Chapter 8 – The Night Meeting That Changed Everything;  Friendship And Proposal

Later, Benice received an invitation to display her designs at a major fashion exhibition in Oaks City. Benice received an unexpected phone call. “Good afternoon. Is this a BEN-EUNY Fashion House?” a female voice asked. “Yes, this is Benice.” She responded.“My name is Loretta. I am calling from the Oaks City Fashion Association.”Benice sat up straight. “We are hosting our annual fashion exhibition in two months’ time.”“That sounds great,” Benice replied politely. “We would like you to show-case your designs.” For a moment she was speechless. It was the biggest opportunity she had ever received. “I would be honored,” she finally said. The night of the exhibition arrived quickly. The event took place in one of the most luxurious hotels in Oaks City. Famous designers, wealthy businessmen, and celebrities filled the grand hall. Bright lights illuminated the runway. Benice wore one of her finest creations that night—a graceful navy-blue gown. And for the first time in years, she decided to wear the diamond earrings. As she stood near her display stand greeting guests, someone across the hall noticed her. A tall man dressed in an expensive black suit. His name was Adrian Cole. One of the most influential businessmen in the country. He had attended the event as a special guest. Adrian watched Benice carefully. Something about her caught his attention immediately. Her quiet confidence. Her elegance. Her calm strength. “Marcus,” he said to the man standing beside him; his personal assistant.  “Yes sir.” “Who is that young elegant lady?”/Marcus followed his gaze. “I believe she is one of the new designers presenting tonight.”Adrian nodded slowly. “Interesting.” Later that evening Adrian walked toward her stand. “These designs are remarkable,” he said. Benice turned and found herself face to face with him. For a moment she felt slightly nervous. “Thank you,” she responded politely. “I’m Adrian Cole.” “Do I know who you are?” ,she asked  with a soft smile. “My name is Benice.” Both eyes met. Adrian studied her designs carefully. “You have a unique sense of style.”“I learned from a very good teacher,” she replied. They continued talking for several minutes. Neither of them realized that destiny had already connected them years earlier. But Marcus noticed something. “The diamond earrings.”His eyes widened slightly. “They looked familiar.”“Very familiar.”But he remained silent. Destiny was slowly unfolding. Adrian began visiting Benice's boutique frequently. Sometimes he came to order clothes. Other times he simply came to talk. Their conversations grew longer each time. Benice felt comfortable around him. Adrian admired her strength and independence. One evening he spoke openly. “Benice,” he said gently, “there is something I need to tell you.”She looked up from the fabric she was arranging. “Yes?”“I admire you very much.”She laughed softly. “You admire my clothes?” “No,” Adrian replied. “I admire you.” His words surprised her. “I built my life from nothing,” she said. “That takes courage.” Adrian explained. Benice looked away. “My past is not something I am proud of.”Adrian stepped closer. “Your past does not define you.”He paused before speaking again. “I would like to spend the rest of my life with you.” Benice stared at him in shock. “Meaning what?” Benice asked doubting what she heard. “Marriage” responded Adrian. “From a billionaire?” Thinking within herself. But there's something Adrian saw in Benice that others didn't see. “There is no chance, no destiny, no fate that can circumvent, hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” (Ella Wheeler Wilcox). The great Michael Angelo saw a piece of marble thrown away by the owner! Immediately, Michael Angelo shouted “it's important and valuable to me. Theres an angel imprisoned on it and I must set it free."  Ah! He saw what others did not see! He saw BEAUTY in that MARBLE! No wonder he became the greatest painter in history. "We are told never to cross a bridge until we come to it, but this world is owned by men who have crossed bridges in their imaginations far ahead of the crowd.”Before now, Adrian has perched himself to Benice, introduced his noble birth and the type of family business which he inherited.  “A billionaire asking for my hand in marriage?” asked Benice in disbelief. “For me, it felt unreal because, if he got to know my history, he wouldn't open his mouth again.” Benice soliloquised. But Adrian was serious.  Oswald Sanders wrote " Eyes that look are common - Eyes that see are rare.” But the biggest surprise was still coming. "I would like to take you to my family," Adrian proposed.  "No, that's too early, we need to know each other very well before introducing me to your parents