Love at the Nth Time

A World of the Highness

Chapter 27

Johann and I talked over the typical relationship between Chinnie and Seth. Unaware of the status of every woman who lied and cheated on Seth, that playboy lesbian did not mention Chinnie almost three weeks after Chinnie caused a scene in front of Mr Tim's company. I concluded Seth had already moved on, and Johann nonsensically laughed as he agreed to accompany me to Seth's birthday event.

The same night, an hour later, Johann called me. I went out for a quick shower, and I received a missed call from Seth. I messaged her, and she asked me to eat out. Refusing the offer as I was stuffed, she invited me over to watch a movie at her condo unit, knowing full well I wasn't into going to cinemas.

It was already past 10 in the evening, yet the thrill of seeing her again drove me to borrow my old sister's auto, and the road showed no vehicles. The phone stood still in the mid-front and answered the call of Seth, listening to a song.

"Hello, Seth?" Her background was noisy with party music. I paused mine. Seth hiccupped and replied,

"Yeah?" I pulled over the sedan as the streetlight went red.

"Are you in a bar? You invited me to watch a movie. Why are you there?"

"I'm with Jenny. You know her, right? She ordered another bottle of vodka."

"Why are you talking to me? You're with your girl." I was going to hang up the call when Seth talked,

"Hey, I love you, Celine." My heart pounded. I accidentally dropped the call.

I turned around to go back to the Suntrust condo. Hard to sleep as the defeated voice of Seth remained in my mind like a broken record, and it wasn't sickening. Days turned to Friday. I scanned around the displays of the store I passed by. Occupied with the sets of activities in the business, I thought of the gift I'd buy for Seth.

She loved drawing. I did not have any idea of the materials she used for sketching. Should I ask Win? The hair ties she always lost. Perhaps it's better to buy a pack of them. I chuckled, locking eyes at the display of DVDs in a video store. She's into horror movies. What about dozens of them?

Message

Celine: What are the materials Seth used for sketching, Win? Does she have a particular brand?

Win: Yup. Why? The pen would rip you off. Is this for a present?

Celine: Yes, hehe

Win: Lol, anything is fine.

I spent the whole afternoon performing business tasks, and I went back to the condo unit at late midnight to see a huge package sent by Ms Anna. The black and silver colour of the box complimented the yellow and red silk ribbon tied around it. I slowly opened it, and a dark purple off-shoulder long gown folded perfectly under a small chest of accessories, added the cream two-inch D' Orsay heels that shone with silver glitters on the corner of the dress, resembling an attire of royal highness. I was in awe by the fancy wear.

The day came, and Win told me not to contact Seth until I met her personally. The insane thing which happened was sets of business activities requested by my older sister, and it wouldn't have stopped if I had not told her I needed time to attend the birthday of Seth. She forgot it due to many happenings in our field and said her birthday regards.

I prepared myself. Yet I decided to go to a salon and take care of my hair and nails but had no time to do it; the plan shifted to DIY.

I called Johann as I drove the sedan of my older sister and headed to the venue. It's a resort near the company of Mr Tim. Johann wanted to meet me halfway so he could act like a gentleman taking the honour of driving the auto instead of the girl who wore a long gown, and that's me. Refused the offer, Seth would get mad if her twisted waves of thought roused her to disturbance.

"Her speech had ended already. You're too late. It's giving gifts, now." Win laughed.

"What, it looks like a kiddie birthday party," I mumbled as we watched the adult guest laughing and chatting with Seth as they handed the presents to her.

I sighed in relief after seeing Seth. She's wearing a black short sleeve shirt and indigo trousers paired with a dark brown leather loafer. She pinned her hair, and as the spotlight surrounded her, green eyes changed to cyan reflected by light. It's clearer to see the charming eyes she possessed because of not wearing glasses.

My eyes scanned the other guests, and I realized the outfits. "Wait, why am I the only one wearing a long gown, even all of you in semi-casuals??" Win and Johann laughed. "Where's Sir Tim??" I looked around the area. Omg, this wasn't very comfortable.

"You're annoying. You're late," Win uttered and offered me to sit down on the single couch.

"Even so, why did Mr Tim ask me to wear this?" My hand gripped the purple paper bag I carried inside the thing I bought for Seth.

"Give your gift to her later," Johann said as the guest circled Seth. I heaved a sigh and went to the long table of food. Whoa, whoa, most of the snacks were my favourites. If I noticed ahead, spending time here would end the event in delight.

"Don't overeat. You're gonna visit the bathroom, and you just got here," teased Win. I glanced at the back of a short-haired girl who wore a denim skirt and a cropped top. She turned towards Seth and giggled at the two ladies standing along with her.

"Chinnie's here?" I asked as I scooped a mouthful of fruit salad.

"Sir Tim invited her," replied Win and shrugged.

"Win, do you have spare clothes I can wear?" Chinnie's eyes feasted on Seth as she sipped the wine in her hand. That's fierce.

"Why? The dress suits you," answered Johann. I gazed at him.

"Are you making fun of me? I don't need to wear something like this-" I cut my words as the voice of Seth calling Win rang in my ear from behind. I turned my head around to meet eyes with her.

Her eyes widened, covering her mouth with her hand. Seth suddenly grabbed the back of my waist and pulled me closer to her. Heart pounding, I was also startled as I carried a glass of fruit salad.

"S-Seth," I uttered.

"Why are you wearing my piece, you little," she whispered in my ear. I felt my cheeks get warmer as her breath shuddered my whole senses and realized the outfit I wore tonight was her creation. I tried to move her away from me, but I was more concerned about the fruit salad not spilling out. Her hand on my back held me tighter.

"I didn't know this was your piece. Sir Tim told me to wear it," I reasoned. Seth gazed at Win.

"Where's Dad?" she questioned. I held the arm of Seth to free me. Still, she's not letting me go.

"He's on the way. He planned to let her go to the runway, but she arrived late," snickered Win.

"That's it, that's why. Just wait. I have some clothes in my car." I made my effort to break out from Seth. Steps moved south, but Seth grabbed my wrist. Our eyes locked.

"No need. That's my piece Venice wanna have in their museums for ancient Goddesses." I covered my face with my hands. Win squealed a little.

"This's so embarrassing," I mumbled. Seth chuckled and hugged me under her chin.

"I'll let you walk to the runway later." I raised my chin to face her.

"No way." She laughed softly.

"Why so? That old man, that's why I didn't see the model of this dress." She chuckled softly and embraced me tightly. Her lips touched my cheek. "You look so perfect."

My heart hammered. Seth was too close, conscious she'd hear my heart. Her forefinger lifted my chin to gaze at her, and she kissed my forehead. I pushed her away from me a little, she smiled.

"What are you doing? You've been clingy since you saw me wearing the gown you made." Not being used to being treated similar to her other women. She's not usually like that. I forced my smile to recognize that the dress suited me as a hint of approval. Seth held my hand.

"Come on. I'll introduce you to the guys." I looked at the men and women, a circle of models—the sophisticated style of clothing, thinking, and behaviour, the class of avant-garde.

"No."

"Why? They're nice." My confidence faded in an instant. Another world of Seth I forced my imagination not to set foot in. Not different in the world of Ryan, who lived as a US military officer, a place difficult to understand.