Roce in London

Mateo's POV

I brought out the sheet of paper and showed her. “This is a piece of marvelous art, Evelyn, believe me.”

“So this is what you have that belongs to me?” She received it.

“It's beautiful. Wait, is it because I'm not involved with any famous fashion industry you don't…”

“No, Mateo,” she cut me off and I secretly melted because she called my name with that lovely voice of hers.

“Why then?”

She looked at me as if she was thinking of what to say. Then she went ahead and opened her mouth. “You won't understand.”

“Are you scared that we'll fail?”

She nodded hesitantly. “That's the worst that could happen and if we do lose, we can start all over again,” I said.

“But I don't have money for all that, Mateo,” she finally declared.

“And were you thinking you would be the one to take care of the bills?”

Her eyes queried me. “No, you are not. What do you think of going to London with me? I was planning to ask you that after asking a doctor if it was okay for a pregnant woman to use the plane.”

Evelyn chuckled and smiled. I didn't know what I did but I loved her smile. I really loved her smile. It was cute and adorable. She glowed as she smiled at me. I wanted to know what I did to make her smile so I could do it over and over again to see her gorgeous smile. Somehow, her smile reminded me of the intense kiss we had a week ago.

“You are beautiful, Evelyn. I must say,” I had to testify but it only erased the smile on her face. “I'm just stating the fact, Miss. Don't get mad at me for that,” I teased her.

“I'm not mad at you. And…I–somehow–like the way you view things, which is why I will work with you. Do I sign a contract?”

“You accept my proposal, Evelyn?” I was teasing her again.

“Yes, the work proposal…”

I smirked at her. “Welcome aboard then, my favorite designer,” I outstretched my hand for a handshake. She shook my hand after looking at it for a while.

“Your favorite designer?” She doubted it as she gave me that judgy look.

“So far,” I explained and continued eating.

We stayed a little while after finishing lunch. Evelyn suggested that we savor the moment before leaving. I agreed because it made her comfortable around me and I kind of wanted to spend more time with her.

Eventually, I drove her back home while she spent her time designing something awesome. When we reached her house, I asked to see what she drew in her sketchbook.

“I…” she seemed hesitant but I assured her that I would only make suggestions and if I ever wanted to criticize her, I'd do so calmly.

I did make suggestions after seeing her work of art. I didn't know what I saw in her designs. There wasn't perfection but I loved the imperfections more. Her designs just had something that always drew me to more of her designs and I hope the world would feel the same after seeing her work.

In two days, we grew a bit familiar with each other. Evelyn showed me some of her designs and the dress she had made but she stopped designing because she lacked resources.

I assured her that once she started working with me, she wouldn't be short of materials.

I had a companion who had been my friend since I escaped from home at 19. She was the one who made me interested in designs and we both had been dreaming of becoming famous with our designs.

However, when I finished college, I became less interested in design. I began giving lessons about designs, which was how I was able to build myself to the level of being able to start a fashion industry. I had to start from somewhere and I believed that even though I didn't have much knowledge about being big, I'd reach my goal. I wouldn't get there if I didn't start.

My companion, Diane, made preparations for our arrival and stay in London. So when we moved to London in two weeks, it was all easy. Diane had some connections, which even made traveling less expensive and more comfortable.

Diane, through her connection, was able to get an apartment in London instead of staying in the house I bought.

Since Evelyn had nowhere to stay in London after we arrived and I had promised to provide, she took a room in my house and not just a room but a large one, so she could design in it as well.

Evelyn became my very close friend, especially when I was the one she had during her pregnancy stage. I eventually learnt why she divorced Nathan and I rooted for her. I promised to be there for her whenever she needed me.

Months later, she conceived a baby girl and it was at that moment we connected with a famous fashion designer, boosting the image of my fashion industry.

I watched Evelyn's daughter, Chloe, grow just as I watched my company blossom more than I ever imagined.

In just five years, I had hosted up to four fashion shows and was able to get a very famous model to perform in one of my fashion shows. My dear Evelyn's designs became so popular that I had to rename our brand to a word that comes from her name.

Evelyn Rose was the reason my company became so successful in five years. She was secretly my lucky charm and I was so thankful to God for letting her into my life.

Rose was her surname so I simply replaced the ‘S’ in rose with ‘C’ making it Roce. Everything appeared perfect after five years, and I was very proud of where Evelyn, Diane, and I had reached so far.

It felt like yesterday when we moved to London with pregnant Evelyn, but now, after five years, we have improved so much. We now attract famous fashion companies collaborations, famous models, and successful company partnerships.

I am the CEO of the Roce fashion industry, and I make decisions on anything that concerns the company, even though I need Evelyn's help sometimes.

I entered my room after a long day only for that troublesome designer to enter my room without knocking again. Yes, we've become so close that she enters my room without knocking, lays on my bed like it's her own, and even wears my things, but trust me, nothing is going on between us.

She still lives with me even though she is a billionaire who can afford a mansion for herself, but her daughter likes me so much, and she also doesn't want to leave. So we keep living together until something happens, I guess.