Silvia was standing right in front of me all dressed up. I felt relaxed when she showed up but at the same time, the toxic smile plastered on her face gave me a bit-so-cringy thrill. Silence crept into the room between my ambiguous sneaks. Every human being present in that room ogled her; the sigh of relief on their decorated faces were visible.

"Just what in the world is wrong with you girl? I have never seen such an unprofessional person in my whole career till now." Alessia appeared from behind and yelled at Silvia.

"I can explain, Aly. I got stuck in the traffic. But still, I managed to dress up and did some primary care to save time." Silvia answered bluntly without an ounce of guilt.

"You're lucky, you came on time otherwise I would have made Denver kick you out of the company putting a full stop to your modelling career," Alessia bitterly tore her calm veil.

Silvia had a good laugh to Alessia's surprise. Or caution?

"You're so naïve, darling. Do you think Denver would kick me out? NAAH! not even in your dreams. Yet, he would kick you out if you talk teen-shits to me. So, give me some space, I'm already tired." She fanned her clammy palms. She took a quick sip of the stolen champagne from the waiters railing to ensure everyone gets attended to their expectations.

"I would be glad if you could call the hairstylist. Thanks." She headed toward the mirror and soon was surrounded by makeup artists and hairstylists. The way she wanted it to be.

"This blonde bimbo is too much. While making Silvia, God must have used a mug of beauty, ten buckets of arrogance, meanness and tantrums, two drops of talent and for the brain he just  sprinkled some tissues and mixed her down for us to suffer it all. That's how this beautiful Sh*t took birth and blessed this world with her pesky existence," Alessia said while shooting daggers at her.

I couldn't control my laughter after Alessia's indignant yet humorous insult. She looked at me and then we both laughed hysterically.

"Why don't you go and enjoy the evening at the main hall. You already helped me a lot. Everything is sorted out now. You should get some time to relax," Alessia suggested to me in a tender voice.

"Oh! Yes. I was thinking about it."

I smiled as I badly wanted to roam around that grandiose place. I was wondering idly while adoring that majestic place.

The ambience was soothing, dispersion of a faint sweet aroma tried its best to intoxicate the visitors. The duty of wall beautification was on beautiful large paintings, which effortlessly dominated the entire lobby and its interior. A single glance at these amazing art pieces would be enough to lose track. Some of them were replicas of famous artists of Italy such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Giovanni Bellini, and the father of Italian art, Giotto. Massive chandelier and a wall simulating a huge fish tank added aesthetic pleasure.

After roaming here and there, I headed toward the main hall where the event was about to start. The moment I entered the hall, a lot of people had already taken their respective seats. Front seats were reserved for organisers, sponsors, CEOs of fashion houses and other dignitaries. Sound of faint mumbling, an exchange of sophisticated conversation between media-savvy people, lustrous faces emitting fake smiles and the cacophony of announcements before the commencement of the event was going on.

I was looking for a suitable seat from where I could enjoy the show for some time; at least of our competitors. So that I could study their designs, ideas and theme. Just then I felt a cold hand on my right shoulder. I turned around and there I saw a man in his late thirties and he was actually staring at me from head to toe. I really hate this look as it makes me uncomfortable and afraid at the same time. To break that intense stare, I coughed thrice or four times to distract that dumbhead.

Who else would skim through a strange woman like that?

"Pardon me. Ugh... Hello! I'm Renerio Borroni, CEO of Pinnacle Group of Companies," he said while extending his hand.

I zoned out the moment I heard his name. Renerio Borroni. The name itself was the brand in the world of fashion. Denver and Renerio both were rivals. Last year Pinnacle company managed to bag the biggest sponsorship, leaving Denver's company behind. Renerio always steamed the headlines for his playboy image. He changed his girlfriends like clothes and that was why he was always the talk of the town.

I quickly brushed off my misty thoughts and shook hands with him. "I'm Zariyah Rivera, Personal secretary of Mr D'Angelo."

"Sometimes I envy Denver as he is always surrounded by beauties." He bent toward me, took a deep breath and said something in a hushed tone, " I love this sweet scent of yours."

I felt awkward and insecure with him coming so close to me in a flash. The playboy showed me his true colours in a few minutes. I should leave before he becomes too cheesy for me to digest.

At least I know his puke-worthy personality enough to spit on his face the moment he wags his piggy dog tails!

"It was nice meeting you, Mr. Borroni. I'm taking my leave now." I turned around and took a sigh of relief just then he grabbed my hand making me turn around.

The look on his face was something I couldn't fathom. I was not sure but the way he was glancing at me somewhat seemed to be a fusion of obsession, lust with a tint of vague sentiments. Without breaking eye contact, he kissed the back of my hand. Witnessing his audacity, I stood frozen there in complete shock.

My little courage is seven hundred kilometres beneath the sea levels now.

"I'll soon steal you from Denver." He murmured and vanished in the crowd of shining faces leaving me in a daze.

I felt weak and hurt. Thanks to the extra layers of glitters and compact powders. They will keep me hidden until I want them to.

Between my mutterings and musings, I turned around and bumped into someone. The familiar scent hit my nostrils while I was rubbing my head. My eyes looked up only to catch the glance of the most handsome face that was UNFORTUNATELY of my devil...boss. He was again glaring at me like I've committed any sin.

"I see you are having fun here. I'm not sure about your other skills but you're good at mingling with rich people," he spat in a toxic tone while gritting his teeth. Hatred flushed his face with redness.

I had no idea why he was so furious. Maybe because they both were sworn enemies and Mr Devil was afraid that I would pass on any confidential information to him.

"I only came here to see the arrangements and settings as it's my first time attending this grand fashion show. Mr. Borroni approached me and we only shared greetings, nothing else." With a plain face, I excused myself to assist Alessia in the last lookout.

He said nothing but looked at me coldly, like always. Maybe I must be more careful between rich men. They could be anything but not polite, after all.