Chapter 3

Not Interested

VANESSA walks straight to Martha and Odette's direction. Nakangiti naman ang mga ito ng paparating na siya. She also spotted the owner of the expensive and prestigious clothing companies in town. Ang walang iba kundi si Aurora Villa. Bukod sa ito ang may-ari ng sikat na shop ito rin mismo ang tanyag na designer ng kanyang mga sikat na damit sa buong bansa.

"Sa wakas nandito ka na," sinalubong siya ni Odette at hinila sa kanyang braso saka iniharap sa kausap nila.

"Vanessa," masayang tawag ni Aurora sa kanya.

"Hi, Ms. Aurora." nakangiti niya itong binati saka nakipagpingkian ng halik sa pisngi.

"My company and I are very honored that you are part of our big events tonight, Vanessa," nagagalak nitong wika. She was beaming all the time.

"I am also grateful for this opportunity that you give me, Ms. Aurora. Thank you so much. I hope, I reached your expectations for your finalé Aurora's dress collection," tugon niya rito. She was beyond thankful dahil sa kontribusyon niya sa gabing iyon ay maraming pinto ang nagbukas para sa kanyang karera. Maraming nagtiwala at maraming may gustong makuha siya para makiisa sa kompanya ng mga ito. Sad to say, isa lang ang kailangan niyang tanggapin.

"Of course, I am so satisfied, Darling. You are so very beautiful. Your beauty is unique, you also deliver my collection in a very satisfying walk. You were really born to the runways, Vanessa. Alam ko marami ka pang achievements na makakamtan sa karera mo sa mga sumusunod na taon." Aurora praises her good work. "Work hard, darling. And of course, always be humble."

Praise like that means a lot to her. She sweetly smiles. "I will, and I will do what you suggest, Ms. Aurora. Again, thank you for this opportunity."

"You are welcome... So, let's have a toast," itinaas nito ang kanyang hawak na baso na may red wine.

Masaya namang itinaas ni Vanessa, Martha, at Odette ang kani-kanilang baso. They chat for a while and then Aurora excuses herself to welcome the other attendees to that party.

After Aurora left their side, isang pares naman ang lumapit sa kanila. Ang isa rito ay isang respetadong lalaki na nasa early fifties niya. Kasama nito ang kanyang assistant. Nang mamataan ni Martha na papalapit ito ay bigla siyang siniko nito ng bahagya. Nagtataka naman niya itong tiningnan.

"That man is no other than, Mr. Ronald Ellis. He is the owner of, Ellis Agency. Come on, smile and greet the man, Vanessa." mahinang bulong ni Martha malapit sa kanyang tainga.

Vanessa's eyes were surprised, she didn't expect na lalapitan agad sila ng Ellis company's owner. Alerto siyang ngumiti rito nang tuloyan na itong nakalapit sa kanilang tatlo.

"Vanessa Dizon, nice to catch up with you tonight," pagbati nito sa kanya. The man extends his hands in Vanessa's direction.

Vanessa politely smiles and accepts his handshake. "Nice meeting you also, Mr. Ellis. Anyway, this is my manager, Martha, and this is my assistant, Odette." she initiates to introduce her two colleagues.

Pagkatapos makipagkamay ni, Mr. Ellis sa dalawa ay tumingin itong muli kay Vanessa. "Well, let us go straight to the point, Venessa. I know you girls have already guessed why I am here in front of you, right?" marahang tumango ang tatlo bilang sagot sa nagsasalita. "Well, I just want a word from you now. Just 'Yes or No' with what my assistant has discussed with you backstage. Then?" he eagerly waits to hear Vanessa's positive response.

The three women smiled, and Vanessa nodded. When Mr. Ellis saw the smile on their faces, his eyes lit up, and slowly nodded.

"Well, Mr. Ellis. My manager and I already discussed this proposal notified by your assistant. And, yes, I am accepting your invitation to join your big company. I am very grateful to be one of the models of Ellis Company, also, it's an honor," tuloyan na niyang sinagot ang tanong nito habang nakangiti.

The man in front of them widely smiled. "Then, let me be the first one to welcome you in my company, Vanessa," wika nito na muling inilahad ang kamay sa kanya. "Hindi ka nagkamali ng ahensya na napili upang mas makilala ka pa sa larangan ng pagmomodelo. Expect that you are in a good and resourceful company."

Vanessa feels like she is on cloud nine. Masayang masaya siya dahil ang lahat ng pagod, plano at effort niya, ng kanyang manager at ng kanyang assistant ay nagbunga agad ng magandang balita.

"Let's talk about this matter tomorrow, Vanessa. As soon as possible, we will arrange for you to join my company," wika ni, Mr. Ellis.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Ellis." Vanessa responded with gratitude.

Mr. Ellis nodded. "Well, I already have your response. I think that I have to go now. My assistant will call you first in the morning. Again, welcome to my company, Vanessa." wika nito at pagkatapos ay umalis na ng tuloyan kasama ang kanyang assistant.

Odette clapped her hands and said. "Finally. Masaya ako para sa 'yo, Vanessa." wika nito saka siya niyakap. Vanessa also returns Odette's embrace.

"Of course, I did this all because of you and Martha's help," tugon niya sa kanyang assistant.

"Congratulations, Vanessa... Well, I am very happy for you and your future career. Tatlo lang ang hiling ko sa 'yo. Work hard, dream big, and be successful, Vanessa."

Sa tuwang nararamdaman nilang tatlo ay hindi nila napansin ang pares ng mga mata na kanina pa sila inoobserbahan. Ang pares na mga matang iyon ay may inis na nakatitig sa isang babae, ang babaeng nagiisang kinuwestyon ang kanyang kakayahan sa pamumuno ng isang malaking kompanya.

'One day, you will beg for my help, Vanessa Dizon. Also, I will never forget this day. I will never forget the reason why you turned down my company! Mark my word, you will regret bad-mouthing my authority and power!' wika sa likod ng pares ng mga mata na kanina pa nakatitig sa direksyon nila Vanessa.

"Oh, the great, Mr. Hudson is here," two of Barron's colleagues and connection move in his direction. These two men dress in formal attire like him belong to the circle. Kilala rin ang mga ito sa entertainment industry, but these two are less powerful than him.

Barron feels annoyed. Ang tanging gustong gawin niya sa mga oras na iyon ay umalis na. Tama na ang interaction sa mga taong naroon. He was avoiding the crowd dahil hindi siya ang klase ng tao na gusto ang mata ng masa. He wanted not to be recognized by the people around him. Low key, that's all he wanted the moment he accepted his fate in their company. Being a CEO who runs a big and powerful company is not an ordinary task. It is a big matter to take seriously.

Agad nakita ni Rene ang mas pagkunot ng noo ng kanyang amo. She smells trouble with that expression again. Alam niyang kanina pa gustong umalis ng kanyang amo ngunit mas minabuti muna nitong lumagi ng kaunti pang oras upang makipag interactions sa mga katulad nitong businessman. Barron Hudson is a special guest of the Aurora Companies. Ms. Aurora Villa is her boss's big sister's best friend. Barron is only there for his sister's absence.

Rene just glares at her big beast boss. Beast, iyon ang tamang term na dapat ihambing rito dahil sa lahat ng oras ay para itong halimaw lalo na kung galit ito. Halimaw na nakakatakot. Ngunit tuloyan nang nasasanay si Rene sa bad temper ng kanyang amo. She may be afraid of him, but she is already used to it kahit pa nilalamon na siya ng nerbiyos kung minsan.

"Follow me!" wika ni Barron nang lumingon ito sa kanyang assistant.

"Saan? Ay... O-okay, okay." nauutal si Rene ng tapunan siya nito ng hindi magandang tingin.

Lumapit si Barron kung saan naroon si Aurora Villa. When that woman saw Barron she smiled and acknowledged his presence. She also excused herself to her colleagues and co-business partner.

"Barron, I am glad you stayed for my banquet party. So, may I have this toast?" tamang tama at may dumaang waiter na may dalang mga alak. Kumuha ng dalawang kopita roon si Aurora at ibinigay niya kay Barron ang isa.

"Sure, before I go and leave your banquet." Barron accepted it. Hindi na naiiba sa kanya ang babaeng ito dahil matalik na kaibigan ito ng kanyang nakakatandang kapatid.

"Oh, perfect timing." then Aurora chuckled. "I bet the young boy is now annoyed. Bakit ba kasi hindi na lang si, Asia ang pumunta rito," she said, mentioning Barron's sister.

"Well," itinaas ni Barron ang kanyang kopita at nakipag-toast sa babae but suddenly, there is a woman who interrupts their toast.

"Ms. Aurora," tawag muli ng babae. That time malapit na ito sa kinaroroonan nilang dalawa.

"Vanessa, oh, darling." Aurora tugged Vanessa beside her.

Barron's expression changed the moment he heard that annoying name. He was about to excuse himself but Aurora hardly stops him.

"For a while. Look, let me introduce you to this charming model, first." Aurora smiles mischievously.

Barron doesn't pay attention and not even look at Vanessa's face. Lahat ng iyon ay naobserbahan ni Aurora at ni Rene na nasa hindi kalayuan sa kanilang tatlo. Rene shook her head and ran her hand on her face.

Aurora ignored Barron's sudden changed expression. She cleared her throat. "Well, dear Vanessa. Listen. Whenever you are looking for a suitable agency for your modeling career in the future... just call me and I can help you, my dear. Anyway, please let me introduce you to each other. Vanessa, this is Bar—" but before Aurora continued her introduction, Barron stopped her.

"I am not interested to know her! Now, I am going, Aurora," he said and left.