Better Version than the Portrait

Nicholas

The after-party was organized in a more grandeur style than the launching event. There were even more guests in attendance than earlier. I could sense that Valentino must have organize this set up to attract more connections.

A sea of paparazzies also appeared outside. I was glad that I came earlier than them. They were not able to take at least a photo of me. That’s the last thing I want to happen tonight.

Scott messaged me earlier that he won't be able to attend the after-party as Melanie was already throwing tantrums. The woman was already drunk from the champagne she had at the launching event. Scott also did not forget to remind me of why I attended the launch event and after-party. 

I know. I came here because of Mr. Giordano, but my plan on meeting him is not as important as seeing her again. I can still meet Mr. Giordano by scheduling an appointment with him. 

Right now, as I am seated on my table... alone. My eyes never left the entrance of the hotel. Valentino said that Emilia will attend the after-party. I don’t want to miss her arrival. She’s the first thing I want to see before I engage myself into conversations.

I did not wait for too long because in the midst of the crowed entering the venue, I spotted the woman in the portrait.

She was immediately encircled by the other guests. She must be quite popular for her to attract that many people but I myself did not even know that she’s just among the circles that’s Valentino been associating himself with.

I wonder what work she’s been doing to be acquainted by those business magnates. I watch her lips move. She’s clearly accustomed to having conversations with high end people. Her smile never left her lips even after excusing herself from those people who went to her for pleasantries.

Her long hair cascading down to her waist sways freely as she walks with grace and confidence while nearing to the woman who called her name. She was dawned in a long black V-neck gown with a slit that shows her long, silky white legs.

I could feel my own desires awakened as I watch her every move. Howbeit, before my desires and thoughts drift somewhere forbidden, I quickly stood up and went to Valentino’s circle.

The man introduces me to the other businessmen whom I am not yet acquainted with. As I listened to them, I would, from time to time, steal glances at the woman whose still conversing with the woman in the red gown.

From my peripheral view, I could see Valentino gesturing for his cousin to come closer. And from then, my gaze never left her as she walks towards our circle.

She’s beautiful… and more mature than she was back then. Her aura screams confidence and classiness. A woman of my type.

When she stopped in front of me. I was left in awe. This version of her is better than the portrait.

“This is Emiliana Vergara, my cousin.” Valentino introduces her to us.

Emilia smiled. Her lips parted, “good evening gentlemen. I hope you are all having a great time. Just call me Emilia, by the way.” Her voice was controlled. Between being friendly and being professional.

I heard one of his friends said something but I didn’t bother to listen. I was helping myself memorizing every inch of her facial feature.

The way her eyes smiles along her small laugh. How her cheeks flushed to bright red, the moment her portrait was mentioned. How her lips moved as she speaks. I gaze at them intensely. Imprinting the image on my mind.

I was simply gawking at her. And if not for Valentino introducing me to her, I would not have the opportunity to hold her hand right now.

It’s still soft just like what my own hand remembers. Unlike my hand that’s calloused and have been through so much work. I rubbed the back of her hand using my thumb and I could feel her small reaction. She’s conscious of me. I know she remembers me right now.

I want her to remember me. Be in her system as she sleeps tonight and when she wakes up the very first thing in the morning, I want her to remember this brief interaction between us.

“The pleasure is mine, Miss Emiliana.” I let the words of her name leave my lips slowly.

My eyes caught the redness of her ears. I could feel her staring at me. She was checking me out and I don’t mind. I turn my gaze on her and caught her eyes looking at me.

Five years ago, I only had three interactions with her. All are not even worth to remember at all.

But because she’s present in those three times, even if it would pain me to remember her expressions at those times, I would not mind replaying them all over again.

If it’s the only way for me to satisfy my longing for her.

“Ehem!” I heard Valentino cough. I know it was only a fake cough to get our attention. I wanted to hold her hand a little more but Emiliana already pulled away from my grasp.

I was a little disappointed, but I could not do anything. I don’t want to startle her of my fast gesture as this is our first time seeing each other after that incident from five years ago.

The other gentlemen beat me already in conversing with her as Valentino grab my attention. We distance ourselves a little bit and before I could react, he was already grabbing my shoulder. No, he was squeezing it.

“She’ll melt, you know,” he whispered meaningfully, and I just stare at him unamused that he knows of my intention. It’s better for him to have an idea that I fancy this only cousin of him.  For a long time now.

“Let’s talk tomorrow. I want you to know that my intention for her is genuine,” I patted Valentino before turning my attention back at them.

 I just listened to them. Watching her every move. Silently smiling to myself when I see her chuckle or give her opinion about some business topics.

But not long after, Emiliana excused herself. I followed her with my gaze and saw her approaching a woman standing near the dessert table.

I wanted to see her more, but Valentino and the others caught my attention already. We continued with our conversations ‘til I was left alone with a blonde woman. She introduces herself as Katherine Solorzano. She also mentioned that she’s of Valentino’s few models who were signed ahead before the launching.

“I’m quite interested in you. I didn’t know that Valentino is acquainted with a handsome man like you,” Miss Solorzano boldly announced in a flirty tone.

I furrowed at the way she speaks of her boss. Valentino? Is she that close to him to be on first name basis?

My thoughts was immediately interrupted as I could feel her hand travelling from my shoulder down to my arm. She’s flirting with me… and it’s not even giving me the chills.

Emiliana will be the only woman who could give me the chills without even exerting much effort. With just the way she walks and how the slit of her dress moves up on her every steps had awakened the desire in me.

“I am sorry to burst your bubble Miss Solorzano, but I am not the type of man who beds every woman he encounters.” I said politely as I could ever be.

But the woman in front of me is a tough opponent. She got closer and our bodies are just inches away from each other. Especially her fake boobs.

She leans closer to me. Now, I could feel her boobs on my chest. “We can book a hotel room for the night. I just want a taste of your performance on bed.” She whispered seductively. Thinking that she might actually tempt me into having a night with her.

I simply grab the woman’s shoulder and pushed her gently away from me. “My future wife will get angry.” I said pointing at Emiliana who’s busy talking with her acquaintance.

“Future wife? That’s Emiliana Vergara and she’s known as the woman with impeccable walls. No man has ever taken her on a date,” said Miss Solorzano with unamused tone. She was glaring at my woman with envy.

So, she is indeed famous that even the woman in front of me knows her.

The thought of Emiliana making her own name sparked my pride a little. I’m proud of her. And hearing that no man had ever taken her to date boosted my confidence and pride even more.

“Then, I’ll be the first and last man who will take her to dates.” I said proudly.

Miss Solorzano who lives up to her name as a tough opponent did not mind me having feelings for Emiliana. She continued with her flirting antics that’s its annoyingly getting on my nerves.

“If you don’t get out of my sight now, I’ll have your contract with Valentino terminated,” I coldly said to her.

This must what have Scott felt after finding out that her fling is clingy as hell.  

There was horror in her face. She immediately let go of my arm and like a scared prey, she vanish from my sight in a flash.

The party ended without me having the chance to talk with Emiliana. She was completely glued to the woman who was wearing royal blue gown. They only separated when Valentino approached their table.

I was only a few inches away from them as they made their way to the parking lot.

Once they were inside their car, I also got inside of mine. Their car drove away while I was starting the car’s engine.

I leaned my back on the chair and was about to close my eyes when my phone vibrated from my pocket.

It was a text message from Valentino. A smile immediately escapes from my lips the moment I saw the content of his message. It was Emiliana’s number.

I stared at the numbers on the screen. Contemplating on whether I should drive myself home first before calling her or staying inside my car and call her.

The contemplation took me twenty minutes before I finally decided on what to do. I dialed her number and the call… did not connect.

She did not answer it. And I truly understand her. I was too fast. Too excited to hear her voice all for myself. Too excited to know how she’d been doing.

Even though she did not answer my call, I drove myself home with a smile on my face. Just by knowing that she’s now within my reach could make my heart flutter in so much happiness.