CHAPTER 21

"YOU CAN HAVE IT..." I gave the bottle to Lauren after we had gotten into the car. Gemini was driving us back to the hotel.

"Are you kidding???" she asked in misbelief. I could see how much she wanted this perfume. And she was right. Bvlgari was an international brand and that made so dear. It was clear that they were targeting the higher class in manufacturing of their products and even if they were put in a local shop, only one or two people would be able to afford.

To prevent losses, they got connections in the rich-people's web and along with a good family history, they were able to get good coverage and very reliable customers.

The unique collection was founded by Greek silversmith Sotirio Bvlgari in Rome, which is now denoted to precious jewels and fine fragrances.

"No...you can really have it. I have like a ton of new cartons back home..."

"Thanks Eleanor ..." she smiled and gave me a hug. I hugged her back and I loved how she clung to me.

"Do we have anything scheduled this afternoon???" I asked and she nodded.

"Yes...infact...you have a meeting with Natalia Ramos...." Gemini broke in and I gasped. I did not want to see that woman even for a second. How on earth did Gemini expect me to meet up with her after what happened? First he proposed I meet with Elroy and now Natalia?? He must've been out of his mind. And wasn't she in police custody?

"Are you kidding me? She will not be seeing that witch!!" Lauren screamed and pointed at Gemini who was calmly seated in the driver's seat.

He stopped at a red light and I turned to Lauren.

"My phone please...." I said quietly. She handed it to me and I immediately opened the text from Adam among the other thousand I had.

'I miss you...'

It read and I replied back. 'I miss you too'

"So where are we supposed to go??" I asked Lauren and she took out her notepad. I really hoped I had nothing planned so I would spend the weekend with Adam.

I couldn't believe I missed our anniversary and it was my busyness that caused it. I would have to make it up to him and I had just the plan.

I turned to Lauren and watched as she flipped a few pages. After finding what she was looking for, she read it out.

"You have an appointment with your dermatologist today, that's this afternoon and in the evening....you're supposed to meet the president of Lionsgate to discuss the roles of his upcoming movie...that's if you'll be interested..." she stressed the last part and I looked at her with a blunt expression on my face. I was about to say something when I realised I had arrived at my hotel after looking out the window. My phone beeped and I checked it to be a bill-track notification.

'American card (9100****4587) Ms DeLaRue. 12/20 10:30am, Paid in full $3200 Royal Department Store'

I sighed after reading it and realising my subscription had been renewed at the department store.

"For now let's stop at the dermatologist....I'll figure the rest later..." I got out of the car and walked toward the reception. I heard a set of footsteps following me and I turned around to see Lauren and Gemini.

"What is it???" I asked.

"You had to wear a dress that screams 'fall for these luxurious Bvlgari perfumes that exude elegance' unfortunately I have to take it back ....you were just modelling in it...." she quoted the middle statement with her fingers and pursed her lips.

I rolled my eyes and turned to Gemini.

"You didn't give your feedback on meeting with Natalia....her secretary keeps calling me and I can't find any responses to give to her.

"Am busy....." I said and turned around heading for the reception. I got into the hotel and took my card from the receptionist. I signed in the check-in register and walked to the elevator.

"Eleanor....you're busy??"

"Did you not hear her?? Back in the car??" I asked pointing at Lauren. "She said I have quiet a busy day...." I turned around and pressed the button.

Sands of time really change in a blink now don't they?? It's always me who's chasing Natalia for even if it means a second in her busy schedule. And now, here she was hunting for a moment with me.

Fascinating.

"Busy?? are you kidding me? you have a free morning...." Gemini called still following behind me.

"Did you forget I have a boyfriend???" I asked and rudely. What did he think of me exactly?

"Boyfriend?? Oh God...he's not your puppet. Why do you always want to be with him 24-7? He's working on a piece of art. Didn't you bring him where for new ideas...? How then will he think if you keep hovering around him all the time???"

The moment he mentioned Adam, my anger levels began to rise. Puppet? did me mean that?

I turned around to look at him to be sure it was really him saying all these.

And alas! it was.

I immediately lost it. My memory went back to when I was shooting a scene and Natalia taking advantage of me.

The mention of Adam is the exact thing that caused all that drama. I was about to jump on him like an angry cat when Lauren grabbed my hand.

She shook her head asking me not to and instead asked me to walk into the elevator.

I got into the elevator and Lauren walked in with me. I was confused at first but then remembered she was following me to get back the dress.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

I suddenly felt like I needed sleep. I already slept last night and here I was feeling so tired.

"Ma'am...are you alright??" Lauren asked worriedly.

"Yeah...am fine...." I replied leaning on the elevator walls. I ran my hand in my head and took a deep breath.

"You don't look fine.....I'll reschedule your meetings for this week....and then---"

"No. Don't...I'll be fine. The week's already over. Isn't it Friday today? And you already rescheduled my meetings after I fell sick the last three days. That's why I have a lot of work now....I better get done with it...." I explained as I walked out and headed to my hotel room.

"But you have a free month. Remember the movie production has been postponed with a month? It was all for you....and I think you need to make use of this time....."

"Thank you....but no...." I smiled and opened my door.

The moment I got in, a teasing but sweet odoriferous smell slapped me across the face. It smelled like melted candy.

Did Adam plan to surprise me?

I thought as I walked in.

A beautiful flower bouquet was perfectly placed on the bed and rose petals were sprinkled all over around it.

"Oh my goodness.....?" Lauren gasped as she saw what I saw. Her reaction was highly expected. This place was exquisite and to die for.

I carried my dress up in my hands and walked toward the bed.

My fingers itched and I realised I had to touch the flowers as soon as possible. I picked up a rose petal and another until my hands were full.

I smelled them and they gave out such a beautiful scent. Even better than the bvlgari perfume I was advertising.

"Eleanor...." Lauren called and when I looked at her, she handed me a card. Wasn't it supposed to be with the flowers?

I received it and opened it instantly.

'I miss you.

I saw what happened with Natalia. Am sorry for that....Get well soon, my dear. We miss your smile...'

The smile on my face immediately faded. I got nervous and fell on my bed.

"What is it??" Lauren asked and my silence caused her to snatch the card from my hands.

After reading it, her expression was worst than mine.

No one and not even Aaron, my very own bodyguard has access to my room. From the note, I could tell it wasn't Adam who left it.

I knew just how Adam and I communicated and this just wasn't it.

I got scared and immediately laid flat on my bed with my eyes closed trying not to press so much on my brain.

"Am calling the manager...." was all I heard from Lauren before the door slammed.