Chapter 9: First Party for Her

❤VIVIA:

It's been two weeks since we had the date. We both got way too busy since then with my incoming projects and his New York fashion haul. I heard about the comming up Autumn-winter houte couture which will make him extremely busy since their entire company is based on fashion.

That night I asked him if we could wait for a few months at least before we go along with the plan since we both got a name on our face. He agreed but seemed perplexed. Since then he almost calls me every night for a single conversation at least. Despite with how busy we are, he doesn't miss to at least ask me how I am. If he did this to most of his girlfriends, I can't judge them for falling for him. It's natural. Only difference in my case is, I'm over the feeling of having butterflies in my stomach and felling gibily over small things for a guy. I'll admit though, he's attractive and very much likable. No doubt in that, despite his moodswings and occational tantrums.

We do click in a conversation a lot if not for hours. Cynthia have started to tease me that we might be whipped for eachother or something which I definitely do not believe. It's just a mutual attractions since we click a lot.

But I haven't forgotten how he knows about my past. His rude remarks and threats still linger in my mind. I am curious to why he haven't talked about it since that day. Except for my friends, no one knows what my past is. Infact even they don't know everything.

Yesterday he called me to join him on the opening party of their haul for SINs production. I do not do parties and have been avoiding them for a long time, so don't judge me for being on edge. Interesting fact is many of my clients will be there too and some of them even asked if I'll be going since the fact that I'm working with the Sirens as in the S.S is an open news.

Normally I'd refuse and say I won't be going as usual but he annoyed me for a whole day before I gave in. Now many of my clients are looking forward to meeting me there and I'm dreading since I can't back out any more.

"You look like you're going to attend your funeral." Cynthia said barging in my room as I was checking my only good gown I own.

Yea, I have money but I don't buy these things called gowns. I don't need them often, so why waste.

"I look perfectly fine, Cyn. Black is my soul color. I'm going in this." I let out when suddenly Cynthia grumbled and pulled my zipper down.

"Wha-"

"No! I would rather have you go in naked than see you in that death dress." She said pulling my dress down as I stood there in my underwear, shocked.

"I can't go shopping at this hour Cyn. Pass it." I said crossing my arm.

"No honey, you're not going shopping. I can't trust you with that. I went shopping for BOTH of us." She grinned.

"Am I finally broke?" I pick up my phone to check my credit balance.

"Ha ha, very funny. I'm not an idiot. I've known you for 10 years and how weirdly unfashionable you are regarding dressing for an event."

She pulled out a box from the shopping bag she bought when she came in and handed it to me.

I sighed and opened it, followed by getting another shock.

"Red?!" I exclaimed as Cynthia just grinned.

"Yup!" Pooping the p on me as I just stared at her.

"And its stunning."

"I don't do red, Cyn!" I let out as she sighed and got up.

"Put it on, I need to see the fitting."

Teared open the packet the dress was in and she pushed me into changing into it.

When I didn't, she started opening its chain as I stood there like a baby being helped by her mother putting on clothes.

"But it's RED!" I reasoned again.

"I know, I'm yet to be color blind. Now, shut up." She said zipping up the dress.

Although I'm terrified, I'll admit, it is a beautiful dress. Modest but it fits me like a gloves. I guess she does know me all too well, even my measurements.

Blood red velvet was soft to the touch with a perfect high neck, the bodycon dress cut at the waist and shoulder with beated embroidery on it showing skin that laced with a single split up to knee on one side. I like that the back is closed, I'm thankful for her to consider that.

Once done, she made me sit in front of the mirror and started twisting my hair.

"Ah, Vi, you look famished. I've the best choices in the world." She said confidently.

"I have nothing to go along with red." I whined.

"Why am I here for?" She said pulling out a box and opened it.

It had beautiful curved red stone earrings hanging from gold leaf, perfectly matching with the dress.

"What is this?" I asked confused.

"You were supposed to get this a few days later on your birthday but, I'll just throw this in since I bought it for a while back." She said putting them on my ears

"Thanks Cyn." I kissed her hands as she kissed my cheek.

"My pleasure. You're the president of a company and look amazing. You should start acting like one and boldly meet people and attend parties rather than stand in a corner. You don't hide anymore but stand out like you should." She rambled putting my hair in a braided bun while cliping ornament in them.

"What are you wearing?" I asked miserably.

"For a change, black." She smirked.

"Who gave you this miserable idea of switching our dressing style?" I asked annoyed.

"Myself, because I was miserable watching you drown yourself in work and with it drowning your fashion senses too." She winked.

"There's never a dull day with you Cyn." I said letting out a laugh and shaking my head.

"Your welcome. And you're all done. I'll go and get ready, give yourself the finishing touch." She said leaving.

"Do you need help?" I asked looking.

"Pfft, yea, right. Just don't fall off on the dress." She joked and left

When I came out and looked up at Cynthia, my heart stopped. She looked stunning in a one side shoulder off dress with other hand side tattoo illusion sleeve. Her make-up on spot with silver and black stricking her blue eyes even more and she seems to keep her light pale hair open. I almost felt jealous now. Almost because I never wore open back or off shoulder dresses. And also in black that is. I could never pull it off as she does so confidently.

"I know honey, I look stunning." She posed for me as I laughed.

"I can see where the confidence is coming from." I smirked as she clipped her beated silver bracelet.

"Trust me, not for a guy. I'm too tired of dealing with them." She said checking her purse.

"Sure." I replied sarcastically. Noticing she pulls her card on me. 

"Well, you got a guy to impress though." She smirked as I roll my eyes at her.

As if.

"And now, we'll be late. Come on!" I said when my eyes hit the wall clock.

We arrived there a bit late since the amazing New York traffic on weekends can be the death for us. And driving in a dress is no joke. But no, I'm not calling a taxi. It's rude for me and my beautiful car.

You see, I'm obsessed with it, a little bit. I bought my car saving my three years worth of pay checks. It's a limited edition, Amazon Blue Volvo XC40. Took me about close to 25 to 30K to get my hands on it and I'd die if I ever have to give it up. I don't care how rich I get, this will be my baby.

When we reached the door of the venu, I was sceptical to give my keys to the staff there. Yea, fine maybe I am a bit over the top about it. You can't blame me, it's my life long only achievement just for myself.

"Good evening ma'am. Your cards please." The receptionist asked but before we could pull out to show, we were interrupted.

"Miss Lee and Miss Delos, pleasure to have you here." We all looked behind the receptionist to look at a smug looking Derek Brook walking up. Does he have to look like that all the time?

Along with him is the infamous Mark Ivans, my dear friend's ex. Both looking amazingly handsome if not nice. Ash brown hair polished up in a formal style with glowing light brown eyes and in tuxedos. Sometime woth how they wall, I feel like they are twins or something. But notocing carefull, Mark is much paler and has much darker hair compared to Derek which makes him stand out more, in a different way. And Derek haveing a stuble is not helping. But some might find it cool, I guess.

"Mr. Brook, Mr. Ivans, Hello." I let out as Cynthia pulled on her professional killer smile on everyone around, not even as much as glacing at Mark. Poor guy was simply staring at her.

"Ah, just call us by our first name. You both look spectacular. Especially you, Miss Lee." Mark smiled at me then at Cyn as a stupid automatic smile slipped up my lips at how hilarious her face is.

It's rare to see Cynthia react, if ever. She's the calm mind killer. She rarely show emotion, has an amazimg co trol over her expression and can kill you with just her eyes. So, it's quite interesting to see her react to a guy like this. I'd say she's more whipped than I'll ever be.

"Thanks for lying but isn't it irrational to use formality while you yourself break it, Mark? Just Vivia would do me fine. And for her, Cynthia or would you like to call Cyn? I'm sure of she'll be fine with both." I smirk and turn to Cynthia who's presently giving me death glares. I hear Derek let out a snorted chuckle behind only to get hit my Mark.

"I think I'll have to find that out myself, Vivia. Shall we? Please come, Rafael is waiting." He said before ushering us as we followed. This guy knows manners, that's to take a note of. I wonder how'd Cynthia even manage to get him swoon like this. He can't but keep his eyes on her.

As we walked inside, the interiors were beautifully decorated in low lights and there were people all around us in different glamourous outfits. There were many models and celebrities obviously present as well.

Honesly I'm not supposed to be surprised since I work in the media handling department but since me being me, I rarely attend any parties at all and so barely know anyone unless by name since phone call is all I know everyone by. Personally deep down, I always felt I don't belong in the spotlight like this. When I come in front these people, I feel inferior to them. I'm nothing compared to them. I have no background and no identity except for my company. I'm someone from the shadows of these people's lives and I learned to survive there.

"Viviana!" I turned to meet the exquisite pale green eyes I've come to like.

He looked not just handsome but breathtakingly hot in a perfectly fitted black suit and polished looks. He himself looked like a godly model. And the smile he wore could kill hearts in one shot. Why does he have to have dimples, why do I have to like them. And why can't I have them.

"Hi," I let out barely a whisper. But he heard it since he came closer to me.

But then left me an instant shell shock by kissing lightly on my cheek infront of everyone. I felt all eyes on me. Even the nonchalant Cynthia was staring in aw. Those two idiots of his were smirking.

"Hey, you look amazing." He stated while I was still processing what just happened.

"You too Miss Delos. Black suits ypur character." He turned to Cynthia as I still failed to comprehend my situation.

Pull yourself together. Your almost 30, you idiot.

Well, not exactly, I'm only turning 27 next month and I am as much as inexperienced as a baby in regarding physical touch, especially from strangers. He's still a stranger technically, right?

"Cut the formality, Mr. Sinclair. You're dating my bestfriend." She smirked crossing her arm.

"You too then." He winked as she let out a laugh as I blinked myself to reality.

They are kidding, right? I'm dating who?

"Come on, everyone's waiting for us." Derek said as Rafael set his hands for me to take.

From my peripheral view, I noticed Mark doing the same and Cynthia being a rude hesitant self. I took Rafael's hand and glared at Cynthia to be mannered since every eyes were on us. Mark is pretty eye catching since he is the director of the SINs Marketing being one of the most important individuals here and he's very handsome. Being rude to him would benefit nobody. And thus Cynthia isn't a fool either and gave in.

"I never thought you'd go for a red dress." I heard Rafael as we walked in.

"I didn't, Cynthia did." I truthfully replied.

"Then I guess I should thank her too." He said putting his hands on my back, almost burning my skin.

Why does my waist have to have lace on them? I felt every moment of his touch like I'm sentitive to it. I'm not a child at this age and not inexperienced in case of being with guys then why am I acting like a teenage with her first crush. Damn it, I don't know anymore.

We walked inside as many started surrounding us. Both me and Cynthia got seperated since we were accompanied by different men. I wish Sam had come, she'd have enjoyed this. Unfortunately, she caught a cold and even though it wasn't serious, she refused to see anyone with a red nose.

"Miss Lee, I'm very much surprised to see you here." I turned back my attention to reality which I had tuned off from since I was getting bored from hundreds of greetings.

"Mr. Fernando. Nice to see you here." I smiled as he looked at Rafael then back at me as I kept smiling to look perfectly normal even though I felt anything but.

"You know her, Mr. Fernando?" Rafael asked slowly pulling me closer.

Why is he doing this? This will make this awkward.

"Ah, yea, she worked on a project for my son. Let me call him." He looked back syarted calling as I let out a small curse under by breath.

"You okay?" Rafael noticed it instantly and whispered.

"Umhm." I let out as the man in question walked up to us.

"Wow, Viviana Lee is here. Why do I feel like I'm dreaming." The blonde man I'm definately not fond of said.

"Mr. Paul Fernando, nice to see you here." I let out trying to hold my feet on the ground rather than run away. This man is trouble in every angle.

"You have no idea how surprised and happy I am to see you here." His eyes looked me up as he exclaimed.

I bet.

"Yes, I understand. I rarely attend any parties." I replied slowly, trying to look as normal as possible.

"Obviously, since you rejected about what like 10 invitations of mine?" He said laughing and looked up at Rafael then slowly stopped.

"I don't blame you for being surprised. It took me awhile to make her submit as well." Rafael let out smugly.

What submit? I want to punch both men right now.

"Yea, she is stubborn. Too much sometime." I looked away as I felt his stare on me.

"You seem to know her." Rafael let out through gritted teeth but it was only noticeable because I was so close.

"Ah, I've known her since she was just an employee. She's one hell of a professional too. She'd break but never bend." He laughed as I tried to smile back at his two way remark.

I remember clearly when he tried to touch me or pull me into his bullshits back when I was just an intern. Thankfully my boss was there so he couldn't do much. I had a long and hard time those last years when I was just an employee because of guys like him. Between them, he was by far the worst. Not because he did anything awful, but he was way over his head and way too persistent. Those are the worst.

"If it isn't the hidden new President of TRIPLE C." I instantly turned to meet one of my faviorite client, Gwyneth Paltrow.

"Miss Paltrow, am I happy to see you." I let out as she nodded her head to me.

"As am I. And ypu still do not call me by my name. Oh Mr. Sinclair, I didn't know you were familiar with her. Never seen her with you, before." She said with a knowing smile.

"Neither did I." He replied as she let out a laugh. I'm not liking this humor amymore.

"Good to see you here, Miss Paltrow." Paul Fernando let out with a nod.

"Me too, Paul. Where's your father?" She asked looking around as Paul calling in his father and they started talking.

Paul kept glancing at me like he meant something but even though I noticed it, I pretended not to. I guess Rafael noticed it too because every now and then he could pull he close or whisper if something is wrong or not to me. I guess ot was that bad for even Rafael to nptoce and that is not comfortable, no matter how much he wants to just help.

"Excuse us." Rafael said as we moved away. Even then I felt Paul's stare on me.

He always made me uncomfortable but his company's projects are amazing and that's the only reason I tolerate him.

"Thanks." I let out sighing.

"Yea, he was being very uncomfortable. It annoyed me." He said pulling me along.

"Thank god, Cynthia wasn't here." I let out nonchalantly.

"Why?" He asked as we moved toward the table where the drinks are.

"She would've punched him." I chuckled. And also break his nose if possible.

"Trust me, even I was holding in barely." He let out and there was no joke in that.

"Rafe," He turned and I followed to the voice.

Two very good and familiar looking men who had excellent looks with their dark eyes and perfectly set hair walked toward us. There had quite similarities in them and in the way they moved almost in sync. One had a calm expression on him who had the same hair as Rafael, he looked almost like a man out of a bussiness magazine in his dark suit. The other had a much darker shade eyes and looked very smug in a all over black shirt and pants paired with a marron blazer. From the similar brooch on them which I also noticed on Rafael's suit, I made a guess who they could be, probably part of the Sinclair. Together they looked literal drool worthy for the female eyes. And as proof to my words, every female eyes were on them.

But then when they stepped closer, I realized something like a familiarity with one of them but wasn't sure completely so I didn't utter a word.

I should've check on the Sinclairs more.

"So you guys made it." He said letting out a chuckle.

"Duh, its also where we sell stuff, remember?" One of them with a more rough around the edge look rolled his eyes while the other just smiled at him then at me.

I feel like I know the guy who stood there with more rough and power aura. He looked very familiar but I couldn't grasp it exactly how I knew him. Maybe froma magazine? His smug demanour and the way he kept glancing at me and smirked made me even more confused. It had a knowing look.

"We had to come since we're required." The other one replied calmly.

His entire demeanour screamed posh and perfection. From his expressions to looks to even movements were measured.

"Well, I'd have managed just fine but thanks for coming. Did Max come?" He asked which probably meant his younger brother.

"He's running late. He had a trip in L.A. But Ella's here somewhere. I saw her but she vanished between her crowds." The almost familiar rough one said.

"Let us introduce ourselves to the young lady. She seems a bit confused." The calm one said with a smile which I returned.

"I know who she is, Viviana Lee." The one who seemed familiar let out and smirked again.

"How do you know her?" Rafael frowned.

"Somewhere, but she doesn't seem to know. And anyway she's the secret TRIPLE C's president. I've heard of her a lot from my clients. I'm Leonard Sinclair, by the way." He let out as something in me clicked. But I kept quiet.

"Lucien Sinclair, pleasure to meet you Miss Lee." The calm one said.

"Me too. Just call me Vivia, please." I said wirh a smile.

"You got her as a date, or is it just bussiness?" Leonard asked in curious and mischief in his voice.

"None of your bussiness is the answer." Rafael let out rolling his eyes.

"So date. I'd prefer you calling me Leo, Vivia. We got a rule, we only used formality in office." He said as Rafael scrowled. I don't know why but I didn't say anything but just smiled knowingly.

"Who's the pretty lady with you guys?" We all turned to the voice.

A girl with bob cut hair walked toward us with a beautiful smile that even made me smile at her. She was in a low cut suit dress with nothing underneath, shpwing just abut enough cleavage to make her stand out but still look elegant and looked absolutely adorable and perfect. The way she walked proved she is a model, not a hair out of place, not a single wrong step. She had the looks I could stare at for hours. Close up, I saw the exact eyes that had engulfed me from the begining, Rafael's eyes. Blue green as they can be. They were so similar I'd bet on them being identical.

"Stella Sinclair, if your wondering." She put out her hand as I took it instantly.

"Viviana Lee. But don't bother with the full name, just Vivia is fine." I said smiling.

"Well no one even knows I'm called Stella up front either. So I'll say it again. I'm Ella." She grinned as I let out a chuckle.

"And my annoying sister who thought greeting the host was stupid." Rafael huffed.

"Come on, bro, don't scrowl. You'll ruin your beautiful face. The lady will run away." She said as we all let out a low laugh.

"That won't be happening in my case but yours." He smirked looking as a bunch of guys staring at her.

"I don't know them." She rolled her eyes and then abruptly turned to the sudden music coming in from the other hall.

"You called orchestra?" She asked grinning.

"Never miss these details, they say." He grinned at her as she instantly brightened up and pulled Leonardo suddenly.

"You're dancing with me." She announced.

"El, pick one of your followers, damn it!" He said but still followed.

"There goes his feet for tonight." Lucien said in a low voice as Rafael laughed.

"Rafe?"A bright deep woman's voice took out attention.

Turning, I saw an exceptional posh looking tall woman. She was in a nice shimmering red dress highlighting her low tanned skin. Her dark blonde hair was pushed back in a low ponytail set perfectly. Her perfect figure called out how much she works out to keep it.

But while I admired how pretty she was, Rafael became rigit and Lucien had a surprised expression on.

"Rimela?" Rafael let out in a almost whisper and slowly let go of me.

"Surprised? You shouldn't have been if you hadn't ignored me for so long." She said crossing her arm.

"You weren't supposed to be invited either." Lucien said slowly with a smile.

She simply glared at him then looked at me and smiled. That was a not nice smile but neither was it a mock.

"Aren't you the new TRIPLE C president who never attends any events? I heard yput guys are working for us now." She said as I slowly frowned. How does she know me? Amd who is working for who again?

But before I could ask anything Rafael did the job for me since he seemed more bothered by it.

"How do you know her?"

"I don't exactly know her but I heard how she avoids all men. Most of her clients are female. I'm more surprised she's even here at all and with you of all people." She said with a look that was starting to annoy me.

Judgemental look is what it's called, Vivia.

"And why is that a fact?" Lucien asked curiously.

"She seems to hat- no, have a bit of a distike to our world. You know the spotlight." She smiled sadly to me.

"I am famous for that indeed." I said confidently.

"I knew the old president of TRIPLE C. I never met you since you avoid people so much." She said blankly.

"There was a never need is the reason. I was handed over the company when the president retired. Work overtook most of my time thus the reputation." I replied honestly.

"Aren't you too young to be a president for a company like this though? Don't get me wrong but TRIPLE C isn't a small establishment as others think. You must have had a hard time getting the place, since your not part of Mr. Smyth's family, right?" She replied surprised.

Fake surprise that is. I wonder what is her issue.

"I started working there when I was a student. Mr. Smyth recruited me as an intern first then as a permanent employee. My talents in this feild were recognized and it fueled me to get better promotions as I rose in positions. In short, I don't think age matters here. If I was a better candidate than a 50 years old man, then obviously he wouldn't be getting a position I have the rights to. Plus, I'm confident enough to not bother with older people in my field since I had better talent than them. I'm sure you understand right, Miss-"

"Rimela, Rimeka Tark. You've heard of me, I worked with many of your clients." She said as I slowly remembered hearing about her.

Also how she is famous for being stuck up and extremely annoying. But I get it, she looks the part to be arrogant.

"I do, it's nice to meet you, Miss Tark." I replied.

"Nobody gets anything by luck. They need some talent. But the question is what talent they own to rise up in power. Isn't it?" She smirked pointing at exactly as I gussed she would.

I've dealt with worse than her. So I simply smiled before replying.

"I'm sure being in your profession, you wouldn't understand the life of person who cleans up for others. In fact, since I work in the feild of wiping people's records and muds on their reputation such as your profession's individuals, I know a bit or two what kind of talent needed to rise in power. But I also know the problem caused by it. And because I deal with them so much in my everyday work, I'm sure you understand why I'd never choose such options just to get mud on me." Her smirk was long gone at this point. But I didn't stop. 

"After all, we work and get paid to wipe of your people's troubles. We can't risk to have them on us too, right?" I replied pulling up a wicked smile on her, shutting up the Rimela Tark for good. If she's smart enough she won't utter another word.

Noticing the tension around us, Lucien let out a cough.

"How about you catch on? Miss Vivia, would I have the pleasure to have a dance with you?" He asked as I nodded while glancing at Rafael who looked uncomfortable but didn't protest at all and stared at Rimela who turned his attention from me to her.

"Just so you know, I'm bad at dancing." I let out in a whisper turning away.

"I've seen worse, Miss Vivia. I'll manage just fine." He replied smiling.

"Please cut the Miss thing. It makes me feel all weird." I let out as he simply made a quiet laugh.

When we set on the floor and it started playing the music, I noticed Ella and Leonard dancing and arguing at the same time. I dared a glance at Rafael who was a bit far from the hall but I noticed how he seemed to be arguing with Rimela as she smiled and explained him something. I wondered what their relationship is. But immidiately looked away shutting myself up.

Whatever may their relationship be, it doesn't matter to me. He can have as many affrairs he needs and as many lovers as he wants. He has no obligation to me and it's just a deal between us. We have nothing but a convenient relationship between us. It's not even a relationship to be honest.

"Don't beat yourself up over them." I heard and instantly looked up at Lucien.

"I'm not, I was just wondering why he is arguing. It's getting noticed. That's all." I let out honestly.

"Yea, that's common when Rimela is involved." He said nodding.

"Why?" I heard myself ask.

He nodded knowingly and said,

"As I said don't beat yourself up but you seem like a nice girl. So I'll let you know. She's Rafael's ex-finance." He informed as my eyes grew big and the music stopped comming in my ears.

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