Unknown Number

Emiliana

Five years later~

“Over here! Look over here, Miss Vergara!”

I smiled while posing for the camera and the never-ending flashes continued.

Today is the launch of my cousin’s new business. And as the chosen muse of his company, I have no choice but to attend the after-party. If only I had a choice not to come, I’d be inside my study room and probably buried in a ton of blueprints. 

Once I felt that they had enough photos of me, I walked towards the entrance of the hotel where the party was being held.

As soon as I stepped inside, I could already see some of the guests coming towards my direction. I had the pleasure of conversing with some of the women whom I saw at the launch earlier. I was present at the launch, however I was hiding in my cousin’s office. 

“Miss Emiliana!” The minute I heard the familiar voice, I roamed my gaze around and it did not take me seconds to find her.

I immediately excused myself from the guests and slipped my way towards the woman dressed in a red body-hugging gown. A different look than what she usually wears and all I can say is… she looks stunning. 

“Maximillian! You look wonderful today,” I couldn’t help but hold her hand in excitement. Truly, she looks so hot that it made me wonder how many gentlemen would ask her hand for a dance. 

There was a hint of redness in her cheeks and a half-smile appeared on her lips. Maximillian—my secretary, quickly stood by my side and guided me to where my cousin, Valentino, was.

The moment I spotted him; my lips twisted when I caught sight of a familiar face. It’s been five years, yet he still looks uncannily similar to when we were still in our teens. 

“Why is he here?” I whispered to Maximillian as my gaze remained on the man standing beside my cousin. He was wearing a midnight blue tuxedo suit. The obvious fit is a hint that the suit was tailored to his liking.

“Because he’s invited?” said Maximillian in a questioning tone. “That’s Mr. Nicholas Moretti. He is the owner of ELVs apparel, and chains of hotels and restaurants. He’s quite famous among the bachelorettes in the business world. The man had a clean record for dating gossips,” she filled me in like a true gossiper. Though I know she’s only doing her job.

So, his name is Nicholas Moretti. I don’t know his full name. If I'd known and read his name on the list of guests, I’d probably have a reason not to attend this party. Maximillian continued to fill me in while I was eyeing the man who helped me escape five years ago. After my encounter with him at the airport, I never heard from him again. Or maybe I was just too preoccupied with my new life that I did not make any effort to reach him or even Scott.

From my line of sight, I can see Valentino’s head move towards our direction. When he spotted me, he raised his hand and gestured for me to come closer.

“You may enjoy the party now, Max.” I whispered to my secretary. She gave me a brief nod before parting ways.

I walked towards where Valentino and his circles were. And I could feel his intense stare on me.

I stopped by my cousin’s side. Valentino did not waste time and introduced me to his circle. “This is Emiliana Louise Vergara, my cousin. And the woman in the portrait displayed in the lobby of the modeling agency building.”

I smiled at the gentlemen before starting the pleasantries with them. “Good evening gentlemen. I hope you are all having a great time. By the way, just address me Emilia.” 

“So, this is the famous Emilia. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” said the man who is wearing a gray suit. “I thought Valentino here… had no plans on introducing to us the gorgeous lady from the portrait displayed at the lobby of his new building. You are more beautiful in person, if I may say,” he added with humor and a little bit of flirting. 

Now that he mentioned my portraits displayed at the agency’s lobby, I could feel my own face burning from embarrassment. But still, I manage to lightly acknowledge the man’s humor, “I got my beauty from the same bloodline as his.” I nudge Valentino a little. 

The other bachelors exchanged pleasantries with me and even introduced themselves, but I am more preoccupied with one man that I could barely keep up with memorizing their names.

“And Emilia, this is Mr. Nicholas Moretti. You probably heard of him, right? He is a good friend of mine.” It was Valentino who took the initiative to introduce Nicholas Moretti to me. 

I hid the fact that I was taken aback after hearing that the two were acquainted. Well, I am not quite familiar with how Valentino works in the business industry and who he associates himself with.

I turned to face the man who seemed to have no plans in introducing himself. He simply stood in his place while staring at me, intensely. I have been making myself conscious of his presence… the reason why I know of his intense gaze. 

And to not look suspicious, I smiled as if I am happy to know him. “Yes of course, I have heard about him. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Moretti. I’m Emiliana,” I extended my hand and in a split second, he was already holding it.

He really is Nico. His calloused hand is proof. Though they are more toned than the last time I was able to hold it. I can also see the veins of his hand.

And just like the last time we shook hands–he took his time. Rubbing his palm on the back of my hand. 

“The pleasure is mine, Miss Emiliana.”

I wanted to pinch myself when I felt my heart beating faster after hearing his more defined deep voice. Why do I find my name sounds so beautiful when he's the one uttering it? 

And now, as I have the freedom to freely stare at his face, nothing much changes except for his more mature facial feature. His stern face is still the same as ever. 

I could not help but furrow when I briefly had a glimpse of a passing emotion from his eyes… it was longing. 

For who? 

"Ehem!" I turned my gaze to Valentino when he faked a cough. . I saw him eyeing my and Nicholas’ hands.

Immediately, I withdraw my hand from his tight grip while feeling the burning sensation in my cheeks. Did they see me checking Nicholas Moretti?

I heard Valentino grabbed Nicholas’ attention while the other guests tried to open a conversation with me. I can see Valentino and Nicholas distance themselves from us and they begin whispering.

I am curious about what they are talking about, but it would be rude for me if I don’t pay any attention to these gentlemen who want to have a proper conversation with me. Though, I know that some of them have another hidden agenda as to why they wanted to have a word with me.

When I felt that Valentino had come back, I stole a glance at the man standing right across me. Again, he was staring at me. With his stern expression.

For a little while, I stayed beside Valentino. Listening to their conversation. And from time to time they would ask for my opinion, though my expertise was never in the business, but on the architectural side, I was still able to give them a little of my thoughts. Valentino would sometimes ask me to sit with him and make me listen to his ideas. 

“Then maybe we could expand–” 

I did not hear more of the conversation because my eyes spotted a familiar person at the dessert table. 

“Excuse me gentlemen, I need to go. Please continue your conversation and enjoy the rest of the night.” I said to Valentino’s friends and did not wait for their replies as I slipped myself away from them. 

I smiled to myself when I saw the woman–dressed in a royal blue velvet gown–do a small sway of happiness. She just ate a dessert and now she’s beaming with happiness.

“Enjoying the food, aren’t we?” I asked in a teasing tone the moment I stopped behind her.

“Indeed, I am!” she replied, honoring my teasing.

I stretched both arms and locked my best friend into a tight embrace. “I’m glad you made it, Lilac,” I said cheerfully. I immediately let go of her as she was struggling with gripping her plate which had her favorite dessert… tiramisu.

“I’m still jet lagged. I’m amazed how fast you act. When I got off the plane this afternoon, your secretary was already waiting at the exit and even brought a Roll-Royce Phantom for my ride.”

“This is the first time I’m hearing that. But, Maximillian is really efficient when it comes to her work.” Praising my secretary, I giggled while remembering the times Maximillian was able to impress me and beat me into my preparations.

She was once Valentino’s secretary however, she resigned and transferred to me. I don’t know the reason for her resignation but I’m glad she did.

I grabbed one plate of tiramisu and guided Lilac to a vacant table. “How was the trip to Vienna? Was it worth it?” Curiosity filled me in. 

She shoved a spoonful of tiramisu in her mouth. While waiting for her response, I roamed my eyes around to see what the other guests were doing; however, my gaze landed on him again.

He was talking to Miss Solorzano this time. That woman is one of Valentino’s few models who were signed in the agency before its launching. I could tell that she was flirting with him based on how she randomly places her hand on his shoulder and then drags it down his arm.

Is he not aware of her advance? Now, she’s even whispering in his ears and their bodies are inches away from each other. The urge of wanting to pull and dra–Wait! Pull who? Why would I pull Nico away from her? And why am I feeling pissed off? It’s not like we are that close. Not anymore.

“Fancy him?” I swiftly turned my head to Lilac when she interrupted my thought.

I frowned at my best friend, who was looking all smug and teasing. “If you want to take him away from danger,” she raised her fork and pointed at Miss Solorzano–the danger she meant, “you better get your ass up and drag him away. That would be a better idea than you… stabbing the poor dessert.”

I lowered my head and saw my dessert filled with fork holes.

I calmly split a small portion and brought it to my mouth. “I don’t fancy him, and I was just playing with my fork,” I mumbled as an excuse.That I know Lilac will not buy. 

“Well yeah? ‘Cause now I can see his arm wrapping itself around her wai–”

I heard Lilac paused but that was not my concern as I instantly turned to his direction and when I saw that he was still talking with Miss Solarzano, I shifted my attention to Lilac… glaring at her.

The woman smirks at me as if she just discovered something satisfying.

And for her not to tease me, I asked again how her trip to Vienna went.

“Trip to Vienna was amazing. I even met someone who shares the same interests as me,” she said with a smile, but her voice says the opposite. It was low and full of regrets.

“Do you love him?” Out of curiosity, I pry.

It was Sophomore year of university when Lilac and I accidentally became friends. We instantly clicked the moment we had our first conversation. And as our friendship progresses to the point of no secrets being kept, I realize that this friend of mine would easily fall in love. 

But Lilac just answered me with a shrug. And I did not pry any longer. She shared some of her unforgettable moments and from time to time we are interrupted by the other guests who would like to have short conversations with us or guests who recognize Lilac. 

She’s a famous painter. But she’s mostly known for her photography skills. 

It was already past midnight and the party ended successfully. And now, Valentino and I are inside the car. On our way home.

I watched my cousin as he stared outside the window. “How was the party? Were you able to achieve your goal tonight?” I leaned closer to him. Breaking the silence between us.

“I did!" briefly, he said meaningfully. 

I wanted to pry more on what his next plans are, but I guess that will be none of my business anymore–just like the reason why he chose to venture into this industry. 

I let out a sigh. Just remembering that day when he asked for my opinion on his architectural design for his new business building–which turns out to be a modeling agency–tripled the stress I'm trying to bury yesterday. 

“What will you do next? Now that the project for the agency is done, you can freely do whatever you want,” he continued, without sparing me a glance. 

"I want to sign with your agency," directly, I fired at him. "I think I have a nick for modeling," I added in a convincing tone. 

I think I would be able to pull it off just like what I did at the photoshoot as the muse of Valentino's agency. 

"Not going to happen." A full-on rejection from the owner himself. 

"Why not? I was able to pull off that photoshoot we did two weeks ago." I reasoned out, trying to convince him. 

"That's just a one-time experience I happened to grant you," he said in a matter of fact and dismissive tone. 

I leaned my back on the leather chair of the car and crossed both arms before resting them on my stomach. “Then I’ll continue working at Atelier Legacy. I still have an on-going project anyway. And once it's done then maybe I could apply for another firm for further experience.”

Atelier Legacy is Valentino’s architectural firm. That’s where his expertise should be.  But now, I think he’ll be more hands-on on his new business. And if brain works weirdly again, he'll probably venture into the construction industry or maybe real estate.

From my peripheral view, I could see Valentino shifting his gaze on me. Forehead creasing. “What project? I thought you had finalized everything before the launching of my new business.”

“I did finalize everything but the client for the Spanish-inspired mansion was so picky. I had to be on guard all the time in case he calls me for more changes.” I mumbled and heaved a sigh.

Since the day I was permitted to join in any huge architectural projects done by Atelier Legacy, I never once encountered nor seen a client who frequently changes his mind about the design we’ve submitted.  

Mr. Zevallos is the first for me. And I wish he would also be the last. 

“Oh! So that’s what Mr. Williams has been complaining about,” said Valentino like he remembered something amusing.

Another sigh left my lips. Mr. Williams is the chief architect for this project. Since the day we started planning, he was so fired-up and confident that we will be able to satisfy Mr. Zevallos. But now, the man has lost hope and wanted to quit handling the project. “The poor man was like a walking zombie the last time I saw him. I think he needs a vacation.” I murmured, sounding so pitiful as I could be. 

I looked up at Valentino and saw him roll his eyes theatrically. Wow, that did not work on him. 

‘I'm sorry Mr. Williams but you need to accept more stress until this project is done.’

“Do you have a meeting with him tomorrow? If you have, I want to come with you and see for myself why Mr. Zevallos is not yet satisfied with your teams’ designs,” suggested Valentino.

“Yes, I do have a meeting with him and if I remember it correctly, it’s a lunch meeting this time.” I usually meet Mr. Zevallos in our company’s conference room or in Mr. Williams office. However, for tomorrow's meeting, he personally picked a lunch meeting since he would be busy in the morning.

I also don’t mind having Valentino’s presence. It’s better than meeting with Mr. Zevallos for an hour or two in a private room. From what I’ve heard from my teammates, the man is notorious for being a womanizer. And the likes of him are the last thing I want to associate myself with. 

“If tomorrow, he still has changes to make that would cause any further delay on this project. I will not think twice and tell you to drop this project in front of him. I don’t want my employees to waste their time. I have better projects for you to work on. I also don’t care if he is the heir of Vina Grande airlines.” in an annoyed tone, Valentino declared.

“Yo–”

My words were cut off by the sound of my phone’s ringtone. I quickly grabbed it from my purse and furrowed at the sight of an unknown number. 

Who could this be?

“Oh! That must be him. Answer it.” 

Puzzled about what he meant, I questioned, "who?" 

"Mr. Moretti. I gave your number to him." Valentino casually informed me with a grinning face. “I think you need a boyfriend. That friend of mine is the best candidate… I think?” he added, unsure.

Wait, he did what??

"Lia! I'm sorry. I just want to find you a boyfriend! Or maybe someone to date." 

I heard Valentino yelling outside my room.  After he said that he gave my number to Mr. Moretti, our ride stopped at the parking lot of our house. Perfect timing, right?

And me, who was a bit offended by what he did, stormed out of the car. 

It's been ten minutes since that happened, and it's also been ten minutes since Valentino's continuous apology outside my room. He even used the pet name he came up with just to make me accept his apology. I tightly embraced my pillow and lightly buried my face on it. I don't know why I was offended by what Valentino did. 

"Lia? I'm sorry for giving your number to Nicholas." I could clearly hear his deep-soft voice now.

I buried my face even more on the pillow when I felt him caressing my hair. 

I'm 23 now, yet this man still treats me as the 18-year-old girl who came to his house one-winter evening with nothing but a backpack on my cold hands. 

"Why did you unlock the door? I did not give you permission… to unlock the door or give my number to a stranger." I said, mumbling. 

Valentino continued stroking my hair. And what his doing is making my anger disappear. Well, I'm not technically angry at him, just a bit hurt that he was able to give my private number without my permission. 

He's the only family I have, so I know my anger will not last that long.

"I know! I'm sorry about that, but I also know that you two are not strangers. I can see it behind your disguise earlier, Lia." said Valentino in a soft tone. 

"And he was too obvious as well," he added with gritted teeth.

I looked at Valentino with amusement. Earlier he was quite pleased while staring at the unknown number on my screen, but now, looking at him… he seems annoyed.