Chapter 12
“Remember what I said earlier, just get close and win the favour of Mrs Darby. That’s all you have to do, and if asked why we are here… We just wanted a vacation from all the activities. Is that clear?”
Lily rolled her eyes but nodded nonetheless, the 30 minutes she spent fixing herself up in the bathroom was also a debriefing session. Asher kept repeating the very words he just sild a while ago, and she just couldn’t wrap her head around it. He was a billionaire, and yet he’s out here hustling for a deal? Shouldn’t he be the one people gravitate towards for a deal?
Asher released a deep breath to keep his nerves and temper in check when he noticed the nonchalance etched in Lily’s face. “Lily, I’d like you to take this seriously. This deal is not just important for my company but your father’s as well.
“I just don’t get it. You are a billionaire, you’re well to do. So why are you running around, travelling, just so you can secure a business deal?”
Asher stared at her like she grew two heads, “are you seriously asking that?” AV formed on Lily’s forehead from squinting too hard, and she slowly bobbed her head. “Just do what you have to do.” He said, and the car pulled over the next second. “We’re here. Do you remember what I said?”
“With the frequency with which you have repeated it, I’d be a dullard not to remember it.” He shot her a look of disapproval at her obvious jab at him, causing Lily to clear her throat.
“Let’s go
They both immediately got out of the car, and Asher rushed over to her. He offered his arm to her once he was by her side. and Lily stared at it like it was an infected piece of wood.
“We have to look the part as well, Lily. Holding onto me for a few hours won’t hurt you.”
“It just might” she whispered, the memories of all the days she longed to touch him even for a spilt second came rushing into her mind, and lodged in her throat, causing her eyes to water. She immediately took a deep breath, forcing herself to disregard those emotions and memories, she gently placed her hand on his arms.
Shooting her a quick glance, Asher smiled and they both walked away. They walked into the restaurant Asher assumed his targets would be at, but the place was empty.
“They aren’t here.” Lily whispered.
“They’d be here soon, so we’re just going to order something and wait for them.” She nodded and with their arms linked, they walked to the counter and placed their orders. The second they were done and were about to walk to a table, Mr and Mrs Darby walked in.
Mr Darby was the first to recognize them and he immediately called out, “Allard, is that you?”
A smile broke out on Asher’s face when he turned around and saw him. “Mr. Darby, how’re you doing?” He asked, walking over to them while Lily trailed beside him. “Mrs Darby, you look breathtaking as always” He took her hand and placed a kiss on it, causing her to giggle.
“You flatter me, Asher.” Her eyes found Lily’s, and she smiled even wider, “and who is the beauty latched onto your arms?” He immediately pulled Lily closer, “My wife, Mrs Darby. We came out for a little vacation.”
Mrs Darby’s eyes inmediately lit up in excitement, she knew Asher was married and for years she’s been dying to meet his wife but he kept her away from the public eye, “is that so? what’s your name beautiful one?”
Lily’s smile widened, and stretched out her hand, “Lily, Mrs Darby”
“A beautiful name for a beautiful one! And call me Gloria” she took her outstretched hand and pulled her closer, Tri
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Chapter 12
to steal you away for a while, I’m sure our husbands have some ching up to do.” Mr Darby opened his mouth to protest, but his wife was already dragging Lily away.
He gave Asher a knowing looking before he
ghal heavily and gestured to the nearest table. “We might as well talk about why you’re actually here, Allard. You and I know that your presence here has nothing to do with a vacation.”
“You and I know each other well. Mr Darby Ashier replied as the both made themselves comfortable.
Meanwhile, Mrs Darby dragged Lily to the garden. “Pardon me if my question comes off ignorant, Lily started, and Mrs Darby’s attention was on her, “but, are you the owner of Stellar Interiors?”
A wide smile spread on Mrs Darby’s face and she nodded. “I am. I started it after I got married to Edmund.” Lily’s hands immediately clasped around her lips, and she shook her head.
“Really? I’m a huge fan! I’ve been studying and admiring your works for years. The way your designs bring a home alive is a wonder to behold.”
to gain her favour for their husbands have pulled this same move. “Is that so?” She chuckled, and Lily bobbed
flashed through Gloria’s eyes but she maintained her cool. She has met a few young women, who in their over
her head, “what’s your favourite piece of mine?”
The 1994 collection. Lily said without hesitation, “it has a blend of the early 90’s and the transition into the early 2000’s. It looks and feels nostalgic for both a place you’ve been to and a place you haven’t been to. I took some ideas from it in decorating Asher’s place.” She said with enthusiasm, and a big smile etched on Gloria’s face. I’ve always been interested in interior designing, but only made the decision to pursue a career in it recently, and I applied to your company.”
Gloria’s brows rose with a whole renewed interested, “is that so
Lily nodded. “I even got the internship, but the vacation got in the way. She chuckled, meeting Gloria’s gaze for a second before looking away. “It’s a terrible loss, but when I get qualified… I’ll apply for an actual job. It’s a dream to work with you.” She finished with a tight–lipped smile, feeling a little stupid for having rambled on and on.
A big smile however spread on Gloria’s lips, and for the first time in a while, she felt an actual desire to really get to know someone. “How about you come over for my dinner party tomorrow night, you and your husband of course. I have a new collection I’m working on, I could use your help.
Lily’s eyes widened in surprise, and she found herself shaking her head despite the huge feeling of happiness that exploded inside of her. “Oh my, I’m really honoured and grateful for this opportunity, but I… I don’t think I can really be of any help. I’m not really an expert, and you’re talking about an official collection.
Gloria stared at her and smiled, “I believe in your skills without any proof of it, but you seem to doubt it. Blood immediately rose to Lily’s cheeks and she stared at her feet as if it was suddenly interesting, “Well… How about you show me what you can do with something less formal instead? I bought a home recently, and I’ve been thinking of designing it. How about you take up the project?”
Lily’s mouth dropped open, and she was about to refuse, but Asher walked up to them, and her words died down in ber mouth. “I look forward to seeing you, Lily, and most importantly. I look forward to seeing your work. See you two soon.” She nodded at them and walked away, leaving behind a shocked Lily and a confused Asher.
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