Chapter 4

"You're pregnant."

Are the first words that got out of Krystal's mouth. Dolore blinks at her, but the woman only gives her a hearty laugh.

"How'd you know?"

At the reaction that lacks indignation, Krystal lets herself sigh in relief. "I'm a designer. That means I'm well acquainted with 'unwanted' bumps with my models. Though I can say you don't have the same predicament."

Dolore looks down on her almost non-existent baby bump, and just almost because there's really a bump there at the lower belly but just so, so little, but in Krystal's standard is she's already showing and she can only imagine if it happens to one of her models but shakes her head because this is not the time.

Krystal then turns to Christian Giannini and the CEO only looks back at her, and he looks disgruntled and doesn't want to be here. Whatever. It's not Krystal's fault. He was the one who stormed here in her office at the first place.

"I have a office specific for this kind of meeting. Shall we?" Krystal doesn't wait for an answer and turns around, knowing the couple will follow her. Sarah is in her tow, a stack of mock folder in her arm and clutching a USB drive on her hand. Krystal looks at it in wonder, and Sarah seems to notice.

"In case we need the non-disclosure agreement file, I have it in back up so I can print it out immediately."

Krystal nods in understanding. "You don't have a hard copy with you?"

Sarah shakes her head. "I actually do. But if they happen to want to edit the content of the agreement, that's why I have the soft copy with me."

Really. Krystal's HR team is beyond excellent. They bring you the best of the best employee. Filtered to the brim and rock bottom. She's so grateful for that.

Sarah pushes the button to fifteenth floor, and once the elevator door's opens, Krystal enters with Sarah. Dolore follows suit with Christian, the male still has a little frown on his face.

You see, Krystal is not anticipating something good out of this meeting. And only because her impression of Christian Giannini is not the best in slightest. The CEO's way of dealing is unprofessional, impulsive, and lacks sensitivity. He just trespassed inside a well known building that can and have the full capability to sue him for what he had done. Krystal doesn't really care if Christian Giannini is filthy rich with old money. Krystal herself came from the same type of lineage.

Good thing that Krystal is not into drama and unnecessary situation that can be easily avoided by not making a big deal out of things that should not matter that much, right? So Krystal has decided that she doesn't want to deal with that... Unnecessary stuff. And if there is, it will surely start in the middle of the meeting.

Right?

Wrong.

Because not even on the third floor when Dolore opens her mouth and says, "on behalf of my fiancé's rudeness yesterday, I am sorry."

Which Christian doesn't really appreciate by the incredulous look he's giving Dolore.

"It's not my fault," comes his defense. Krystal turns to Sarah as much as subtle she can be, and finds her personal assistant already looking at her in silent amusement.

They all hear Dolore's sigh but she doesn't reply, only giving Krystal another apologetic smile. And oh, she's really pretty. Dolore is pretty, and it's actually nice of her to apologize because her fiancé clearly is to proud to even know what apology and apologizing is.

Krystal doesn't say anything, but holds Dolore's stare for a few seconds to let the woman know she's not ignoring her apology, and even smiles a bit at her. Dolore seems content on that. It's only Christian who looks like he doesn't want to be here at all, very much different from his eager and enthusiastic trespassing yesterday.

When the elevator door opens, it's Desmond who she sees first. Her art director is talking to the other art department staff, clearly instructing them to do something that involves the mock folder he's holding for he keeps tapping on it, whilst the other two are nodding and giving their own input.

They all go out, and just in time to hear Desmond's words.

"Give this one another long collar adjacent and I'll fire you myself. Krystal made it clear, the French satin top with overly lack of chest clothing is too 2018. See this," and he taps on the folder again and when Krystal and her company has gotten a little closer, she then notice they're photos plastered side by side.

"This one is 2016, and they don't have neck collar designs or those collar adjacent for design. And this 2018, is also similar, right? What Krystal wants is the one with the cravat-like chest. And that's why I'm saying just because we have tons stock of satin in here means we can use them anytime we want when we can do ruffles by just.. Pins. And needles and thread. By the main dress."

Krystal taps her art director in the forearm.

"Deep breathe, Desmond," she says, amused. The gay designer turns to her to give her a deadpan look, and shakes his head while waving the folder to them. He then notice the people with her, and bless him for being the most sensible person in this place for he doesn't even look interested and rests a bent forearm at the floor reception's counter, and gestures towards Krystal's main office's door.

"Sample folders are inside. Your new favorite crew brought it here."

Krystal nods and pats Desmond's arm. "Tell Millie she's in my personal team this Cruise."

Desmond just nods and waves them away gracefully. Sarah then beckons the couple to follow them.

Once inside the office, Krystal opens the binds by the glass wall of her office. The overview image of the city greets them.

When she turns around to them, she sees Sarah opening the door to adjacent room where a printer in case of emergency is inside. Christian is looking around the office in mild interest, while Dolore is checking the framed photos hanging ang those in glass closet, in complete awe.

"Oh!" the woman exclaims. And points at a certain photo where Krystal and her then model muse Blue is standing beside her. "I think I was here. In this Fashion Week. 2019 in New York, if I'm right?"

Krystal makes an impressed look. Judging by the woman's clothing, she's well aware of the fashion field. Must be really a fan. And probably the one who suggested to recruit her as their supposed wedding attire designer.

"Have a seat."

Krystal beckons the two visitors to the two –comfortable, mind you– chairs across from her. Krystal's table is devoid of any folders for she usually takes her work papers at her office on the first floor, and only has a handful of mock magazine and some few classic Daunt magazine that's probably a decade old or more.

When the two is situated now in their seats, it's Krystal who speak first. If it's just to avoid more apologies from Dolore and more hardheadedness from Christian Giannini, the other people in the office doesn't need to know.

"So, in all honesty, I don't want to mention the.. peculiar stuff that happened yesterday but in able to start this discussion, I must acknowledge it." and without giving space or time for the others to talk, Krystal quickly adds, "So what's with the visit yesterday, Mr. Giannini? Aside from the sole reason that you were demanding me to design your and miss Dolore's wedding attire."

The man grunts but doesn't look too mad. He just look so uninterested, consider with his impromptu visit yesterday.

"Dolore said she wants your work for that and I want to make it happen quick."

Krystal raises a brow at that. "Bursting into my office doesn't make the wedding dress appear in a second."

At that, Christian at least look bashful, even for a little.

"I guess it was impulsive of me."

Dolore rolls her eyes at that, but a fond look in her eyes and anyone can see that she's not all pissed, maybe just a little, for Krystal's sake.

"Okay," Krystal then says. "I'll be honest. I'm not saying I'm not capable to make your dress and suit, but I must admit that I've never made a wedding dress before."

Dolore gives her a smile. "It's fine. I'll give you ideas about it."

Krystal purses her lips. "Actually, I think it's sensible to decline your offer."

Christian turns to her like his neck would snap into two. "What?"

"I have a Cruise to prioritize, actually. This coming February. And before that, the winter season Fashion Weeks is just ahead of this month. I'll be very booked," she explains.

"We still have four months," comes Christian's reason. Krystal tries not to cringe and calms herself down. Because if she doesn't, she'll end up ranting why does four months matter. That also in four months, it's already the February Cruise.

"And I also don't have any experience with designing a dress for pregnant women."

Christian opens his mouth but Krystal beats him to it.

"Pregnant woman's body changes a lot. So I'll have to change the sizes frequently, just base on monthly torso's changes. It's time consuming, and I have fashion weeks to attend to. I'll be very busy, so I'm afraid I'm suitable for this."

Christian clicks his tongue. "Are you saying you can't do it?"

Krystal stops from reaching for the folder that would show the couple her upcoming schedule this fashion weeks, and turns to give Christian a cold stare. She notices Dolore glaring at Christian, but ignores it.

"Excuse me?"

The CEO raises a brow. "If we happen to find a designer that as busy as you, and they happen to accept our offer, what then?"

"Then congratulations?"

Christian barks a dry laugh. "Doesn't that mean you're just incompetent?"

"Christian!" a horrified screech from Dolore.

Krystal stares at the man who is also staring at her back. She finds herself glad that she doesn't want to accept this job. It's a whole circus if she lets herself work with this kind of idiot, even if she has worked with the same people in the past. Working with idiotic is really draining. She doesn't want to experience that sooner.

"I'll say I'm good with time management. And self-care."

She doesn't get to baskin at the shock that graces Christian's face when Dolore turns to her. She looks close to crying.

Ah, Krystal thinks. Pregnancy hormones, probably.

"I'm so sorry. Christian didn't mean it."

Krystal is also really this close to tell Dolore that she doesn't need to talk and apologize on behalf of her fiancé. She also wants to ask who is incompetent now knowing that Christian is not really capable of apologizing and have to let his partner do it for him.

That would be so unprofessional. And Krystal is not ready to stoop so low to be on Christian Giannini's level of idiocy.

"I think this meeting doesn't need further exploration–"

"It's your fault."

Krystal whips her head towards Dolore, the tone sounds so grieving and sad and mad. She's ready to receive that look and resigns herself but then when she looks, Dolore is glaring at Christian who still looks uninterested.

"Let's find another way," the CEO suggests. Dolore purses her lips.

"I don't want anyone else, I want Hugace!" Dolore almost screech. "They make dress with best type of cloth and I want it and if it's not them then let's not get married! It's your idea in the first place, anyway!"

Christian then turns to Dolore with an alarmed look in his face. "You're really going to take that far?!"

"Why?! You think I can't decide for myself now?! Just like how you think Miss Hugace is incompetent for being critical thinker?!"

Oh, Krystal likes her.

"You're the incompetent one for letting me apologise on your behalf! I can't believe you're Topher's brother! Seriously!"

Christian rubs his forehead. "If you think it's critical thinking, then you'll also consider that your Miss Hugace here also explained why she can't accommodate us on this. She'll be very busy, words of hers."

"But maybe if you're just nice enough, she might've consider!" Dolore points out.

Krystal tries hard to not let it show in her face that's she's definitely right. She would have consider if the first impression is not this bad. Dolore seems nice, but her fiancé's whole demeanor just screams male testosterone and a bunch of superiority complex.

"It's your fault." Dolore whispers to Christian, who in exchange looks uncomfortable.

Dolore then turns to Krystal and oh God, she looks so heartbroken and she even sounded so sad when she was berating her fiancé.

"I'm so sorry for wasting your time," Dolore apologizes to her in umpteenth time for this day. "I would ask you to consider it, because I know in other circumstances, you might have. But we really did ruin it before we even tried, didn't we?"

"Not you," Krystal can't help but to reply when she notices that Dolore, as much as she tries to be subtle, is gently palming her belly. Like she's soothing her unborn child and in exchange, it's soothing her, too.

Krystal is on the brink of heavy guilt at the thought of that such sweet human being has to deal with this much stress because she has an asshole for a husband. She doesn't deserve that. Dolore is too kind for this man.

"We.. We can just purchase one of your already made dress," Dolore tells Krystal in her happy tone and serene smile. Krystal smiles and nods.

Only for the words to kick in.

Oh, Saint Ivy, Dolore really wants her wedding dress to be Hugace that much? And this guy just ruined it for her for being too alpha for his own good?

"Let's go," she tells Christian without looking. "If you don't care about me and only care about the baby having your surname, I wouldn't have agreed to this. Topher would definitely understand."

Christian hisses. "Don't bring my brother into this!"

Dolore then glares at Christian. "Why not? He and your parents are the one who care the most and not you! Even Maris cares more, and she's six years old! I wanted this, I dreamed of this since I saw that mauve berret on display in Milan 34th street and you ruined it!"

Milan 34th street.. Krystal vaguely remember posting one of her first collections in there. Her French inspired collection that landed her an opportunity to work with one of the most influential designer of this generation, Michelle Zabini.

And another realization that Dolore has been a fan since then. That warms Krystal heart, but not enough to subside the upcoming head ache for the couple continues to bicker.

Or more like Dolore keep on accusing Christian of being stupid and not caring and being selfish –whatever that entails, it's their personal lives– and Christian just replying in one to five set of words that just fire up Dolore's accusations of not caring.

It's starting to get on Krystal's nerves. And knowing that it's stressing Dolore, probably one of her vintage fans, Krystal can't take it anymore.

"Okay, okay," she tells more to herself. "And I'm going to say this just once. Please. So listen. I'll really appreciate that."

The two turn to her, with Christian's frown and curious look, while Dolore looks surprised and hopeful.

Krystal heaves a sigh and hopes she's making the right decision.

"I'll accept the offer."

Dolore gasps and squeals, something Krystal can't ignore so she gives the pregnant woman a warm smile.

"And I can't promise I'll be the best designer for this, given the circumstances. I don't have any experience and I'll be very busy. But I'll try my best and follow through your suggestions."

Dolore sighs a relieved exhale. "I was so scared."

Christian rolls his eyes on that. "Don't be so dramatic."

"You don't get to tell me that while you wear Bearcherry shirt. That's the ugliest shirt I've ever seen."

Krystal is sure of it. She really likes Dolore and it would be good if they become friends.

"Now, for non disclosure agreement.."

At that, Christian perks up and for the first time, he looks attentive.

Maybe Dolore is right about Christian being selfish, Krystal thinks as she watch the CEO scanning the Hugace brand's usual NDA file.

Krystal thinks she's right when Christian demands to add his own rules on the agreement.

Sarah nods and lets Christian modify the soft copy of the file.

At least Dolore looks happy. That's the good thing, Krystal thinks. And the reason why she agreed in the first place.

There's no way she'll be any part of the reason to her fan's sadness. Especially as kind as Dolore.

She just hopes it's going to be well in the future.