Her Fake Lover

Chapter 25

It was time for Emmeline to accompany Anna for the dress rehearsal. Emmy didn't break her own promises and plans, and that's why she was now with Anna and Chloe, on their way to the dress rehearsal.

They were greeted with enthusiasm by Mrs. Valerie, who arrived first. Not breaking her habit, she expressed her pleasure to be reunited with Emmeline even though it had only been a few days before they had met.

Mrs. Valerie smiled at Anna, and stated, "I've met this feisty girl, before. At first I was wondering why you suddenly asked to specifically include a new model when we had everything ready—sorry, Miss Karfis, but you know I'm a person who tends to be honest and open to many things so I'm stating this out loud—but when I spent a short time with Anna, I understood what you meant."

Emmeline smiled. "Thank you, Mrs. Valerie. You look more like my family than a business partner, because you understand me so quickly."

"Ah, come on. Those rigid business relationships don't apply to us." Mrs. Valerie brought Emmeline to watch the dress rehearsal, as Emmeline had requested. Annaliese was completely under Chloe's responsibility while Emmeline conversed with Mrs. Valerie.

Annaliese Valsecchi, seen starting to walk, along with the other models. Emmeline smiled at her. It seemed that Chloe had really worked hard to train Anna and took Emmeline's orders seriously, and that pleased Emmeline.

"I know you like that girl's spirit," said Mrs. Valerie. "Her cheerfulness and innocence, I'm sure it will make the message we're trying to convey, get across well. You did better than me, dear," Mrs. Valerie complimented.

"No, Mrs. Valerie. This is just one small part, while this show is a big thing. You and we all did the best we could. I hope now, this show will be a success and have a good impact on our brand."

"Ah, that's what we hoped for, honey."

Anna, suddenly let out a weak shriek. Emmy's attention was immediately drawn to her. She glanced at Mrs. Valerie, luckily Mrs. Valerie wasn't paying attention.

Anna was seen facing Hazel, and Hazel remained motionless in front of Annaliese. Emmy saw Chloe coming closer to them. What they were talking about, Emmy couldn't hear.

"Ah, Miss Emmeline, look at that dress model," said Mrs. Valerie, distracting Emmy. She asked Emmy to comment on one of her designs. Someone came to her specifically, wearing the clothes that Mrs. Valerie meant, of course it was by order of Mrs. Valerie. Emmy was forced to put Anna's business aside.

"She almost hit me again," Hazel said calmly. She said to Chloe, who came to her and Anna. "Maybe she needs some more practice."

Chloe looked a little reluctantly. "Fine. I'm sorry. I'm glad you got the hang of it, because she's new."

"E-em, sorry," Anna said to Hazel, nodding her head slightly.

Hazel just looked silent, before walking away, just nodding her head at Chloe. She ignored Annaliese. Annaliese watched her leave while sighing regretfully. Chloe, felt sorry for her.

Chloe held both of the girl's cheeks. "This is what happens because you disobey when I tell you not to stay up too late. You get sleep deprived, and you lose concentration."

Annaliese blinked her eyes weakly. "Is it because of that? I think it's because I was nervous. And I think ... the lady was still annoyed with me after what happened in Paris that time."

"Ah," Chloe lowered her hand. "You have to admit that you were wrong then. And because of that, it doesn't matter if you still suffer a bit of the consequences now. But don't worry," Chloe rubbed her hand a little hard over Anna's head, until Anna's hair was a little messy, "you don't have to think about this too much, because Hazel didn't mean to make you feel bad."

"Her name is Hazel?" she asked.

"Yes," Chloe nodded.

"Oh," said Anna.

From a few meters away from them, in her seat, Emmeline smiled in relief, seeing that it seemed like Chloe had calmed things down. Anna seemed to be showing a cheerful attitude again, and that made Emmeline feel, everything was fine.

The event ended smoothly. The real fashion show will take place the next day. Emmeline, Chloe, and Annaliese quickly left the place, and they made their way home.

While in the middle of the trip, Emmeline advised Anna to rest well at night, be relaxed, and not burden herself with unnecessary thoughts. Anna, obey all those orders.

It had been a while since Emmeline had dropped off Anna. Now she was in her room, in her office. Stuck with some work, and without her planning, her mind drifted back to her fake relationship issues, and to Lea as well.

As if the universe was reading her mind, just at that moment, a message from Lea came into her cell phone.

'Emmy, I remember that tomorrow, your company's fashion show will be held. I'm glad to let you know, that I'll be able to come to your show tomorrow. Yay!'

Emmeline was surprised to read the message. Instead of replying to the message that she found surprising, she chose to call Lea directly to talk to her.

"But how can you ask for leave when you have to take care of your patients," said Emmeline.

"Because they said, I've been working a lot lately. When I said I wanted to take a day off, they said, 'Why not? You were given permission'. Haha," Lea laughed.

"But in fact-"

"Mom and Dad will be there too," Lea interrupted.

"Dad will attend an important meeting related to the addition of new faculties at his campus. Meanwhile, Mom will attend an important seminar," said Emmeline.

"Dad's event has been postponed to next week. As for Mom, she has worked hard to find someone to replace her at the seminar, and she succeeded. What's the matter with you? Usually you are always happy when we can all attend your events."

"Oh," Emmy retorted, "w-who said I'm not happy right now? I-I am! Of course!" Emmy laughed stiffly. "Um—okay. See you later. You have to work now. I-I-I'll hang up."

Emmeline exhaled loudly as soon as she ended the call. She did not expect her entire family to be present at her event which was to be held the next day. Although that usually always pleased her, she was well aware that this time something was different. Annaliese would be on the show.

"Ah, but it shouldn't be a problem, because they don't know anything about Annaliese. They don't know Annaliese, do they?" Emmeline whispered to herself, with an indistinct expression.

***