Chapter 5: Meet Lawrence

The following days found me immersing myself in work, seeking solace and distraction in the familiar routine of the office.

"Bestie, is everything alright with your wedding plans?" I inquired as we dined on grilled pork chops at a restaurant she had invited me to that evening.

"I'm designing your gowns. I want you to wear something a bit bold," she enthused, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Don't make them too stunning. Your bridesmaids might feel threatened. You should be the standout beauty," I teased, chuckling lightly.

"Of course, my gown will be as dazzling as can be, just as Carrick wishes," she swooned, touching her cheeks with a dreamy expression.

Rolling my eyes good-naturedly, I continued savoring my meal.

"We have the fitting for your gown scheduled this Saturday. Carrick's cousin will be getting fitted for his as well. Oh, bestie, he's incredibly handsome! My goodness!" Cindy gushed, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Here we go again, Cindy. I'm not ready to entertain thoughts of romance. I prefer focusing on our family business," I disclosed with a smile.

"I just want you to enjoy life. Also, Lawrence seems to be unattached now. Though, word has it he's quite the heartbreaker, with numerous women vying for his attention," she shared eagerly.

"So, he's a player," I remarked, shaking my head lightly at the news.

"Despite that, he's quite the catch. I met him at their family reunion, and Carrick took me to their resort," she recounted, still brimming with enthusiasm.

I merely nodded, continuing to eat, my apparent lack of interest in the topic evident.

On the day of my gown fitting, I exuded confidence with my well-proportioned body, comfortable with not having to adhere to strict dieting habits.

Stepping out of the car, I sported a white long-sleeved polo layered over a spaghetti top, paired with sleek black skinny jeans and white stiletto heels. My wavy hair cascaded over my shoulder as I donned sunglasses, striding into Cindy's boutique with purpose.

"Good morning, Lenny!" I greeted the receptionist at the front desk.

"Good morning, Miss Margaux."

"Is Cindy here already?"

"Not yet, Ma'am, but she should be arriving soon," Lenny responded.

"Thank you!" I acknowledged before wandering through the boutique. Mannequins and an array of dresses adorned the displays, a testament to Cindy's success in fulfilling her dream of becoming a renowned fashion designer.

As I perused the garments, a man entering the boutique captured my attention. Clad in a blue long-sleeved polo and black jeans, he exuded confidence as he headed towards the front desk.

My expression soured upon recognizing the man Cindy had mentioned.

"Hi, I'm looking for Miss Cindy Fajardo," I heard him inquire.

"Are you Mr. Lawrence Saavedra?" Lenny’s unease was palpable as she sat behind the desk.

"Yes."

"She'll be here shortly. Would you like some coffee or tea while you wait?" Lenny offered warmly, a stark contrast to her earlier reception.

My eyebrows rose at her courteous treatment towards him, pondering why she hadn't extended the same courtesy to me.

"No, thank you. I'll wait here," the man replied in a deep baritone, taking a seat on one of the couches.

"Of course, Sir." Lenny's smile waned as she returned to her duties, her initial attempt seemingly ineffective.

I couldn't help casting sideways glances at him as I continued examining Cindy's creations. Moments later, I sensed his presence as he approached me.

"Hi!" he greeted, his striking features commanding attention with his angular face, dark brows, expressive eyes, and inviting smile.

"What's with the smile?" I questioned, irritation lacing my tone.

"Nothing. It's just... what a small world!" he remarked.

I rolled my eyes dismissively, choosing to ignore his comment.

Unfazed, he redirected his steps towards the front desk, engrossed in conversation with Lenny, their laughter filling the boutique as if in their own world.

Frustrated by the situation, I impatiently removed my sunglasses and made my way out of the boutique.

"Ma'am Margaux, are you leaving?" Lenny inquired, a wide smirk evident on her face.

I shot her a sharp look before turning to the antipathetic man, who appeared to lose his grin in my presence.

"Yes, I'll have to reschedule with Cindy. I suddenly have a meeting to attend," I replied.

"Ah, I see. I'll inform Cindy when she arrives. Take care," Lenny responded.

Exiting the boutique with a tinge of irritation, I swiftly climbed into my car. However, instead of driving away, I sat still, mulling over the recent events that had left me unsettled.

As I composed myself and prepared to ignite the engine, a sudden series of knocks interrupted my thoughts. Peering out of the car window, I was met with Cindy's beaming smile. Hastily, I lowered the window.

"Margaux, where are you off to? Aren't you fitting your gown today?" Cindy queried, her forehead creased in concern.

"I have an unexpected meeting, so I need to reschedule. Lawrence is there to assist, though," I stated firmly, avoiding direct eye contact.

"Oh my goodness, have you met him? What do you think? He's quite the catch, isn't he?" Cindy asked eagerly.

"Yes, he is," I whispered to myself.

"Yes, I've met him," I replied, restarting the car engine.

"Wait, are you truly skipping your gown fitting today?" Cindy questioned, her brows furrowed in confusion.

Feeling a pang of guilt for my deception, I conceded, realizing I wanted to avoid the earlier confrontation.

"Alright, I'll cancel all my appointments for today," I declared, turning off the engine and stepping out of the car.

Cindy's face lit up, and she enveloped me in a tight embrace. "Thank you so much, bestie!"