CHAPTER 3: Let's cancel on this one

ADELE'S STANDPOINT

   "I'll go take a look." I said, dropping my wine glass on the table and walking out the living area into the corridor that led to the door.

   I live alone and I'm not expecting anyone, so who could have made that sound?

   I held up my long auburn wavy curls in a bun as I walked. I've had no time to do that since I returned home because of the surprise guests I had. I also haven't changed out of my simple bodycon v-neck black dress, since I returned from the company.

   Well, over the years, I'd established my business and my company had grown remarkably over time. I have several branches of my *DeLa's Fashion House* company in different parts of the world. Mostly in America, Asian and Africa. I was rich from birth but I've always loved the simple lifestyle. My parents are well and doing fine with the rest of my siblings in the Philippines. 

   With the headquarters of my company here in America, I had the opportunity to meet several important personalities, gain remarkable fame but I kept my profile low.

   I pressed the buttons in and unlocked the door, heading out I found out it was evening already as the sun was already settling in the west. 

  Stepping out to the pavement, I walked past my parking lot to the gate only to find someone unexpected, standing by his car with his hand resting over the small bronze frame of my gate.

   "Arsenio?" He raised his gaze immediately he heard my voice, his oceanic blue eyes lit up as he flashed me a gorgeous smile.

   "Hello Adele!" He grinned.

   "How...what an amazing surprise." I said with a surprise smile, touching a side button on the gate to open it wide.

   "I know." He said, leaning away from his car and walking to me. "Before you ask how I found your place, I'll have you know it's my secret." He teased and I rolled my eyes as I walked over to hug him. "Happy birthday Adele." He said after our brief embrace and I smiled at him.

   "Thanks. Do drive in." 

   "Alright," he smiled at me before walking back to his car. I stepped away, watching him as he entered and guided the car into my parking lot.

Now who's Arsenio? 

   The tall, gorgeous dude who just drive in my parking space is my Italian friend and business partner. 

   Arsenio Alessandro is the CEO of the renowned *Excellency Modeling Agency* His company offers services to mine; which includes modeling/promoting my designs.

   Describing Arsenio; He was your typical dreamy italian male. He had long brown hair which he often held up in a low bun, sexy compelling blue eyes that makes you forget everything else when you stare at them. When I say his eyes were compelling I meant it. He could make you do his biddings just by staring directly in your eyes. Bottom line is that, Arsenio is Handsome.

   But his looks had nothing to do with me, because since Carlo betrayed me, I made a promise not to swoon for any other man on earth no matter how *godly* he might be. 

   I closed the gates by taping on the button again and walked back to the entrance. I opened the door and let him inside, informing him about the guests inside if he wouldn't mind. 

   "I don't mind, we're all here to celebrate with you anyways." He said as we walked into the corridor. I noticed he was dressed in his usual casual_though expensive outfits. Although he was dressed simply, his looks and dress sense still hinted loudly *Dreamy Male model Here* His hand held unto a small gift bag and a bouquet of red roses.

How did he know I love red roses? 

   He suddenly paused on the corridor and as though he heard my thoughts, he turned around to me and smiled.

   "I almost forgot I got this for you. I'd rather you accept it here before we go in. Happy birthday pretty." He half whispered and handed me the bouquet and his gift.

   "Thanks Arsenio. How did you know about the flowers though?" I asked as I took a sniff of the flowers.

   Although, the red flowers get reminding me about the day I got broken and abandoned, I refused to change my preference of flowers. In a way, I was thankful it made me remember as it gave me more reasons on why I mustn't ever forgive Carlo Rodriguez.

   I raised my eyes to find Arsenio giving me an amused look. I blinked briefly.

   "What?" I asked.

   "Nothing," he smiled and I raised a brow at him. "About the flowers, my secret." He winked and walked into the living area.

I paused for a moment trying to figure how he knew that but soon shrugged it off and walked in after him.

_______

   "Hello everyone! I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" I heard Arsenio said immediately he walked in.

   "Hello to you too." 

   "Of course not." 

   "You're welcome."

The girls gushed at same time while casting a suggestive glance my way. Kieran was sitting on her husband's laps and going through his phone. Lana and Lu Cheng seemed to be in some argument when we walked in. John and Alistair, Lana's husband, were engaged in some guys talk. The living area was quite spacious to accommodate everyone and even more_if there were, without anyone feeling choked. The little cuties; Holly and Celestine were playing absentmindedly with their toy games.

   I rolled my eyes over my friends suggestive wiggling of brows, lopsided smile and teasing looks they were giving me.

   "Everyone meet my friend and business partner, Arsenio Alessandro, the CEO of Excellency Modeling Agency. Arsenio meet my friends and their husbands." I introduced and a pregnant Lana immediately gushed out.

    "I knew it! His face did seem somewhat familiar and I was mentally trying to place where I had seen it. I know now," She smiled. "I've seen him on several magazines that featured your designs Adele. Welcome Mr Alessandro."

   "You're welcome, come join us." John said, standing up with Alistair to greet him.

   Moments after they've warmly received each other, the guys sat down with him and soon became engrossed in their 'God-only-knows' conversation and my friends?

   Well, they kidnapped me upstairs to begin, you know...the usual girls gossip. Each gushing about how Arsenio was gorgeous; the moment they were far from their husbands of course, and subtly trying to suggest something between us.

   But hey! I reminded them I was never gonna fall in love again and smartly ended the topic.

   Soon we began talking about their families and I learned to my greatest amazement and joy, that Lu Cheng, Lana and their families were moving to the US permanently. It turned out that John and Alistair were friends long before they met and married my friends. 

   Alistair, Lana's husband was transferred here recently due to the nature of his job and John, Lu Cheng's husband, decided a change in environment would do them good. So he let his wife choose where she'll love to live in the US and Cheng chose New York; obviously because of me. Kieran would be returning to the Philippines in some weeks after she and her husband's tours over.

   As I listened to all their amazing revelations, I was moved again to tears.

Oh, well...I'm so freaking emotional.

Seems like life's gonna be interesting for me again. I sincerely hope so...

______

   He had a forlorn look in his hazel eyes as he stood by the window-door of his penthouse, his hands in his pants pockets as he stared into the dark night, over the beautiful city. Another man walked up to him and gave a slight bow.

   "Boss," he said.

   "Any updates so far?" The man asked, turning slightly to stare at his subordinate.

   "None so far, Boss. Why don't you just give up on her? It's been over three years now. I'm sure she'd have moved on by now." The other suggested out of sympathy for his superior.

   "I'm afraid, that I can never do. As long as I live I have to find her and make up for my crimes. No matter the years it takes, I won't give up until I have her in my arms again. Only then, will I know true peace." The man said and returned his gaze into the star filled sky. His subordinate sighed before he went on to pass the next information.

   "You've been nominated as one of the judges for the upcoming RELISH FASHION SHOW in New York city. Are you going or should I ask them to cancel?" He asked, although knowing his boss would usually not cancel. However, the young CEO's response shocked him greatly.

   "Let's cancel on this one." He said.