"What is the meaning of this, Moranno?" A man in his late 30s stood up abruptly, his face etched with disbelief as he stared at Ken.
"Mr. Cooper, I have eyes and ears everywhere," Ken responded, his voice firm but calm. "Don't play dumb with me. Don't make me call security on you. I believe you know better than to leave quietly and not make a scene."
Ken's eyes bore into Mr. Cooper, his gaze unwavering. The room fell silent, with everyone staring at the two men like they were actors in a play. Their faces reflected confusion, but no one dared question Ken's authority.
Mr. Cooper, however, seethed with rage, his fists clenched as he glared at Ken. "Go to hell, Moranno," he spat, storming towards the door.
Ken chuckled, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Too bad I've already been there yesterday. Seems like I'll be going there today again. At this rate, I might just live there."
Mr. Cooper slammed the door behind him, leaving the room in stunned silence. My eyes grew wide as I stared at Ken, my mind reeling with shock. He remembers yesterday! He knew I was the girl from last night! He had played me all along!
These thoughts swirled through my head as I stared at Ken, my eyes fixed on his back. I was utterly shocked that he clearly remembered last night, yet acted like nothing had happened. He even demanded I present his project, and now made that casual comment, as if I wasn't standing right behind him.
What was he thinking? Did he plan all this from the start? Did he plan to fire me in front of all these people, just like he did to Mr. Cooper? My muscles tensed at the thought of being fired in front of everyone. I could feel sweat trickling down my spine as fear gripped me.
I could already hear the mocking laughter and snide comments of my colleagues. The women who stared at me with jealousy, disgust, and unease; the men who looked at me with lust, anger, and annoyance since I stepped into this office. I was done for.
"And that's going to be all for today," Ken stated, adjourning the meeting. Nobody dared ask him any questions or demand explanations. They quietly packed their belongings and left, while I remained frozen in thought.
"Emilia," he called out, standing up from his seat.
I was startled. "Sir?" I replied, my voice laced with a mix of confusion and apprehension.
Why hadn't he fired me? What game was he playing? I had been so convinced that he would fire me on the spot. Now, I was torn between feeling relieved and feeling uneasy.
"Are you coming or not?" Ken asked, raising his eyebrows as he looked at me over his shoulder, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.
"Sorry, sir," I apologized, still trying to process what was happening.
"Ken," he corrected, as he walked out of the office. I followed him silently, my mind racing with thoughts of what had transpired earlier and what to expect once we returned to the office.
The elevator doors slid open, and Ken stepped inside. "Cat got your tongue, Emilia?" he asked, breaking the intense silence between us.
I was jolted out of my thoughts by the sound of his voice. "Pardon me, sir, could you repeat what you said? I was lost in thought," I mumbled, my head bowed in an attempt to avoid his gaze.
"You've been really quiet since the meeting ended," Ken observed, his eyes fixed on me.
My eyes widened as I stared at my feet, not daring to look at him after what had happened the previous night. "S-so-sorry, si-"
"Look at me," Ken commanded, closing the gap between us.
I slowly raised my head, looking up at the man in front of me. I avoided his eyes, not wanting to see the rage or disappointment that I expected to find there.
"I don't plan on getting you fired if that's what you fear," Ken sighed, his voice laced with a hint of helplessness.
As I stepped into the elevator, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. The words Ken spoke lingered in my mind, making me question everything. I raised my head, and our eyes met. The air was thick with tension as we stood there, breathing the same air.
Ken's gaze was intense, piercing through me like a sharp knife. I felt my heart racing, my mind going blank. I stepped back, but the cold elevator wall halted my retreat. The silence was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words.
"I don't tolerate disrespect, especially from my employees," Ken said, his voice low and even. "But consider yourself lucky." His eyes never left mine, and I felt like he could see right through me.
"Thank you, sir," I stammered, trying to find my footing. "I'm deeply sorry. It's so kind of you. I promise—"
Ken's smirk cut me off. "Who spoke about kindness?" he asked, his tone dripping with amusement. "I want something in return. You should know better, Emilia. Nobody does anything for free in this industry."
My eyes widened as I struggled to comprehend what he was asking. What could he possibly want from me? I felt a surge of frustration, biting my lower lip to keep my emotions in check.
"Obviously, sir," I replied, trying to sound calm.
Ken's eyes glinted with amusement. "From today onwards, I want you to refer to me as Ken."
I hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Understood, Si—...Ken."
The elevator doors slid open, and Ken stepped out, leaving me feeling bewildered and confused. I followed him, my mind racing with questions.
"Ken!" I called out, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks.
He halted, but didn't turn around. I felt a pang of uncertainty, wondering if I had overstepped.
"You still haven't told me what you wanted in return," I said, trying to sound confident.
Ken's response was low and smooth. "Is that so? I recall telling you in the elevator, unless you want to add your punishment, Emilia."
His gaze swept over me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. What did he mean? What punishment?
As Ken walked away, I was left standing in the hallway, feeling frustrated and confused. What did he want from me? And why was he so obsessed with me using his name?
* * * * * * *
"12:30.You are to be there in 15minutes Sir".
"Just call and cancel the appointment".He tsked."Emilia , you don't wish to be forgiven do you ? this is the last warning ".He added sitting upright on his chair as he entwined his fingers on both hands together.
S-so-.
" So-rry sir." He interrupted. "If you're really sorry then do what I ask you to do."
"Understood ."
He tilted his head immediately after I said that word like he was anticipating something from me.
" Ken. " I added.
He then nodded in appreciation.
*Phone Ringing*
"Oh my alarm!"
" Ken we really need to get going ." I added.
"Cancel the appointment."
"No I can't , I can see in the notes of your schedule that this appointment had been already canceled twice. H**l no you are coming with me." I grumbled while pinching the skin between my brows.
" Cancel it for the fourth time then." He muttered while resting his chin on his knuckles.
"You leave me with no choice then." I sighed walking towards him.
I took his his arms and pulled him out of his chair…tried, I tried pulling him out of his chair but to no avail. He didn't even burge. Why was he making everything difficult for me.He had to go to the designers to take his measurements for the outfit he was going to wear for the Paris Stylish Week in 6months. Quite weird that the event was in 6months time but he had to take measurements now I guess the designer takes a lot of time designing and bringing out this dresses to life.
I then stopped I was panting heavily. " Please !" I murmured while catching my breathe.
He smiled slightly at the hearing of her please but Emilia was busily try to catch her breathe that she didn't notice.His eyes narrowed towards her and he stood up from his seat grabbed his shades and a face mask from the packet on his table. "Let's get going then."
He wore his masks and shades leaving Emilia curious of why he wore them before leaving his office or when entering this building.
"Welcome Mr. Moranno and Mrs.—"An average height darkskin man greeted.
"Kane."I shook his hands.
From the way he was dressed I guessed he was the designer every piece of clothing he wore screamed luxurious and was in accordance. Everything was in place from his jewelries to his accessories.
This boutique was huge. The were drawings of designs all over the wall same as pictures of celebrities in red carpets with astonishing dresses. All sorts of dresses and suits were worn by mannequins and put in a glass cupboard . Surprisingly all the dresses were unique pierces.
"What a pretty lady . Have you ever thought of engaging in a modeling career?"The designer asked while staring at me with a wide smile.
"not really."
"Oh my what a waste."The man said feeling disappointed. "Oh my where are my manners. Please follow me Mr. Moranno let's take a sit."
We followed the man upstairs took a sit around the small glass table at the corner of the room.
"I don't have enough time Pierre. Please make this quick."Ken finally spoke.
"Always grumpy as ever."Pierre responded with a grin.
"You are going to get old in a blink of an eye if you keep on being this grumpy."He added.
I chuckled.
Ken glared at me and I stopped.
"I didn't think you will come today since you have been canceling your appointments a lot recently."Pierre said while pouring tea from the kettle in his hands into small tea cups.
"I don't see any reason why I have to be here when you already have all my measurements."
Pierre smiled."Is that so ?"
"Jet black or Ebony black ?"Pierre removed to square shape cloth from his bag.
Ken stared at the two cloth still not satisfied.
"Obsidian or Vantablack?"Pierre removed another pierce of cloth from his black.
"Vantablack."
"Nice choice Mr. Moranno."Ken just stared at the man with an expressionless face.
"Silk or crêpe?" Pierre asked handing to red cloth to Ken.
Ken just stared at them. "Isn't it thesame thing. What type bullsh*t is this?"
Pierre smiled. "if you can't point out a difference between the both of them it means you don't like any."
Pierre and Ken kept going back and forth in making choices I didn't understand from the look on Ken's face neither did he . He brows creased more and more every time Pierre asked him to make a choice and laughed while sipping my tea.
I understand better why he kept on canceling this appointment. Ken wore expensive clothing but was clueless about fashion . Seeing him struggling kept me giggling.
"Well then, I guess you understand why I insisted on your presence here Mr. Moranno."Pierre smiled at Ken while Ken just glared at him.
Pierre didn't seem to be bothered.The more Ken became annoyed the wider Pierre smiled.
"And that a wrap." Pierre claps his hands.
Ken stood up immediately when Pierre added. "We still have to choose your accessories Mr. Moranno."
Ken's frown becomes more pronounced, which only makes me laugh harder.Ken sat on the couch crossing his legs while frowning.
Pierre brought in several accessories which made Ken frown more. Every time picked randomly Pierre always had something to add or some reason why Ken shouldn't choose that.
"If it's so difficult why don't Mrs. Kane choose for you."Pierre said while facing me.
"You couldn't think of that sooner old man."Ken furrowed.
"I don't think I should choose."I blurted while facing downwards
They both stared at me.
"I mean I don't know anything about jewelries and accessories. I don't— " It was true this Accesories probably cost a lot.I didn't even have great fashion style. This was the Paris stylish week we're talking about not some kid play. Any wrong move in Ken's attire will make his name get denigrated by every gossip show all over the world.
"Oh dear, isn't that the new Deluvre jet black heels you're wearing."Pierre asked staring at me innocently.
I looked at him in shock . How did he know that. The heel were on sale and I had gotten to the shop 24hrs before the sale begun to get it.
"Oh ma belle, I've been designing clothes since I was 14 I know when I see something expensive."Pierre added taking my hands into his.
"Now! We don't have time do we ? " He added.
I finally complied and helped Ken. In no time we were done and Pierre had to sketch the attire for Ken to approve or not. Ken was too impatient on leaving he asked Pierre to send the sketches through the companies email and he will choose when he get to his office.Pierre had to agree with Ken's even though he was displeased.
We were about leaving when Pierre added.
"You don't plan on going alone do you ?"Pierre asked Ken.
Ken sighed out helplessly."Isn't that obvious?"Ken asked while going towards the stairs.
"Oh!"Pierre signed.
"I though you were going with Mrs. Kane."Pierre shrugged and Ken halted.
I looked at Pierre in disbelief me going to Paris for the Paris stylish week. No way. As Ken's plus one No f**king way. I hadn't thought of it ever I had seen it on tv and social media but never had I once dreamt of going there because I knew my place. That was I dream which will never come true.
"I Heard Mrs. Celine LeBlanc will be present this year but nevermind."
Ken sighed "I guess I'm having a plus one then."
"What no!You haven't asked me if I am free!" I said momentarily.
"I don't remember asking."Ken said passing by me and sat back on the couch
Pierre giggled. "Oh ma belle do not worry. I'm going to make you look fabulous. Magnifique. You're already very pretty I am just going to enhance you beauty."
"That's very kind of you Pierre but I don't have the money to afford for a designer dress." I said smiling at him.
"Nonsense."Pierre said waving off while entering the room on the left.
"Who said you're going to pay."Ken spoke while on his phone."I invited you so I'll handle the bills."
"But—"
"No buts. I can't afford my plus one wearing some cheap drug store dress."
What was I thinking he didn't just want me to embarrass him.
He just wants me there for some Leblanc lady. Who was she ? An ex girlfriend?
Pierre and I had chosen the fabric , colour , accessories and many other fancy things I didn't know how to pronounced.He had sketched 3 dresses for me to choose one from.I didn't know so many colours and gem stones existed. Don't even get me started with fabrics. Ken spent his time working on his laptop mocking me occasionally while I was frustrated. My college assignments had never been this frustrating.