Chapter 3: Lady

I almost felt out of place in my own house because of the bond the two created. I just kept on sipping on wine while staring hard at them playing.

"You could've melt them if you keep on staring you know." Alexandria exclaimed with her legs crossed, twirling the wine on its glass.

"I'm just watching." I said as I took another sip on the wine.

They're playing too long...should I just cancel the shopping?

"Why don't you just tell to stop and continue it later?" Alexandria looked at the two and was also mesmerized.

"... Nevermind." she added.

They look too wholesome of a sight, how could someone interrupt their time? I don't have the guts.

Still, Iñigo needs new clothes. My clothes are too big for a kid like him.

"How about you just order?" Alexandria offered. "Actually, I thought of that. But I don't know his size, waste of money if I'll just guess then turns out it's too small nor big."

"Then measure him? It's not that hard. Also, did you find his parents? You aren't possibly planning on taking him in, are you?" Alexandria squinted at me, with a suspicion in her eyes.

I rolled my eyes. "I can't afford to have a kid alright. I'll find his parents." I assured.

I looked at the clock, and it's already afternoon. I sighed, gathering the courage to ask the driver to lure Iñigo in the car for us to buy some clothes for him.

Iñigo obediently followed him, wearing his seatbelt and all when he didn't even bother the first time I took him in my car. It's unfair.

"Let's go at Tverskaya street."

We have arrived, and only one shop caught my attention. It's nice since it's not that crowded unlike the other stores.

We entered the shop, and a stunning interior design slapped our eyes. It's not historic nor antique yet also not modern and new. It's a mix in between. There are hanged clothes neatly organized around most of the room.

A cheerful woman in uniform greeted us as we stepped in. "Good afternoon ma'am! What can I get for you?"

"You have clothes for this boy, right?" I said as I pulled Iñigo closer. He persisted back but was still swayed by my hands.

"Yes ma'am, would you like to take a look?" the woman replied with her hand on her stomachs. "Sure. Try out all the styles you think suits him."

"Yes ma'am. Young sir, may us?" the woman pointed with her palm, leading Iñigo the direction. He went with her while me and Alexandria just waited at the waiting area sitting on their couch.

We were just passing the time when I noticed a woman coming in. She's dressed with all black, black hat, black heels, black dress, dark shades and black bag. She looks expensive.

She came in and removed her shades, revealing her enchanting eyes as dark as the void of the shade of her outfit.

I couldn't help but stare at her appearance, it feels like I've seen her before.

After processing the image I'm seeing, I noticed she looks like Iñigo!

I couldn't help but think, "Maybe that's a relative of his?" in the hope that he's not abandoned nor an orphan.

But that immediately vanished, as the thought swam out of my mind, thinking that it's probably a coincidence. I sighed for myself.

When the woman and Iñigo finally came out, with different varieties of clothes he personally picked himself. I stood up and went to them to check out the selected ones. "Nice. Please wrap it up." I said.

The clothes are dark colored, oversized but has thin fabric. They seems to be styles from Japan though, especially the plaid on plaid.

"When's the celebration again, Alexandria?" I asked her, who's been busy at her phone smiling. Seems like she found someone of her interest.

"Hmm? The celebration... It's 7 p.m." she said and went back on typing on her phone.

Fuck, I plan to just sleep after the shoot.

The woman came and gave us about four shopping bags with the clothes in it. I gladly took it and passed it to Alexandria, who's still glued to her phone. She hasn't noticed my offering hand forcing me to shove the bags at her hands.

"How much is it?" I went back and smiled at the woman with my wallet on my hand. "That will be 15,000 ₽ ma'am."

Huh, it's cheaper than I thought. I rummage inside my wallet, and gave her the exact amount.

"Please come by again." the woman bowed as she receives the money, looking happy.

I was about to leave when I and the lady earlier made eye contact as we get passed each other. She went up to the woman to ask for the dressing room.

Her eyes really are such a gem, it's so captivating. I can't believe I was able to caught that attention.

"Maxine, let's go." Alexandria tapped me and grabbed my arms, "You still have a party to attend to, alright." she continued.

"Like I give a damn about that party." I thought.

The driver got the shopping bags inside of the car on the back while we let ourselves get comfortable inside.

I just realized now that I don't even know his name, nor did Alexandria sent his resume.

"Mr. Driver.. you know, I still don't know your name." I said as soon as he gets in the driver's seat.

He processed what I just said while adjusting his seatbelt, blank minded.

"I'm Shawn Hong, ma'am." he lowered his head and started the engine.

So he's asian. Doesn't look like it, his features are sharp.

"Alright, Shawn, can you take care of Iñigo later again? Sorry for the disturbance, I'll just raise your salary."

"It will be my pleasure, ma'am."

[Time lapse.]

I went to the party alone since Alexandria's too busy with "work" when managing me was literally her work.

I wore a red sheath dress with golden necklace and bracelet as accessories, with my hair tied up in a low bun. The director greeted me first when I arrived, complimenting me and all.

He introduced me to the movie's investors, that helped us with the staff and equipments. They're all old bum, obviously drooling all over me since they're so touchy.

I excused myself for I couldn't take it anymore and went to the bathroom, watching myself washing my face in the mirror when a woman suddenly came in.

My eyes are widened, and my eyes froze at her. It's the same woman in the shop earlier, wearing a black patterned pencil dress with her hair all loose.

Perhaps I might've stared too hard at her that her expression became of confused and looked at me. Out of embarrassment I barged out of the restroom.

It took me a moment to notice that my handbag was missing, "Shit...I left it in the bathroom." but I don't have the courage to go back there, unless she's gone then.

"Maxine!" I gasped when my name was called. I immediately turned and it was just the director.

I was shocked by seeing the person behind him. It's that lady again! Fuck, why do I keep on bumping on her today?

"Maxine, come meet our biggest investor. She's the one who made this movie possible!" the director excitedly exclaimed, gesturing that I greet the lady, and I did.

"I'm Galina Chekov. Nice to meet you." she reached out her hand, waiting for me to shake it.

"Yes, nice to meet you too..." I replied. I was about to take her hand when she switched her hand with my handbag in timing.

"You left your bag." she smiled brightly, and she even became brighter.

Oh lord help me, my heart's about to explode.