CHAPTER 14

Nikolas

Several months passed, and Rainora was growing more involved in her work. She handled all my appointments efficiently. She rarely met with other staff members who tried to pry into my matters and private meetings. 

I found myself trusting and relying on her more often. I hired her mainly to watch her to see if she would reveal the events of the nightclub. Subconsciously, she slowly became less irritable. To reward her hard work. I extended to her a hand-crafted envelope, with golden-color designs at its edges.

"Should I fax it out, Mr. Nikolas?" Rainora stretched out to collect the letter. She looked very professional in her dark blue suit and pencil trousers.

"No... it's an invitation to a fashion show." I smiled as she received it. Her face went pale in shock. She froze as she couldn't believe what I just said. "It will be held tomorrow night. I will tell May to get you dressed for the occasion. I turned around and went back to my office. I always enjoyed seeing her face shocked. She looked like an innocent child on their first day in school.

The annual fashion show is one of the highlights of the season. It consists of all the top fashion designers and supermodels all over the world. It was only for one night, so all the top families and elites were in attendance. It is always filled with glamour and flashlight. It was a competition to see who would be the most dressed both men and women. There were a lot of photographers and media reporters also trying to keep up with the fashion trends. They mounted at the entrance to capture the arrivals of guests and celebrities. Some stayed to take a quick stylish pose, while others walked past them quickly to avoid unnecessary chit-chats.

I wore a green double-breasted suit that exhumed confidence and class as I approached the venue. A lot of paparazzi and reporters called out my name. "Nikolas please give us a quick quote." I had a forced smile on my face. I tried not to be snobbish, but I never enjoyed being in the spotlight. My type of business tries to stay away from unwanted attention and exposure. 

It brings vultures to the door. 

I remember my father telling me when we started going out for events. It's one of the golden rules of business, only use the media as a tool. Nothing more.

When I finally entered the hall, it was adorned with several decorations. There were rose flowers that were arranged all over the venue, which gave the atmosphere a perfect ambiance. There was the stage, it had a white sheet spread on the floor, while chairs were arranged by the side. There was a standing area just a few inches away where guests greeted each other. There were a lot of flying kisses on the cheeks and hugs. Everyone acting bougie and sophisticated.  Two supermodels wore dresses that accentuated their slim figures, with their pale-white skin and lush hair. They rushed towards me through the stacked crowd.

"Hey Nikolas, you forgot about us." One of the supermodels said as they moved in for a hug. Their fragrance was soft and sweet, their scent melted my heart. I closed my eyes to inhale it fully, I almost let go of myself, and then a gut feeling set in. Open your eyes. I slowly opened them and was taken aback by the sparkling image across the room. Rainora wore a golden gown with shining stones scattered all over it. She looked like a star in a room of darkness as she came down the stairs majestically. Her long brunette hair was let loose to reach her bare shoulders.  Her tiny purse had glitters on it that matched her brown eyes. Her fantastic curvy shape was visible in the skin-tight grown. It felt like she was the only one in the room as everyone else seemed to just vanished.

Her face had a disdainful look as she saw the ladies in close proximity to me. I gently moved away as I didn't want her to think I was involved with them. "Sorry ladies, we will catch up later." I tried to slide my way through the crowd as I released myself from the supermodels. I could hear them whispering to each other but, I was unbothered. I had to get to Rainora before anyone started talking to her.

"Hello Rainora, glad you made it," I said while I approached. She tried to hide the smirk, as she seemed pleased I left the supermodels. "You look beautiful tonight." I had a huge smile on my face with all my teeth showing.

"Thank You, Mr. Nikolas, May choose the gown for me," Rainora replied, she blushed as she looked down not to meet my staring eyes. Just as we stood close to each other, I felt a cold hand on my shoulder.

"Wow, Nikolas you have a good taste in women just like me," Ovek said while looking at Rainora lustfully. Her comeuppance suddenly changed as her gaze became dark. It felt creepy as he held my shoulders, it felt like a cold rag placed on me. I shrugged it off.

"She's my assistant Ovek, have some respect for the lady." I sternly told him. That didn't deter his dirty looks at her. I gently pulled her towards me.

"My apologies, we have met before-" Ovek had a grin on his face. I knew he was trying to poke me but I won't give him that satisfaction. 

"We met in his company, he's my best friend's boss. Nothing else.' Rainora hurriedly replied. She could tell Ovek was trying to plant a seed of doubt in my mind, she had to clear it to avoid ruining her reputation.

"Yes, I met her while she was talking to my assistant Eunice, but we were interrupted abruptly, "Ovek said. Suddenly, a voice was heard from the public service system. 

"Please, all guests should move to their designated seats. The show is about to start." A female voice announced.

"We have to go now, it's nice seeing you." I sarcastically told Ovek. I held her hands as we moved quickly through the crowds. He held a smirk on him like this wasn't over.

We found our seats according to the number listed in the envelope. The show started afterward. Different supermodels strolled along the stage back and forth. They displayed the latest collections while photographers took their pictures. At the end of the show, the closing model came out with the creative fashion designer. They catwalked to the crowd and greeted us, then returned backstage.

At the end of the night, I took her home. I switched off the ignition when we reached the entrance to the lobby.

"I hope you had fun today Rainora?" I asked, she held the car door tensely. This was the first time I drove her home. I wouldn't like rumors to spread in the office, but after the encounter with Ovek, I wasn't at ease till she got home safely.

"Yes, I surprisingly did. The supermodels looked lovely and perfect." She replied as she stylishly met her eyes. I felt sweat dripping on my brow, I knew exactly what she implying. She was referring to the models who hugged me. I felt a guilty sensation in my chest. I couldn't leave her with those types of thoughts lingering.

"I knew them a long time ago, but there is nothing between us anymore," I replied. I quietly let out a sigh of relief like a huge burden had been lifted off my chest.

She gestured good night as she stepped out of the sports car. As she walked away, I felt myself longing to see her again. Tomorrow seemed too long to see her face.