[Chapter 21]
Natalie leaned forward and propped her chin on one hand, bracing herself for a long list of demands.
It didn't take long for the client to write back.
"I have seen the designs you posted on the website.They are very good.You may have free rein in designing my suit.I will provide you with the necessary feedback once you have given me your first draft."
Natalie wasted no time and began drawing a prototype according to the client's measurements.
Meanwhile, the company had recently asked them for tentative designs meant for a regular, pre-selection process.
That meant that none of her work would go to waste in the end.
Apart for a few hours' sleep, Natalie spent all of her time poring over her digital panels.
Three days later, she was finally able to send a final design to the client.
The bespoke ensemble comprised of a double-breasted, gray jacket with matching trousers, an immaculate white dress shirt, and a skinny black tie.
A silver tie clip completed the outfit.
Over the course of her work, Natalie had presumed that this client must be young, probably around her age or so.
After all, her designs did not appeal to the more mature demographics, but young professionals who liked to look smart and fashionable at the same time.
She was also expecting a complete overhaul.
In this field, the first drafts almost always needed revisions.
If the client was willing to pay such an exorbitant amount of money, and for a rookie's design, no less, then the preliminary rejection was inevitable.
And so, Natalie was utterly surprised when the client instantly approved of her design.
"This is brilliant!"
"Do you need me to polish anything?"
Natalie typed with some trepidation.
Despite her good fortune, she was feeling a little guilty about how smooth the transaction was going.It shouldn't be this easy to earn twenty thousand dollars, should it?
"Not for the time being.I will contact you if there's anything I want to change in the future.Don't worry, this price is reasonable enough.I'm paying for the uniqueness and originality of your design."
It seemed that the client had seen through Natalie's nervousness, hence his words of reassurance.She was about to type her thanks when a payment notification popped up on her dashboard.
The client had confirmed their business deal on the website and wired the money to her account.
Natalie clutched her laptop in both hands and stared at the figure displayed on her screen.
She felt immensely proud and gratified, and it showed in the twinkle of her eyes.
Another message popped up from the client.
"If you're interested, we can talk about a long-term collaboration."
Really? Natalie pictured fireworks going off in the background.
"Of course!"she typed hurriedly.
"I am.I have plenty of time!"
The man then gave her several more orders, all with some minor instructions.
He seemed to be very fond of suits, though he wasn't in any hurry to have them made.
He advised Natalie to take her time with her designs, and even reminded her to take a break every now and then "Oh, my God, Natalie! You just made a fortune!"
Overjoyed, Natalie got to her feet and bounced on her bed like a little kid.
All at once, there was an urgent knocking at her bedroom door.
Sebastian had probably heard her squeal just now.
He entered the room without waiting for her to ask what he wanted.
"Did something happen?"he asked, frowning.
"Sebastian! We finally have money!"Natalie exclaimed as she resumed her festive bouncing.
Her long hair danced around her flushed cheeks, and her eyes were clear and bright.
The next thing they knew, she had jumped off the bed and was throwing herself in Sebastian's arms.
He instinctively reached out to catch her.
After making sure that she was all right, he promptly froze on the spot.
Natalie was still so engrossed in her recent milestone to notice anything amiss.She pulled back and grinned at him.
"Do you know what it means?"
"What?"
Sebastian's smile was tender, not that he was aware of it.His smile caught her attention, and this time, she was the one who froze.
Only then did she realize what she had done.
Natalie abruptly pushed against Sebastian's chest and took a couple of steps back.
Her face turned red with embarrassment even as she averted her eyes and tidied her messy hair.
"I didn't mean anything by… Well, I was just so happy that I lost sense of what I was doing.I'm sorry."
After saying that, Natalie cleared her throat and changed the subject as if nothing significant had happened.
"Why did you come, by the way?"
"Ah, I heard you yelling and thought something bad happened."
Sebastian bit his lower lip and put his hands into his trouser pockets.
Traces of their brief embrace still lingered in his person-the warmth of her chest, the scent of her hair… If he could, he would have held Natalie in his arms and laid in bed all day.
"Did I disturb you? I'll try to keep my voice down."
Startled, Natalie clamped her mouth with her hand and looked at him apologetically.
Sebastian shook his head and walked to her bed.Then, he slumped onto it and inhaled her sweet fragrance.
Propping his head on his arm, Sebastian closed his eyes.
"What happened? Why are you so happy?" he asked casually "Don't lie on my bed, Sebastian."
Natalie's cheeks puffed as she tried to pull his arm. He was tall and heavy.
Finally, she gave up and sat on the chair beside the desk.
"I met a wealthy and generous client who asked me to design for him.I just submitted my draft and got paid."
Sebastian opened his eyes and saw Natalie grinning with joy.
"Then, you don't have to go for the drug trial.That's good." Natalie smiled.
She rested her chin on the palm of her hand and poked the lamp on the desk with one finger.Why don't you ask me how much I've earned?
"It's all your money and is none of my business.I only wish for you not to go for the drug trial."
Sebastian smiled at her.
Natalie didn't expect him to care so much about her.
A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she leaned on the desk.
The next day, after work, Natalie went to the hospital to pay Hannah's medical fee.
She still had three thousand dollars left in her bank account even after that.
When she got home, Natalie wondered if she could take Sebastian out for dinner.She would still earn in the future.
Moreover, she would get her salary in two weeks.
"Sebastian, let's go out for dinner tonight.It's my treat! I'm going to buy you a big sumptuous meal,"Natalie said, raising her wallet.
She looked like she had just won the lottery.
Sebastian was lying on the sofa.He looked at her tattered wallet and stood up.
"Okay, I know a nice place."
When they arrived at the door of a magnificent restaurant, Natalie stiffened.
She pursed her lips and pulled Sebastian's arm, who was just about to enter the restaurant.
Her eyes widened in horror.