Chapter 10: An Impostor


    Arie gaped in perplexity. She was both fascinated and horrified by the incident. Her initial motive was to talk some sense to Chloe, irrespective of the repercussion that would ensue. It never urred to her that Denise would go this far to defend her honor.


    Earlier, E had struggled extensively to hide her emotions when Chloe was busy taunting her. She had restrained herself from the desire to choke Chloe, especially when she ripped the first dress. ‘How could anyone survive that girl’s madness?’ she had pondered.


    Inwardly, E was thrilled by the whole episode. Denise was both a hrious and outstanding actress. Although she was impressed by Denise’s performance, she was also worried that Denise might have overdone it.


    After Silvia had left the room, E walked over to Denise’s side. Her eyes glinted with genuine concern as she patted Denise back


    “Are you alright dear?” E bowed her head slightly to gaze into Denise’s eyes. For an unknown reason, her hands felt sweaty and trembled.


    Denise took her by the hands and led her to the corner of the room still limping for everyone to see. Denise nned on using this as her defense when the right time came.


    “I’m fine sugar, there is nothing wrong with my legs,” she whispered with mischievously beaming eyes. “I just had to teach that high-ss brat that no one messes with my friend and goes scot-free. She’s lucky, I didn’t give her a high-ss tattoo as promised,” she grinned.


    .....


    “Oh, Denise! What will I do without you? You’re such a great fairy godmother. But I’m scared this could put us in real trouble, I overheard some of those makeup artists saying she is from an influential family. What if we are dragged into awsuit as she threatened?” E’s brows furrowed as her heart thumped louder


    “Don’t stress your beautiful head, pumpkin! I’ve got you covered. Even if she wants to take us to hell, I’ll give her a lovely ride. She just toyed with the tigress tail, and should be ready to be gnawed.”


    “Hmm, sometimes I wonder who you truly...”


    “Please, may I speak to Arie Porter?” A tall lightplexioned beautifuld; who just stepped into the room, asked calmly.


    Arie and Denise gave each other a quick stare and returned their gaze to the unknowndy.


    “And who is asking?” Denise stepped forward ring at thedy. She was suddenly healed from her limping and ready for a brawl.


    “Oh!... Miss Porter, I am Susan.” Thedy replied politely, offering a handshake. She was visibly shaken by Denise’s confrontational and scary approach. “My boss is captivated by some of your designs. I was instructed to specifically talk to you about it. He would like to meet you in person at the bar in this very hotel if that is ok with you.”


    Arie quickly stepped forward smiling and introduced herself formally. “I’m Arie Porter, and this is my very good friend, Denise. Thanks for thepliment. Can you give us a minute? I’ll be right back.”


    E pulled Denise to the far end of the room to avoid eavesdroppers.


    “What do you think, should I go with her to meet her boss? Moreover, it should be Silvia or one of the directors interfacing with interested clients.” E spoke in a hushed tone, while her eyes darted around in mild panic.


    “E, dare to take a risk. You know most of these designs are your ideas. If anyone should be talking about them, it should be you. Don’t worry about Silvia or any other person, I’ll cover for you. Go and market your craft and give me feedback when you return.” Denise gently shoved her forward.


    Arie walked up to Susan and spoke softly. “Nothing would make me happier, I would love to meet with your boss.”


    Bothdies quietly exited the dressing room and walked to the bar.


    When bothdies arrived at the bar, Arie gawked at the bar room speechless. She was engulfed in the beauty and luxury of the ce. She stole furtive nces at some of the guests seated, chatting and sipping their drinks. She felt misced, as she was dressed in very casual work attire.


    “Miss Arie, this way.” Susan gestured towards a part of the bar that was close to the floor-to-ceiling window, where a young man was seated and reading a magazine.


    When E got to the table for three, the man stood up to greet her.


    He was a tall handsome-looking man, in his early thirties. He had an oval face with a short beard. He wore a branded gray three-piece suit thatplimented his jet-ck clean-cut hair and his copper skin.


    “Miss Arie, it’s an honor to meet the brain behind those exquisite designs.” The handsome man’s smile was bewitching. “Please have a seat.” He gestured towards the seat opposite with a smile.


    “Thank you, Sir, for thepliment,” E smiled politely and took her seat.


    “No need for the formality, just call me Charles.”


    “Okay Charles, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” E hides her trembling hands under the table. She felt irritated by her anxiety. Her heart was thumping so fast and loud, making her feel a bit faint.


    “No, the pleasure is all mine.”


    At this point, Susan politely excused herself.


    E quickly scanned her environment for familiar faces as she was worried that Mr. Kyle, who was within the hotel premises could walk into the bar any second and rip her apart for daring to interface with such a wealthy client.


    “Are youfortable?” Charles cut into her thoughts as he sensed a tensed and stiffened body.


    “Yes, I am,” she released a gush of air and half smiled.


    A waitress came over to their table, took her order, and left.


    “So tell me, what inspires your design?”


    E feeling more rxed, talked generally about her work, while Charles paid close attention.


    On the other side of the bar, were Leon and Tom. They drank wine and watched E from a vantage position. Although, she couldn’t see them from where she was seated.


    “That’s one rare jewel over there, Leon,” Tom seemed hypnotized by the red hair beauty that stood out in the bar. “Howe you always tend to find all the beautiful girls in this world?”


    Leon chuckled as he also couldn’t peel his eyes off E. “I don’t think that girl knows how beautiful she is or how she affects people around her. Just a little polishing and everyone here would be at her beck and call.”


    Leon, unable to stand the distance and desire to speak to E, stood up and walked towards Charles.


    Earlier, Charles had already been prepped on what to do. Leon stressed that he shouldn’t use any form of formality in the presence of thedy.


    On sighting Leoning over, Charles took a sip of his drink to gain enough confidence, to act as a friend to his boss. To him, this was a rare privilege he wouldn’t take for granted. Leon was the dreaded CEO, who no one dared to go against.


    “Hey Charles, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting?” Leon spoke casually.


    “Not at all, so good of you to join us.” Charles swallowed hard and smiled.


    “And who is this beautiful...Arie?” He pretended to be surprised on recognising her. “What a small world?”


    “Y...you!” E’s eyes widened. “W...how... why...” Her mind scrambled for words that refused toe out properly. She was too stunned and embarrassed. She never dreamt of meeting this handsome tall drink of water, here, at this moment.


    “I...y...you...w...what are you doing here?” She stuttered in a soft but panicked voice. Her memory acting as an enemy quickly reyed herst encounter with him. This made her bow her head in regret.


    When Leon saw how unsettled she was, he smirked. “it’s nice to meet you too.” Then he took the seat close to her and turned his attention to Charles.


    E felt like melting into her seat. Her hands trembling syndrome returned with full force. She thought of standing up and running away. But her butt remained glued to her seat.


    She stole stealthy nces at him, which Leon caught with the corner of his eyes. Leon smiled but didn’t look in her direction.


    “So, did you find any design interesting?” Leon asked.


    “As a matter of fact, I did and that is where Ariees in. But as I can see, there wouldn’t be any need for introduction as you both seem to know yourselves.” Charles said taking another sip of wine.


    “Yeah, we’ve met,” Leon replied which was Charles’s cue to leave.


    Charles’s phone rang.


    “Arie, Leon, kindly permit me to take this important call, I’ll be right back.” He stood up and left.


    Arie felt awkward being left alone with Leon and was at a loss of what to say.


    Leon, who seemed to be enjoying her calmness decided to speak first.


    “Let’s start afresh, I am Leon,” he extended his hand.


    Ariel’s looked at his hand briefly before extending hers. This was the second time he had touched her briefly and she still felt that burning desire within.


    “I’m Arie,” she half smiled. “To clear the air, I apologize again for my awful behaviorst time we met. I hope you don’t judge me based on that,” She said looking moreposed.


    “Never, everyone has a bad day. So, you’re a designer?”


    “Yes, I am,” she said proudly, trying to sound professional, and not allowing the lust deep within to overshadow hermunication.


    “And I’m guessing you work for F&K fashion?”


    A regretful look crossed her face but quickly disappeared. “Yes, I do.”


    “May I ask for how long?” Leon took notes of all her expressions.


    E took a sip of her drink feeling uneasy with the questioning, then replied, “five years, four months, and three days. Not that I’m counting.”


    Leon smiled at her response. He admired her calmness, her sense of humor, and her charm.


    “Charles seems to be taken by your work and I’ll like you to give me a tour of yourtest designs. Would that be convenient for you?”


    “Ohh! I would have loved to, but that would not be easy. Thepany I work for has a department that handles that.”


    “I don’t want anyone from any department, I want only you to give me the tour, and I wouldpensate handsomely,” Leon gazed into her eyes.


    E, unsure of what to say, and spellbound by his gaze, just nodded. When she thought about the handsomepensation and her ns of starting her brand, she quickly added, “Can I think about it and give you a call?”


    “That would be great,” Leon smiled and gave her his card.


    When she looked at the fancy card and saw the name imprinted, she choked on her drink and started coughing. Leon stroked her gently on the back and offered her his handkerchief to wipe her mouth.


    E was too embarrassed to speak. Could this be the same Leon Treshvire, the CEO of Treshvire fashions, or was this person an impostor, she thought.