"What is the meaning of this Moranno?" A man in his late 30s responded standing up abruptly from his sit as he looked at Ken in disbelief.
"Mr. Cooper! I got eyes and ears everywhere .Don't play dump with me." Ken responded.
"Don't make me call security on you. I believe you know better to leave quietly and not make a scene." Ken added as his eyes bored towards Mr. Cooper.
Everyone in the room was quiet staring at the two like they were in a play from their faces they were as clueless as me as to what was happening but no one dared questioning Ken's authority hence everyone sat quietly and just watched.Mr. Cooper on the other hand was fuming out of rage as he clenched his fist glaring at Ken.
"Go to hell Moranno." He said heading towards the door.
Ken chuckled looking quite amused at the mans comment.
"Too bad I had already been there yesterday seems like I'll be going there today again. At this rate I might just live there." Ken sighed out in a sarcastic tone.
Mr. Cooper stormed out of the room at Ken's comment.
My eyes grew wide as they left Mr. Cooper and flew back looking at Ken.
He remembers yesterday! … He knew I was the girl from last night !
He had played me all along !
This thoughts ran through my head as I stared at him from behind in disbelief.
I was utterly shocked he clearly remembered last night but yet acted like nothing had happened. He even demanded I present his project and now saying that so casually like I wasn't behind him.
What was he thinking. Did he plan all this from the start?Did he plan to fire me infront of all this people like he did to Mr. Cooper?
All my muscles tensed at the thought of being fired infront of all this people.
I could feel the sweat running down my spine from the fear.I could already hear the laughs and mockery of this people. People who didn't like me to begin with. People who considered me as a nobody from the women who stared at me with jealousy , disgust and unease to 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 question or demand any explanation. They quietly packed their stuff and left while Lia was still deeply in thoughts.
"Emilia". He called out while standing on his feet.
"Sir." I got startled.
He didn't fire her ? What game was he playing?She would have sworn he would fire her.She didn't know whether to feel relief or feel bad about it.
"Are you coming or not ?" He raised his brows as he looked at her over his shoulder with his hands in his pocket.
"Sorry sir. " She apologized.
"Ken." He corrected as he walked out of the office and she bit her lower lip as she followed him silently from behind. She couldn't stop thinking about what had happened earlier and what to expect once they get back to the office.
"Cat got your tongue Emilia ?" Ken said while entering the elevator breaking the intense silence between both of them.
Lia got interrupted from her thoughts by the sound of his voice.
"Pardon me Sir, could you repeat what you said I was lost in thoughts". I mumbled out with my head bowed avoiding his gaze.
"You have been really quiet since the
meeting ended. "Ken said looking at her.
My eyes grew wide as I stared at my feet not daring to look at him after what I had did last night.
"S-so-orry si-"
"Look at me." He walked towards me closing the little gap between us.
I raised my head slowly as I looked up at the man infront of me. Avoiding his eyes not wanting to see the rage in his eyes.
"I don't plan on getting you fired if that's what you fear." He signed out helplessly
Taken aback by his words I raised my head and looked at him just to realized how close he was to me. We were breathing thesame air. His eyes were intensely staring at mine.
I got lost in his gaze totally forgetting what I had to say. I stepped backwards but hit the wall on the elevator it was just two of us inside but yet the air felt heavy.
"I don't tolerate disrespect especially not from my employees but consider yourself lucky ." He added without breaking off the intense eye contact
"Thank you so much sir, and I'm deeply sorry it's so kind of you I promi—"
"Who spoke about kindness ?" He interrupted with a smirk."I want something in return.You should know better nobody does anything for free in this industry."
I blinked at him with wide eyes what crazy thing was he going to request from me. How stupid was I to think he was doing this out of kindness.We are literally talking about thesame human who just fired one of his associates like it was nothing for him with no emotion.What tedious task was he going to demand from me a nobody who works as his EA. I bit my lower lip in frustration.
"Obviously Sir."I mumbled out in a low tone.
"From today onwards I want you to refer to me as Ken."
"Understood Si—… ken."
Ken stepped back and regain his original place in the elevator leaving the gap between us. He stood upright both hands in his pocket with closed as eyes as he waited for the elevator to reach the last floor.
I waited in anticipation for him to say what I had to do in return but he didn't say anything. The elevator suddenly felt tight again as I try saying a few words but didn't want to dare break the silence.I bit my lower lip again in frustration until the door of the elevator finally opened and he stepped out.
"Ken!"I called out as I walked out of the elevator.
He halted but didn't turn to look at me.
Why did calling his name feel inappropriate.I could feel my cheeks burning hot from only calling out his name.
"You still haven't told me what you wanted in return." I said while catching up to him.
"Is that so ? I recall telling you in the elevator unless you want to add your punishment Emilia." He gazed at me from his side with a smirked.
He walked towards the office leaving me in the hallway confused.
Did I miss something he said.Why was this man always giving me a head ache. I tried remembering the conversation we had in the elevator and the only thing I could remember he had requested was for me to use his-
"Name!" She frowned.
That was it ? That was all he wanted in return.Why was he so obsessed with her using his name. This man was confusing .
* * * * * * *
"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.