Versailles Series Book 8: The Designer [COMPLETED]

PART II: CHAPTER 55

~ marceline ~

"Miss Marceline, you have a photoshoot this afternoon." Sabi ng assistant ko. Nasa Paris pa rin kami at sa susunod na buwan pa kami uuwi ni Philip. Naglambing si Frances sa amin kaya naman pinagbigyan na namin ito. Inaayos na lang namin ang mga papeles ni Lola Lu para maipasyal namin siya rito.

I shot my head up. "Why am I hearing this now?" They usually give me a week in advance to clear my schedule.

"Uhm, Frances is looking for a last-minute model for her bridal collection. She told me to let you know."

"Can I call my mother?"

Tumango ito at iniwan na ako.

After two rings, she picked up. "Hey Maman, my assistant told me you need a last-minute model?"

"Yes. You see, one of the models got food poisoning and we need this to get done today. You know this is my final collection, darling. It means so much to me."

I smiled. "You should have given me a spot in the first place. Of course, I will be your model. I have to talk to Philip though. We have a dinner date tonight."

"He'll be fine. You can meet him after anyways."

Philip has been working from home since we got here. He's a really busy guy. I just thought he would spend his time with me or kickboxing with Damon. But since we lived together, I realized the time he is giving up on his work to spend with me.

Here in Paris, we are equally busy so we have dinner dates every other night.

"Still, I know how long your shoots are taking. I better give him a heads-up."

"Okay, darling. I'll send the details to your assistant."

I called Philip after to let him know of my mother's request. He told me he will be in a meeting anyway so it's better to reschedule our dinner date.

By 3 pm, I went to the location. They wanted to catch the golden hour.

I looked myself in the mirror. The bridal gown fitted me well despite the fact that it was for another model. It felt like it was measured for me.

"You are beautiful, darling."

I smiled at Maman. "It's just a photoshoot, Maman. I'm not getting married yet."

She dabbed tissues on her eyes. "You just look so beautiful?"

"Me or the dress?" I chuckled. "Why are you so emotional?"

"Oh, you know me, sweetheart."

I chuckled again and hugged her.

We took a couple of shots and they were as expected, breathtaking. Not because of me in it but the color of the skies transitioning to reds and yellows are just so majestic.

"One last shot. You need to turn around."

I turned my back against them and posed. That's when I felt my skin prickle. Only one person has that effect on me.

"Oops...just a minute more sweetie." Sabi ng photographer. "All done."

When I turned around, I almost fell to my knees. Philip is on his knee with a box in his hand. A shiny ring was glistening in it. I knew it. I can always sense his presence around me.

My hands went to my mouth to stop my sobs.

"Philip..."

"You look so beautiful tonight my love. My memory will never forget how beautiful you were the first day I met you and when I found you again. You will always be one if not the strongest woman I know. I don't know what I did in my life to deserve you...thrice...to even kneel before you and ask for your hand in marriage. But here I am. I want to fulfil my first promise to you that I'll spend the rest of my life with you. I don't want to think about not spending a day with you now that I know I am at my happiest when I see you and feel you. So yes, Marceline Blanchett, will you marry me?"

I wiped my tears as I knelt down with him and nodded. "Yes. I'll marry you, Philip."

We embraced and kissed each other as he put the ring on my finger. The people applauded around us and I knew that life may not be as cruel as I thought it was. It was preparing us for something greater.

Like a diamond, it won't turn into something precious and expensive without pressure. In life, that may be a similar case.

Our dinner date still went through and it was much more sentimental than it should be.

"I have another surprise for you, my beautiful fiancee."

"Pray to tell...what is it my love?" Sabi ko rito.

He placed a velvet box on the table. When he opened it, my heart beat rapidly.

"I want you to hold on to this. I want you to be reminded of who I am looking at right now. Who I am laying my life for. I don't want you to think of bitter memories." He placed a bracelet on my wrist. It has a modified wave design with small diamonds on it. My name is engraved in the small charms.

"Thank you...this is too much..."

He circled his thumb on my tattoo. "Nothing is too much with you."

I gave him a kiss on the lips as we walked around the Eiffel Tower.

Years ago, I never felt the pull of Paris being the city of love. It was a place of fashion for me. But now, I can feel every view, every street, every corner is filled with love and reminds me of my time with Philip.

Even if we looked like crazy people dancing in the middle of a tourist spot, we didn't care. Both of us know that time is the most precious commodity and we are making the most out of it.

PART II: CHAPTER 56 >>