. Miles stood in front of me "Boss are you ok" I replied coolly "I'm ok, have you called the chauffeur?" he replied, "Yes, he waiting outside for us."
I walked outside the venue. Sarah and Miles didn't open their mouth after reaching the hotel We separately get into our room. The moment I got inside the room I threw my clothes into the laundry bucket and went for a hot shower.
I am already tired enough.
I throw myself on the bed, I tried to close my eyes but my head keep repeating those scenarios ahh it's so embarrassing, why my heart was beating so fast, sleep Lina we have shooting in the morning, you need beauty sleep, and you are not going to meet him again.
I took a long sigh and repeated words to myself "Good night, Lina, enough for today." I turned around to off my lights but my phone screen lit up. Somehow, I know who it should be but I didn't want to check my notification.
After a few minutes, my phone started ringing continuously "Ahh ok fine, what if it was important" I turned around to the corner and picked up my phone. At this moment I knew who is calling me right now.
"Lina, what are you doing don't you think we should gossip about something? I know you are awake" My eyes were still closed and I know her curiosity when it comes to life is on another level.
"I don't know what are you talking about, I have nothing to discuss. Tomorrow, I have a shoot" Eirene snapped back "Aye!! I saw the picture, tell me who is he. What is his name and how much progress did you make till now"
I left a long sigh and cooly said "His name is Christian Romano; he is a businessman. That's all and we are not dating." There was no reply from another side I open my eyes to check if my call got disconnected,
"Rene?? Are you there???" she replied this time "OH, I mistakenly put my call on mute, by the way, do you know what's his Instagram profile, I can say he is handsome."
"Rene!! I don't know and I need sleep"
"Oh, ok go and sleep, I have my source to collect his information." And I know her source of collecting information; now she will probably call Sarah.
"Good night, Rene." I cut the call.
I phone bling text notification showed up this time Ruan sent a group text. "9889" then another text popped up "Villa Bianca, 11.00 am" I didn't reply to him.
I sent a text to Luca "Two cars and send Veronica to take place as my assistant, tomorrow morning at 9.30, Villa Olmo, room no 1404" he replied instantly with ok emoji.
I put back my phone and closed my eyes. "Tomorrow going to be a long day."