Mon Amour (My Love)

CHAPTER 47

ANGELO ROI

It was quite the grand night, as it marked the official unveiling of my latest brand within the country. Esteemed industry figures graced the event, hailing from both domestic and international renowned companies.

And then, there he was—the CEO of Ibarra Group of Companies. Often mistaken for my brother, he walked in, the captivating Ricco Andre.

As he entered, the atmosphere seemed to freeze. Adorning a customary suit and tie like many others, there was an ineffable quality about him that compelled attention, akin to beholding a prized work of art.

He exuded an aura, a luminosity that accompanied his arrival. Suddenly, everyone seemed more animated, the venue grew more vibrant, the music more soothing, and the night more enchanting.

Perhaps it was because of his celebrity status - the sensational Soul Bachelor. Or perhaps, it was his striking handsomeness, an undeniable truth about him. Or it could be that it was simply because he was Ricco. Truth be told, my heart would still flutter in his presence.

I welcomed him with a smile as he made his way towards me. Extending my hand, I shook his. "Mr. Ibarra, it's a pleasure that you joined us."

His gaze shifted between our hands and then back to me, forming a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Lucas, for extending the invitation. It was unexpected, considering, well, our previous interactions."

His smile lingered as our surroundings blazed with flashes of light - an indication of the pervasive photography happening around us. Responding in kind, I smiled as well and gently relinquished his hand. I patted his shoulder. "And what of Papa Allie? Has he graced us with his presence as well?"

"He's present. He accompanied me." he answered nonchalantly. Turning to survey the scene behind him, I followed suit. I spotted Papa Allie, beaming warmly in my direction. Nearby stood Jason, Azalea, and that Pyponco boy. I confess, a pang of annoyance stirred within me.

With handshakes and polite conversations shared, I eventually excused myself from the crowd. Ascending a raised platform, I laid hold of the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen," I began. Conversations hushed as eyes turned in my direction. The media converged at the center, their cameras, recorders, and microphones poised.

"I express my gratitude for your presence tonight as we celebrate the success of AG Icarus Labs, officially launching it here as AG Icarus Labs PH."

Applause rang out, accompanied by the flickering of camera flashes.

"You might wonder why, as a perfumer, I ventured into pharmaceutical manufacturing. The truth is, we live in a time when it feels like health risks are all around us. Most of us deal with some kind of pain, often more than we'd care to admit. If we could ask our bodies where it hurts, the answer would probably be, 'Everywhere.'"

Laughter swept through the crowd, even Uncle Marco couldn't help but nod in amusement.

"We all seek healing. Let me clarify, AG Icarus was conceived during a period of profound anguish when I sought solace and healing." My tone grew more somber, and silence enveloped the room. I glanced at Ricco, catching his gaze, wondering what thoughts occupied his mind.

"As I was saying, healing is a universal requirement. We all seek it. This is where AG Icarus steps in - offering healing. An avenue for us to improve, to experience betterment. I'm aware that's what we all desire - to regain our sense of well-being, at the very least."

"Mr. Lucas," a reporter interjected. "you mentioned earlier that when you were just starting with AG Icarus Labs, you needed healing. You were in deep pain. Can you tell us what exactly you needed healing from?"