After the Years

**Chapter 5**

*Five Years Later*

It was the largest party of the year, the best among all parties ever.

The crowd was massive, even though the party was for the rich among the rich. The tickets were sold at a very high price, and yet over 2000 were sold.

A lot of people travelled across the country just to attend the show.

The Vixens show was one of a kind to watch, and as someone in the fashion industry, or a model who wanted to be recognized, you had to be there to see the latest fashion of the year.

Liam was among the many in the audience; beside him was Stella, now his fiancée.

"I can't wait to be one of the first people to purchase the lavender gown." Stella squealed happily. She had almost the entire collection of Velvet Vixen's products.

Even Liam had a hard time securing a collaboration with them. His company's request had been rejected so many times he wondered if the unknown CEO had a grudge against him.

His company was one of the top five, and a lot of people would want a collaboration with him — except Velvet Vixen. The owner had rejected his company and gone with some even below his, causing him anger and confusion at the same time, particularly since they gave no reason for the rejections.

"Liam?"

"Liam!!" Stella called, tapping him.

"Huh?"

"Why do you keep spacing out? Are you okay?" she asked sweetly.

"I am, Stella. Just focus on the party and rest assured." He smiled, and she nodded.

"Good evening, everyone." The MC suddenly mounted the mic, and everyone turned to look at the podium.

"Look, it's time." Stella said happily as she took her glass of wine, sipping it slowly.

"Please give a round of applause for the brain behind Velvet Vixen as she comes forward to give her speech." he said, and everyone started clapping.

A few seconds later, she was yet to appear. Then suddenly, someone came out.

"Good evening, everyone. I'm sorry to announce that the CEO suddenly had an urgent matter to attend to which needs her attention, so I'll be your host for tonight, as her substitute."

Murmurs spread throughout the hall, as everyone had gathered for the best party of the year with high hopes that the unknown CEO of Velvet Vixen would finally be revealed. And yet she had managed to escape the situation once again, sending in her assistant, who was the face everyone knew.

"I am Doreen Walkers, assistant to the CEO of Velvet Vixen, and I introduce to you our one-of-a-kind, exquisite creation, made by the CEO herself... the first dinner gown of its kind, the Lavender Dress!!!"

As the beautiful lavender gown came into view, the hall erupted again as everyone clapped thunderously.

"Oh... my God!" Stella couldn't hide her excitement.

"I'm definitely getting that dress, no matter how many millions it costs." she exclaimed.

"Don't you agree, Liam? You have to get that dress for me." she squealed and turned to Liam when she didn't hear a reply.

His eyes were fixed completely on the dress as it stood gorgeously on the mannequin, and suddenly he thought he'd seen the design somewhere before.

"Liam, are you alright? Are you worried because the CEO didn't grace the occasion? I'm sure you'll get to meet her somewhere else." Stella said, trying to calm him.

Liam just sighed and turned to look at her with a smile.

"Actually, I feel a little dizzy. Why don't I get some fresh air? I'll be back in a few minutes." he said, and Stella nodded before he walked out of the hall.

*~*~*~

"I'm coming!" Alexandra gritted her teeth as she whispered into the phone, rushing out the back door that led to the hall.

She was still in her exquisite and luxurious dress as she rushed out. It was a long gown, a little full, so she had to hold it up to keep from tripping, considering the high heels she had on.

"Alexa, you made a mistake leaving me here with the kids — they're killing me." Cassidy, her best friend, replied on the phone.

"I'm really sorry, okay? Look, I'm about to get into my car." she said, and pressed the button that opened the car door immediately. In a panic, she ended the call and fastened her seatbelt.

Her daughter had just dipped her hand into a bucket of hot water meant for soaking towels — Cassidy was a hairstylist, and she had left the kids with her in the shop.

Unbeknownst to Cassidy, Jade had snuck into the closed room and played there; her toy fell into the bucket, and in an attempt to retrieve it, she had dipped her hand in. Now she was at the hospital, and her twin brother, Jace, kept crying, confusing Cassidy even more.

Alexandra's car came to a sudden stop when she almost hit someone. She blared her horn loudly, a gasp escaping her lips in shock.

"Oh my goodness." she muttered, breathing in and out multiple times to get rid of the shock of almost killing someone with her car.

She turned off the car and got out slowly, hoping the person wasn't injured.

"Hey, are you okay?" she muttered, touching his shoulder.

The guy knelt on the floor, his eyes closed and his head down, gasping several times. Upon hearing her familiar voice, he looked up.

"Alexa?" he gasped.

"Liam." Alexandra muttered.