|| VALENTINA's POV ||
" Congratulations to you, Valentina!", James toasted the wine with me, his lips pulling up into a big smile. We had our annual report arriving late. The charts showed that Lorenzo's store had the best selling products of the year. I couldn't believe that I made it happen. I almost shed tears in front of my staff. James deserved the same credit as he was here because of my request.
Today, we all were celebrating by giving 20% off in each dress. I arranged a good meal for all the staff. They deserved it after this hard work. I made a call to Lorenzo as well but it didn't go through. Only in meetings, he put his phone on the switched off mood.
" Same goes to you too, James!", I responded with a big grin, already feeling excited about everything. I had a feeling that my life was on track except for the baby in my stomach. I couldn't wait to hold him in my arms. A smile subconsciously plastered on my lips when I pictured a small human.
James grinned explaining,
" Yes, I was thinking about an exhibition for the new year's stock. What do you think, Valentina?"
I had the same thought as well. In fact, I was thinking about holding a ramp show. Nodding at him, I mumbled clumsily with a mouthful of wine,
" Exactly! I am thinking the same. Let's hold a ramp show as well. We have enough budget for the marketing. Do you have any plans for that?"
James nodded his head, replied in a calm tone,
" Yes!! I think, we should hire some models to walk on our ramp show. It will attract more customers. I have selected a few models who can suit our designs. Here's the envelope! Take a look at it whenever you are free."
I smiled gratefully at him, receiving the envelope. James was always ahead of thinking. It is hard to find people who are dedicated towards their work. I must say that James could be set as an example.
Trotting on my slippers, I came to the front door to call Lorenzo again, away from the crowd. Suddenly, a group of black Porsche came to break in front of our store. One of the car doors opened and I saw the same lady coming out. She wore a big smile but she seemed hesitant when she understood that I had seen her first.
Damn..that Royal Queen..
Why was she here again?
I became nervous subconsciously. Maybe it was better that Lorenzo didn't tell me her identity. The lady walked over to me with an elegant smile. I came back to my senses, bowed still stupifying,
" You.. Your Highness.."
The lady sighed heavily, smiled after looking up at me,
" I guess, you know the truth already. Sorry to bother you last time but I really don't enjoy everyone's attention. Do you mind me helping in shopping?"
I shook my head tentatively, giving her a polite smile,
" Not at all! It's my honor to serve you. Please don't mind our behavior."
The lady puffed her cheeks a little, rambled her words out unhappily,
" There! Please don't give me so much attention. I am just a human. I want you to be treated like that."
I laughed briefly upon her words. I bet, thousands of women dreamt of taking her position but she was the only one who complained. Maybe, too much restricted life suffocated her. Brushing off the idea of her being a queen, I guided her enthusiastically, sharing small details every now and then,
" So, these are the latest clothes. Besides, we have plans to launch new designs for the new year."
After she chose more than twenty clothes for her family members, we went to the coffee shop next time. To be very honest, I felt a little nervous around her because I had never seen any Royal so close to this before.
She kept sipping coffee, shared her situation with me,
" I feel good whenever I spend my time with you, little girl. By the way, my name is Melinda. Actually in my country, I am not allowed to go shopping. It is always my professional designers who bring everything to my feet. Only when I come to visit this city, I can do this. I don't even like to wear fancy clothes whenever I am outside. I hope, you aren't angry with me for lying to you?"
I waved my hands off, smiled nervously,
" Not at all! In fact, I feel blessed to have you as my customer."
Queen Melinda smiled big upon my words and froze her eyes on me for a second. Pointing at my throat, she replied stuttering,
" You..you got a mole right next to your left ear too?"
I gave her a baffled look, touched the mole slightly to tell her,
" Yes! It is my birth mark. Why..why do you ask?"
Tears moistened her eyes immediately when I asked her. Swallowing hard, she replied stupifying,
" Nothing.. what a coincidence..My daughter had one as well..Sorry for bringing this up always..But watching you really makes my heart bloom."
I felt pity for her. How much she loved her daughter!! Even after years, her eyes teared up, remembering her missing daughter. Squeezing her palms together lightly, I told her with a smile,
" You can come to visit me whenever you want."
She gave me her soft smile and asked curiously,
" Do you mind me sharing where you grew up? "
I gave her a strange look. Not that I mind sharing, I told her everything out of kindness. Once I told her small details about my childhood, Lorenzo called me,
"Congratulations, my lady. I heard that you are celebrating without me. How is it fair?"
I held back a smile as the lady was still in front of me. Chucking his words, I replied back sheepishly,
" I called you so many times. Anyways, your baby wants to meet you. I will come soon to celebrate with the boss."
We bid farewell and I saw Queen Melinda smiling. She pointed at my baby bump to ask,
" Your baby's father?"
I nodded with a shy smile and responded proudly,
" Yes, it's his store. I am just helping him out."
She hummed smiling and got up to leave before reminding me sweetly,
" Be careful these days, hun. Don't overwork."
I thanked her, smiling as I also stood up carefully,
" Thank you, Madam. Please visit us more often."
She chuckled softly, replied before taking her leave,
" I will! If not for the clothes, I will come for you."
Waving her hands off, she left with her cars, giving me mixed feelings. It was really good to have an elder around. Unfortunately, I had no one. Even Lorenzo's nana hated me as well.
After notifying the staff about my leave, I left for Lorenzo's office, carrying the envelope in my hands. I had no clear idea about models actually. Maybe, Lorenzo could help me out. Thinking about him, I decided to take a look at the models first. James had already told me to choose one but I thought of asking Lorenzo once to know his opinion.
There weren't many pictures, only the five ones. I guessed that James had chosen only the best ones for our store. Flipping the pictures one after another, my eyes became stuck in a picture. She was too beautiful to describe. Her zero figure with an enchanting aura, I took a liking to her naturally. Though Lorenzo knew the best, I personally chose her to perform at our ramp show. Turning on the page, I read the name of the model which was imprinted boldly behind the picture.
KYLIE!!