Trousers down

Abby was in her office and Genevieve. Genevieve was talking about the runway for the event and showed her photos of the dresses that would be on display. Abby looked at her but was absent-minded. She kept thinking of how her life would be when she finally weds Vincent.

"We took some models to walk on the runway. We still need more though because…" Genevieve said and noticed she wasn't paying attention. 

"Are you okay?" 

Abby remained silent and didn't answer. Genevieve turned round to check if someone was behind her. She snapped her fingers in front of her. Abby looked at her when she heard the snap. She placed her hand on her head and sighed.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Genevieve asked worriedly.

"I'm fine." Abby replied flatly, pretending to look for something on her desk.

"You're clearly not. Did your fiancé-?"

"Vincent didn't do anything." Abby said sharply.

"Calm down, Abby. I was only worried. You don't have to shout." Genevieve said, a little offended with the way she reacted.

"I'm sorry, Gene. I shouldn't have reacted that way. It's just that the event and wedding has made me worked up." Abby lied convincingly.

"You plan on marrying that lunatic?" Genevieve said sneeringly.

"He is not a lunatic. Vincent is just a little temperamental." Abby said.

"A little? That man is crazy. Can't you call off the wedding?" Genevieve asked her.

"It's late for that. The invitation has been sent, the venue has been paid. All that's left is for us to exchange vows and rings at the altar." Abby said.

"There is still time. Time for you to call off the wedding and be free from him. Vincent isn't husband material. He is only a thorn on the flesh. Abby, you have a chance to end this. You've the right to be with someone who will love you and treat you like a queen. And not a trophy on the shelf." Genevieve said coaxingly, encouraging her not to marry Vincent.

"Can we talk about this later? Right now, I've to make sure everything for the fashion show is ready." Abby said, changing the subject.

"I've to use the ladies. I'll be back." 

"You have to pee again? Isn't it the seventh time this morning?" Genevieve asked.

"I've been visiting the ladies all morning. Even when I was still at the house. I think my allergies are back. I'm suspecting that Jenny might have used fish oil to make dinner last night." Abby said, standing up from the chair.

"I think you should visit the doctor. It might be more than allergies." Genevieve feared.

"I'm fine. It's not the first time something like this has happened to me." Abby said airily, opening the door and leaving the office.

|•••LEVI'S HOUSE•••|

Levi and his family were seated at the dining table, having breakfast. He picked up the glass of juice in front of him and drank it. He looked at Dua, who was chatting with her friends online. He kept the glass on the table. He cleared his throat.

"Dua, Abby told me she had invited to a fashion show." Levi said, using his cutlery to eat.

Dua's mood changed suddenly when he mentioned Abby.

"Favourite daughter." Dua scoffed inwardly,

"Yes, she did. I told her I was busy and won't be able to attend." 

"Why? Don't you like fashion? Aren't you an influencer?" Levi asked, knowing the obvious.

"I am but I've a party to attend." Dua replied dryly, looking at her screen.

Dua used her fork to pick a cubed paw-paw on her plate while scrolling up her screen.

"If she doesn't want to go, you really shouldn't force her." Zita spoke up.

"I am not forcing her. I just want my daughters to bond and finally get along." Levi revealed, looking at Dua.

"I don't see that happening." Dua said dryly.

"Both girls will. Eventually." Zita said, caring less if they do.

"I hope so." Levi said and let out a sigh.

Dua thought of something and smirked. She kept her phone on the table and glanced at her mother. 

"I've decided I'll go to the fashion show." Dua announced.

Zita was surprised and almost choked on her food. She cleared her throat.

"You will?" Zita asked.

"Yes!" Dua smiled at her.

"Great! I'll let Abby know you're coming." Levi said cheerily.

"Thanks for breakfast. If you need, I'll be in my room." Dua said as she stood up from the chair. 

Levi nodded. Dua took her phone and left the room. Zita sat down perplexed. 

"What exactly is she up to?" Zita asked inwardly, watching Dua leave the room.

|•••VINTAGE DESIGNS•••|

Emma sat down on the desk and swung her legs back and forth. She backed the door and faced the window. 

"I think we have to keep a low profile. Rex is becoming suspicious after he learnt about the abortion." Emma said to the man seated on the swivel chair.

"I told not to keep those papers at home." The man said.

"I didn't know things would turn out this way. I never imagine Rex will go through my things." Emma replied, a little pissed off.

The man placed his hand on her thigh, making Emma look at him.

"You shouldn't allow meaningless things to ruin your mood. It has happened. We can't certainly change the past, can we?" The man said softly.

Emma shook her head and glanced through the window.

"Besides, we have each other and that's what really matters. Now, come." He added.

Emma glanced at the glass wall and furrowed her brow at him.

"I don't think that's a good idea. What if someone catches us?" Emma said, having second thoughts.

"Catch?" The man laughed,

"Emma, this isn't our first time. No one ever comes to my office at this hour unless I tell them."

"And what if he comes? Then what?" Emma asked eagerly.

"Rex never comes to this department. It is usually the first two floors above." The man said confidently.

"I know but-." Emma said, afraid that they might be caught.

"But nothing. Come on." The man persuaded.

Emma stalled for a minute.

"Fine. It's just a sit on my lap and a kiss. It will be quick." The man coaxed,

"What do you say?"

Emma thought about it and agreed. She stood up from the desk and sat on his lap. The man smiled and touched her chin affectionately. Emma smiled back at him. She caressed his face with her index finger. She pulled her face closer to his, with their noses touching each other and kissed him.

Rex and Gary climbed down the stairs and walked through the hall of the department they were in.

"The fabrics aren't up to my standard. They look inferior to me." Rex said firmly as they walked.

"So how much of it should we return?" Gary asked curiously, recording it on the tablet he was holding.

"All of it!" Rex said sternly.

"All?" Gary said, a bit confused.

"You heard me. All. I don't want to use those fabrics. Find another-." Rex paused and looked through the glass wall of a particular office.

Rex blinked twice to check if his eyes were playing tricks on him. Gary had his eyes on the tablet and had no idea of what was going on. Rex saw Emma sitting on the man's lap and kissed him. He opened the door angrily.

"Emma?"