ADELE'S STANDPOINT
"I'll go take a look." I said, dropping my wine glass on the table and walking out the living area into the corridor that led to the door. I live alone and I'm not expecting anyone, so who could have made that sound? I held up my long auburn wavy curls in a bun as I walked. I've had no time to do that since I returned home because of the surprise guests I had. I also haven't changed out of my simple bodycon v-neck black dress, since I returned from the company. Well, over the years, I'd established my business and my company had grown remarkably over time. I have several branches of my *DeLa's Fashion House* company in different parts of the world. Mostly in America, Asian and Africa. I was rich from birth but I've always loved the simple lifestyle. My parents are well and doing fine with the rest of my siblings in the Philippines. With the headquarters of my company here in America, I had the opportunity to meet several important personalities, gain remarkable fame but I kept my profile low. I pressed the buttons in and unlocked the door, heading out I found out it was evening already as the sun was already settling in the west. Stepping out to the pavement, I walked past my parking lot to the gate only to find someone unexpected, standing by his car with his hand resting over the small bronze frame of my gate. "Arsenio?" He raised his gaze immediately he heard my voice, his oceanic blue eyes lit up as he flashed me a gorgeous smile. "Hello Adele!" He grinned. "How...what an amazing surprise." I said with a surprise smile, touching a side button on the gate to open it wide. "I know." He said, leaning away from his car and walking to me. "Before you ask how I found your place, I'll have you know it's my secret." He teased and I rolled my eyes as I walked over to hug him. "Happy birthday Adele." He said after our brief embrace and I smiled at him. "Thanks. Do drive in." "Alright," he smiled at me before walking back to his car. I stepped away, watching him as he entered and guided the car into my parking lot.Now who's Arsenio? The tall, gorgeous dude who just drive in my parking space is my Italian friend and business partner. Arsenio Alessandro is the CEO of the renowned *Excellency Modeling Agency* His company offers services to mine; which includes modeling/promoting my designs. Describing Arsenio; He was your typical dreamy italian male. He had long brown hair which he often held up in a low bun, sexy compelling blue eyes that makes you forget everything else when you stare at them. When I say his eyes were compelling I meant it. He could make you do his biddings just by staring directly in your eyes. Bottom line is that, Arsenio is Handsome. But his looks had nothing to do with me, because since Carlo betrayed me, I made a promise not to swoon for any other man on earth no matter how *godly* he might be. I closed the gates by taping on the button again and walked back to the entrance. I opened the door and let him inside, informing him about the guests inside if he wouldn't mind. "I don't mind, we're all here to celebrate with you anyways." He said as we walked into the corridor. I noticed he was dressed in his usual casual_though expensive outfits. Although he was dressed simply, his looks and dress sense still hinted loudly *Dreamy Male model Here* His hand held unto a small gift bag and a bouquet of red roses.How did he know I love red roses? He suddenly paused on the corridor and as though he heard my thoughts, he turned around to me and smiled. "I almost forgot I got this for you. I'd rather you accept it here before we go in. Happy birthday pretty." He half whispered and handed me the bouquet and his gift. "Thanks Arsenio. How did you know about the flowers though?" I asked as I took a sniff of the flowers. Although, the red flowers get reminding me about the day I got broken and abandoned, I refused to change my preference of flowers. In a way, I was thankful it made me remember as it gave me more reasons on why I mustn't ever forgive Carlo Rodriguez. I raised my eyes to find Arsenio giving me an amused look. I blinked briefly. "What?" I asked. "Nothing," he smiled and I raised a brow at him. "About the flowers, my secret." He winked and walked into the living area.I paused for a moment trying to figure how he knew that but soon shrugged it off and walked in after him._______ "Hello everyone! I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" I heard Arsenio said immediately he walked in. "Hello to you too." "Of course not." "You're welcome."The girls gushed at same time while casting a suggestive glance my way. Kieran was sitting on her husband's laps and going through his phone. Lana and Lu Cheng seemed to be in some argument when we walked in. John and Alistair, Lana's husband, were engaged in some guys talk. The living area was quite spacious to accommodate everyone and even more_if there were, without anyone feeling choked. The little cuties; Holly and Celestine were playing absentmindedly with their toy games. I rolled my eyes over my friends suggestive wiggling of brows, lopsided smile and teasing looks they were giving me. "Everyone meet my friend and business partner, Arsenio Alessandro, the CEO of Excellency Modeling Agency. Arsenio meet my friends and their husbands." I introduced and a pregnant Lana immediately gushed out. "I knew it! His face did seem somewhat familiar and I was mentally trying to place where I had seen it. I know now," She smiled. "I've seen him on several magazines that featured your designs Adele. Welcome Mr Alessandro." "You're welcome, come join us." John said, standing up with Alistair to greet him. Moments after they've warmly received each other, the guys sat down with him and soon became engrossed in their 'God-only-knows' conversation and my friends? Well, they kidnapped me upstairs to begin, you know...the usual girls gossip. Each gushing about how Arsenio was gorgeous; the moment they were far from their husbands of course, and subtly trying to suggest something between us. But hey! I reminded them I was never gonna fall in love again and smartly ended the topic. Soon we began talking about their families and I learned to my greatest amazement and joy, that Lu Cheng, Lana and their families were moving to the US permanently. It turned out that John and Alistair were friends long before they met and married my friends. Alistair, Lana's husband was transferred here recently due to the nature of his job and John, Lu Cheng's husband, decided a change in environment would do them good. So he let his wife choose where she'll love to live in the US and Cheng chose New York; obviously because of me. Kieran would be returning to the Philippines in some weeks after she and her husband's tours over. As I listened to all their amazing revelations, I was moved again to tears.Oh, well...I'm so freaking emotional.Seems like life's gonna be interesting for me again. I sincerely hope so...______ He had a forlorn look in his hazel eyes as he stood by the window-door of his penthouse, his hands in his pants pockets as he stared into the dark night, over the beautiful city. Another man walked up to him and gave a slight bow. "Boss," he said. "Any updates so far?" The man asked, turning slightly to stare at his subordinate. "None so far, Boss. Why don't you just give up on her? It's been over three years now. I'm sure she'd have moved on by now." The other suggested out of sympathy for his superior. "I'm afraid, that I can never do. As long as I live I have to find her and make up for my crimes. No matter the years it takes, I won't give up until I have her in my arms again. Only then, will I know true peace." The man said and returned his gaze into the star filled sky. His subordinate sighed before he went on to pass the next information. "You've been nominated as one of the judges for the upcoming RELISH FASHION SHOW in New York city. Are you going or should I ask them to cancel?" He asked, although knowing his boss would usually not cancel. However, the young CEO's response shocked him greatly. "Let's cancel on this one." He said.ADELE'S STANDPOINT "Adele! Adele! Hey! Wait up!" I refused to answer him as I continue stomping away in rage as tears were already beginning to cloud my vision. It wasn't long before he caught up with me at the balcony of the building's middle floor. "Hey Adele, listen..." "No! I can't and I won't work with her. I won't let her model my dress. Never!" I spat with excessive hate, turning swiftly to face him. He ran a hand into his hair and sighed wearily. "But why? Why can't you let her model that design? I'm sure you won't deny that it suit her well too. So why can't you..." "I don't care if that bitch is fit for the role Arsenio. What I know is that, I'll never let her model my dress! Get me someone else or I quit my entry in the RELISH FASHION SHOW!" I yelled just as a single tear rolled down my cheeks. "You know what? Just come here." Arsenio said and within the blink of an eyelid, I was pulled into his arms while he gently pat my back. "It's fine Adele. I won't pry anymore. I
ADELE'S STANDPOINT I drove my car into my home only to find my friends packing stuff into Lana's new car and looking all dressed up and ready to go out. Ever since they moved here two weeks ago, I got used to them showing up unannounced in my house. Kieran and her husband already travelled back to the Philippines about two days ago, so it was just Lana and Lu Cheng, storming my home at the best time ever. My mood from the incident at Excellency Modeling Agency still accompanied me home, despite Arsenio's efforts to cheer me up. I had to return home earlier than usual__as Mayven already succeeded in ruining my mood. After I'd packed my car at my garage, I walked to them and they grinned at me instantly. However, their smiles left their faces immediately they noticed my sullen mood. "Dela, what happened? You don't look so great." Lana stated immediately. "True she doesn't. Good thing you're here, we've just finished packing some casual but necessary items from your home.
NARRATIVE She walked into the studio room feeling a lot better than she was the previous day. Immediately she walked in, everyone inside and the air suddenly became tensed and she noticed how they were all looking at her, while mumbling to one another. Adele's shoulders dropped that instant. "Oh common guys, don't be like that. I'm sorry about yesterday." She paused midway inside the studio. "We've always been a great team or haven't we?" "Adele, you were really scary yesterday." The camera guy, Damien said with a soft chuckle. The others nodded poutingly in agreement and Adele sighed, rubbing her hand against her grey suit. "I know and I'm sorry, really." She pouted and that did the trick. The whole team consisting over eight people burst out laughing.They always found it hard to resist her when she did that. They include; the camera team, the makeup team, the hair dressing team and her own team, the dress team. Yes, two assistants from her company were right besi
CARLO'S POV I walked into the elevator with John, my private agent. "How did it go? Were you able to get any audience with her family?" I asked, a bit hopeful. "I'm afraid, it wasn't successful Mr Rodriguez. They didn't let me in or responded to my emails, texts or calls. I've heard no word from them all through the six times we've attempted. I dare to say, you should give up on this quest. I asked around and no one has seen her in years neither did they want to talk about her. It's like she's disappeared from the Philippines." He said and I smiled sadly. "It's fine John. I guess we have to stop sending people over." I said. The elevator door opened at the last floor and we stepped out, heading towards the exit as the employees bowed low in greeting when they saw me. My phone rang in that moment and I retrieved it from pants pocket. Alvin was calling. "Boss, I have news for you about that lady." He said immediately the call connected. I froze on my steps instantly.
ADELE'S POV I had baby Celestine in my arms while Holly was busy doing _only her knows what_ on my toes. I'm in there home. Their dad, John was out and their Mom, Lu Cheng was sitting across me, surfing the web while chewing on a gum I think have been long enough in her mouth. I mean, since I came in here directly from work, she's been chewing on that gum and that's about one hour and some minutes ago. Coming here directly after I closed at the office, helped in easing my mind greatly. It's a good thing they moved here, now my life could be a little bit better. Immediately I rang their doorbell and Cheng had ushered me in, my eyes caught sight of her kids and my sour mood left me instantly. Her kids are so adorable, so much one could think of stealing them. We talked about random stuff and laughed over pretty much silly stuff. Celestine was sucking on his thumb playfully and occasionally, he'll let out those adorable babyish gibberish and giggle over absolutely not
NARRATIVE Alvin stared at the laptop before him, quietly lost in his thoughts. He was right. This lady here was his boss's woman.He'd searched out the name DeLa's Fashion House on the Internet and an exquisite building having about ten stories popped on his laptop screen and right there he started his investigations. Adele Rivera is the CEO of DeLa's Fashion House, one of the top five most famous and successful fashion designing companies in New York City and also among the top ten in America.She's quite a successful beauty...he noted. However it was surprising how they couldn't find her all this while. That was because, she was in the country they never thought she'll be. They were searching the wrong places all this while, no doubt.Alvin had been to the company few hours ago and had discreetly surveyed the area with hopes of seeing her walk out or drive out but he got nothing. We've found her now, so what next? He mused as his finger tapped on the 'enter' key on his k
NARRATIVE It was as early as 7:00am when Alvin pulled up his car close to DeLa's Fashion House. He wanted to affirm that he read correctly. Not so long afterwards, as he tapped his fingers slightly against the stirring wheel, he noticed an ash colored sedan car driving into the company. He sat upright and observed, noticing how the security guards greeted the occupant respectfully and his instinct told him it was her. Alvin's suspicion was confirmed when the car pulled up and several guards hurried to it. A guard opened the door and the moment the beautiful auburn haired CEO walked out, they all greeted her respectfully. He observed as she was escorted into the building and he nodded slightly to himself.I was right after all... On second thought, Alvin decided to search out the latest concerning the CEO; her relationships if there was any. Silently, he hoped she was still single. As he scrolled through the laptop by his side on the passenger seat, he came across sever
ADELE'S POV No matter how hard I thought of who to call when my car suddenly broke down at the highway, I ended up calling Arsenio. Why? Because he's the only friend I know I wouldn't be inconveniencing at that moment. I couldn't call Lu Cheng out in a weather like this, she have kids to look after. Neither could I call her husband, he's a family man. Lana's pregnant and I can't expect her husband to leave her side on a rainy day because of me. It wouldn't make sense. I called my personal mechanic, he wasn't available at the moment. I couldn't think of anyone else because of the introverted life I've lived since I moved here. My only option turned out to be Arsenio and I'm grateful he was able to come for me. "Thank you Arsenio, I'll make it up to you one day." I said raising my gaze when I felt the car pulled up as I had my eyes closed all through the ride. "It's nothing. I'm glad you called me." He smiled. I took that opportunity to look around and I found the environmen