Chapter 26: A surprise purchase

SOFIA'S POV

"You are definitely trying this on!" Mila sqeals waving the black lingerie set.

"No thanks. I came here to help you shop,"

"And You have but I want to get this for you,"she insists and I let out a sigh getting up from the sofa to go try it on.

Once I'm in the stall I place it over my body imagining what I'd look like dressed in it and infront of Nova.

I strip down before putting it on and immediately feel self cautious. I don't think I've seen my body covered in specific parts and highlighting ones I always thought were average.

I look sexy. I feel that way too.

The thought makes my stomach flip.

"Soooo am i going to see it?" Mila asks impatiently.

I take a deep breath in then out before walking out of the stall, revealing my look to her.

"Well damn Sofia! I knew you were hot but not seductively hot. You look so fucking good. Like I'd like girls if they all looked like you,"

"Okay okay..that's enough flattering Mila. I'll take it,"

"Damn right you will! Nova is giving it," she winks before grabbing her phone and snaps a quick picture before I can even process what just happened.

When I'm done I reappear where she is and she's already on her feet. Her three sets are packed then my set and she runs her card before I object on the treat.

"You'll cover lunch don't worry. And I brought an appetite."

I chuckle.

We walk out of the store with my driver already on his feet grabbing our bags. Mila giggles at the gesture confusing me abit. "It's just hard to get used to that's all," is all she says.

I pick out one of my favourites restaurants to have my alone dinners at. I like having Mila around, but sometimes I take myself to places to see if the silence within myself will still be as heavy. If I'll still want to be in that seat at a table meant for three instead of wishing my mom and sisters were still here.

"Table for two please,"I say and the hostess leads us in with a warm smile.

The table placement offers a nice Milanese view and promising service. Mila orders without going over the menu and I do the same, settling for fried shrimp rice.

"What happened to the girl Nova was with?" I ask because it's been on my mind since she mentioned it. Is that why she stopped dating completely?

"I love you Sofia, but that's not for me to tell,"

"Was it that bad?"

"Nova just....has a fated life,"

She runs her fingers through her brunette hair. Leaning back against the seat. I take that as a hint to let it go. I might as well just ask Nova myself.

I fill her in on the fashion week prep and her first row seats with Paolo. They're my best friends and those are some of the perks.

"Can I seat next to Nicole Jackman? She's like my best celebrity ever!"

"Definitely not," I chuckle. "First row means you know your place and remain composed so please don't embarrass me,"

"Oh Sofia! It's always my job to. Speaking of, should I send Nova a preview of what she'll get tonight?" She asks waving the picture she took earlier making me reach for it over the table but she's fast with her reflexes.

"Don't you dare Mila,"

She types away on her phone before muttering the word 'send'. My phone lights up with a notification and I check.

"You should be the one to send it,"

She sends a wink my way before our drinks are placed on the table. She focuses on her phone for a brief minute to probably talk to her boyfriend and update him.

Would Nova and I ever be like that? What did she even mean by fated life? There's so many hints to something i feel like i should already know but don't.

We spend the rest of the day together talking about life and plans after university. I actually haven't heard her talk about anything else apart from taking up her family legacy.

There's always two types of privileged rich kids, the humble ones with genuine interest in their parents footsteps and the loud flashy ones that know they must take up the family dynasty so they choose to flatter their lifestyle before the ultimatum is offered.

I think Mila would fall on the humble side. She didn't know about my family when we first became friends and even after knowing, she didn't try to upgrade her treatment towards me.

My phone rings at the same time I finish paying for the bill and I excuse myself to answer it.

"I just got to the hotel and Nick tells me you're still out with Mila?"

"Yes. I just wanted to unwind before the crazy week," I say and hear him chuckle on the other end. He should know me by now. He's practically raised me.

"You really are a Vescovi. Your pieces are amazing and from the feedback I've gotten, you've outdone yourself again Sofie!" He praises. He never did push me to like fashion, I just got curious and he made sure I was answered.

"I got inspiration from the twins and mom,"

"They'd be so proud of you too,"

I pause, letting the silence settle.

"I need to make a few more calls but I assume you'll be needing passes for your friends?"

"Yes, if it's no trouble for you,"

"Nonsense! You're my daughter, Sofia. It's the least I can do to make your life feel normal," he says, his tone softer now.

"Thank you for being the best dad,"

"I love you and call me when you're back," he says before the call ends.

I let out a sigh before walking back to the table. Mila shoots up like i was keeping her.

"I have to go, I promised Luca I'd be at his apartment before he gets there,"

I check the time on my watch to a beaming 7pm. That's how fast time moved whenever I spent it with her.

"Okay but use protection,"

"You're the one dealing with an insatiable fuck girl," she retorts playfully before rushing out.

At the hotel i decide to call my stepdad so we can meet before i go back to my room. I get the feeling i might not want to leave. I feel a cold shiver go down my spine at the thought that I might not be a match to Nova's thirst.

I pursued her first and to think that not being as she imagines me to be could end things before they start freaks me out.

I really like her.

Enough to care about how tonight goes.

I walk into the lobby then past the bar side to the restaurant. There he is looking over the menu and discussing it with a waitress who seems far from composed in his presence. I chuckle at the scene because he's ever so clueless of how big his name is.

I wrap my arms around his shoulders from behind, squeezing him gently. He squeezes my arm in acknowledgement before I pull away and settle into the empty seat across the table.

"I just ordered food. Did you want something to eat?"

"I already ate but I'll have a cocktail, "

He lets out a laugh. Atleast we can laugh about it now.

"You mean a diet Cola?"

"Same thing,"