CHAPTER 5

Amari's Point of View 

As I entered my unit, I immediately called Crisha's number. I don't know what is happening between the two siblings, but I wanted to warn her.

"Fleur?"

Crisha spoke on the other line. I frowned at her hoarse voice but did not bother to ask anymore.

"Crisha, sorry for calling. Did I disturb you?"

I asked Crisha because it was a bit late. After all, I might have disturbed her sleep.

"No, it's fine. Why were you called?"

Crisha asked. I bit my lip and wondered if telling her about her cousin, Klaus, was right.

"Fleur?"

Crisha hollered my name from the other line.

"Crisha, Klaus is from my unit."

I closed my eyes at what I said. There was a part of me that I did not want to tell about it, but I was more worried about Crisha. I know Klaus is a strict cousin. Regarding what he told me, I don't know what could happen if the news that reached Klaus was true.

"Klaus?!"

Crisha's response. And even though she is not in front of me, I can tell she is shocked.

"Yes, your cousin."

There was a moment of silence from the other line. Even though I wanted to ask Crisha about her cousin's suspicions, I didn't do it. I want her to tell me in her own will.

"Why? What did he say? Why is he here? Did he ask you about me?"

From Crisha's unending questions, I can feel the nervousness in her tone. 

"Klaus said he followed you here because he heard you were with someone, a man."

The other line went muted again. I need clarification, but still, I don't want to ask Crisha. 

"Crisha, is it true?"

I covered my mouth when those words came out. I could not stop myself from asking Crisha. I am worried about her situation. I heard her sigh. 

"Yes, it is true, Fleur. I am with my boyfriend. But Klaus does not like him for me, so we make our relationship private."

Crisha confirmed. I closed my eyes tightly and held my breath. 

"Crisha, sorry"

I said as I remembered that I had invited Klaus to the Fashion event Crisha planned to attend.

"Why? What's wrong, Fleur?"

I took a deep breath before answering her.

"I did not know that your boyfriend was with you. You told me your senior designers came here with you. I invited Klaus to come to the event tomorrow."

I explained to Crisha. I heard her laugh on the other line before speaking again.

"Hey, it's fine. It is my fault, too. I should have told you the truth right away. I'm sorry that I lied. I am afraid that someone will find out about us. That is why I hide it."

I frowned at what Crisha said. 

"No one knows about your relationship?"

I held my forehead as the question that should have only been in my mind came out of my mouth again. I heard Crisha laugh again on the other line.

"Yes, Fleur. You are the first one who knows about it aside from us."

I heard Crisha chuckle. I smiled at what she said. It means a lot to me that she entrusts her secret to me.

"Why is Klaus not in favor of your boyfriend?"

I curiously asked Crisha. Klaus always supports Crisha's decisions. I want to know why he does not bless Crisha and her boyfriend. Crisha is also at the right age. She is no longer young enough to be prohibited from having a boyfriend.

"He is Klaus's best friend."

She answered my question in a low voice. My brows furrowed, and I waited for Crisha to talk again.

"Klaus is afraid that his friend might just play with my feelings because my boyfriend is known as a playboy before."

With Crisha's answer, the crease on my forehead was gone. Now, that is the point. Klaus was still protecting Crisha, even his own best friend.

"Then, I should meet him. I want to make sure that he won't hurt you."

I said with a threatening tone. I heard Crisha laugh on the other line. I knew she knew what I meant.

"Next time, I will introduce him to you, Fleur."

She said that made me smile.

"Anyway, it's getting late, Crisha. We call it a night.

I said to her while looking at the digital clock on my bedside table.

"Thank you, Fleur. I appreciate what you have done. I owe you one."

Crisha reacted.

"You're welcome, Crisha. So, see you tomorrow?"

I said to her,

"See you."

She answered me then I hung up the call.

I held my breath again because of what I found out. It is good that I told Crisha about it because I am sure that something disastrous would happen if Klaus saw them together. 

I was busy looking around while waiting for Patrizia, and she said she would introduce me to a famous designer. I am here at an iconic restaurant in New York City. They are known for the amazing steaks they have. I also read in the reviews that this restaurant is a classic dining destination. There were still few people because it was too early. 

The event will be happening later. I felt excited to finally show the new designs I have been working on for four months. I could not help but smile, thinking many famous personalities were also there later.

My cell phone vibrated, so I looked at the screen. I lost the joy I felt when I saw the message sender's name. It was Kaizer. He is asking where I am because he wants to see me. I slid to the left of his message and did not bother to compose a reply. 

I did not want to ruin my day, so I ignored him. I don't like drama today, but fate is not favoring me when I notice a woman walking her way to me. It was Sachna.

"Well, well, well, look who's here. La Grande Chienne"

I raised my eyebrows at what Sachna said. Me? The great bitch? Look who's talking. I ignored her and distracted myself with the menu the waiter had left earlier.

"So, now you don't recognize me anymore? You're not famous. You're not good either."

The corner of my lips rose at what Sachna said. She sounds furious again. Sachna loves to say those things to me, but I just let it go because I know the truth.

Since then, Sachna has seen me as her rival at the International Fashion Academy because we often compete in design. Sachna is good, but I wonder why she has to bother me all the time.

I will never forget what she did to sabotage me before. But her plans often fail because of the sort of people who tell me and cause Sachna's plans to fail.

But there was a plan of Sachna's that I did not get through that time, which caused my designs to be rejected for being one of the most unique. That award is important to me because it is my first achievement at the Design Academy. 

Sachna copied every detail of my design at that time. So there was even an issue about who was cheating on the two of us. Even our judges' international designers were disappointed because of that issue.

"I know you very well. Your personality and the shadiness of your conscience."

I respond to her and smile. Sachna raised her brows at me. She pulled out the chair in front of me and sat there.

"Is that so? Good to hear. You know my character well. Does it mean you can read my mind too?"

I glared at Sachna in response to what she was saying. She loves nonsense things. I don't get why she is wasting her time on me.

"Spare me the drama, Sachna. I don't have time for that."

I said and gave her a bored look. I checked my cell phone. It was a message from Patrizia. She said she would arrive with the person she would introduce to me in a few minutes.

"Yes, my dear, I will spare you the drama now because there is a right time for that, and I will make sure you will not forget that drama."

I looked at her, and she was smiling. I could not help but be nervous about what Sachna said. 

The event came to my mind. I hope Sachna does not know that I am participating in that event. I wish she does not know about the event, but that would be impossible since she is also a designer.

"You look pale, Fleur? Are you nervous?"

Sachna teases me.

"Whatever your plan is, I am sure you will not succeed."

I said and tried to hide the fear that I had. I don't want Sachna to celebrate that she was able to make me nervous this time.

"You wish. Let's say it is a surprise for you."

Sachna said, then got up and put on her handbag.

"Let's see what will happen to one of the world's unique designers this time."

She said, then turned her back and walked away. I took a deep breath and dismissed the thoughts beginning to form in my mind. I don't want to be affected by everything Sachna says. Besides, she did not mention the event later, so I should not have anything to worry about.

But should I not worry about it?