LINA'S POV
"Jennie, what do you think of these designs for the second half of your M/V shoot? I crafted them specifically to align with your style and concept," I said, presenting the sketches. Jennifer Christopher, an internationally acclaimed singer and actress, had entrusted me with designing her wardrobe for the music video. The first half of the shoot wrapped up in Barcelona, Spain. Now, we were in the picturesque town of Lenno, Italy.
Jennie's eyes lit up. "Lina, they're beautiful! Can I try them all now?"
"Of course. Let's do an outfit check."
An hour later, after the fittings and adjustments, we packed up for the next schedule. Just as I was about to leave, Jennie's voice stopped me.
"Lina, join me for lunch?" Her request was simple, and yet, I couldn't refuse.
As we stepped out, Sarah Lee hurried towards me, her iPad clutched tightly in her hands. She was my assistant and one of the few people I trusted implicitly. Her medium build, tanned skin, and round glasses gave her an earnest appearance.
"Boss," she called, her tone urgent.
"What is it?" I asked, noting the worry in her eyes.
"We must attend Mr. Ricci's banquet by 7:30 p.m., and we need to leave the venue by 4:00 p.m."
I checked my schedule and nodded in agreement.
During lunch, Jennie discussed her upcoming projects. She wanted to collaborate with one of my photography teams for her next Hollywood shoot. After lunch, we parted ways. Sarah and I returned to my hotel suite, where my makeup artist awaited.
It was a formal banquet, so I opted to style myself in one of my collections. My reflection stared back at me: a black square-neck top embroidered with white crystals, paired with sleek black mid-length linen skirt and a matching tailored blazer. Black crystal heels completed the look. My long, wavy brown hair was tied into a low mermaid ponytail. Nude makeup and a delicate star-shaped pendant around my neck added the final touches.
"Perfect," I whispered to my reflection.
Sarah gasped, "Oh my God, you look gorgeous! Boss, believe me, you're going to turn heads tonight."
She circled me, her admiration evident. I chuckled softly. "Let's go. It's already past 5:30."
Grabbing my white Chanel bag, I slipped in my essentials. Sarah held the car door open. "This car is much better than the previous one, Boss."
"Hmm," I replied nonchalantly. Miles Berg, my bodyguard, climbed in. His tall, muscular frame filled the seat as he glanced at me.
"Boss, why don't you date? I've never seen you with anyone," he teased.
I shot him a cold glare, and he chuckled. "Just joking! By the way, this time the hotel provided a Porsche 911."
I turned my gaze to the passing scenery. Two years had slipped by without a trip home. Endless fashion events and store openings kept me tethered to Europe. Now, amidst this shoot, I still hadn't finalized a location for my new flagship store. I'd be flying home next week, and there were gifts to buy. Eirene and Kevin's engagement was at the end of January. Three months to design the perfect gown.
Ah, Eirene. My best friend for over a decade. A government worker who trusted me with her wardrobe. Ten years with Kevin, and they were finally getting married. The months ahead promised to be busy.
"Boss, we've arrived," Sarah announced.
I glanced at her. "Stay close. Both of you. Don't make any unnecessary moves."
They nodded in unison. The banquet was at the opulent Villa del Balbianello, its lakeside adorned with lilac lights intertwined with hydrangeas. The celebration marked Mr. Ricci's fifth wedding anniversary.
I mingled, exchanging pleasantries with business partners. Eventually, I approached Luca Ricci himself.
"Congratulations on the upcoming deal and your anniversary," I offered.
"Lina, you're like a sister. No need for formalities," he replied warmly. "And thanks to you, the deal went smoothly."
He paused, eyes twinkling. "Still single, Lina? Should I introduce you to someone? You're beautiful, talented, a millionaire entrepreneur. Why hide from love?"
I sighed internally. This was the usual conversation with Luca.
"Where's Ashley?" I deflected.
He chuckled. "Good at dodging, aren't you? She's with Ray. They'll be here soon."
Ashley, my cousin, and Luca's wife, had met in Edinburgh. Their daughter, Ray, was now two.
"By the way, are you going back to India soon?"
"After the shoot," I replied simply. Luca's assistant arrived, pulling him away. I took the chance to step outside, needing air.
The lakeside was serene. I dismissed Sarah and Miles for dinner, though they hesitated. "Go. I need some alone time," I insisted. When they lingered, I added, "Do you want two months without pay?"
That did the trick. Alone, I savored the quiet, snapping a few photos for Instagram. My thoughts wandered. New lyrics came to me, and I jotted them down.
Suddenly, something brushed my ankle. I looked down.
"EL? What are you doing here?" The tiny white poodle wagged her tail. "You should be with Ray. Did you get lost?"
Scooping her up, I searched for Ray. It wasn't long before she spotted me, relief flooding her tiny face.
"EL! I was so worried!" she cried, hugging her dog tight.
"Don't wander off again, okay?" I chided gently.
Back inside, Ashley greeted me with a warm embrace. "Lina, I was looking for you."
Before I could respond, Luca approached. "Lina, meet Christian Romano."
My eyes met his tall, striking, with sharp features and hazel-green eyes. His dimpled smile was disarming.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Lina," he said in a deep, smooth voice.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Romano," I replied, cool and composed.
Luca grinned. "I'll leave you two to talk."
I wasted no time. "Mr. Romano, I'm seeking property in Italy. Here's my card. My assistant will contact your office. Thank you and good night."
He accepted it with a lingering smile. "Good night, Lina."
Later, as I prepared to leave, Luca couldn't resist. "Lina, isn't he perfect?"
"I'm NOT INTERESTED IN DATING," I retorted sharply.
I turned around to leave the venue, and all of a sudden, I found myself practically colliding with someone when I looked up, only to find it's none other than the infamous Christian.
My eyes lost track of those hazel green eyes. I immediately tried to maintain the intimate distance between us but I lost my balance. He pulled me into his arms. I can feel his warm hands wrapped around my waist. His expensive cologne and minted smell.
my heart pounded so fast. The close intimacy between us made me nervous. I pushed him and straightened up.
"Thank you, Mr. Romano."
When I looked at the people around us, there was an awkward silence on their faces and I didn't want to talk with anyone. I saw Sarah holding her phone and typing so fast, I'm sure she was clicking my picture to send Eirene. By now it should have been sent to her.
I looked at Luca and Ashley, who were smiling like fools. Miles stood in front of me, "Boss, are you ok?" I replied coolly "I'm ok, have you called the chauffeur?" he replied, "Yes, he's waiting outside for us."
Back at the hotel, the moment I got inside the room, I threw my clothes into the laundry bucket and went for a hot shower. after that, I collapsed onto my bed. The memory of his gaze haunted me. Why had my heart reacted that way? Enough, Lina. Sleep.
But my phone wouldn't let me. Eirene's name flashed. I answered reluctantly.
"Who is he? What's his Instagram? How much progress have you made?" she teased.
"His name is Christian Romano, a businessman. That's all."
She giggled. "I'll find out more."
Of course, she would. I ended the call, sighing. Another notification blinked, an address, a time. Another day awaited.
"Good night, Lina. Enough for today."
But sleep wouldn't come easy tonight.