not happening...

12

Shawn: ”I couldn't even give her a gift." Nicholas looks at him: “What did you want to give her?” A doctor at the hospital told me she's interested in Chinese medicine, and I found someone who can teach her. Unfortunately, this doctor doesn't speak English, but he's an expert in his field. And the doctor told me she can speak Mandarin. They had a little incident and needed a translator." Nicholas stares at his grandfather: “She can speak Mandarin?” He shrugs, “That's what I was told. I also bought some old scrolls at an auction and a set of silver needles.” Nicholas says, “Did you know she can sing?” Shawn looks up, “Really? How did you know?” Nicholas hands him his cell phone. Peter had recorded the performance and sent the video to Nicholas. Shawn presses play and Leila's voice fills the room. The waiters gather at the door and a few of the chefs stand there listening too. Shawn sighs: “Wow, does she do that professionally?” Nicholas shrugs, “Peter ordered an investigation, but interestingly, there's no news.” In his mind, he adds, “The more I learn about her, the more I want her in my life.” His thoughts wander to the only night he spent with her. He usually stays away from women because most of them just want his money, and so far, there hasn't been anyone who could ignite a fire in him. None except her. And deep down, that was also the reason why he had kept her at a distance. When he was near her, saw her violet-blue eyes, and smelled her scent, he was lost. But of course, he couldn't tell anyone that, and what if he just gave up on her? Well, just the thought of it made the stone in his heart make it hard to breathe. No, he wanted her in his life. He needed her in his life. “Grandpa, how can I make her forgive me?” Shawn looks at Nicholas seriously: “Don't you think we should leave her alone?” Nicholas shakes his head and then whispers: “I stayed away from her because she's the only person I...” His voice trails off. Shawn ran his fingers through his hair: “How does your heart feel?” Nicholas: “... like there's a huge boulder on it.” Shawn: “Boy, could it be that you love her?” Nicholas: “I don't know what love is...” Shawn: "Boy, I practically raised you, your mom never had time, so I took over. Do you know why I never remarried after your grandmother died?“ Nicholas: ”No.“ Shawn: ”Well, no woman ever meant that much to me again. It was as if every room was warm and friendly as soon as she walked in. She brought color into my life, and when she was gone... I know what it feels like to have a stone on your heart and hardly be able to breathe. That's why you love her."

Leila

The week was more than busy, but on Thursday the dresses were finished. Maurice showed them off and they looked perfect. I hugged him and clapped: “They turned out wonderful.” Maurice: “Your designs...” Leila shakes her head: “No, they're yours.” Maurice asks, “Say, about the cell phones, can I keep them?” Leila laughs, “Of course, we just have to set up a separate cloud for you. Do you have your own IT department?” He nods, “Of course. I'm a designer in demand worldwide. I'll have my head of IT call yours.” "Then I suggest you take the cell phones with you right away. If you need any more, just let us know. Just remember to have them collected in the evening.“ He nods. Maurice: ”Will you be modeling one of the dresses?“ Leila laughs, ”Who would want to see me on stage? Actually, I thought you would be modeling the dresses and jewelry, and I've prepared a folder. And invitations for your family, of course.“ Maurice: ”Really, but then no one will know how talented you are.“ Leila laughs: ”Yes, you know, and my brother. My other brothers are more likely to come to the trade fair.“ Maurice: ”Are you presenting something at the trade fair?“ Leila's eyes sparkle: ”Oh yes." Maurice: “My sons aren't really into fashion, but maybe I can get tickets for your booth?” Leila: “Of course.”

Leila's phone rings in the middle of the chaos. Nevertheless, Stan and she remain calm. Maurice is used to the chaos, so she answers the phone: "Hi Mischa, it's great that you called me back. I have a little problem here. Our model for the finale thinks she can blackmail me to get more money. Can you stand up for her?“ Mischa: ”Of course. I know how important the event is. I'll be right there.“ Leila nods to Maurice: ”She's coming.“ Then she walks over to the model: ”Security team! Please escort her outside. It's also important that she goes through the special barrier that hasn't been removed yet.“ The security team nods and the model shouts, ”No, I'll run.“ Leila shakes her head, ”No, I'm not letting anyone who tries to blackmail me work for me.“ She is led away and Maurice asks, ”Special barrier?" Leila grins cheekily, “Oh yes, it scans your cell phone and deletes all pictures taken from these coordinates. Of course, it's only until the visitors arrive.”Maurice nods: “We'll have to upgrade my company. After this show, we should make an appointment.” Leila: “Sure, but we should do that after the other trade show.” He nods. Not long after, Mischa shows up with her husband in tow and I greet them both. Then I pull Mischa over to her table and give Stan a nod. He fetches a garment bag and I open it and take out the dress...