CEO Leo’s Baby Mama Is Back

Chapter 12 Most influential designer

DS FASHION HOUSE, LOS ANGELES

“Wow, this place is amazing! Checkout these gorgeous dresses!” Chloe squealed in delight as she surveyed the store.

Desire laughed sweetly. “I knew you would love it. I tell you, Darby is a talented stylist. I just knew she would be a force to reckon with in the fashion world. The world isn’t ready for her at all.”

Chloe nodded in agreement. “Her works are truly breathtaking.”

“I have been waiting for so long and feared you would never visit.” Darby said behind them, wearing a bright smile on her face with a measure tape hanging around her neck. “I came as soon as the secretary called me.”

“Darby, my darling.” Desire spread out her arms for a hug. “I am sorry it took me this long to come. Here, meet my goddaughter, Chloe. She is getting married and here to pick a befitting wedding dress for royalty.”

“Hi.” Darby waved at her. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

Chloe gasped lightly, she didn’t think the designer would be so beautiful. “Thank you, you look so beautiful. Did you add some coloring to your hair?” She asked smiling.

Patting her hair unconsciously, Darby chuckled. “No, it just has a natural brownish red feeling. You are beautiful too. Thanks for coming.”

“Your face looks familiar though.” Chloe noted.

“She sure will look familiar. The latest release of FORBES magazine has her on the cover page as under thirty most influential fashion designer and business woman.” Desire boasted like a proud parent.

Darby blushed profusely. “It’s all due to your confidence in me.”

“I should have known. You look more beautiful in person. I am definitely keeping you as my personal stylist.” Chloe said excitedly.

“I would appreciate that. Please come and have your sit. I will send some clothes your way and you can check for whichever one you like. Champagne or wine?” Darby asked.

“Nonalcoholic wine will be perfect for the both of us. We are lightweights when it comes to drinking.” Desire said.

Darby couldn’t hide her excitement at Desire King finally visiting her store. Her busy schedule had prevented the older woman from attending her opening. It has been two weeks since she returned to Los Angeles with Sinclair and Isabella to start afresh. Things have been going well for her, she finally got a copy of FORBES magazine that had her face on it and different clients have been trooping in to wear her collection. She couldn’t have asked for more.

Chloe was extremely pleased with the clothes she picked. “Godmother was right about you, Darby. You make really amazing dresses. I always envied how gorgeous she looks in her outfits that I didn’t realize she had a secret to it. My wedding dress would be amazing, I am sure of it.”

Desire chortled. “I am not called a socialite just for nothing. I dress to show off and Darby knows just what to do to help me achieve that.”

“So, what would you like for your wedding dress design?” Darby asked turning to Chloe.

“Hmmm.” Chloe hummed thinking for a while. “My godmother says you create explicit designs, I think you would pick the perfect design for me. As soon as you are on to one, just let me know.”

“Are you sure?” Darby asked, surprised at her choice. Most brides would have had a particular style in mind.

“Of course, she is. Chloe here knows I only go for the best of stylist and you are the best.” Desire assured. “I am confident she would love whatever you offer.”

Smiling in appreciation, Darby called Chloe to take her measurement while Desire checked through the array of dresses.

“All done?” The older woman asked when Chloe came back to her.

“Yes, I will just pick a few dinner dresses too.” Chloe replied, grinning from ear to ear.

“I am glad you both are satisfied with your dresses. Please come by again, I would really appreciate it. Will you take them along now or I have it all delivered to you?” Darby inquired, after they were done with their picks.

“Please don’t bother yourself. We would take them with us as we leave.” Chloe replied. “We would make payment at the reception. Thanks so much for your hospitality.” She said reaching out to hug Darby.

“Thanks for coming too. I will love to have you over again. Please drop your details with the receptionist. I will send in your designs next week. Bye.” She said waving at her. Darby held Desire hands. “Your goddaughter is such a sweet soul.”

Smiling, Desire looked towards Chloe who appeared busy with her purse. “You can say that again. She has a way of melting even the coldest hearts. I will call you when I need more fittings. Take care, darling.” She waved at her.

Seeing them off to their car despite their protest, Darby returned to the store grinning from ear to ear. It sure feels good to cash out thousands of dollars at a single call sale. Returning to the back where the workshop is, her phone was ringing at her entry. She hurried her steps towards it and she picked up.

‘How is my influential designer doing?’ Zac’s bubbly voice bellowed into the receiver.

A loud laugh resounded around the room, Darby sat on the single couch next to her crossing her legs. ‘I must say it feels like the best time of my life. It has been blissful for the past few days. You should come around soon and see for yourself. We are going global, Zac!’ She squealed.

‘I’m glad that you are happy. Just do your thing, I trust you to do great.’

‘Thank you, Zac.’

‘So how is Sinclair?’

‘He is settling in just fine. I have registered him in a school not far from the estate. Feels perfect for Isabella too.’

‘I’m sure she feels so grateful for a considerate boss like you.’

‘I am the one who should be grateful for your presence and hers. You both have made my life so beautiful and near perfect. I wouldn’t have been able to come this far without your help. Thank you much, Zac. I owe you a lot.’

There was a slight pause on the other end, Zac cleared his throat. ‘You know exactly what I want from you, Darby.’

Darby sniffed, playing with the thread on the hem of her dress. ‘Can we not talk about this right now, please.’

‘It’s okay. I have got all the time in the world.’ He chuckled.

‘You are too good to me.’

‘I can’t help it. I should get back to work now. Talk to you later.’

‘Alright, bye!’ She drawled before hanging up.

Staring at the wall blankly, Darby took in a deep breath. Despite Zac’s consistent show of interest in her, she finds it hard to replicate his feelings. After getting tossed like trash by everyone that she held dear to heart, Darby promised herself to never again get swayed by matters of the heart. Her son is enough to fill all of the blanks in her life and it’s her duty to remain strong for him and not get distracted.

Keeping up with her work, she didn’t take a break until after lunch. She was still on the look out for efficient assistants with the same work mindset like hers. Picking up her phone she dialed Isabella.

‘Good afternoon, ma’am.’ Isabella mumbled from the other end.

‘How are you, Bella? How is Sinclair? Is he back?’ Darby queried.

‘I am just about to leave the house and pick him up.’ She replied. ‘Do you need me to get you something?’

‘Not at all. I was just thinking it would be nice if the three of us eat out at a fancy restaurant later in the evening. It has been a while.’

Isabella giggled excitedly. ‘I would really love that and I am sure Sinclair would too.’

‘Alright then, get him ready. I will send a car to come pick you up.’

‘Ok, ma’am. Thanks.’

Feeling light-hearted, Darby chuckled to herself when the call ended. She can’t wait to see the look on Sinclair’s face when they arrive at the restaurant she has in mind. It’s a newly opened space not far from the fashion house. Her son has shown an early interest in sophisticated spaces and rooms with satisfying ambience. It surprises her on how expensive his taste is.

However, it’s a thing of joy for her, having a son who knows the worth of things at such early stage. He would definitely carve his own path without doubt. She was already proud of him and can feel just how amazing he would become. Humming a delightful tune, she kept on with her work. She didn’t forget to put on an alarm to remind her of the dinner date with her family.