Femme Fatale

Chapter 8: Sad Eyes

"Someone will come along. To embrace your scars. To dance with your demons. To love you, dearly. All of this won't matter, then." - Preethi Sriram

VERA

"Congratulations Lady Vera!"

"The fashion show was a success again."

"The venue is amazing."

"I really commend your skills. As always, all the dresses look wonderful."

"Your designs are extremely unique and extravagant."

Their praises and congratulatory messages were nonstop. I just smiled a little while saying thank you.

And as we wrapped up, I watched as people, little by little, walked away with awe and admiration still lingering on their faces. I'm glad that mine and my team's hard work paid off again.

My secretary, Aria as well as my two bodyguards were the only ones left beside me. They're busy checking and compiling all the flowers, gifts, and letters that I received from the guests and fans.

"Make sure to put all of those in my car. I'll just roam around outside to breathe some fresh air. I'll be back after a minute or so. Don't bother following me."

When I stepped outside the venue, the cold air immediately kissed my skin and the sound of the waves filled my ears.

I removed my heels and walked closer towards the shore. Then I graze up, completely staring at the beautiful moon lighting up my path. I was left in deep thoughts as I stared longer at its beauty.

But then I suddenly felt warm when someone came and put a black business suit above my shoulders.

"Your eyes reflect the moon above us. They're beautiful and sad both at the same time," said the man that I've undoubtedly been missing for a week already.

"Hmm, it's just that... I should be happy and proud now, right? The fashion show was a success. Everyone appreciated my hard work."

I let go of a deep sigh.

"But why is it that I feel different? Ever since my parents died, I have always felt like this. I always feel lonely and empty on the inside."

My mind is once again filled with so many unanswered questions. The uncertainty in me never faltered. It's always there ever since. Nothing's new.

Broad arms enveloped me from the back, making me utterly stunned. I remained not moving, completely rooted in my place. I could also feel my cheeks flushing.

"You see, when I first looked straight in your eyes, I knew from then that you'd been through a lot, that you'd had a sad and tough past. But you should also remember that your emotions are valid. So it's okay to feel empty sometimes. It's okay to be sad," Jaco mumbled in my ear, placing his chin above my right shoulder as he continued to embrace me from the back. His face was so close to mine that I could feel him breathing.

"And you look more beautiful when you're smiling too. So don't let anything or anyone hold you back from being completely happy. Smile more often Amore."

I don't know but his soothing words and warm embrace comforted me. It's like he's also embracing my wounded soul. That's why I also put my hands above his arms, feeling the warmth that only he can bring to me.

"I badly miss you," Jaco whispered just enough for me to hear.

"So just let me hold you in my arms for a while, okay?" he also added, making my heart beat in chaos again.

'I miss you too.' I wanted to voice out those words, but I didn't. It's still too early. There are still so many things that I don't know about him. And I'm still dwelling with my own nightmares, demons, and fears.

What if he's just like the other guys out there? What if I fell in love with him, and he couldn't catch me at all? What if he just broke up with me and left me after getting what he really wanted?

There are so many reasons that made it difficult for me to believe other people, especially men. I'm always cautious about whom to trust. I've been single for twenty-three years because I made sure to always set boundaries and guard my heart. They say that I've got a high standard, but the truth is I don't want to hurt myself more by falling in love with the wrong one.

That's why I'm very afraid. Because honestly, everything that Jaco's made me feel was so strange and new to me. And no matter how hard I try to suppress things, I easily lose it when it comes to him. It's also the first time that I opened up to someone I barely know. He just makes it easy and safe for me to express myself. His tender embrace feels like the perfect comfort that I've been longing for years.

"By the way, congratulations Mi Amore. I'm so proud of you."

I could feel my heart soaring at his words.

And when I looked back at him, I was surprised at what I saw. His eyes looked sleepy as they intensely and lovingly gazed at me. And strangely, the pride I saw in his eyes boosted my confidence and took all of my worries away.

My lips slowly stretched into a big smile.

"Thank you for listening, and thank you for being here with me now." I mumbled back.

His embrace tightened, and then I felt him softly kiss the top of my head.

Maybe. Just, maybe. He's worth taking the risk for.