The Second Chance (Forbidden Romance)

5.Champagne

ISABELLA'S POV

Walking away from Hunter's room I found myself in front of the door to my room. Entering the same, the air seemed to enter my nostrils again. Clearing my head with a shower and warm water, I managed to come to my senses and break out the smell of menthol, concentrating on the tasks I have set for tonight.

Have a good time, celebrate your best friend's success and not think about a broken heart.

 I spent the rest of the afternoon reading business books, and when it was time to get ready, I was slightly nervous. The thing about big events in Sicily is that every rich family shows up. All the people who are present are mostly acquaintances, so the chances are very small to avoid someone if necessary.

 Fortunately, today's fashion show takes place in a smaller area of the castle, which has been renovated to host the most famous fashion shows from around the world, so only selected guests will attend.

In fact, the co-organizer of the celebration is Chiara, who is participating in the show for the first time and presenting a pair of personally designed clothing items. 

Chiara has always loved fashion and created various dresses and other clothing items in her head, but the family jewel business limited her in this. Finally, the chance to advance in the fashion world opened up for her in her last year of fashion studies when the famous designer Violetta Garcia noticed her at one of her events. 

Visibly delighted by Chiara's enthusiasm, she offered her a position as an intern at her fashion house "La via della moda", where Chiara has been working for the past six months. It is an understatement to say that I was proud of my best friend's success and that I accepted the invitation without thinking. 

However, the knowledge that there will be people there that I cannot stand made the situation difficult.

I started to get ready, realizing that it would not be appropriate to be late and that Chiara would punish me if I didn't show up. For tonight's look, she sent me a dress from her personal collection that I haven't seen before. 

The first thing I noticed was the beautiful velvet material in the color of red wine. The dress was narrower cut and had a slit on one side. I couldn't wait to try it. 

When I put it on, I had the feeling that I was putting a cloud over me. The material blended perfectly with my curves and the dropped sleeves accentuated the cleavage. The slit on the leg gave me a certain amount of self-confidence and I felt attractive after a long time. I was sure of one thing. 

Chiara knows exactly how to choose the thing in which I will feel less insecure.

After slightly curling my hair, I applied a thin line of eyeliner and mascara, as well as matte lipstick in the color of the dress. I put on black heels and combined it with a black handbag. When I looked at the clock it was time to go. 

My fear increased with the reminder that Hunter would meet me in the corridor. I have to steel my jittery nerves and act strictly business-like. The fact that I lack certain human pleasures does not justify drooling over my own bodyguard. When I gathered myself, I perfumed myself and left the room ready.

Walking down the hall, I didn't even notice how quiet and empty the Villa was without my parents. Approaching the staircase, I heard voices on the ground floor. All the bodyguards guarding the estate greeted Hunter and returned to their places outside the Villa.

When Hunter turned around he was slightly shocked. Chiara, I owe you this. 

"Isab...Miss la Rosa, you look very beautiful."