Destined by Desire

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

**Grayson’s pov**

The lights on the stage go dim again and music comes on. Another performance I’m sure. “Oblivion” by grimes started playing and memories flash in my mind, it was one of the songs I used to set my mood for painting back then.

I feel a little tap on my leg and look up at Collins. He tilts his head towards the direction of the stage like he has been doing through out the show. I’ve been ignoring him because I’ve been focused on my phone. I have a business deal to close.

“What is it Collins?” I grimace at him

“You might want to watch this” he tilts his head towards the stage again

I look up at the stage, it was the same girl Collins bumped into earlier. I would never have taken her demeanor for that of a fashion designer. Her long black wavy hair that was falling earlier was now packed into a twisted bun and she had these diamond crystal hair clips on the hair that gave off a mini wedding look. Her makeup was so light that her natural features were still gleaming. She had expressive eyes that conveyed her emotions all at the same time, she picks up the mic, as the music starts to fade.

“Hello everyone” she clears her throat a little, I could tell she was nervous “I’m Elodia Martinez and thank you for joining us here today” she continues. The name ‘Martinez’ gave me a little chill for reasons I don’t know of “I like to call myself a fashion designer but in the reality of it, I’m just beginning or let’s call it an upcoming” she laughs awkwardly and no one laughs with her

“I like her” Collins says, I look at him for a bit but quickly look back at the stage

“It really is an honor to share this moment with you as I unveil my little collection that is very close to my heart.” she grasps the mic and steps back a little. Confidence starts to set in

“So, fashion, for me, is not just about fabrics or about trends. It is about story telling and I can say that every piece you see today has a story, a mood, a heartbeat to it. I picked out three of my designs that I felt would fit the occasion, would’ve said ‘Let the runaway speak’ but sadly I do not have a run way” she awkwardly laughs again but this time people laugh with her

She smiles and continues

“I am putting on a bohemian spaghetti strap floral dress. This dress draws inspiration from Colors and the whispers of nature” she walks around the stage in an attempt to show us the dress properly “Every cut, every stitch and every detail has been crafted to empower the wearer, to make them feel bold and uniquely them selves” she poses, exposing the slit on the left side of the dress. It looked good on her.

People start to clap as she poses. She owned that stage

“Now for my model” she walks over to the model “This is a pink heart cutout corset, I designed the background in white; signifying purity and sophistication and pink for a touch of warmth and femininity.

The edges are embroidered with little diamond stones which makes the design truly special, the way they are intricately placed throughout the heart.

They catch the light with every movement, adding a subtle sparkle that feels luxurious but yet understated.

It goes with a white paneled flare mini skirt; the silhouette of this piece is tailored to enhance the natural grace of the wearer, with flowing lines that exude both comfort and confidence.

The shoes are actually ‘Ellie shoes women’s Gogo knee high boots’ they go with the outfit as it’s designed for someone who loves to stand out in a refined and radiant way. Note, it’s not just clothing but it’s a statement of beauty and brilliance” the crowd goes really wild in cheering her speech, I can’t help but clap too

She really spoke fashion as a language. She was vibrant and determined with a Keen eye for design and a passion for creativity. Very attractive, Mother would’ve admired her so much.

After her performance, the whole show got boring to me and all I was looking at was my watch.

Auctions and biddings were going on and I was patiently waiting for the one fashion designer that piqued my interest.

It was weird to see someone of her high fashion intellect working in such a small fashion industry.

Sponsors and attendees were busy donating money to designers who piqued their interests, I made a few donations here and there. Joined the auction to get some designers collection that we really good.

Offers were made to different designers alongside their collections being sold.

Soon the show was over, everyone was busy saying hi to everyone

“Collins” I stand and he follows me “I need a word with that fashion designer, the one you bumped into earlier” I head to grab a drink as I wait for Collins to return with her

I see Collins return but not with her

“Where is she?” I blinked rapidly to make sense of why he was returning alone

“She was a bit occupied sir, couldn’t really get a hold of her” he reported, I hand over my glass to him and walk off to find her.

Sometimes you just got to do the job yourself. I walk around until I spot those diamond crystal hair clips that stood out, she was talking and laughing with a bunch of people as I walk down there

“Excuse me, can I have a word?” I didn’t want to go through the whole formalities and respects

She titled her head to the side, a look of confusion on her face and she looked at the people around her and back at me, maybe she was wondering if I didn’t see them speaking to her?

“Can we have the talk later?” She smiles and turns back to her little crowd

“It’ll be quick” I didn’t give up

“Aren’t you Grayson Arthur?” A young lady from her little crowd who had been staring at me finally asked

“That happens to be the name I go by” I nod and her smile seemed endless “Can I speak with her since I’m Grayson Arthur?” I ask

“I don’t have a problem with that” she keeps smiling

“And the others?” I ask and she turns to them and gave them a look that I couldn’t see and they all start saying their goodbyes to Elodia

Her smile fades as her little crowd disperses and she walks forward to face me, I laugh a little as she takes a huge sigh and said “Good day, I’m Elodia Martinez, you requested to speak to me” she smiled like she just recharged a social battery

“I’m Grayson Arthur” I say

“Oh I’m well aware now” she nods

“Okay” I start “I watched your presentation and I like you” I watch her eyes light up and I clear my throat a little “I mean that I like your work”

I nearly face palm myself because of her reaction, what is she thinking?

“Thank you so much, that means a lot” she smiles, it looked more sincere this time

“I want to make a proposal to you” I say and she nods, urging me to continue “I want to sponsor your fashion business”

Her eyes lit up “really? What’s in it for me?”

“Your collaboration, I want you to work with me on a new fashion line inspired by my late mother’s designs”

“Wow, I don’t know what to say” she smiles, I knew she was going to be down “Are you into the fashion business?”

“I’m not but I have passion for art in it’s whole”

“So what are you into then?” She asks like I was in an interview

“I run an investment company” I say and she nods as if she was impressed “but today isn’t about me, it’s about you Elodia”

“I’ll think about your offer, I’m sure we can sit down some other time to talk about it?” I was disappointed, I expected her to accept immediately, I guess she wasn’t desperate or anything, she was really good

“That’s fine” I hand over my card to her “Call me when you want to talk and your work needs so much more credit than what you’re getting” I finish and walk away

“Let’s go Collins, what’s next on my schedule?”

“Your father wants to have a word with you” he says and I frown, I have not seen my father or heard from him for so many years after all that happened and all of a sudden, some months ago, he has been requesting for me.

My Father; Arthur Arthur was a very successful businessman in the fashion industry, while my mum was alive, they both shared the same goals and dreams but my father got to accomplish everything he wanted and more, there was no form of assistance because he believes that success is paramount and often at the expense of personal relationships.

My father pursued fashion with a business mind while my mum pursued it with passion, with her heart. She taught me so many things about fashion, she spoke so deeply about it.