SARAYA’S POV.
While I had headed meeting upon meetings, each passing second felt like a drag, making me feel empty.
By the time the day finally ended, I wanted to do something different from work and bring a little fun to my hurting heart.
I decided to take a drive round the city to clear my head but I happened to see a billboard of Cartier Collection.
“What about I do some shopping and maybe hit the club afterwards?” I suggested to myself and made up my mind to visit.
I walked into the store and it exceeded my exceptions. The store was nothing but sleek, with racks of designer clothes arranged like art displays.
A young sales attendant who could be mistaken for a model walked up to me and smiled. “Welcome to Cartier Collection. How can I assist you today?”
“I want something bold,” I said. “Something that stands out.”
She nodded. “Then you’re at the right place, come with me while I recommend some of our luxurious and limited designs to you ma’am.” She said and led the way.
I tried on a handful of outfits, each seems to be more disappointing than the last. The red dress looked too stiff. The sequined jumpsuit felt too loud. Nothing felt right, and I was beginning to regret my decision.
Then a piece at the far end of the rack caught my attention. Hanging on a rack by itself was a blue gown so simple yet elegant. It was everything I wanted-daring, elegant, and impossible to ignore.
“I’ll try that one,” I said, pointing at the dress.
The attendant hesitated, her smile now a little too tight. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but that piece isn’t for sale. It’s a sample from our upcoming collection, and we haven’t launched it yet.”
“The more reason why I want it.” I said, walking towards it. “Seems like the only piece available right here. Perfectly fits and suits my personality.”
“It’s not technically out,” she said. “It’s just …”
“Spare me the rules,” I cut her off. “I want to try it.”
Her polite smile didn’t falter, but her tone of her voice changed. “I could show you some other …”
“I’m not asking for permission,” I snapped, crossing my arms. “As long as it’s on the rack, I’m taking it and that is final.” I insisted.
“Saraya …” Matilda called my name.
We were locked in this battle of words, we didn’t realize Matilda and one other lady had walked in on us.
I turned around and she was right there in front of me.
“You seems to be everywhere in my face.” I said aloud the moment our eyes met.
“What’s going on here?” Matilda asked, ignoring my words.
“Did you stalk me down here?” I asked rolling my eyes, refusing to be ignored.
“You’re mistaken about that, Saraya.” She explained. “I’m working hand in hand with the Cartier’s brand and the dress you’re holding is one of my design.”
I looked at the dress but I couldn’t bring myself to drop the dress. Before I could say a word, the attendant cut in.
“Ma’am, I already explained to her the sample dress is not for sale but she is bent on having it.” The attendant explained.
Matilda didn’t even glance at her; she was already focused on me. “You want the dress?” she asked casually, as if we weren’t in the middle of a standoff.
I nodded. “Yes, I do. It’s beautiful.”
She turned to a tall, elegant woman who was right beside her. The name tag on her blazer read Elise Cartier.
“Ms. Cartier,” Matilda said smoothly, her voice like silk, “do you know who this is?”
Elise’s looked at me intently. “Forgive me but I don’t think I do.”
“This is Saraya Newman,” Matilda continued. “One of the most influential CEOs in the country. If she wears your dress tonight, imagine the kind of publicity you’ll get. People will flock to Cartier Collection just to see where she shops.”
Elise studied me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Very well. She can have it.”
The attendant gave me an approving smile. “Let me help get dressed, ma’am.” She offered but Matilda wasn’t done.
“I’ll help her,” Matilda said, taking the gown from me. “Come with me, Ms. Newman.”
I wanted to protest-I hated needing her help-but I didn’t. I followed her into the fitting room.
Once we got in, Matilda got to work. The gown slipped on like it was made for me. The silk hugged my body, the deep blue highlighting my skin in a way that made me feel… beautiful. For the first time all day, I felt like I could breathe again.
Matilda stepped back, folding her arms. “Well? What do you think?”
I met her eyes in the mirror. “It’s perfect,” I admitted grudgingly. Then, after a beat, I added, “As much as I hate to admit it, you’re good at what you do.”
Her laugh surprised me. It wasn’t the smug chuckle I’d expected. It was soft, almost warm. “I know,” she said simply. “And don’t worry. I won’t make you say it twice.”
I rolled my eyes, but there was no heat behind it. As I stepped out of the fitting room and saw the way everyone’s eyes turned toward me, I felt something I hadn’t felt all day.
Confidence surged through my as Elsie and the rest of the attendants gasped.
“You look stunning!” Elsie praised.
“Thank you.” I muttered.
Matilda stood by, watching with an expression I couldn’t quite read. Was it pride? Satisfaction? Or something else entirely?
Elise clapped her hands together. “Shall I have this wrapped up, or will you be wearing it out tonight?”
I didn’t hesitate. “I’m wearing it.”
Matilda’s smile widened, and I immediately regretted giving her the satisfaction.
“Where to next?” Matilda asked, leaning towards me.
I glanced at her, surprised. “You’re not invited.”
She raised a brow. “Oh, come on. You’re hitting the club, aren’t you?”
I opened my mouth to argue but stopped. She wasn’t entirely wrong.
“Fine,” I said grudgingly. “You’re right, you ruined my day but don’t ruin my night.”
Matilda grinned. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Better.”
“Do you think we would have been good friends if Arlan wasn’t in the picture?” She asked.
Her unexpected question got me thinking. “Maybe.” I finally replied after some thinking. “Maybe not, who knows?”
After making payment at the counter, I stepped out of Cartier Collection, my new gown fitting like a second skin. I slipped into my car and drove toward the heart of the city, where the streets pulsed with life.
I stopped in front of the elite club and handed my key to the valet attendant who drove my car out of the club’s entrance.
The bouncer at the entrance drooled at me and was embarrassed when I caught him.
The club was alive. Music pulsed through the room, a hypnotic beat that made the floor feel like it was vibrating. Lights danced across the walls and ceiling, bathing the crowd in waves of red, blue, and gold.
I made my way to the bar and took my seat right in front of the bar attendant.
“Whiskey, neat,” I said.
He nodded and within seconds, a glass of whiskey was in front of me. I took a sip, the drink gave my throat a sweet, burning, tinging sensation.
The whiskey burned slightly as it went down, warming me and easing the tension I’d been carrying all day.
With every sip, I felt my mind lighten, the music’s bass thumped through the air, and I could feel it vibrating in my chest.
I turned to look at the dance floor. People swayed, laughed, and lost themselves in the rhythm of the music.
Placing my glass down on the table, I made my way into the crowd. The moment I stepped onto the dance floor, I let myself go, swinging my hips to the rhythm of the music.
It didn’t take long before I noticed the eyes on me, the murmurs, the way the space seemed to open up, leaving me in the center.
I didn’t care. I was in my own world, moving to the music, spinning and twirling as if no one was watching.
Then, a hand slid around my waist. I froze for a second, then turned to see a man standing too close, he wore a confident smirk on his face, almost smug.
I leaned in. “Take your hands off me.”
“Relax,” he said casually, leaning in closer. “Just wanted to join the fun.”
“I don’t want to repeat myself.” I replied, stepping back, but his hand tightened slightly, refusing to let go.
My reaction was immediate. Without thinking, I raised my hand and slapped him, forcing him to release his grip on me.
“That is what you get for being a nuisance.”
The man looked shocked, holding his cheek where my palm had landed and people laughed at him. “Do you know who I am?” He asked me angrily.
“And why should I care about a small fly like you?” I shot back at him.
The stranger stepped closer, his eyes burning with anger as he leaned in. “Don’t forget my face,” he growled, his voice low but sharp. “I’ll make sure you pay for this humiliation.”
I met his gaze, completely unimpressed, a smirk tugging at my lips. “I’ll be sure to forget it the moment you walk away,” I said, my tone filled with indifference.
Turning back to the music, I swayed my hips and twirled as if his words had no weight. By the time I spun around again, he had vanished into the crowd.
“He should have wasted more of his time with me, idiot.” I cursed him after him while dancing the night away.