Viva de Babesy!

~15~

Chiara

Viva let go of Carmelo and pulled Leo to her side. Causing both Leo and I to laugh. “My lion is fiercely devoted to me. I’m sorry, but we’re gonna have to find you your own lion.” She said while her meaningful gaze travelled to Carmelo.

“Viva darling, you’re impossible.” Said Leo, ginning. I glared at her. She shrugged while her man tacked her hair behind her ear. “What? Melo is hot, rich as hell, and single.” She added. While Carmelo faced down, grinning widely at her words.

I rolled my eyes, “Have you stopped fashion designing? Are you now a matchmaker?” I crossed my hands over my chest. Carmelo still had a stupid smile on his face. I wished to wipe it off. But I couldn’t. As much as I was finding it hard to accept, Viva was helping me out with my plans without her knowledge.

“Honey, don’t you know who I am? Vittoria De Babesy, that’s who. And matchmaking has been my perfection.” She winked at me. “Glad that you know nothing about me still.” I regretted saying those words but it was too late.

She clicked her tongue, “Honey, don’t start with me. I know your favorite color is black and gold. I know you love spending money like water. I know you shave your kitty every Friday night. I know you don’t sleep with underwear or a bra on because you feel like you’re getting suffocated. Should I go on?” She challenged me with her narrowed eyes.

My face might as well have become a tomato at this point. It was one thing to embarrass me, but to do so before the man I was planning to seduce was diabolical. “Viva, you fucking bitch!” She chuckled at my scowl.

“Enough with this nonsense. Show it to me.” I demanded. Leo let go of her, and she gracefully took off her glove. On her slender finger was the most beautiful round, brilliant diamond cut I’d ever seen. I could feel my eyes widening. “Wow,” I murmured. “It’s 15 carat,” she said excitedly while the two men observed us silently. They would never understand how my heart was captured at that moment.

It wasn’t just a ring; it was a symbol of luxury, love, elegance, and prestige, resting like a celestial star upon her soft hand. My heart was filled with so much warmth. It was made with so much love, I could tell just by looking at Leo. The way he adored her woman needed to be studied. “This is so beautiful, Leo. I’m so happy for you two.” I hugged her.

Viva hugged me back. “Thank you so much. And thank you for taking the time to attend my engagement party. Both of you. I know how busy you two are.” She said once we pulled back. I smiled while Carmelo gave her a simple nod.

Leo and Viva were our mutual friends, but this was our first time spending time together with them, the four of us together.  “Now, ladies, let’s party. Don’t make me cry over a ring I made with my own hands.” Leo said, taking his woman in his arms. They kissed as we made our way back to the party. Carmelo silently walked beside me. 

Vittoria De Babesy was an iconic Italian fashion designer. She simply dominated the fashion world for years now, and she wasn’t anywhere near stopping. While Leonidas Moretti, her swoon-worthy fiancé, was a jewelry mogul. Utterly in love with Viva, and always showering her with custom jewelry and other unthinkable surprises. They were a perfect pair if you’d asked me. Their love was admired by almost everyone. Even I, who didn’t believe in it.

“The legendary Vittoria De Babesy is here!” The DJ commented, followed by the mashups or whatever, the noise that he was making. People cheered for her. I’d never believed in love, but I knew theirs was true. The two might be my social friends. But they were the closest thing I’d ever had to a friend. The ones who were lucky enough not to get pulled into the list of friends I’d lost to death because of the mistakes I’d made. Or so Antonio stated before killing them.

Viva and Leo went to the DJ, and she took hold of the mic. She gave people a grave look, “The dress code was ‘luxury tropical theme’,” she shook her head as she scanned the people, “I see bad fashion choices. I’m leaving.” She turned to leave while audible gasps erupted.

I shook my head, smiling. If there was one thing Viva was good at, then it was playing with people’s hearts. How do you think she became an icon? She always left something behind that made people talk about her even when she wasn’t in the room.

She then kissed her man and turned back. “Just kidding. A party without me is just a gathering bitches!” She remarked, people jumped and cheered with sheer energy. “I’m happy to have you all here. Oh, and my baby says hi. Have fun and fuck around or something. DJ has got some news for you!” She returned the mic to the DJ. The music went off while people were dancing like deranged pigs under the cool evening sun. The sweat stench in the air mixed with expensive perfumes was dreadful.

“Ok, party peeps! The Queen here said to fuck around, but ladies, just don’t get pregnant. And, to make sure this is one of the most memorable cruise parties. We have different games and competitions for the entire day! And the winner get to ask the diva Viva and the king of the jungle Leo, whatever the fuck you want! I repeat, whatever the fuck you want peeps!” people went crazy at the announcement.

“But, on one condition. You have to pick a partner, and the two of you will participate in any game and will do whatever you are told to. The ones who don't have a partner will remain behind. Peeps, pick someone before I cut the song off!” he added. People started to fly around, pulling a partner. While I stood there watching. Were people that eager to win? Then suddenly my hand was pulled, and my face was buried on a chest at the impact.

“What the fuck?” I pulled back and shot the man a glare. “We’re partners now, sweetheart.” He said, and I was trying so hard not to knock out his front teeth.

“No, I’m not playing. Find someone else.” I deadpanned. “Please.” He uttered. I was about to decline again with some action when I saw Carmelo passing by with a hot woman, who dyed her hair blue. “Okay,” I uttered without thinking. Why was my blood boiling to see him with some other woman? Christ, he isn’t even my man. The music went off.