Chapter 5 Invitations
Adrian's POV
“Adrian, where are you? You need to come home right this instant!” Lisa's voice rang over the phone and she hung up.
Panic set in instantly and I lost total focus of whatever I was doing. I was in a meeting discussing the new line of underwear and the models who are to be hired from our agency to sign a contract with them.
It was lucrative and they had requested for Lisa but I turned them down, saying she had a lot on her hand at the moment and others deserved a chance to earn some recognition and fame as well and this was accepted but the truth was far from all of that.
“I'm sorry but something urgent came up and we'll have to reschedule this meeting or you can carry on without me.” I hurriedly stated, rising to my feet.
“This is improper, how can you run off in the middle of a business meeting? That's totally unacceptable and unprofessional of you. “ One of the businessmen stated.
I scoffed. “This is an emergency.”
I didn't wait for their approval and dashed towards the door.
“If you leave, the deal is off!”
This infuriated me and I sharply turned around to retort. “There is a long line of brands willing to sign contracts with our models, we're a top modeling agency, not a local striving company, like I stated, I have an emergency to attend to.”
I ran out of the building and drove at high speed, my heart thumping loudly in my chest. Lisa had never called me on such urgency before, my thoughts ran wild.
Was she in trouble?
Is it her anemic shock?
Did something bad happen?
I dialed her number repeatedly and she wasn't picking up. I ran a stop sign and even neglected traffic signs, panic setting in even more. I dialed Mira's number as well but she wasn't picking so I left at least a dozen voicemails.
Twenty minutes later, I was parked inside of Lisa's estate and I rushed inside to find her. “Lisa!” I yelled at the top of my voice.
I heard her scream from inside her room and I ran inside, imagining the worst and ready to tackle whatever it was but my jaws dropped at the sight that greeted me.
“Lisa?” I called out, weakly.
“Adrian!” She squealed and ran with her arms open, towards me and threw herself at me, hugging me tightly.
My worries eased instantly and I inhaled the scent of her shampoo and shut my eyes for a second. She broke the hug and beamed with smiles.
“I left in the middle of a very important business meeting because I was dead worried about you Lisa, please tell me it's worth it.” I commented.
She pouted and pointed at her computer. I had met her staring at her computer screen when I walked in and she beckoned on me to come, I followed her, suppressing the anger budding inside of me.
She showed me an email and read it out loud.
“Dear Miss Lisa, this is to inform you that you're invited to the premiere opening of the BELLE runaway and a golden passcard will be delivered to you, you're offered a spit to be one of the external models who'll walk the runway, the passcard will grant you the chance to bring two guests with you.”
She then proceeded to squeal in a very high pitched voice and I had to plug my finger in my ears to block it out, when she was done, she shook me vehemently, obviously excited.
“What's all this fuss about?” Mira asked, stepping inside the room.
Lisa squealed and hugged her mother tightly, kissing her cheeks while Mira giggled.
“What is it Lisa? Did you win the lottery or something?” Mira asked and Lisa showed her the mail.
“I don't understand, what's so exciting about an email that you had to bring me all the way here?” I asked her.
“Don't you see? The company that sent the email is the famous BELLE! It is the biggest modeling agency in the world and there have been rumors that the agency is set to build its headquarters right in this city, only top models in the world work there and I got a personal email from them, inviting me to the premiere opening and official launching!” She explained, excitement dancing in her eyes.
My eyes lit up with joy. I had heard of BELLE, hell, everyone dreams of working for that agency, their compensation package is huge and the pay is enough to live a luxurious lifestyle for the rest of one's life. Arielle had once told me when we came across a job opening for the company that I should apply.
I got rejected but she was quick to say that it was their loss and I would someday get a well paying job that will make the whole world know my name. My lips curled in a sad smile, too bad she's dead now.
Mira and Lisa squealed together and danced around the room while I smiled. Her happiness made me feel elated and over the moon, I realized that it was worth it, the sacrifices I made, everything I have done and would do, if it made Lisa happy then it's worth it.
She hugged me once again, very happy.
“Congratulations Lisa, this isn't a shock to me, they'd be blind and making the mistake of the century if you weren't invited, not only are you talented but also the next best model in the world. We should celebrate.” I praised her and she blushed, shyly looking away from me.
“I need to get back to work but I'll take you out tonight, it's my treat, we need to celebrate your victory!” I added.
“I can't, the event is in two weeks time and I need to schedule appointments with my hair stylist, my make-up artist, basically everyone who will make me stand out that day, I need to make a good first impression and you two are coming with me.” She inputted.
I smiled weakly. “Of course we are and don't worry about all that, I'll put all those things in order.” I assured her.
She seemed excited by my offer. “Really? I don't want to bother you at all, you're busy with work and there's those models you need to manage for the Polites Fashion week an-”
I pressed a finger on her lips, shutting her up. “You just sit back, relax and do what every top model does; stay beautiful, I'll handle everything.” I promised and she planted a kiss on my cheeks.
“Thank you Adrian, you're my life saver!”
“I'll see you tonight.”
“What should I wear?”
I clicked my tongue. “You'd look beautiful in whatever you chose to wear, just remember to dress like the next biggest model in the world.” I said, teasingly and winked at her.
Mira acknowledged me with a nod and even as I walked away, I could still hear their excited voices, chatting away. I felt a swell in my chest, I was proud of Lisa, happy that she's getting the recognition that she needed.
This is the kind of life I want for her, international brands and deals chasing after her, not some local underwear brand paying petty money for her services, besides; I couldn't stand the thought of the whole world seeing her in her underwear and the pleasure of men ogling at her, she was mine, only I have that right.
The meeting had almost ended when I got back and we finalized the deal. I made reservations at Lisa's favorite restaurant for our dinner date which will also serve as her celebratory party that night. I also made sure to make all the appointments she needed and hired professionals to start working on her dress.
“I'll be there to pick you up in ten minutes time.” I told Lisa over the phone as I was driving.
I had gotten off work and was ready for our date. True to my words; I arrived at her place ten minutes later and I couldn't contain my excitement. Over the years, it has been almost impossible to get her alone with me without getting worried it would lead to a scandal because of her reputation and paparazzi that were always tailing her.
“I'm here.” I announced loudly as I went to her room. She wore a short floral black gown and was putting on the finishing touches of her make-up, the sight of her made my heart giddy with desire.
“Oh Adrian, you're early, I'm almost done. Give me ten minutes more.” She pleaded and I nodded.
“Take all the time you need, you have to be beautiful for tonight.” I informed her and she blew me a kiss.
I chuckled and bumped into Mira as I was leaving her room to make some business calls.
“I'm sorry, I didn't see you there.” I apologized, instantly.
She smiled, waving her hand dismissively. “Its fine, Lisa isn't done yet? She's accustomed to running late to everything, I just hope she don't go late to her own wedding.” Mira joked and I laughed briefly.
“Beauty takes time, she's excited as this is a big deal for her.” I said, thoughtfully.
She nodded her head and looked into the space, lost for a moment then she finally sighed heavily.
“Do you think she would have had a shot too?” She asked, her voice low and quiet.
“Who?” I asked, puzzled.
“Arielle.” She breathed, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she was scared of speaking.
Silence fell upon us and I smacked my lips, uncomfortably. We don't talk about Arielle, not after her death. After we had rushed over to attend Lisa's ceremony, we returned only for the doctor to announce that Arielle had died.
Apparently, he called my phone several times but I kept hanging up because I didn't want to be disturbed. We didn’t bother looking at her corpse because I couldn’t bear the guilt and it made Lisa upset, I ended up comforting her for three days as she was traumatized by her sister's death.
“She's in a better place now.” I intoned, half-hearted. I wasn't sure of my words but I hoped she was, it would give me some kind of closure.
Mira's eyes deepened with guilt and a bit of regret. “Do you think we went overboard that night? We should've just let Lisa take little of her blood an-”
“Lisa would've died or worse fainted and you know it. We did the right thing, we agreed to never speak of this again, Lisa would be upset if she overheard this.” I interjected, getting irritated.
“You're right, none of it would've happened if she hadn't been so stubborn and selfish, not wanting to give Lisa a chance to have a big break. She's dead now and I'm glad Lisa is living her life to the fullest.”
“That's all that matters. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some important calls to make.” I stated, dismissively and walked away from her.
The truth wasn't that I was scared of that conversation, I didn't want to think about Arielle or hear her name. I'm afraid guilt will creep in once I think about her, in the split of a second it will seem the sacrifice I made for Lisa was a mistake.
I have loved Lisa for as long as I can remember, she's the sweetest being to have ever existed but I couldn't figure out a way to get close to her and Arielle came in handy, at first it was a high school fling but I couldn't end the relationship as it gave me more access to Lisa.
“I'm ready.” Lisa's sweet voice rang.
She walked up to me, her perfect figure accentuated by the dress she wore. “Shall we leave now? You shouldn't keep a beautiful model like me waiting.”
She locked arms with mine, her touch appealing to my sensual senses and at that moment, it was worth it all and given the chance, I'll betray Arielle all over again if it meant seeing Lisa like this.