Lashing Waves in a Gentleman's Arms (Delborja Series #2)

Chapter 3

He drop me off from the parking space of the condominium. He even asked if he could walk me to my unit but I immediately said no.

After that and my fast half bath, I fell asleep. Derwin and Calvin woke me up in the middle of my sleep. That's when I realize it's morning and my phone is ringing from Magie's call.

"Hey, Angel. What's up?" I asked as soon as I get up. I have no schedule for today so...

"We have to go to the main office for the exclusive meeting with the CEO Divinia, again, Miss Cate. We have to prepare now or you'll be late," she said a little bit pressured over the time.

Ugh, my head aches a bit.

"I'm outside your unit, ma'am. I'll look for your clothes and do you a simple make-up. There are media's outside." She informed me.

"'Kay. Wait up." I answered and I walk to the living room to open the door for her.

Without any more talkings, Angel prepared for my breakfast and walk to my other room, where my clothes. And to the other room, where my shoes and make-ups are.

Yes, I have three rooms in total in this unit. One for my self, one for my clothes, and one for my shoes and make-ups. No more space for a possible bed spacer or visitors. Restarea usually sleeps here but they usually sleep on the living room or to my room.

"Miss ma'am Crissa Cate Montes, with all due respect, can you please start preparing now?" she asked in a bad mood, "Freshen up or take bath. You look bloated, Miss ma'am."

She said in a grim voice which made me think who really is the boss between us two.

"Ugh, I will never drink again." I said as I try to remember his name.

"Oh, really? I think, I've heard that before. What happened?" She asked sarcastically, "Nothing changed."

God! All I can remember is his last name is Delborja. And that's it! What's the name again? And how did I get in here.

I went out of the van, sporting an all grey outfit and high knee boots with big sunglasses to cover up my bloated face.

A model turned actress tried to get in my way but because of my big sunglasses, she couldn't see if I am paying attention to her. To save a face, she suppress a smile and pretended that she did not want to interact with me.

I saw another model. Hmmm. I forgot her name but she's a copycat so I hate her. She looked at me from head to toe before waving her hand for me to see her. I can see her! But I don't like her so I walk pass her.

Magie is walking behind me with two large bodyguards infront of me. There are four bodyguards to detail it. The other two stayed outside to stop the media to touch me.

"Cate... how are you?" Mrs Divinia said in a low worried voice.

"I'm fine, Tita. What is the agenda for today's meeting early in the morning?" I asked directly.

The awra of the room when I entered is quite worrying for me. They seem off and down. The other staffs and board members were adjorned from the meeting as soon as I entered. They walked pass me. Some of them greeted me and asked how am I.

"We had a meeting earlier than this just few minutes ago about your piled up controversies. Those aren't true and real, I know, but this has been going on for days now." Divinia sighed, "I can't take the risk."

"We can't do it either, ma'am." Bern said with a trembling voice.

"The what?" I asked, confused.

"The boards want you to rest for a bit. A month? or a half year. Just until the issues died down." Mrs Divinia said in a pained voice, "I can't do this either. We need you.—"

We silently listened to our CEO. It's still different if someone's educating and disciplining you. Like a real mother.

"—And you, resting for a bit, is like a suicide. But we can't risk having you here. We want you back with a clearer name. Without controversies or without you being the center of hateful comments and bashing." she continued, "The company will struggle once you rest, but the company cannot afford to run completely without you for the rest of the years. This is the least the company could decide for this troublesome issues."

I am speechless. I... I never really thought of resting, retiring, quiting, or geting fired from this industry I entered. Now that it's here, I don't know how to face.

"If you are all decided, can we at least let her rest in a nice staycation place?" Leecy asked.

"And can we finish the remaining schedules for this month?" Bern asked.

The CEO nodded, "We found a place for staycation and a place for her to unwind. And yes, we will finish the work for this month. But after that, she has to hide from people and social media."

I gulped my feelings and my unsaid words. I remained calm and compose. I did not look down or made a sad face.

"I hope you understand, Cate." Mrs Divinia said, "We want you back immediately so we want to clear your name fast."

And her words wrapped the meeting this morning. Before they asked me in, they are decided. And all they need is to say it to my face.

I looked at Bern and Leecy. They look so down. Even they can't do anything about it. The outside of the world I'm seeing right now is in chaos, I know. As much as they want to clear and deny all accusations of me, I know, no one will believe them. They will only look down on me more.

"Look at the b*tch now. She's getting pulled out of the show because she thinks so high of herself."

I was about to go out of the cubicle inside the powder room when I heard a voice.

"She's so snobbish and so full of herself. Look where her attitude lead her? That Cate Montes is a thick faced b*tch."

"She deserves all the hatefull comments about her. Facts or not that she is bedding old man and young man at the same time, she deserves the hate. Period." The other girl said.

There are three of them in total. I heard a sound of water and hand blower.

"She is the reason why I didn't got the biggest offer in modeling." The other girl tsked.

"Tell your manager to talk to Mrs Divinia. Snatch the offer from that b*tch, Lav. I'm pretty sure, they don't want the biggest offer to be signed by a controversial model." the other girl chuckled.

"A sugar baby, you mean." Lavender laughed and the other girls followed her.

I walked out of the cubicle. They were all shocked to see me. I raised my eyebrow at them, especially, Lavender.

"What a beautiful and talented woman for a sugar baby I am, don't you think?" I looked at the three.

I touched Lav's face. I caressed her face, from his cheek to her chin. I automatically smiled at her when my eyes darted at her scared eyes.

"I'm not the reason why you didn't got the biggest offer, Lavender." I smirked, "You're just not enough to be there to get the offer."

My index finger tapped her cheek that startled her. I saw how her tears fell from her eyes.

"Even without me, you will never get the offer, do you understand?"

I put my hand on the fauset and rinsed it with water and soap.

"It just saddened me how you guys could call me b*tch when you," I pointed at the girl, "F*ck a higher position officer to enter this company."

"And you," I poited the other girl, "Are the mistress of the company that always offer you to be their model."

I saw how shock and hurt they are right now. Shock that I know something about them and hurt because I hit something in them.

I should leave with a mark in their hearts. I can't wait for the karma to mark them. I will be the karma.

"Even without me for years, you girls will never get to where I am right now." I smiled with full conviction, "Enjoy the days while I'm gone."

I wore my sunglasses and walk pass them until I reached the door of the powder room.

I greeted my teeth in full irritation. I am going to the van and I will never cry!

All of my irritation hardened when I bumped into someone. I planned to glare at the person but rather, my eyes widened.

"Are you okay?" He held me by my elbow.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. I removed my elbow from his touch.

"I'm here for a meeting with the CEO." He answered, "You don't have to lower yourself and fought back with those girls. They're not worthy of your time."

We are in the hallway from the powder room. And if the three girls decided to go out, they will see us here. But that's not my focus right now.

"They pissed me off so we have to get even." I rolled my eyes at him.

"By fighting back? Crissa, that's too low." He said in a calm voice as if trying to convince me.

"I can't just stand there and let them laugh at me! I'm not a saint!" I hissed at him. He was shocked with an amusement etched on his face.

"I know you aren't." Dimples popped out of his cheeks as he suppress an amused smile.

I rolled my eyes at him when I saw his face. He laughed a bit with my expression.

"No hungover?" He asked after calming himself down.

"Yeah. I'm cool." I answered.

He carressed my cheek and put the strands of my hair behind my ear. We looked so intimate right now.

"Do you have free time today?" He asked in a soothing voice that can make my eyes close and fall asleep with it.

"I... I have time." I stuttered realizing I forgot his name again.

Blank Zim Delborja something... I can't remember his first name. Oh! It's Azim, not Zim. Blank Azim Delborja. Okay. Way to go, short term memory, Crissa Cate Montes.

"Okay. I'll just finish my 30 minutes meeting right now. Then, I will wait for you on the parking lot downstairs." He said. "Let me get your phone number."

"Don't you have it? You are a stalker anyway." He did not move, "You don't have my number, really? That's a super simple detail about me. Fire your investigator or work your ass to get to know me more."

"You talk a lot." He chuckled, which made me roll my eyes. He offered me his phone.

While I'm typing my number on his phone, I saw shadows from the powder room. I immediately put the phone back to him and walked away.

I think, he get it because I didn't heard a word from him.

Unknown number:

Don't go yet. We'll have lunch together. i'll just finish my meeting fast.

I know it's him. I put his name on his number to register it on my contact number. I sat on my chair in my designated room here in the office.

"So, we only have five days to go, Cate." Bern sighed.

"Is this fine with you, Cate?" I looled up at Leecy, "You did not speak a word earlier at the meeting."

"Ah... I have no comment and..." I don't know what to say, "I think, it's the right thing to do right now."

"At least, you are fine with it. We will do our best to fix things while you're away." Leecy smiled, "For now, refresh your mind. And be prettier."

Bern sighed again and rolled his eyes. He groaned in frustration. "I have a lot of plans for you. God! I f*cking hate your step mother!"

"I'll talk to her before I go. And maybe... clear my name to the media before disappearing?" I said in an unsure voice, asking for their opinion.

"Yeah. You should do that. I'll support you." Leecy hugged me tight.

Bern stood up and walk up to me to hug me as well.

"Group hug? Let me join!" Angel went straight to us when she entered the room and saw us in that position.

"We will be back and I'm sure, you will be the talk of the world not because of some controversies. But because, you are a well known model." Bern said and pinched my cheek.

We proceed to informing me my schedule for the next five days. The 30 minutes passed and I heard my phone ringing.

"Uhmm... I'll go first, guys." I said.

"Oh. You don't have your car, Miss Cate." Angel said.

I picked up my things and look at my face on the mirror for the last time.

"You have a date?" Leecy asked that stopped me from moving, "Oh, so you have?"

"If it's the mysterious guy, I will hand you to him—"

"No need, Bern." I chuckled a bit.

I kissed their cheeks. I heard my phone ringing so I answered it. I waved goodbye to them.

"I'm here now. Waiting for you outside the elevator—" The guy on the other line.

"Tell your suitor to reveal himself to the media!" Bern shouted that I think, Azim heard it because he stopped talking.

"Bern!" I run to the door.

"Maybe he could help you! Tell the media, you are the boyfriend—"

I breathed out after I closed the door.

"I'm sorry. That was my manager." I informed Azim while I wait for the elevator.

"It's okay." He chuckled.

He's so kind. Kind hearted man with a big D, huh? Why am I thinking about this, anyway?

When the elevator opened and saw the musculine guy infront of me smiling, I immediately turned the call off.

"They are so stressed about the issues and they want an easy way out." I explained as soon as I am infront of him.

"No big deal." He smiled and lead me to his car.

A luxurious sports car parked on the under ground parking of the modeling company I am in. I'm not surprise anymore. Damon has been riding different luxurious cars the past years.

"Get in, beautiful." I smelled his manly scent when he leaned down to help me get in his car.

"Thanks, Azi." I said, almost a whisper.

He was about to stand straight but he stopped mid-way to look at me. "What did you call me?"

"Azi? Your name is too long and I love your second name so..." I made an excuse.

"Azi." He looked down a bit and when his eyes found mine, my heart leap from his heartful stare.

"W-what?"

"You can only use that nickname for me, 'kay?" He said with a smile, his dimples are showing. I nodded.

My heart is fluttered by his happiness. I can't tell him I forgot his first name. I silently closed my eyes and open it again. I'm so disappointed with my memory. I think I have a problem with my memory. Should I try and get checked?

His car was pure black and grey. It was too manly that I feel like I don't belong here. But thanks to my grey outfit, I kinda mixed well with it.

I looked at the all smile guy beside me who's manipulating his car. He is wearing a business tux that made him ten times more smexy. I bit my lower lip and looked away.

"Find a good song for you, please." He said as he taught me how to manipulate his car.

I typed the song that I felt listening as of the moment. I clicked, 'I choose by Alessia Cara'.

"Can I retouch my make up while you drive?" I asked politely.

He pulled something on the roof of the car that showed a mirror, "I'll slow down. Take your time."

I tried to look at my face through the mirror. I looked so freaking stress. I spread my make up on my lap as I try to hide the stress marks on my face.

"You're so pretty." He stated.

"I look bloated." I rolled my eyes. He chuckled.

"Still very beautiful, though." He bit his lower lip. I rolled my eyes at him again.

"Don't give me your stupid cheesy words, Mr. stalker." I hissed.

"I prefer Azi than stalker, Crissa." A ghost of smile on his lips.

I proceed on putting press powder on my face and didn't mind the guy that kept on looking at my way. He will stare and watch me if given a chance.

"You should use the glittery glossy something on your lips." He commented so I stopped putting my nude lip stick.

Glittery glossy what?

"What are you talking about?" I put my whole attention to him, my hand with the lip stick is still freezed.

"The one you're wearing last night, Crissa. Your lips felt so soft that night... I loved it." He said in a serious voice, no sound of teasing or joking.

My brows furrowed as I looked at him in disbelief. Is he for real?

I looked down on my pouch and look for the lip gloss.

"This one?" I showed him. He raised a brow.

"Is that it?" He asked confused. I honestly don't know why I asked him when it's obvious he doesn't know a thing about make up.

"Y-yeah. This is it." I answered myself.

I cleared my throat as I put my lip gloss. I can feel his stare in the middle of red traffic light.

When I'm done, I put it back of my pouch. I clearedmy throat again to start a conversation.

"Where are we eating?" I asked.

"I know a spanish restaurant that will give us our privacy." he answered, "Do you want that?"

"As long as it's private, I'm cool with it." I answered him while looking out of the window.

I watched how his car turned to the parking space of a well known restaurant that offers spanish dishes. The facade was very hispanic with its historic architectural style. There are only a few cars on the parking space making it look more private and prestigious.

He pulled out and turned off the engine of his car as he walk out of it. He turned to my door's direction and opened it for me.

"Here ya go, Miss Crissa." His dimples showed. I stared at it for a few seconds before walking pass him towards the door of the restaurant.

But even before I stepped on the doorway of the restaurant, he held my waist and rest his hand there.

"I see, you like my dimples." He whispered.

"I don't." I simply whispered as I smiled a bit to the receptionist.

I heard him chuckle before talking to the receptionist. We were guided to walk to a private room far from the people eating inside the area of the restaurant.

No one noticed our entrance, onky the receptionist made the shock expression but hid it professionally.

"I feel like a bastard being hid from your old dying husband." He chuckled without amusement as we take a seat.

"First of, you really are a bastard, and lastly, I don't have a f*cking dying husband." I rolled my eyes at him.

"A bastard boytoy that can make you scream then?" He teased.

I saw how the waitress' face turned her shock expression to a much more horrored face. I shooked my head in disbelief and ordered a lot of foods.

"You can eat that all?" he asked.

I don't know why I ordered a lot. I'm not a big eater, I just feel like I'm free from something.

"I'm no longer on diet. You can eat some of it, I just want to taste the food." I answered directly at him.

And the confused waitress and the receptionist are just following our movements and words.

"And please, add a bottle of wine." I followed that made Azi's brows up.

"In an afternoon, m-ma'am?" The waitress stuttered while writing the orders.

"Yes. Isn't it available as of the moment?" I asked confused. I look at the confused man infront of me.

"Just get her the wine, miss." Azi said with finality in his voice. The waitress nodded and went out with the receptionist.

We are left inside this private while I can feel his deep stare at me.

"What's with the wine in the afternoon?" He asked, "Is there something wrong?"

I looked at him. Stared for a moment trying to think if I should tell him or just keep it within me my company. I sighed.

"You've been drinking three nights straight. And now, in the afternoon. Is it still the same problem with your step mom and the old dirty rug?"

Well. They are the reason why it all started and why I have to rest. I nodded and rolled my eyes avoiding his eyes.

He sighed. "Don't stress yourself much about it, the issue will die anytime."

"I know, but its afftecting my career and my reputation. It's not as if I care with my career and reputation but this is my lifeline! Getting it ruined means I'll banished from this industry!" I blurted out out of frustration.

"I don't want to retire nor rest from modeling. I have lots of plans for myself. With this issue, I will never grow!" I crossed my arms while I pout my lips.

I turned to see his expression. I saw him looking at me intently, waiting for my next words. F*ck. I'm showing the real me to him. I cleared my throat.

"Were you adviced to rest?" He asked. I rolled my eyes at him. He nodded as if he got the asnwer already.

"I asked the CEO if you could model for my company but they declined because they don't when are you coming back." he said, "It seems to me that it was your decision. Maybe I was wrong?"

"They planned it before I came. They asked me in so they can inform me." I feel the urge to cry.

Earlier with my managers, I can still handle it. Hearing the hurtful words of my co-model, it didn't even hurt me a bit. But now... with him saying it on my face... it feels like my heart was stabbed multiple times.

"You'll come back anytime soon, I asure you." he said with finality, "But for now, don't think of anything anymore."

I raised my eyebrows at him and blink the tears away.

"Just focus your mind to me when we're together. Is that okay?"