41

After having opened the box completely, she took out a beautiful emerald-coloured dress, this garment was made of the finest silk that could exist, the sleeves were drop sleeves, with a small bow as a belt, no doubt it would highlight her most beautiful and graceful figure, the neckline was somewhat discreet but flirtatious. In another small box came the earrings and necklace, all precious emeralds. Juliet, stunned by such a most beautiful gift, a few tears began to run down her cheeks. She was so grateful to her brother, she would never find a way to repay him for all he did for her and for seeing her happy.

She was about to put those jewels away, when a woman's voice was present, requesting permission to enter. A young and kind maid appeared to help her, after the proper introductions, the young woman resolutely prepared the bathroom so that Juliet could wash herself, after having showered, the efficient young woman fixed her up. The blonde looked astonished and with some embarrassment in front of the mirror, because the dress was perfectly fitted to her body, highlighting her curves, the neckline was somewhat flirtatious, in itself it was something scandalous for her, because she was not used to wear that kind of clothes, her lovely curls fell perfectly down her back, she was the spitting image of a beautiful and sensual woman. With her big smile she thanked the young woman and without waiting any longer she went down to the lobby where her cousins were already waiting for her. When both young men saw her, their mouths dropped open, to tell the truth, all the gentlemen present there did.

You look beautiful,’ they both said, taking her hand and kissing it.

Do you think Armad will like it? she asked nervously.

Are you kidding? He'll have a heart attack, I know he'll be more than pleased,’ Patrick hastened to reply.

Guys, we'd better get in the car, because the gentlemen keep staring at Jul,’ reported Thomas, who was trying to cover her with his own jacket. I just hope Armand doesn't beat one of them to a pulp,’ he confessed with concern.

Don't mention it,’ interrupted Patrick, who was opening the back door of the vehicle so Juliet could get in. If that were to happen, we'd definitely be in big trouble.

I was already afraid.

Let's not invoke misfortunes, now we'd better hurry.

It will only be a ten-minute drive,’ assured Thomas, who was driving.

For our good fortune, for I loathe traffic.

You are very hateful of late, brother.

Telling the truth is not being obnoxious, defended Patrick, who was looking out the window.

If you say so.

Arriving at the Stanford company, Thomas carefully parked the car in the area designated for the company's staff vehicles. Patrick quickly got out and knocked on the door, where he was greeted by one of Maxwell's assistants, who apparently already knew they were coming.

Good morning, Mr Thompson,’ greeted the assistant. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Richardson, Mr. Maxwell's assistant.

Nice to meet you, Richardson, Patrick greeted affably, shaking the man's hand.

Thomas and Juliet, who came behind, did not take long to catch up with Patrick, on the other hand, Richardson, could not help but stare raptly at the blonde, because not only that dress made her graceful figure stand out, but her beauty was something sublime, he finally met the fiancée of Armand Hamilton, that sullen actor, he was definitely very lucky.

How do you do, Thomas Thompson,’ greeted Thom, stretching out his hand, who had noticed the look he was giving his cousin.

Pardon me, sir. How do you do, replied the embarrassed attendant.

Good morning, sir,’ greeted the blonde, giving him a warm smile.

How do you do, miss? It's a pleasure to meet you,’ he hastened to say, kissing the back of her hand.

You are very kind.

Could you take us to where Mr. Maxwell is? interjected Patrick, who was already feeling uncomfortable at the scene.

This way, please,’ said Richardson, leading the way.

This fellow, he should shut his mouth or I'm afraid he might eat a fly,’ Thomas whispered with amusement to his brother.

I know, and I assure you, I've never been so annoyed in my life.

How was your trip, miss? Richardson hastened to ask, catching up with the blonde.

A bit tiring, but it was fine.

I'm glad to hear that. Are you planning to stay for many days?

Just a week,’ Patrick interjected. You're a very curious man, I see?

Richardson, my name is Richardson.

Richardson, of course. Lately I tend to forget things that seem irrelevant to me, he blurted out mischievously.

There was no need to be so rude, brother, Thomas reprimanded him, in a low voice.

I hate how that guy tries to flirt with Jul, he shows us no respect whatsoever, he replied in annoyance. Besides, don't forget that we promised Alex that we would take care of her like our own lives.

True, but you're overreacting.

Bullshit, Thom! he mumbled. Which caused both Richardson and Juliet to stare at them in disbelief.

Meanwhile on the stage, Armand was sitting in a corner studying his dialogue, to tell the truth, he felt nervous, tense and stressed, because they had been rehearsing until very late at night for a month, even the breaks had been temporarily suspended, causing several actors not only to complain, but also to be unbearable. However, he had to give his best, because on this occasion he was going to act only and especially for his beloved, the difference between six years ago and now was that they were finally both engaged, he wanted her to feel proud of him. Meanwhile, Karen, who was sitting in one of the seats, was studying her few lines, it was no secret that she felt anger for Amber, because that novice actress had snatched from her the leading role she had longed for and for which she had worked so hard and now she had to settle for a supporting role, one that for her, had no relevance whatsoever.

The other actors were scattered around the stage rehearsing, in the room, you could hear how some recited their dialogues, and others complained every time they made a small mistake, while Amber, that beautiful and haughty young woman, talked animatedly with Maxwell, about the promising success that the play would have, because she had dared to say that with her success was already certain, Some reporters adored her, and it was not for less, if she always gave them interviews, and she spoke about her private life, she had even dared to confess that Armand was her platonic love, which made the brown-haired man very upset, and some malicious journalist did not take long to invent another fictitious love story between the protagonists of Othello.