"What do you think about this?" Hugo passed 3 pieces of paper, depicting the Crimson Solitaire designs. It wasn't even a day before I received his call. The dark eyebags hinted that he must have worked through the night, with a faint smell of caffeine from his breath.
With my attention on the drawings, it was clear to see the immense potential Hugo had that made him who he was today. It was beautiful. The clean lines that composed the jewellery set were remarkable, each with such detail and precision that would only permit a skilled designer to construct.
The rings, made of two parts, carrying a sophisticated yet simple design. One of it, whose width seemed thicker, was set in a laced pattern, adorned with a larger round-cut diamond in the middle and two smaller ones on each of its sides. The other that was drawn on the top, looked thinner, resembling a crown; arranged with three leaf-shaped diamonds in the middle followed by three smaller diamonds that accompanied each side.
The earrings that were shaped like a chandelier, carried a mix of both Crimson and clear diamonds. The extravagance and elegance it possessed were sure to increase the wearer's statute.
As for the necklace, it was undoubtedly going to be the prime of the show. No other words spoken would do any justice; you need only to see to believe it.
So, this is what a world-class designer is like.
It seems like I have a long way to go.
I always felt that just being a jewellery designer was enough. Sure, I had the passion for it, but it was only up to a point where I was satisfied with just being able to earn my keep and comply with customer's requests. But now, seeing how exquisite the design was, the drive to succeed and do more, lit a small spark.
"Wow. It's beautiful..." I wasn't exaggerating to say that I was in awe. In fact, there was growing anticipation and excitement to see the final product.
"Thank you. If everything is in order, I need you to collect the stones from Nathan."
"Isn't there a need to get approval for the designs first?" I asked. With a project this big, an inspection of the design must be conducted, let alone surveyed for any possible changes.
"Nathan told me that there will be no need for that over the phone. He says that when I deem that it's ready, he needs to only have the copies as a reference." Hugo informed. Hearing the confidence Nathan has for Hugo, only struck me with further admiration for his designing skills; where there was no need for conducting any checks. Or perhaps it was only because they knew each other?
Nonetheless, my work remains as a deliverywoman. "Understood! Then I'll get right onto it." Packing the sketches into my bag, I slipped the handle over my shoulder, sipping the last mouthful of tea before heading for the door.
"How's Nathan and yourself?" I could feel Hugo smile as he said this, prompting me to smirk in return as I remembered last night.
Would it be okay if I called you mine?
"With the look on your face, it seems like everything's going well. Or did something good happen?" I giggled, nodding in reply; probably appearing like a madwoman.
"That's really good. I wish you two all the happiness."
Though there was sorrow, I could feel the genuineness and care that he had for Nathan, and it made me overjoyed to see that apart from me, there was someone that Nathan could rely on.
"Thank you, Hugo." I thanked, "I'd best be going now. I'll see you later!" I stepped out of the house, waving him goodbye.
"See you!"
***
"Hey Tim, is Nathan in?" I asked, shuffling across the floor and towards Timothy's desk. The smartly dressed man who had his hands full at the speed of his typing, peered up.
"Not at the moment. But I just got word that he finished a meeting with a client, he should be back in approximately ten minutes. You can wait for him in his office."
"Thanks!" Plopping down, I spun around in circles, bored by how simple his office look. Neat, but boring. I could not wait to see Nathan again. However, the minutes seemed like hours, ticking away at a snail pace. The only entertainment I got was the creaking sound from the leather chair.
As I prepared my way to head out, to burn the boredom by seeking Tim for a chat, the door of the office swung open, full force. I stumbled backwards, cupping my temple from the pain that was sure to leave a bruise.
'Shoot, Ava! Why are you standing in front of the door?" His face of concern hid a subtle hint of humour that I quickly caught.
"On the way out of course. You idiot! That hurts!" I hollered, glaring at him while I attempted to rub away the sting. "Don't you know how to knock?"
"I mean I would knock, except that I own this place. Besides, how would I know that you would stand this near to the door?" He defended, making a solid point that was hard for me to accept. "Are you that eager to see me? Or perhaps, you would like to relive yesterday?" The smugness and sense of triumph led me to frown, furious at his response.
It was true that I didn't own this place nor was it his fault that he hit me on the way in, but the least he could do was not to tease me when I was already hurting; but to ask if I was okay. I glared at him, a little disappointed at his reaction.
"What? Do you want me to apolo-OW!" He yelped, leaning his back against the wall after I stomped on his foot. Hard.
"This is for you," I retrieved the designs and shoved them to his face before heading to my office, ignoring Nathan as he continued clutching his foot.
"What's up with her?" Quinn murmured just above a decibel as her husband and her looked in my direction. Not wanting to taint Nathan's 'perfect' reputation, I decided to stick my head into compiling the receipts and orders of the customers.
As I alternated between the office and the design complex from dawn till dusk, the couple stole glances at me. Deep down, I knew that they were worried for me, but I was still boiling with anger over what Nathan did.
Sure, it did seem like I was a little petty at one of his many teases, but was that any way to treat me while I was in pain? Let alone, since he called me to be his, shouldn't he treat me a little better and not brush me off with his taunts?
Truly, I was disappointed.
"Hey Av! Would you like to join Derrick and I for dinner?" Quinn asked. I felt comforted at the lovers' concern about wanting to make me feel better. Although it would do little to help, at least conversing with them would take my mind off Nathan. Besides, I was hungry.
"Actually, she might have to take a rain check on that." The familiarity in the sound caused my eyes to roll in irritation as Nathan strolled in, standing beside Quinn and Derrick.
"Actually, I don't." I argued, grabbing the wallet, prepared to take my leave but only to be interrupted when he extended his arm in front of me, cutting the path.
"Actually, you do." Before I could make any form of protest, Nathan grabbed my wrist and whisked me away, before pushing me through the door and towards the emergency staircase.
"What do you want, Nathan? I can't deal with you right now," I grumbled, sounding a little more exasperated than I thought I was. In the twinkling of an eye, I was pulled into an embrace, feeling Nathan's breath on my neck as he pivoted his head against my shoulder.
"I'm sorry." He whispered, sending tingles in my ears. But I wasn't going to let him off that easily.
"For?"
"For being an arse." He sighed. Taken aback from the harshness of his words, I could not help but let a small chuckle escape, feeling the indignation diminish as if it was never there.
"Yeah, you are an arse," drawing away from him, I peered up and saw the remorse in his gaze. Reaching upwards, I brushed away his loose hair before gently cupping his cheek.
"But you are still mine." Soon after, I felt a pair of soft lips, mixed with a hint of wetness, descend on my forehead, one that made me feel overwhelming tenderness and bliss.
"You hungry?" He questioned, tearing away from our embrace.
"Starving."
"Dinner?"
"Lead the way."
*************
Hey guys!
I'm sorry if this chapter is boring, the next chapter will be better than this. Thank you all so much for continuing this read! Have a great day ahead!