I walked to the beginning of the runway with a glass of champagne in one hand and a fork in the other. The hall was quite noisy and dark, so no one even saw or heard me. I raised my glass and tapped it with the back of the utensil to grab the audience’s attention; the voices suddenly fell silent, and everyone turned to me. I saw a sea of eyes and cameras—this was a terrifying test. I gathered my courage; a few dim lights illuminated only my silhouette—people were waiting for what would happen next. I took a sip of champagne and, oops, I dropped the glass along with the fork. It shattered into pieces, and in an instant, the lights went out in the hall as I confidently stepped onto the runway. The effect of this small trick was incredible. Everyone's eyes widened in sincere, pleasant surprise. I became the center of attention.
While I was strutting, I managed to catch a glimpse of the hall through the light shining in my eyes. I saw a lot of famous people: models, showbiz stars, and… Anna Wintour, in a light blue tweed suit, high boots, and big glasses. I was breathless. Sitting a space away from her was Leo. In a suit. A suit made from my new design. Emotions overwhelmed me; I hoped nothing showed on my face. I reached the end of the runway and posed. I smiled, turned on my heels, and strutted on. The runway was shaped like a semicircle, but it felt like I was riding a carousel; I was so dizzy.
At the end of the show, I walked out with the other models, and then, as a designer, alongside Ella and Patricia. We were applauded! Applauded standing up!
— O-o-o-ow, yes, you were incredible! And that effect with the glass, did you see their faces?! — Elizabeth joyfully threw herself at me.
I remained silent because I couldn’t utter a word.
— Well say something, darling, you’re scaring me.
— Why is he wearing my suit? — and why am I asking this myself? — To be more precise, in the suit whose design I created, it’s not even for sale yet, where did he get it?
— If he’s an influential figure in the fashion industry and a partner, I emphasize a big partner in this company, then why can’t he wear a suit that isn’t for sale yet? I would even say it’s obvious.
This answer didn’t quell the wild stream of questions in my head. But I forced them to ease up on the pressure in my brain because I still needed to go out to the guests; thank God I wasn’t going back onto the runway. As soon as I stepped into the hall, I was immediately bombarded by a group of journalists:
— What are your impressions of the show?
— Did you come up with this stunning entrance yourself?
— Have you seen Mr. DeVil in the new suit from your brand?
— How would you describe your debut in one word that could serve as the name for this clothing collection? — this was the only question that intrigued me.
— Mounts, — that was the first thing that popped into my head.
— Oh, it’s as if you hit the target perfectly!
— Excuse me, — I just began to flee from them.
On my way, I encountered the happy version of Madame Lynette:
— Il migliore! Why didn’t you tell me earlier that you have such excellent modeling abilities?
— Grazie! I hadn’t even thought I could do this before this moment!
— I want to talk to you more, but it seems you’ve already gained some admirers, — she left me, and in her place came my “favorite” blonde. For a while, we just looked into each other’s eyes, as if they were communicating among themselves. Those gray eyes were filled with some sincere feeling. No, it’s not love; it’s something else... respect, and he confirms my assumptions:
— I’m proud of you! You hit everyone right in the heart; you deserve these ovations, — I was breathless; was it just me, or was it getting hard to breathe in here?
— Thank you, — I didn’t know how to respond. — I’m glad you liked the suit; it looks great on you, — I forced a weak smile. — I thought so too; I like that there’s nothing similar in mass markets—this means you set trends instead of following them. I even assumed this suit was made especially for me, — how could I have forgotten about his boldness?
I could no longer hold back my laughter; he just tore me apart. Leo’s audacity and even superiority, his self-esteem, even if exaggerated, contrasted sharply with how he tried to get my attention, texting, calling. I've had enough; I’m giving in.
— I prefer it when you laugh, rather than when you’re fuming.
— Is it that noticeable when I’m fuming? — I'm still laughing.
— You’re just a bomb; you can explode at any moment.
I fell silent. I pondered whether it would be appropriate to say goodbye and leave right now.
— Listen, I don’t like all this awkwardness between us since that party. Maybe we should start over?
I’ve asked myself this question more than once; maybe I should listen to Ella, maybe I should take the risk? No, no, no, Adelina, forget about it. But could we at least be friends? My lips didn’t obey me, and I just said:
— O-o-ow, nice suit you have there; by the way, I’m Adelina, but you can just call me Adele; is this your first time here? — I extended my palm to him.
— Nice to meet you; I’m Leonardo, but for you, just Leo, and yes, it’s my first time here. I’m quite a frequent guest at such events, but it’s my first time here, — he smiled now, squeezing my outstretched hand. And again, the small miniature.
— Well, you’ve intrigued me; so who are you, Leo?
— Your future boss, Adelina, — he seems to be nervous, waiting for my reaction.
My eyebrows shot up, and my eyes narrowed into slits. I thought everything was finally settled.
— How should I take that? — I calmly squeezed out.
— Let’s be informal; it’s awkward to communicate with your employees as if they were strangers, — it’s unclear whether he’s joking or speaking completely seriously, which throws me off balance.
And that’s when I explode:
— Leo, what do you mean?! Don’t beat around the bush!
— What? Well, okay, — he smiled contentedly. — I’m buying this company; I’m almost the owner of it, — he spoke measuredly and thoughtfully, as if he had prepared this answer for several days.
— You bought the company? Why? — I had a lot of questions for him.
— This isn’t the only company I have ever bought; relax. This is my business; I buy, promote, and earn—what exactly concerns you? — he spoke now perhaps a little too calmly.
— Why this company?
— Because it caught my interest; it’s different, I think you understand yourself. And now you can’t avoid me, — he added the last sentence so quietly that for a moment, I thought I might have imagined it.
I wanted to slap him. Just like that, in front of everyone, without shame. I was sure my desire was written all over my face. Leo stepped back a half step. I would probably have carried out my plan if I hadn’t been interrupted.
— Am I disturbing? — oh Merlin, I might have a heart attack.
— Of course not, Madame Wintour.
— I just want to say that it was rather good, — she smiled, or did I imagine it? — You are Miss... Levitka? Right?
— Yes, she is. I mean, I am, — I had already been on edge all day, and now this. Someone save me.
— You did a great job; it was a pleasure to meet you, — now she definitely smiled, — Mr. DeVil, nice to see you, — Leo, also smiling, kissed her hand, and she left.
— Levitka... I’ve been curious for a while what your last name means, — he asked me.
I ignored the question and did the only thing I knew how to do well — I ran away. I heard his footsteps behind me.
— Adele, stop running away from me like a little child, — I ignored him.
I made it to Ella.
— I need to get some fresh air.
What happened? — I wasn’t listening to her questions.
— Are you with me? — she looked behind me: “saw Leo,” I decided.
— What, again?
— Are you with me? — I insisted.
— Sorry, I promised that I would do everything for your happiness. And stop running away from him like a little child, — exactly echoed his words, Ella said.
I glared at her. Thank Merlin, I had thought to change out of the show dress into my skirt suit.
I grabbed my bag, told Ella to let everyone know I’d be out for a few minutes, and rushed outside.
I was surrounded by paparazzi and journalists.
— Miss Levitka, what are your impressions of the show?
— Excuse me, one question. Would you like to do a collaboration collection with another brand and which one?
— Adelina, how can you comment on the recent news about the sale of the brand you work for?
The cameras blinded me. It couldn’t get any worse.
— Please, let her through, — there is indeed a limit.
— Mr. DeVil, how long have you known Miss Levitka?
— Long enough to say she doesn’t like crowds, — he slowly guided me through all these people to his car. I was even okay with staying near this chaos? No, thank you. He had his hand on my waist, but in a state of oblivion, I didn’t even notice it.
— Mr. DeVil, what is your relationship with Miss Adelina?
— Are you a couple?
— Mr. DeVil, how can you comment on this?
— Leonardo, you are an eligible bachelor; don’t you worry about public opinion of your admirers?
— Do your parents mind these relations?
Leo clearly lost it:
— Miss Adelina and I are just good acquaintances; public opinion and my parents’ opinions don’t concern me; I ask for some peace because, as you can see, Miss Adelina is feeling unwell in such a crowd, — he spoke firmly and decisively.
The journalists stepped back and let us pass to the car, still photographing us.