Beneath The Clandestine Paradise (Chaotic Series #3)

Kabanata 20

Beneath The Clandestine Paradise

Kabanata 20

I turned my head. A woman with pink corporate attire came in. Her hair fell perfectly as she flipped it from her shoulder. Nang magtama ang tingin namin, pareho kaming natigil.

Even though we're a bit far, she's familiar to me. Her eyes... look histrionic but expressively brave. I immediately recognized her by the way she looked at me. She looks familiar!

Naglakad ako tungo sa kanila. The woman never left my eyes as I did. As I got closer, I became more convinced that I have indeed seen her somewhere.

"Hi," I greeted her with a smile. "You're the designer?"

She looks unstable. Maybe because of the traffic and rushing to get here. Nangangalkal naman ang utak ko sa pag-aalala kung saan ko nga ba ito nakita.

"Yup," aniya at ngumiti. Naglahad siya ng kamay sa aking harap. "I'm Kristina Dahlia. Nice to meet you."

Oh! What a beautiful name! It fits her because she's indeed beautiful like her designs!

And then I remembered. She's one of the women I saw on a billboard!

"I'm Dr. Alegna. Nice to meet you too, Ms. Kristina Dahlia."

Maura also shook hands with the woman. I wanted to mention that I've seen her once on a billboard along EDSA, but I didn't. She's the designer, and those women beside her must be her brand models.

Ms. Kristina Dahlia apologized again for being late. We assured her that we didn't wait long. We all arrived almost at the same time, and I haven't even sat on the couch yet.

"I like the 34994 designs," I said while looking at the magazine. "It's hard to choose actually. Luckily, we didn't bring any designs because we'll definitely choose here."

We talked about many things. We had so many suggestions, and I was amazed that they could accommodate all of them. Ms. Kristina Dahlia is always willing to listen because she cares about our satisfaction. She prefers to follow the client's suggestions. I even thought she would suggest something herself.

I notice too that she's been looking at me, ni hindi ko nakitang tinapunan niya ng tingin si Maura na siyang maraming suggestions. And when I see her looking at me, she just presses a genuine smile. Wala naman akong ibang magawa kundi ang nginitian siya kahit medyo nakakailang.

"You're beautiful, Dr. Alegna. Any of your suggestions will absolutely suit you. Every style and design will complement you," Ms. Kristina Dahlia said to me. "I can't wait to make your dress."

Her smile was light. I returned it with a sweet smile.

After discussing the style and designs of our gowns, we talked about agreements and conditions. Wala kaming naging problema sa ganoon. They assured us that the gowns would take three days to be finished. That's perfect since the event is five days from now.

Once again, I became enchanted by the mermaid gown on the mannequin. We were just waiting for our payment receipt because everything was already done. Hindi na kami ang pinababa. It was Ms. Kristina Dahlia's assistant, Naira, who took care of it.

"You like it?"

I looked to my side when I heard a voice. Ms. Kristina Dahlia was looking at the gown I was admiring. Ngumiti ako at huminga nang malalim.

"I like it, Ms. Kristina Dahlia. Did you design this?"

"Yes. I drew and designed it."

I already had an idea that she was the one who made it, but I was still amazed.