Chapter 8: Lois

Some people were looking at the woman with expensive clothes. Veena was looking around the small shops in Bayfair’s mall. Bayfair is located in the middle-class area of Geneva where most rich people never steps in. One shop caught her attention especially the design being displayed outside the shop.

Abby opened the glass door for her and the owner was startled upon seeing an elegant woman coming in.

“G-Good morning, Miss. How can I help you?” Veena took a peek of the woman’s name tag. Chelsy Moor.

“Hello Chelsy. My name is Veena and I’m interested in your work.”

“Veena? The Veena Harrison of Fontana!?” Chelsy couldn’t believe it that the woman infront of her was the CEO of the luxurious clothing brand. She was a big fan of the Fontana brand even she herself began to study in fashion design. It is her dream to show the world of her designs. 

“Yes dear the one and only. However, I don’t want to tie myself up with Fontana. Things have changed and Fontana is no longer in my hands now.”

“Sorry. I’m glad that you’re back and it’s an honor to meet you. I've heard about your scandal and I promise you that I never believed in it.” Chelsy said with joy. Veena liked the girl’s personality. She looks so young to run a clothing shop and designing these clothes.

“Do you work here alone?” she looked around finding no one else other than Chelsy.

“Everyone resigned yesterday. I-I couldn’t pay them so I decided to run this place alone. I’m going bankrupt and my dreams will be crushed if this closes down. I also need to support my family.” Chelsy replied.

“I’m planning to open up another fashion line. You have potential and you have talent.” She took out a business card and handed it over to Chelsy. “Call me if you want to take a shot to become Luxuria’s next designer.”

“This is…wow.” Chelsy was still in shock. The great Veena Harrison offered her a spot in a new fashion line! To think that she will be working with the biggest fashion designer of Geneva!

After Veena offered the girl a once in a lifetime opportunity. She was hoping for her to accept. Well, only luck can tell.

Luxuria is the new name of her fashion line. It will be different from Fontana. Fontana is a brand made for the wealthy people. This time Luxuria will not only cater to the rich but also the middle and lower class customers.

“Have you already created a plan, Miss Harrison?” Abby asked while driving them out of the mall’s parking lot.

“Yes and I wish to meet get a deal with Lois as soon as possible. I want to discuss few things with him before I can start.”

 “Don’t worry he can’t wait to discuss the deal too.” Abby replied with a knowing smile.

"Tell me what will happen tomorrow?" 

"I'm sorry but I can't." Abby apologized.

Since Veena wasn’t getting any answers then she’ll have to do things by herself. Now that she has finished hunting for a potential designer. She asked Abby to stop by at a flea market. They went around and Veena found nothing interesting in the market.

They travelled back to Geneva for two hours and arrived back to the apartment. Plopping herself down on the bed then picked up her phone to send a message to Lois.

“Are you free?”

“Do I have to ask Felix to repeat my schedule? I’m still in a board meeting.”

“Boo. You suck. I wanted to discuss with you on something. Please meet me when you’re available.”

“Tomorrow.”

“Oh, you’re free tomorrow?”

"We're going to the Civil Affairs office, remember?"

"Oh right, sorry for disturbing you." 

Lois ended the call without saying anything else. She fumed at his attitude. 

Nighttime came and she’s already ready. She wore a black knee-length dress with heart-shaped neckline paired with a black leather jacket and beige pumps. She kept her make-up simple and an all natural look.

Abby sent her over to the bar and waited for her at the parking lot. She went inside and pushed her way through the dance floor. She avoided the perverted looks of the customers and seated herself on the bar stool. She ordered a cocktail wanting some time alone.

“Hey.” She turned around and was captivated of his cold, blue eyes. He’s too beautiful that she forgot to say anything.

“Lois? What are you doing here?”

"My friend owns this bar and I can't refuse his invitation." 

“Do you ever smile or show a bit of emotion?” she asked. There is coldness within his stormy grey eyes and a bit of dangerous aura.

He took a sip of his beer then replied. “This is who I am. I don’t really express emotions that much except when it’s for business reasons.”

“You should smile more. I bet you’ll look even more charming with a smile.” he was taken aback by her statement.

She swooned when he smiled a bit. How lucky would she be if this man becomes her boyfriend, but going into another relationship doesn’t sound good.

A broken hearted woman like her takes time to heal and settle down once more. Her heart is filled with hatred and revenge that there is no space left for love.

They continued chatting over random things and knowing each other. The image of Lois slowly becomes blurred and her speech was wavering. She began uttering out random things and he watched her in amusement.

He wrapped an arm around her waist and placed her arm on his shoulder. She’s super drunk and couldn’t even stand up properly. He made her lean on to a sleek black car while he fiddled with the car keys. Her smile widened and began grinding herself on him.

“Behave.” he breathed out from her sudden actions. She began shooting curse words and complaining about her life.

“Curse that Stephen Sullivan! He actually chose my dumb sister over me. If only that scaredy cat big boss shows up then my plans would’ve started days ago.” she muttered out in drunkenness.

“Lois am I really not worthy to be his fiancée? Is there something wrong with my appearance that he cheated on me? A-Am I not beautiful enough?” she sniffed in tears.

“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, Veena. There is something in you that makes me want to save you. Don’t ever pull yourself down because karma will come to those who hurt you.”

“Lois…” She stared into his cold grey eyes and wanted to erase the coldness within them to replace it with warmth.

“Will you marry me? I was expecting a knight in a shining armor I guess a knight in a black suit is much better. Will you save this woman from the pain and suffering?” she uttered out then laughed as if she was joking.

Lois frowned at the crazy woman in his arms. He leaned closer his warm breath caressing her pinkish ears.

“Let’s get married then.”