49th Dawn - Fellow Newbies

A moment later, I find myself wishing that I had hit Victoria back then.

I hurried outside the building and went to the nearest dumpster. My eyes bulge in horror when I spot my portfolio sticking out from a stack of discarded cartons that has just been heaved to a garbage truck. What's worse, said vehicle is now about to leave.

"Wait! Hey! My portfolio!" I shouted at the driver but to no avail.

With that, I just make a sprint for it and rush after the moving truck. Along the way, I stir quite a scene as I keep hollering like an idiot. That's until I notice the papers from my portfolio slowly slipping away from the fastener of the folder. Eventually, a strong gust of wind passes by when the vehicle suddenly turns to a corner, blowing all my drawings away. At that instant, I feel my soul left my body.

Now, there's a confetti of sketches gliding in the air like some kind of a festive display.

"My babies...!" I cried out, thunderstruck.

They continue getting drifted by the wind, scattering in all directions. I immediately pick up the papers that already landed on the ground before chasing after the others. I try to ignore the stinging pang in my chest as I keep remembering the scene when they fly away. I just also hold back my tears while I run all around the street to catch them.

For some reason, at that moment, I suddenly see my dreams in my sketches - steadily getting blown away in each passing day.

"They really did it this time... They're so gonna get it..." I hissed, wanting to distract myself from the pain I'm feeling right now by letting my anger take over me.

Saving all my sketches takes a while. In the middle of searching for the last ones, a pair of hands are stretched out to me all of the sudden, holding the remaining papers that I've been looking for. As I slowly reach for them, I tilt my head upward, only to be blinded by the dazzling rays of the sun that are cloaking a masculine figure.

Squinting my eyes at him, I then almost stagger backward as recognition crosses my face.

"Sir Alexander?"

Baron Pierre's son just helped me collect my sketches. He's now mustering an inscrutable expression as we continue exchanging looks. Flabbergasted, I then take a step back and bow my head at him.

"Thank you for picking them up for me," I started to which he only nodded in reply.

"You're Lillian Daffodil, right?" Alexander asked, much to my surprise.

"Yes?"

"May I have a talk with you for a moment?"

I then suddenly find myself in a dumbfounding situation, yet for the reasons that he's the Baron's son and that I also have something to say, I simply comply. With that, Alexander takes me to a coffee shop. Though I know that I should be in the studio now, I can just use the incident with my portfolio as an excuse. I also don't feel like going back there.

Alexander buys coffee for both of us. I just quietly accept even though I'm not really fond of bitter things.

"You received my card, didn't you?" he questioned out of nowhere, which almost made me choke in surprise.

"Y-Yes, Sir. About that... I apologize for not coming. We just happened to go to Freya first, and things happened..." I trailed off, evading his gaze.

"I understand. How about the incident at that inn, then? Didn't the owner of the diner tell you about my request to meet you?"

"I've heard. I'm sorry for not going, either. Things also happened..."

This person is really straightforward, though. Yet, now that I think about it, I've been ignoring a bigshot all along. I recall that Ruben told me about him wanting to ask about the scrunchies. Not to mention, he also has a clothing business. He even revealed how he had his eyes on the hair accessories since the art exhibition.

All these parallels are making my mind blow. I feel like ripping my hair for being too absorbed on my initial opinion of him. I really thought he's just someone who reeks of bad news.

"May I ask something, Sir? Why is that you're not working at Freya even though you sell the same thing and the director is your father?" I inquired absentmindedly, catching him off guard.

At this, silence sprawls between us. I blink my eyes at him in bafflement while he musters an indifferent expression.

"Same thing, you say? Well, we're both fashion-related businesses, indeed. It's also true that I'm the director's son..." Alexander trailed off before lifting his coffee.

Looking at him now, he sure resembles Baron Pierre a lot. Not only the phyical features, but the way his emerald eyes flutter while he briefly takes a whiff of the coffee's aroma before taking a sip gives the same elegant view as when the Baron does it. His shoulder-length golden hair shines the same luster as his while his poise is definitely of nobility as well.

"...However, we're not selling the same thing. We have different visions and ideologies. I've become independent for the reason that I don't want to follow in my father's footsteps. I want to make my own name in fashion."

Taken aback, my eyes widened at his proclamation while my jaw slightly drops.

Alexander just looks so determined right now - unbending will and sheer tenacity surfaced on his once tranquil expression. Brows scrunched together and lips forming a thin line, he appears unyielding and firmly set on his goal. At that moment, I think I have a sudden epiphany. This is probably how a passionate person looks like.

"We fought the other day because he got on my way again. I just had my coming-of-age this year. I haven't opened my atelier yet since I'm still seeking for extra hands. Whenever I found one, though, he'd always get a step ahead of me. It's infuriating."

At this, I slowly smile as I'm finally seeing him in a different light. He has his reasons, after all.

"What's with that look? You're making fun of me too?" he asked, which only made my grin wider.

"No, Sir. I just realized that we're fellow newbies all along."

Alexander then only blinks at me, puzzled.