Damian’s Obsession

“Okay. How about the Eiffel Tower on the Champ de Mars besides the Seine River?” I asked.

“Wow. That’s so detailed.” He said with a small chuckle.

“I googled it on my way here. They said it’s a very famous place tourists visit. Can we go there then?” I asked hopefully.

“Yes. If that’s where you want to go to.” He answered.

“Yes! Thank you.” I said happily.

“But, there’s a catch.”

Catch?? What is it this time???? “What do you want in return?” I asked.

“I would like you to follow me for the business meeting.” HUH???????

Why would he demand such from me? What is he up to this time? “Why’s that?” I asked.

“You see, I’m working on a collection of some female designs and my clients would like to see the designers of the clothes.” He said.

“Okay, so how does that concern me? I don’t remember designing any outfit for you.” I said as I munched slowly on my food.

“Have you forgotten about the designs you submitted at my company when we were in search of new fashion designers, right before your interview with me?” He asked.

My eyes bulged out in shock when he said that. I had totally forgotten about it. When I was applying for a job at the company, we were asked to submit some of our finest designs before the best amongst them would be able to go for the interview.

If I could still recall well, I passed the screening.

“I saw you designs and loved it. It the best design amongst all that was submitted. So I and the board members agreed to release it as our new collection. We found some people who are willing to invest on the products here in Paris. It’s one of the reasons I wanted you to come with me to Paris.” He said.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

My breath almost caught up in my throat when he said that. It was so had to believe.

“Wait, if my designs were that good, how come I didn’t get the job?” I asked.

“You got the job. We sent you an email two days after the interview. Why didn’t you check your mail?” He asked as he took a bite from his food calmly.

Is he seriously playing with me right now?

“Here am I wondering why I couldn’t even read the email when it’s just in my ‘phone’.” I said, sarcasm clearly evident in every words.

“Oh.. I forgot. Your phone wasn’t with you.” I said like he just remembered which made me frown in anger.

“And whose fault is that??” I asked angrily.

“Whose fault is it?” He asked back.

“Yours obviously. If you had not kidnapped me, I would have been working at the company by now.” I said.

“Ahhh ….. you’re right. But still, everything is still going the way you wanted. You get to release your designs and still stay by my side as my woman for a very long time. Any girl would kill for that position.” He said.

Is he seriously showing off to me right now??

“Wow… lucky me.” I said sarcastically.

“Good thing you’re aware of how lucky you are.” He said.

“Whatever. So why didn’t you tell me before we left for Paris?” I asked.

“I wanted to check something.” He answered.

“Check what?”

“If you would still come with me if you have nothing monetary to gain from the trip.” He answered.

“Why would you think I would have to gain something first before leaving with you?” I asked.

“You can’t blame me for being skeptical because almost all the girls I’ve been with are only with me only because of what I have to offer except you obviously.” He said.

Well makes sense, I would also act the way he did because he has been betrayed enough already. I wondered how he’s even able to trust someone else again.

“So are you interested in going to the meeting with me?” He asked again, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Obviously yes. Why would I waste this great chance to show off my talent?” I asked.

“Great thinking. Wake up early because the meeting is starting around nine in the morning tomorrow.” He said.

“That early??” I asked.

“I scheduled it that way so we can have enough time to go on our tour right after the meeting.” He answered.

“Okay.” “Also, don’t dress too formal or too casual.” He said.

“I don’t get.” I said in confusion.

“I meant you don’t need to put on a suit or jean. Just a dress would do so you don’t have to change after the meeting.” He said.

Oh. I nodded my head in understanding and continued eating my food.

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THE NEXT DAY

I sat beside Damian as we waited for the investors to arrive. I could feel my heart beating really fast. I was so nervous that Damian could also notice because he placed his hands on my lap as a way to comfort me.

The door was suddenly pushed open and two men clad in suits walked in. They looked like they were in their late thirties. I and Damian stood up to greet them.

“Damian Black. It is so nice to finally meet you.” They said as they exchanged handshakes with him.

I was so relieved they were speaking English because I didn’t understand the French language.

“Same here Mr. Elliot and Mr. Matteo.” He answered.

“And who is this Belle?” The Matteo guy asked.

“This is Selina Cortez, the designer I talked to you about.” Damian answered.

“Really? Just like her name and designs, she is beautiful.” Elliot said which made me smile.

“Thank you.” I answered.

“Nice to meet you Ms. Selina.” Matteo said.

“Same here.” I answered.

“Alright, let’s go straight to business.” Damian said as he took his seat.

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I smiled happily as I filled in the space on the document with my signature. We had finally finalized the contact signing.

“We have finalized the contract. This calls for celebration.” Elliot said as he closed the file.

“You’re right Elliot. So on that note, we would like to invite the both of you to our annual ball that’s coming up the day after tomorrow. We hope the both of you would be able to attend it.” Matteo said.

“We will. Thank you so much for your time.” Damian said.

“You’re welcome. See you soon Selina.” Elliot said a she gave me a smile in which I returned.

I can’t believe that my dream of becoming a fashion designer was finally coming to pass and I had Damian to thank for that.