Another day and another load of work to do at Diamond Fashion House. My heels clicked loudly as I hurry into my office. I look at my watch, 7:30 am, just in time. Since I was just a little girl, I was always obsessed with being on time. Time is money.
I set my cinnamon mocha drink and my bag on my organized desk. Tidying up my blouse and skirt, I walk over to the curtains and opens them. Sunshine blesses the rooms and illuminates my marbled floor and brown pieces of furniture. I own the top floor of this building so believe me when I tell you, it's amazing at the top. I smile at the view. The traffic, the hustle, the noise, I love New York City.
"Miss," I hear a tiny female voice behind me. I didn't even realize I wasn't alone anymore. "M- miss Valentino...?" I turn around to see my brand new assistant standing at the door and holding a notepad. Her shyness irks me.
Her hair was dyed baby pink and was awkwardly pushed back in a bun . She had an attire similar to mines with a grey skirt and white blouse. I smile at her attempt to look professional. I can clearly tell that she didn't feel very comfortable in her clothing.
I walk over to my chair and take a seat."Please sit down." She hurries her short self and takes a seat in front of me. I lean over and place my hands on my desk. She still looked nervous and her brown eyes stare at her notepad.
"Why do you think I built this company to achieve?" Her brown eyes snap up at my question a glimmer shines through them.
"To inspire," was her short response. I nod my head.
"Yes, to inspire people to embrace their own style, to shine and communicate with their fashion sense," I said while pointing at the mission statement on my wall. "So starting from tomorrow, I want you to ditch the uniform, I don't need you to look like me, I need you to look like yourself," I said curtly and she nods, understanding and relief fills her eyes.
"Do you understand...miss?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Sarah..." she finishes for me.
"Miss Sarah, remind me again what you have for me today." She smiles and raises her notepad. I'm starting to believe she loves her job. Her perky nose wrinkles and she starts marking up certain things with a red pen.
"Well, there is an auction this evening that I think you might be interested in." She raises her eyes to detect my reaction. She continues confidently. "No, you definitely don't want to miss it. A lot of important people will be there, not that you're not used to that. I mean you are very important..." she continues to ramble on and on which I find very amusing.
"But this," she pulls up a picture and turns the IPad around showing me something breathtaking. "This is the prize." I was fixated, I've got to have this. A dress, silver, I could tell it was an older design but that only added to its beauty.
It was very form-fitting and detailed, decorated with expensive crystals and feathers.
"I mean I would literally kill to wear this..." my assistant was breathless.
"Time and place," I demand and a slow smile creeps on her face.
"6 pm at the loft."
Then it's decided.
"Mrs. Sarah, I hope you have something nice to wear because you will be accompanying me this evening." She was shaken at my request. She wipes her hands on her skirt.
"Wha... I mean wow, I-"
"It's a date." I was done with the conversation. She sucks in a deep breath and gets up.
"Thank you, Miss Valentino," she said scurrying out of my office. We need to work on her demeanor. I open my laptop and begin to work. I have a lot of shit to do.
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So after a long day of work, I grab my belongings and head down to the lobby where my ride was waiting. I open my car and seat in the driver seat. My heart instantly fills up with joy!
"Sissy!" My siblings, my breath, my twins' brothers are waiting for me in the back. They attack me almost instantly with warm hugs and kisses. I chuckle lightly and greet them back. I place everything on the passenger seat. I turn my head to look at their state.
James and Jay Valentino. They were still 7 years olds and in 2nd grade. They had sandy brown hair like mine and moms. They were really pale with freckles on their noses. Blue eyes that always makes me weak whenever they want something. I wrinkle my nose at their clothes
"What did you guys do at school today?"
"We play soccer during playtime," they say in unison, explaining the dirt. I figured this would happen one way or another.
"Seatbelt," I mumble. The drive to my house was quick and short. I parked into the garage and we hurry inside since it was getting chilly outside. It was now 4'o'clock. I have just enough time to get ready. My stomach grumbles but I ignore it. I can't eat now, I have to look perfect in my outfit tonight. The kids went straight to the washroom as I instructed.
"Good evening Greta," I walked into my kitchen and greet my nanny/maid. But she was more than that, she was like a grandmother to us since she was already in her 60s. She was warm, open, and very loyal. Plus she makes the best lasagna which is a huge bonus for me since that's my favorite, favorite food in the world.
She grabbed my cup and immediately put it in the sink with the other dishes. Greta is a very petite Italian lady with a very sharp wit and an endearing smile.
"Jade," she smiles, and her cheek wrinkles. She looks beautiful nothing-less, and very gracious. "How was work?"
I didn't skip a beat, heading straight to my bedroom. "Very productive, but the day is not over yet." I hear her sigh behind me. She always complains that I work too much. But it's not like I have a choice. I need to take care of myself, my brothers, my employees, and the people I love. I don't have any days off.
I discard my clothes and put them in the laundry basket. I grab my phone and scan through my messages. One from Caroline, my best friend since high school. A picture. Her blonde platinum hair is blowing in the wind while she laughed at something. I smile at her as she could see me, I miss her. She was my complete opposite, she does not give a fuck. Her caption explains it:
"Sipping Tequila on a yacht in Mexico while rich men and their father tend to your every need."
Giggling, I exit her messages and scroll. One from Smith Paul.
"When can I see you again, sweetheart?"
I roll my eyes, it was only a one-time thing. He should have believed when I told him that. He's wasting his time, he's just too stupid to notice.
I scroll more and my heart drops.
From SIM Mental Institute:
YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION IS NEEDED- Doc Vlad.
I sign.
When does the fight ever end?
