The Return (De Laurel Trilogy #1)

33

"You don't have to say sorry, Nico." I bent down to his level. "It's not your fault. It's mine. I should've been more careful of the paparazzi. You didn't ruin my life, Nicholai. Stop blaming yourself." I cupped his face, making him look at me. "It will die down soon."

"Are you sure?" He sniffled.

"Yes." I smiled. "Come on," I stood up and help him to also to do so. "Let's get you water. You're a sniffling mess right now." I chuckled.

We headed to the kitchen to see all of my family there.

"Guys! Nico's here." I announced.

"Hey, bro." Olen came in for a bro hug. "How you holding up?"

"Fine, I guess." Nico chuckled.

"My, my, my." Mom looked at Nico. "Why do you look like a mess, hijo?"

"It's nothing, Mrs. De Laurel." He chuckled. "Just go frustrated of the issue. That's all."

"Are you sure, hijo?" Mom looked at him. "Nothing hurts? Dios mio, you look so exausted. Are you eating? Are you resting?" She bombarded him with questions.

"Yes, Mrs. De Laurel. I'm completely fine. Just a little tired from chasing off paparazzi in my house, but I'm completely fine." He smiled. "Don't worry about me."

"Are you sure?" Mom repeated once again.

"Yes, Mrs. De Laurel."

After that, we all had a civil conversation talking about life and stuff. But, I kept on receiving calls from clients, that's why I had to excuse myself out.

"Araya, your dress is already done." I explained. "You have already paid and took it. What's more to complain about?"

It was my fourth conversation and I was starting to get tired of talking. Why can't Alliana answer these calls? What's the point of me giving her cabin telephone number to my clients if she doesn't take the calls?

[Olivia! It does not fit me anymore! Are you sure you took the right measurements?] She whined.

"Yes, Araya." I sighed. "I made you triple check the measurements before I made it. It's impossible if it does not it fit you. How about this. In a few days, when I get back to work, you will come to my office, okay? I can help you resize the dress. Would that be okay with you?"

[Okay.] She whispered. [Thank you, Olivia! You're the best.]

"You're welcome. See you!" With that, the call ended.

Without a minute later, another call came. I did not bother to check the caller id since I already knew it was client.

"Hello, this is Oliva De Laurel speaking. How may I help you?" I stated as if it was an online order.

[Hey, Olivia. It's Alexander.] He answered. He was one of the clients that I hoped that wouldn't call me.

"Hello, Mr. King." I greeted. "How may I help you?" I asked as polite as possible.

[I saw the articles, Olivia.] He stated. [Are you still up for the party?]

Right. It's about in three days.

"Actually, I'm not sure, Mr. King." I cleared my throat. "There is a fifty fifty chance that I may or may not go."

[I mean, it's okay if you don't. I understand if the the paparazzi may hindrance you. I perfectly understand, Ms. De Laurel.] He said.