Chapter 205
AUTHOR’S POV.
Alina sat on the edge of the velvet sofa, smoothing her dress as her gaze shifted between Mrs. Gracia and Emily. A small smile tugged at her lips, though confusion lingered in her eyes.
“Mrs. Gracia,” she began gently, tilting her head, “I’m not an event planner. Truly, I’m not. That night was for my fiancé, and I only oversaw things here and there. The credit belongs to the team that put it all together.”
Across from her, Mrs. Gracia leaned forward, clasping her hands with a desperate smile. “But, dear, I saw the pictures… everyone has. The entire city is still talking about how flawless it was. You made it look magical.”
Emily, sitting with her legs tucked under her and an impatient pout on her lips, chimed in. “Exactly! That’s why I want you. Not some boring old planner who will turn my party into a charity gala. I want you. It’s either you or nobody.” Her tone was dramatic, petulant, but her eyes sparkled with determination.
Alina let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “Emily, I’m flattered, really. But I design dresses. I don’t—”
“I’ll pay you whatever you ask,” Mrs. Gracia cut in quickly, her voice almost pleading. “Name your price, Alina. Just help us. Emily has her heart set on this, and you know how stubborn she can be once she decides on something.”
‘Stubborn? You mean a spoiled brat?‘ Alina thought but gave a tight smile instead.
Emily gave a little huff of agreement, crossing her arms. “Exactly. You don’t understand. If you don’t do it, I’m not having a birthday at all. And then everyone will know it’s because you refused me.”
Alina arched a brow at her, suppressing a smile at the bratty display. “That sounds dangerously close to blackmail.”
Emily’s pout deepened, her voice softening just enough to sound like a plea. “Maybe. But I don’t care. Please, Alina. You’re the only one who can make my party as beautiful as Mr. Blackwood’s.”
Mrs. Gracia reached across the table, her eyes warm with hope. “Just say yes, darling. You made the impossible happen once. Do it for her too.”
Alina sighed, her lips curving reluctantly as she rubbed her temple. Their eagerness was overwhelming, and though she tried to stand her ground, her heart was beginning to soften at their insistence.
Alina leaned forward, her hands clasped neatly in her lap, trying once more to make herself clear, “Mrs. Gracia, I truly appreciate the confidence you have in me, but I’m not an event planner. I design clothes. That’s my work, my passion. The party for Lucian… it was personal.”
Mrs. Gracia lifted a hand, cutting her off gently but firmly, her tone determined, “Okay, but listen, darling……...if you do this for Emily, I’ll personally make sure to recommend you to others. You’d have a whole new stream of clients begging you to plan their events.”
Alina let out a soft breath, her lips quirking in a patient smile. “That’s just it. I’m not an event planner. I’m a designer.”
“Yes, yes,” Mrs. Gracia countered, leaning forward with sparkling eyes. “But have you ever thought of going into events planning? You’d be phenomenal. You have an eye for detail, and people already trust your taste. You could make it big.”
Alina chuckled lightly, shaking her head. “I think you’re giving me too much credit.”
Mrs. Gracia pressed on, her voice persuasive but warm. “Just think about it. And here’s my promise, if you take on Emily’s birthday, I’ll recommend your store to all my friends, here and abroad. They’ll be shopping from you for every occasion. You know my influence, Alina. I don’t use it lightly.”
The words hung in the air. Alina hesitated, her gaze dropping as temptation pricked at her thoughts. Mrs. Gracia was no ordinary client; she was influential, a voice on social media who could turn Alina’s brand into a name whispered in the highest circles. Still, she didn’t want to appear too eager.
“I’ll think about it.” Alina said finally, rising to her feet with a polite smile.
Mrs. Gracia mirrored the gesture, her eyes satisfied. “That’s all I ask, darling. Emily’s birthday isn’t until next month. Take your time, think it over, and get back to me. But I would truly appreciate it if you said yes.”
Alina inclined her head. “I’ll let you know soon.”
Mrs. Gracia turned to her daughter with a fond pat on the hand. “Emily, dear, see Alina to the door.”
Emily sprang up immediately, falling into step beside Alina as they walked through the grand hallway. Once out of her mother’s earshot, she leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially.
“I know you said you’ll think about it,” Emily began, her brown eyes wide and earnest, “but I’d really, really like it if you say yes.”
Alina smiled faintly, watching the girl’s determined expression.
“You’re my
role model,” Emily pressed on, her voice softening. “I want to be a designer one day too. I even told Mom I’d like to intern with you when the time comes. Not because I’m trying to butter you up-” she added quickly, with a tiny grin “—-but because I actually admire you. I mean it.”
Alina’s chest warmed at the sincerity in the girl’s tone.
“And,” Emily continued, tossing her hair over her shoulder dramatically, “I want my nineteenth to be epic. I saw what you did for Mr. Blackwood, and it was perfect. Everyone says he hates parties, but in those pictures, he looked… happy. That’s the effect I want. That’s the kind of birthday I’ll remember forever. And if you say no, I swear I’ll haunt you.”
Alina raised her brows, laughing softly. “Haunt me?”
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