“Did you really have to leave Leila?” “You locked yourself up in your atelier for a whole month and then you’re leaving?!” “What’s the point of finishing all your pending dresses when you’re already leaving for good?!” Laura continued to nag Leila as she watched her daughter pack her suitcase. “Mom, I’m only staying in New York for a while.” “I’m not moving there for good. I have a client that I need to dress up for a wedding there. It’s a grand wedding so I need to be overseas to get her correct measurements,” she reasoned. “You can get the measurement and finish the work here! What’s the use of your atelier if you’re not gonna use it?!” “Mom… I just want a new scenery…” “We have a lot of rest houses in the province! You can get a new scenery there!” “Besides, what is there to see in New York?! It’s all just buildings anyway, it’s the same here!” “New York is not a safe place to travel in! You could get in danger!” “Mom, I believe it’s more dangerous here.” “…” With th
Dumbfounded, Leila couldn’t help but wonder why the old lady said so. “Oh, I think you’re mistaken. Theo’s my stepdad, Amanda.” Amanda squinted her eyes, carefully observing Leila’s face. “No. It can’t be!” “You have his eyes!” “Also his smile!” “You can’t fool this old lady into believing otherwise. I watched that kid grow up, there’s no way I can be mistaken,” Amanda added. With a bright smile, Amanda tapped Leila’s hands, “Let’s go up. I’ll show you your dad’s apartment here.” “Sure, let’s go!” She answered, not paying any more attention to what Amanda said about her stepfather. They entered the lift with the luggage in tow. The whole ambiance of the boutique condo is cozy and warm. A lot of beautiful paintings were also hung on the wall, which made the place more appealing. So far, she was impressed. She couldn’t wait to see the unit that she’d live in for the next few months. DING! The elevator opened on the top floor of the building. On the whole floor, she could
Dressed in a comfortable black pleated dress and a pair of nude sandals. She brought her workbag with her so she could give the client a rough sketch for whatever they may discuss. “Darling, I’ll just go to run some errands. I’ll leave you here now.” “Don’t worry about me and go do your thing, grandma.” Amanda smiled. “Well then, I’ll get going now.” Leila waved at Amanda goodbye before she went inside the coffee shop. She was still 10 minutes early so she went up other the counter to quickly order a drink. “Good morning, I’ll have a sea salt latte please,” she ordered before passing her credit card to the cashier. “Good morning, ma’am! I’ll get that ready for you!” Upon getting a receipt and her card back, she went to find a seat near the window. The whole street is bustling with people coming and through. It’s a busy Wednesday morning. “Leila?” A beautiful woman in a pink A-line dress approached her table. Her short hair was straightly cut under her ears, framing her sma
With only her working on the dresses, Leila decided to start early. Her staff would make the whole process efficient, but right now, she prefers to work on it alone. It helps to keep herself busy and avoid thinking unnecessary things. She has completely detached herself from life in Lieren City and focused on working. The events that transpired in the last three months have been extremely stressful. It took a toll on her mental and physical health. Her hand was restlessly sewing on the soft satin pinned on the mannequin. When she is absorbed in her own space, she forgets everything and just continues to work like a robot. “Leila!” She paused. Amanda stood on her side, her hands on her hips, furiously glaring at her. “What are you doing with yourself?! It’s already three in the afternoon and you haven’t touched the food that I’m bringing you!” “Look at you! You look so thin!” “It’s been two months since you moved here and you did nothing but work!” “I rarely even see you
“Leila, I can already feel the bump!” Amanda excitedly stroked her belly as they rested in the living room, watching some TV. “What? I can’t even feel it yet!” Leila laughed at Amanda’s remark. Amanda has been taking great care of her since they got discharged from the hospital. A week has passed since the day she found out about her pregnancy. ‘I never knew such news would forever change my life.’ She looked at her tummy, still seemingly flat and slim. ‘I have to be strong…’ ‘I’m not only living for myself.’ ‘I am going to be a mother.’ Just the thought of her being a mother made her extremely fearful and happy at the same time. She touched her tummy with a gentle smile. The way Amanda has been taking care of her made her look forward to the coming months of her pregnancy. “Amanda, do you have kids?” She curiously asked. Amanda’s hands paused. A melancholic smile curd up on her lips, “I don’t.” “Is it your choice not to have one?” “Or…” “It’s my choice,” said Ama
Taylor’s eyes lingered on Leila’s. Leila tightly squeezed on her pink halter-neck midi dress. Meeting Taylor here in New York greatly shocked her. Who knew that he was related to Stacey’s brother? “Bro, how did you know Leila?” Asked Samuel. Taylor only smiled, “We’re very close friends.” “Right, Leila?” “Yeah, sure.” “My grandma and I will go to our table,” she hurriedly said as she ushered Amanda to their table. “Hi, Grandma Amy. I missed you so much.” Taylor greeted the old lady with his cheeky smile. Amanda’s eyebrows darted up. “Taylor, you naughty kid, stop playing around.” Seeing that the two know each other, Leila whispered, “Grandma, you know him?”’ “Yeah, your father introduced him as a business partner.” “Don’t get too close with that guy. He’s a lady’s worst nightmare.” “He plays around so much that he probably doesn’t know if he has a child.” Amanda snickered, “Come along, darling. Don’t let that boy get close to you, okay?” As the two ladies whisper
Samuel suavely handed the soda to Leila and Amanda with a huge grin on his face. He even naughtily wiped the side of Leila’s lips, catching her off guard. And Taylor, watched his friend brazenly flirt with Leila. With a sour mood, he sat back in his seat next to Samuel. “Leila, you should try this. It’s good,” said Samuel as he placed a sushi on Leila’s plate. Leila could only awkwardly smile, “Sorry, I don’t eat sushi.” “How about this steak?” “Sorry, I’m not in the mood for steaks,” she outright refused. “Oh…” “You’re a picky eater no?” Said Samuel in an attempt to lighten the mood. Amanda lightly chuckled, “She is! My goodness, sometimes I don’t know what food we should get because she’s really picky.” Taylor caught a glimpse of Leila’s uncomfortable and forced smile. “Excuse me, I’ll just go to the powder room.” “I’ll go with you.” “No, it’s okay, Sam. It’ll just be quick retouch,” she said. Leila then walked out of the reception to go to the nearest powder room
DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, businesses, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.~~~“I wish you wore the dress I made for you tonight…” said Leila as she held Phyllis' hands. Phyllis' face crumpled upon hearing Leila. “Are you crazy? I'm in charge of everything here backstage, why would I wear a f*cking gown here?” Leila pouted. “I made it for you… And I don't think you'll have a chance to wear it in the next ten years for a wedding because you're single as f*ck…” Phyllis' eyes widened, ready to fight Leila. “Bi—” “Ladies, your words, please.” Rui interrupted the two as she walked in wearing the jumpsuit Leila made for her. Leila rushed to attach the lace cape that she made. Her delicate hands handled the fabric with great care. It flowed down gracefully as Rui twirled to show Leila's