All This Time

Chapter 2

Today is the first anniversary party of my company. I felt nervous and couldn't relax. I thought about Gabriela Rivolli. She was invited because she's also a model. There is a possibility Noah will be her date since she confirmed her attendance with a "plus one."

I stared at my reflection in the mirror and sighed. I look good. I am very confident whatever I wear. I am also a model and studied fashion anyway. I am wearing a white designer crop top with skirt like design, my belly and right shoulder exposed, made by myself.

I sighed heavily and readied myself for the party. My driver arrived on time. It's almost seven and need to be at the event in 7:15 for my grand entrance. My family were already there.

When we arrived at the venue, paparazzi are everywhere throwing questions. I smiled and waved at them before entering inside. Life of a celebrity sucks. I never wanted to be in the lime light. It's just that modelling paid my tuition fee during college despite my parents’ disapproval.

Everyone greeted and congratulate me warmly. My mom and dad hugged me and also my sister and brother. I thanked everyone and smiled. When the host called my name to give my speech, I started to get nervous again. I went to the stage with a champagne flute in my hand.

I looked at everyone and smiled before I start my short speech.

"Good evening everyone. Thank you so much for joining me to celebrate SVM Modelling and Clothing Corporation's First Year Anniversary. I am so honored to see you all here. First, I would like to thank my mom and dad for supporting me in everything." I glanced at them and give them a happy smile.

"Also, to all my staff who made everything possible, for joining me through ups and downs. To all my clients, business partners and models, a big thank you. This will never happen without you all. Let's start and enjoy the party!" I raised the flute of champagne and loudly said "CHEERS!" Everyone raised their champagne then cheered.

They all applaud when I came down from the stage. Everyone congratulates me again and continue to party. Drinks and food are everywhere. Some dance in the middle of the ballroom.

I am enjoying the party and talking to my model friends when I saw Gabriela going to my direction. I looked at her side but didn't saw anyone with her. I frowned but smile warmly at her. When she was near, she enveloped me in a tight bear hug. Just like what we did before.

"Oh my God Sof! You're really a successful one. Congratulations on your first year of success! You look gorgeous gosh!" She beamed and we both giggled like a school girl.

"Thanks Gabby! I'm so happy to see you again. It's been so long. Where have you been? You just eloped and disappeared." I answered while hugging her back. Still looking for her date or something. Really Sofia?

She gave me a huge smile and told me she will tell me everything some other time since she wouldn't let this moment to be our last meeting. I nodded and asked her "Where is your date? I thought you have a plus one with you?"

"Oh, he just went to get our drinks. He will be he--oh here he is." She smiled and looked at my shoulder. I felt nervous and waited for her date to appear in front of us. I felt my palm sweating and my knees were like a jelly.

"Hey sugar, here's your drink." I heard him said and my body froze after hearing his voice again. Sugar? Really? I felt jealous again. Why would I?

"Thanks, Nono. By the way I want you to meet my very successful friend here." Gabriela said excitedly and held Noah's hand with her to look at my direction. Nono? Really?

I glanced at their hands, so I didn't noticed Noah's eyes were staring at me. Looking at me from head to toe. I glanced up with a hurt expression in my eyes and our eyes locked. I saw confusion in his eyes then changed into a warm smile immediately. I really need to control myself.

"Hello Sofia. It's been a long time. Congratulations. You really nailed it. Your parents must be proud of you." He said still staring at me and raising his hand for a handshake. Is that longing I saw in his eyes? Urrrggh! I'm nervous but I tried to calm down. I don't want him to think I'm still the same Sofia. He lied and made me hope anyway.

"Hello Noah. Thank you. I hope you're enjoying the night with your girlfriend." I answered ignoring his offered hand. He frowned and about to say something when Gabriela squealed happily and said. "Oh, you know each other!"

"Yeah, were classmates in high school." I answered shortly. Noah stood silently with a blank expression.

"That's good. We could hang out together Sof. I'll ring your office when and where. Oh my God I'm so excited!" Gabriela gushed. She never changes. Still the jolly and energetic person but in a graceful way.

I was shocked. Hanging out with my ex-boyfriend and his current girlfriend seems awkward. Oh my, what am I going to do? If I decline it will appear to Noah that I haven't move on yet.

"That would be great, I'll wait for your call then." I said with a smile. A plastic one. I saw Joyce waved at me. "Ahhm Gabby, I need to go, my secretary is calling me. See you later."

"Okay Sof. See you later." We gave each a hug. I nod at Noah who still have a blank face. I went to the direction of Joyce with my family. They're going home since it's already late. After giving each other hugs and kisses, they left the event.

I decided to use the powder room to check my appearance. After giving myself a final look, I went out of the restroom and saw Noah leaning against the wall with hands in his pocket. I walk straight ignoring him.

I felt him following me. "What do you want Noah?" I asked and turned to look at him. "You look beautiful. Very beautiful." He said gently instead of answering my question.

He stopped really close to me and caresses my cheek with the back of his right hand looking at me as if I am the only one he sees. I automatically closed my eyes and feel his touch. I felt his arms encircled my waist tightly. I gasped but keep my eyes closed.

"Open your eyes baby girl." He murmured. I felt his breathe really close to my lips. I shook my head and keep still. I heard him chuckled and then his lips are into me, kissing me gently as if testing and savor the moment. He bit my lower lip and I gasped. He deepened the kiss and I find myself kissing him back and fighting with his tongue.

The kiss we shared is very sensual and very loving. I felt like floating. I felt like were back the same as before when we were together. We parted to gasp some air. I keep my eyes closed. Then I realized what we did. I gasped and looked everywhere. What if someone saw us specially Gabriela? Oh no. I pushed him gently, but he didn't budge a bit. "Please Noah this is so wrong."

"What is wrong with this?" He held me tight and nuzzle me between my neck and shoulder.

"I missed you so much my baby girl." He said again then plant a small kiss on my neck inhaling my scent. I shivered.

I pushed him hard this time then he released me with a hurt expression. "Please leave me alone Noah. This is so wrong. Anyway, thank you for coming." Then I left him without looking back.

I made my way to the main venue and smiled at everyone. I saw Gabriela on the dance floor with a very gorgeous guy dancing very close. They seem very sweet and acquainted. I frowned, Noah is a very jealous guy. He will get angry once he saw his girlfriend dancing with some other guy very intimately.

I looked around searching for Noah. I saw him gulping his liquor with an angry expression. He also saw her girlfriend dancing with someone for sure. Our eyes met, and I gave him a sympathetic smile. His face hardened. I want to sooth him and tell him that Gabriela is just dancing but I controlled myself.

Guest were gone one by one. I decided to go home after giving instruction to Joyce. I went outside and wait for my driver. I shivered, it's very cold outside. I rubbed my shoulders to keep warm. I forgot to bring my coat.

I felt warm when a coat was put on my shoulders. I turned and saw Noah smiling. I glanced at his back and looked for Gabriela. "Where is Gabby?" I asked still looking for her.

"Went home already. My driver drove her home a while ago." He answered rubbing my shoulders. I felt warm and nodded confused. My driver arrived in front of us. He opened the door for me. I took off his coat from me and gave it to him, but he refused. "You can have it." He said. I nodded and went inside my car but before that he held my wrist to stop me.

He envelope me in his arms and gently rubbed my back and murmured. "Congratulations baby girl. I'm so proud of you." Then his lips are on me kissing me so gently. I was about to kiss him back, but he released me and started to walk off. I stood still and didn't move. My driver cleared his throat bringing me back to present. I sighed heavily and went inside the car. My driver drove me off to my penthouse.

"I miss you too Noah. You don't know how much. But this is so wrong. You already have a girlfriend breaking all your promises... I felt my tears fell and I cried like a baby again.....