Ch. 41..45: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 41-45

Chapter 41 Business Partners

“Thank you once again, Mrs Betty.” Ria thanked the old lady who came around to pick up her dress.

“You are welcome, Ria.” Mrs Betty smiled at her before entering the taxi and Ria waved.

“Miss Ria! Miss Ria!” She turned back to the house and saw ma’am Elise on the porch.

“What’s wrong?” Ria asked when she walked back to the porch.

“Mr Ian is calling.” Ma’am Elise gave the cellphone to her.

“Oh!” Ria collected the cellphone and picked the call.

‘Hello.’

‘Hi Ian. I am sorry for not picking up on time. I was attending to a customer who came around for her dress.’ Ria replied.

‘Alright. So are you less busy now?’ Ian asked.

‘Yes.’

‘Can we meet up now? I want you to see something.’ Ian requested.

Ria looked up at ma’am Elise. ‘Ian, is everything okay?’

“Yes. Ria, everything is fine.’

‘Alright. So where should we meet?’

‘I will text the address to you.’

‘Okay.’ And then Ian disconnected the call.

“Ma’am Elise, Ian wants to meet up with me.” Ria informed her as they walked back into the house.

“Okay. So where is the meeting place?” Ma’am Elise had a smile on her face.

“I don’t know yet. He will send me the address. But why does he want to meet me?” Ria tried to think of why Ian wants to meet her.

“Well maybe he found the space for the workplace.” Ma’am Elise replied.

“Oh! That’s right! But I am not sure that’s the case.” Ria itched the bridge of her nose.

“Whatever the case may be you should get dressed and meet him.” Ma’am Elise turned to look at her.

“Perhaps can I go like this?” Ria asked with a perturbed look on her face.

Ma’am Elise raised her brow. When did Ria start caring about how she looks just because she wants to meet Ian Bryant.

“No. Change into something better. Hmm let’s see… a fitting jeans and a sexy top will do.” Ma’am Elise turned her and pushed her towards the bedroom.

“Wait.. did you just say a sexy top?” Ria stopped and faced her.

“Yes. A sexy top just like that one you made for Nancy.” Ma’am Elise replied.

Ria eyes widened. “The off shouldered one?”

“Exactly!” Ma’am Elise snapped her fingers in the air.

“What?! No.. no way I am wearing that to see Ian Bryant. That top is too revealing.” Ria shook her head in disagreement.

“Too revealing? You liked it when it looked good on Nancy and that’s why you made one for yourself. And it looks good on you. Trust me, it is not too revealing at all.” Ma’am Elise argued.

“Alright.” Ria rolled her eyes before walking off to the bedroom.

She came back some minutes later but not with the off shouldered top. Ria figured that she can’t wear the top to meet Ian because she feels that it revealed too much of her skin.

“How do I look?” Ria asked her.

“Still… looking good.” Ma’am Elise commented

Ria was dressed in a blue knee length gown that she paired with a sandals. “Thank you, ma’am Elise.” Her cellphone beeped. It was a text from Ian. “He sent the address.”

“Come on, you should go to him on time.” Ma’am Elise gave Ria a mini bag and followed her out to get a taxi.

Ria was lucky to find one that just dropped off her next door neighbor. “Bye, ma’am Elise.” Ria waved when she got into the taxi.

*****************

Ria came down from the taxi and paid the driver when she got to the exact address Ian sent to her.

“Thanks Ma’am.” The driver said before driving off.

Ria’s cellphone binged. She picked on seeing Ian’s name on the screen. “Hi. I am there.”

“Turn around and look ahead I am right in front of you.” Ian instructed.

Ria turned and looked ahead. She saw him standing at the other side of the road waving with his phone still on his ear. She hang up and crossed the road to meet him.

“Hi.” Ian greeted as he flashed Ria a smile that almost blinded her.

“Hi.” Ria managed to say while her eyes surveyed the area.

It was quite busy with half dozen of the streets lined with shops and businesses. The whole place was a widespread of residential area sprouting out in all directions around it. The first thing that struck Ria about this place was how clean and well kept everything was despite the amount of people around it. She wondered why does Ian wanted to meet up here?

Ian cleared his throat. “I found a space for your workplace.”

Ria stared at him trying to make sense of his words. It was just as ma’am Elise had predicted. How did he manage to get a space in a short while? She mused.

“It is right here.” Ian pointed to an enormous building right behind him as he moved aside to let her get a clearer view of the place.

There were some structures on both sides. A diner, a counter service, an ice cream parlor, a grocery store and some major fast food businesses wasn’t far from it. Shops were set up in their own distinctive styles, there was the requisite Starbucks, as well as gas station to complete with mini mart down the block. This is the best place to own a fashion workplace.

“Let us go in the agent is waiting to show us around.” Ian reached out to hold her hand and they walked in through a glass door which was beautifully designed. And Ria was really curious about how the inside would look like!

“Hello.” A young man with glasses on greeted when they walked into the stour room.

“Ria meet Daniel. He is the agent.” Ian introduced briefly.

“Nice to meet you, miss Ria.”

“Likewise, Mr Daniel.” Ria shook hands with him.

The room was large. The luxurious but dusty room was designed with a blue marble floor and large windows.

“This building is the perfect place for a workshop. Since Mr Ian said that you will be using it for a sewing business, there are other rooms too that can serve as an office for you, your secretary, the payment desk, a sewing room, store room and all of that.” Mr Daniel said.

Ria nodded in acknowledgement as they walked through a connecting door into another room. “Ria, this part can be a closet, more like a dressing room to check out dresses.” Ian added when they entered a room.

Mr Daniel showed them around as Ria didn’t stop complimenting every part of the building. It was incredible!

“So do you like it?” Ian asked after they were done checking the whole place.

A phone beeped interrupted Ria’s response. “Please excuse me.” Daniel excused himself to pick up the call.

And slowly Ria turned to face Ian. “So how is it?” He asked again.

“It cool but -”

“But what?” Ian cuts in sharply with a concerned look on his face.

It struck Ria almost immediately that Ian won’t be happy if she didn’t like the place. “I like it. No, like is an understatement. I love the whole place.” Ria said with a smile.

“I am glad you like it.” A bright beam displayed on his face.

“But Ian don’t you think it is too big for the sewing business?”

Ian leaned closer. “Ria, this is not too big. You need somewhere like this to start your business.”

Yeah! But Ria feels like this is starting in a big way! An enormous way!

“Look at it from this point, this place would be able to accommodate a lot of workers and probably people who might want to learn from you. Or don’t you want people to work for you?” Ian asked.

“I do but-”

“Then we are not getting a small place. We will take this place.” Ian stared intensely at her. “What are you thinking?” He asked after he noticed the disturbing look on her face.

Ria swallowed hard. “Well.. I am just thinking of the rent and the bills to set up a place like this. It would require a lot of money to furnish this whole place.” She confessed.

“You don’t have to worry about the money. Ria, I will take care of the whole expenses.” Ian replied.

And there he goes again wanting to take on all responsibilities! This is getting too much! She said within.

“Ian, I still don’t think it is a good idea.” Ria countered.

“Of course! Ria, this is a good idea. I will get professional interior designers to set up the whole place. So just wait and see once everything is set, it will look better.” Ian persuaded.

“It is-”

“Sorry for the delay.” Daniel cuts Ria off as he joined them again. He noticed that the smug look on Ria’s face while checking the area was gone. “Miss Ria, are you doubting this place? If you don’t like it I can get your perfect option.”

“We want this place.” Ian said even before Ria could think of saying anything else to the agent.

“Alright. I’ll prepare the necessary documents.” The agent’s face brightened at Ian’s response.

“Send your account details to Ramsey so he can transfer the payment to you.” Ian instructed.

“Okay, Mr Ian.” Daniel grinned happily.

“And thank you, Mr Daniel.” Ria forced a smile on her face this time.

Ria couldn’t help but wonder how much Ian must have discussed with the agent to secure this place. Is the building on a lease plan? Or perhaps did he buy it?! What?! He can’t possibly buy this whole building for her business right?! Ria pondered deeply.

“I will drive you back home.” Ian said when they stepped out of the building.

“No, you don’t have to drive me home. I will just take a taxi.” Ria didn’t want him to go through the stress of driving her home and then driving back to the office.

“I don’t have much work to do at the office anymore so let me take you home.” Ian held her hand and led her to where he parked his car.

Ian opened the SUV and gestured to Ria to get into the car. He wasn’t going to change his mind after all so she did as he instructed. Ian rounded the car and entered. The engine purred to life and the car moved into motion.

“When it is time should I introduce you to the people who will help you set up your place? So you can talk to them about what you want and how you want the place to be.” Ian spoke up few seconds into the drive.

“That’s a good idea. I.. I mean.. about.. the.. the professional interior designer.” Ria stuttered. She knew it would be useless to argue with Ian not to bring in expert designers so she just agreed to his plan.

“I’ll also tell Ramsey to help in getting the people you will be dealing with when they bring things in or also come in to arrange the whole place.” Ian added.

Ria doesn’t want to consider why Ian was willing to go to such extent to fulfilling all her long list of dreams. He has done a lot for me, more than enough. And soon Ria hoped she doesn’t start getting this strange feelings that she is a burden to him. Ria prayed that such thought doesn’t occur to her!

They didn’t say anything after what Ian said because he had to answer his cell phone. A business call from work.

“Thanks for the ride.” Ria said to Ian when he pulled up in front of her house.

“You are welcome.” Ian replied.

Then Ria came out of the car and closed the door. “I’ll give you call.” He added.

“Okay. Bye.” Ria waved at Ian and he drove off.

Ria was welcomed by the smell of deep fried pomfret in the air when she walked into the apartment. She dropped her bag and rushed towards the kitchen only to find ma’am Elise dancing and humming a song around the small area.

“What are we celebrating?” Ria spoke up after watching her for a few seconds.

“Oh! You are back, miss Ria!” Ria nodded as she eased herself on the stool. “I am just preparing dinner.” Ma’am Elise replied.

“I am so hungry.” Ria grumbled.

“Almost ready. So how was the meeting with Mr Ian?” Ma’am Elise asked.

“It was good.” Ria mumbled.

“What’s wrong? You don’t look too good.” Ma’am Elise wiped her hands clean on a napkin.

“Ian got a space for the business. A big building.” Ria explained everything to ma’am Elise without leaving any detail.

“Well it sounds like everything is working for you!” Ma’am Elise commented.

“Maybe.” Ria fiddled with her fingers.

“This is not a matter of maybe. Everything is working for you! You are beginning to have those things you have ever wanted! And-” Ma’am Elise paused and stared intently at Ria. She turned and walked back to attend to what she was frying on the stove.

Ria heaved a huge sigh. “Are you still doubting, Mr Ian?” Ma’am Elise pointed the perforated spoon in her hand towards Ria.

“No.” Ria was scared to admit it so ma’am Elise won’t tag her as ungrateful.

“I know what this is about but at the same time I want you to remember that you already agreed to be his business partner. And I think as a business partner all he is doing is just investing in every ways to make things work. Miss Ria, see it all as a business relationship and not that Mr Ian wants your body in return.” Ma’am Elise emphasized.

Ria nodded slowly. She just hope that’s all it is for Ian. Business partners and nothing more!

Chapter 42 Mother of the day

Mrs Perla Bryant was walking around her large luxurious Jewelry store, checking out the old and new items in glasses and cases of different distinctive styles of gold, diamonds, silver in necklaces, rings, chains and bracelets.

She stopped at a huge glass and stared at the accessories in it. She raised a finger in the air calling at the attention of whoever was in charge of the space.

“Yes ma’am.” A lady in black suit came to her side.

“Open up this glass and clean out the dust.” Mrs Perla ordered but in a soft tone.

“Okay ma’am.” The lady bow her head slightly.

Mrs Perla turned away to look at some other things but then she saw an old friend who just walked into her store.

“Good morning, Perla!” The old lady greeted joyfully.

“Oh! Madam Charity!” Mrs Perla replied and they exchanged pleasantries.

“Good to see you again.” Madam Charity said.

“It is so good to see you too. So are you here to get a jewelry?” Mrs Perla responded still maintaining her bright smile

“Oh yes! I need a necklace but I am also here to give you an invitation.” Madam Charity answered.

“An invite? Please let us go into my office and talk.” Mrs Perla led the old lady into her office. “Please take a seat.” She pointed to one of the couches in the office.

Madam Charity sat gracefully dropping her bag by her side. “The annual party at the foundation is in three weeks time.” She brought out an invitation card and placed it on the table.

Madam Charity runs an orphanage home. Amber Foundation is one of the best charity organization in United State of America. And madam Charity holds a party once in a year to celebrate the children, sponsors and whoever has contributed to the growth of the foundation.

Mrs Perla checked out the card which reads-AMBER FOUNDATION ANNUAL PARTY INVITATION. It is going to be is a five-day event with the grand finale on Saturday at Little Angels Home where awards would be give to all sponsors.

“Will you be chanced during these days?” Madam Charity asked.

Mrs Perla tried to think if she would be chanced when madam Charity said again. “You are the mother of the day for this year’s party.”

Quickly, Mrs Perla checked the invitation and saw her name boldly written at the downside of the invitation card.

“This year you have donated so well to the foundation that’s why we decided to make you the mother of the day.” Madam Charity added.

“Oh! Thank you, Madam Charity.”

Well Mrs Perla never expected something like this coming from madam Charity and at the same time she won’t buy the idea of being the best donator. Although Mrs Perla Bryant always send money to the foundation every week which has amounted to half a million dollars in one month but she doesn’t think it was enough to make her the best donator of the foundation.

And where the hell is Jennifer Muller? The one who once threw it at her face that she was the best donator at Amber Foundation and that’s why she is always the mother of the year every year. Perhaps did Jennifer Muller stopped donating to Amber Foundation? Mrs Perla mused. She was tempted to ask madam Charity but she decided to keep that to herself so it won’t seem like a competition.

“It is better not to know about that sly!” Mrs Perla concluded within herself.

She knew Madam charity was not at her store buy a necklace exactly but she came around to impress her with the title just to get more contributions for the party. But even without madam Charity giving her the title, Mrs Perla would given her donations to the foundation.

“What are your plans for the party?” Mrs Perla asked.

“A lot has been put into work and the children are preparing for the party too. There will be games, family outings and performances from the children. For this year’s party, we decided to print out t-shirts for the kids and people who will attend the game section.” Madam Charity explained.

Performance? What if there is a dress for every child performing that day? Does this sound good? Is this really a good plan? Mrs Perla bantered internally.

“I have met with the printing press yesterday so they are working on it.” Madam Charity added.

This is a good plan! Immediately it also struck Mrs Perla that children could wear dresses sewn by a talented seamstress! And she listened to Madam Charity plans for the party without interruption. They can get the printed T-shirts for everyone! She won’t stop them on that since it is a good plan but she also want to do something else on her own path as the mother of the year.

“Madam Charity, we could make dresses for the girls from a certain age like six to eight.” Mrs Perla suggested.

Madam Charity stared at her for a second and nodded slowly. “Wow! I think that’s a good idea!” She answered with a smile.

“Yeah. I just thought of it now.” Mrs Perla shook her head.

“But how do we get someone who will make those dresses in three weeks?” Madam Charity asked.

Ria! She can make these dresses! Ian said she is a seamstress! This is a chance to help and also show her skill to the world! Mrs Perla really wants to be part of that dream Ian has been talking about.

“I have someone who make pretty dresses and she is so good! Please just help me with the number of children between these ages and I will work on it.” Mrs Perla had a smug look on her face at the thought of her new plans which would also enable her to get closer to the woman her son likes so much.

“Yes… I will do that. I will get back to you.” Madam Charity responded.

“Okay. I’ll be expecting.”

Madam Charity stood up and clasped her hand around her handbag. “Thank you so much, Perla. Pease help me pick out an elegant jewelry for the event.” She requested.

“Oh! I think the Cartier necklace would be really good on you.” Mrs Perla said as they walked out of the office.

Chapter 43 The Spotlight

The continuous beeping sound under the pillow woke Ian up from a deep sleep. He reached out for the phone underneath and saw that the caller’s ID was his mother. The red light on the alarm clock beeped 11:45 p. m. “Why is she calling by this time of the night?” Ian grumbled and rubbed his sleepy eyes rapidly before picking up the call.

‘Ian!’

‘Hello mom.’ He yawned.

‘Oh Ian! I am sorry for calling at this hour. I should have called earlier on but I have been really busy checking out some things at the store.’ She said in an apologetic tone.

Ian sat up on the bed and rested his head on the large bed board. ‘Alright. What is it mom?’

‘I need to see Ria.’ Mrs Perla blurted out.

‘What?! Why do you need to see Ria all of a sudden?!’ Ian demanded with a shocking look on his face.

‘It is really important.’ Mrs Perla replied.

‘Mom, we already talked about this. It isn’t the right time to meet Ria. I don’t want her think that I am introducing you to her for some reasons. And remember I told you this is only a business relationship and not the other way round.’ Ian pointed out.

‘Yes I know this is a business relationship between the both of you and that’s why I am calling. I want Ria to make dresses for madam Charity’s Children.’ Mrs Perla stated.

‘What are you talking about mom?’ Ian asked.

Mrs Perla heaved a sigh. ‘I have been made the mother of the day for Amber foundation’s annual party.’ She made things clear to her son and also explained her plans for the children.

‘This is a great chance to bring Ria to spotlight. Well she sew those dresses then people at the event will want to know whoever made them.’

‘Yeah mom. You are right. But will Ria be able to finish up in less than three weeks?’

‘Why don’t you just talk to her about it.’

‘Thank you mom for trying to help my plans for Ria.’

‘Anything for you son. Please talk to Ria about my plan and get back to me.’

‘Okay. I will do that now.’ Ian hang up the call.

“Perhaps, will Ria be up by this time?” Ian mumbled as he dialed her number and Ria picked on the first ring.

‘Hello.’

‘Hi, Ian.’ Ria responded.

‘I am so sorry for calling you this late.’ Ian apologized.

‘No, it is fine. I wasn’t asleep anyways.’

Ian wondered why Ria was still awake by this hour?

‘I need finish up a dress. It is an emergency order from an online client.’ Ria added sharply as if she had read his mind.

‘Okay.’ Thank goodness he didn’t have to ask her before she told him about what was keeping her up.

‘My mom wants to make dresses.’ He announced.

Ria was taken aback by his words. ‘Your mom?’

‘Yes. She called in just now. It is a charity work.’ Ian briefed Ria about Amber Foundation and told her about his mom’s plans to make dresses for the kids as the mother of the day.

‘So what do you say?’

“You know… this is actually a good plan.’

‘So will you be able help her make the dresses for the children?’ Ian asked trying not to sound like he was compelling her to do it.

‘Yes I can do it.’

‘Will you be able to make at least sixty five dresses in less three weeks? I think it is a whole lot of work.’

Ria was silent. Children ranging from six to eight at Amber Foundation are about sixty five. Madam Charity wasn’t so sure about the numbers but she had her mind on that number.

‘Ria.’ Ian called while she was trying to think of the possibility of making that amount of dresses together with ma’am Elise.

It is a lot of work! Too much for Ria and Ian won’t mind her saying no because of the stress. He was worried because she is getting better from the conditioning treatment of the surgery. Even though this is a chance to make her brand known Ian would still accept her decision. If this doesn’t work out then he would make more plans, better plan to bring her into spotlight.

‘Listen Ria, I would understand if -‘

‘I will do it. I will those dresses for the children.’ Ria replied finally.

‘Okay. I will let her know you agreed to do it. Bye.’

‘Ian.’ She called out to him.

‘Yes.’

“Thank you.’ Ria said sincerely.

‘You are welcome.’ Then the line dropped.

Ian decided to text his mom via WhatsApp. ‘Are you there? I just discussed with Ria and she agreed to make the dresses for the children.’

‘That’s good.’

‘So when do you want to meet her?’

‘Tomorrow.’

Ian sent a shocked emoji. ‘Tomorrow?’

‘Yes Ian. We don’t have much time. Ria has less than three weeks to make at least sixty five dresses.’

‘That’s true. So where is the meeting place?’

‘She can meet me at the store. I’ll be there waiting for her before heading to Little Angels Home.’

‘What time?’

’12:00 p. m.’

‘Okay mom. See you tomorrow.’ Ian added a kiss emoji. His phone beeped of an incoming message from Ria.

‘Text me the meeting address.’

‘Perla Jewelry store. I’ll come and pick you up….’ Ian was about sending it but he paused to add more words. ‘And don’t think of turning my ride down. See you by 11:15 p. m.’ And then he sent it.

Ian sent that additional text because Ria might insist on taking a taxi just to save him the stress of driving down to her house from the office.

His phone binged again. ‘Okay. And thanks once again.’

‘Yeah. See you tomorrow, Ria.’ Ian replied and waited to see if another message would come in but nothing.

Ian swiped to switch off the phone after about four minutes. He rolled on the bed and toyed with the bedside lamp switch for a while. The thought of seeing Ria tomorrow made him smile. And soon Ian drifted into sleep with a huge smile grazing his face.

 

Chapter 44 Rory Thomas Institute

Ria stopped the wheels and accepted the glass of water ma’am Elise offered to her. “Thank you.” She said after drinking from the glass.

“You should get dressed for the meeting. Mr Ian will be here soon.” Ma’am Elise collected the glass from her.

“I know ma’am Elise. Let me just finish up then I will get dressed after.” Ria replied.

“Miss Ria, I can finish up with the dress. Please meeting Mrs Perla Bryant is more important! And remember this is a big deal!” Ma’am Elise enthused.

“You are right.” Ria nodded in agreement.

“So what price will you give to Mrs Perla?” Ma’am Elise asked after she returned from the kitchen.

“I have thought of it but I have not concluded.” Ria answered.

“Listen Miss Ria, I have this feeling that you will make a lot out of this deal.” Ma’am Elise sat at the wheels to continue sewing the dress.

“Yes but at the same time I can’t give Mrs Perla a high price for Ian’s sake. And not only that, I won’t bill more considering the fact that it is a charity work.” Ria cracked her knuckled.

“This is business though but it is not bad to give a discount to a charity work.”

Ria nodded. “Let us just use that word discount… on each child.” She responded.

“And it won’t affect you right?” Ma’am Elise raised an eyebrow.

“It won’t affect me in any way. I did a rough estimation last night and from the pay I will get a form into the fashion school and probably give Ian the rest of the money of set up work place.” Ria answered.

“And you think Mr Ian will accept your money? No, I doubt it. Mr Ian won’t accept it because she already offered to pay for everything.” Ma’am Elise countered.

“I will persuade him to accept it.”

“Okay.” Ma’am Elise wheeled the sewing machine.

“Ma’am Elise.” Ria called.

“Yes.” She looked up from the machine.

“Do you think I can run that large place and still study at the same time?” Ria was doubting if she would be able to attend school and run the work place all at once.

“Yes you can do it. Miss Ria, you can attend school when you have to do it and attend to work when you are less busy from school schedules. It won’t be hard since you have an idea about what you want to learn and not just an idea, I mean.. you can sew and you are pretty good at it. You just want to gain more knowledge about how to run things and know more fashion trending styles!”

“Yeah! You are right! I didn’t even think of it like that! And I think I don’t have to worry about anything since you will be there to oversee things at the workplace while I am in school.” Ria smiled.

“No.” Ma’am Elise disagreed as she itched the back of her neck.

“What’s wrong, ma’am Elise?” Ria furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

“I… I… I don’t think I can run the business on your behalf.” Ma’am Elise stuttered.

“Yes you can run the business on my behalf.” Ria stated.

“No, I don’t think I can do it. Someone else who has enough experience should run it.” Ma’am Elise declined.

Ria moved closer to her. “No one else except you. If I want someone to help me then it would be you. Come on ma’am Elise, you have been with me for years now and it is only you I trust.” She pouted.

Ma’am Elise cheeks flushed pink. “Really?”

“What are you thinking? That I would let someone else run the business while I am away. No I can’t do that! Ma’am Elise is my only trusted companion!” Ria giggled.

“Let see what position you will hold when everything is ready? The manager? The accountant?” Ria said loudly.

“Come on, Miss Ria. You are making me so emotional.” Ma’am Elise laughed.

“Just name it.” Ria stared intently at her.

“I’ll be fine with just handling the supplies of materials.” Ma’am Elise said with a smile.

“And what about being in charge of the workers payroll? Taking stock of dresses? Buying more materials from every part of the world? Handling our online clients?” Ria counted her fingers.

“Can I get to do that too?” Ma’am Elise covered her face with her palms.

“Of course! As a matter of fact, ma’am Elise can do whatever she wants in my company!” Ria giggled.

“As long as I don’t mess things up.” Ma’am Elise added quickly and they busted into laughter.

“Anything for you.” Ria mumbled.

Tears sting in ma’am Elise eyes. “Oh miss Ria… I am so happy for you” She stood up and embraced her.

“Thank you, Miss Elise.” Ria purred into her ears.

A beeping sound interrupted the emotional moment. “I had to set the alarm for your outing.” Ma’am Elise withdrew from the embrace. “You should get dressed before Mr Ian comes.”

“Why on earth did you even set an alarm?” Ria mouthed.

“So you shouldn’t keep him waiting when he arrives.” Ma’am Elise winked.

“Okay. You did well.” Ria threw her hands up in surrender.

Ma’am sat back on the stool. “I will finish up the dress.”

“Thank you, ma’am Elise. I need to take a shower and change my dress too.” Ria grumbled as she walked off to her room.

“In five minutes!” Ma’am Elise said loudly.

Ria took a quick shower then went in search of her clothes which she hung in the closet since last night. She tried it out but saw that it didn’t fit the outing. Again Ria searched for something to wear while trying not to think of Ian as she did.

Why should Ria matter about what Ian might like or what might make her waist look smaller and her rear end look firmest than they were? “It shouldn’t matter to me if Ian will like my outfit.” Ria chanted in her head.

But as Ria stood surveying her choices, she suddenly regretted that her limited budget had left her wardrobe empty. Ria can’t remember when last she had purchased a dress for herself. It was left on the practical side. She ended the thought on a note that nothing was between she and Ian and their relationship was businesslike.

“I don’t need to be overly concerned with what I look like.” Ria mumbled.

Even though Ria didn’t have anything she considered impressive but she won’t be underdressed. “I am meeting the famous Perla Bryant so I should look my best.” So she assumed Jeans was too casual.

In the end, Ria opted in for a pair of black twill slacks and a plain white blouse with a banded collar and she paired it with black flats. She stood in front of the mirror and focused on her reflection. Ria powered her face, added a mascara on her long lashes and blush to her cheeks. All thanks to ma’am Elise, she has been able to learn fast on how to do a simple make up and do her hair.

Ria put a comb through her hair and then bound it up but it still flowed down to her back. She focused onto herself to make sure she was at least presentable. All of a sudden, a part of Ria secretly wished that she was so stunning that it would take Ian’s breath away. But she slapped herself out of it. It was something she shouldn’t be thinking and let alone wishing for.

“Ria, this is strictly business. This is business.” Ria told her reflection much more sternly. Then she turned away from the mirror, grabbed her bag and motioned out of the room.

Ria stopped on track abruptly as soon as she walked into the sitting room. Ian was there with ma’am Elise. When did he come in? She thought.

Ian and Ma’am Elise stopped talking to stare at Ria. Did she apply too much make up on her face? She wondered.

“Hi.” Ian greeted with a smile.

“Hi.” Ria replied shyly.

Ian stood up from the couch and said. “Can we go now?”

Ria replied him a nod while ma’am Elise gave her the paper bag that has the collections in it. “See you later, ma’am Elise.” Ria said before following Ian out of the house.

Ian Bryant was wearing a Khaki slacks and garnet colored polo shirt. He must have changed into this before coming over because it doesn’t look office like. Ria thought. Ian was freshly shaved and the scent of woodsy Cologne wafted from him. Ria tried not to think how much she liked it or how much she had liked that first glimpse of him inside her apartment. But it was all there anyways and just below the surface.

“Ian, I am sorry for keeping you waiting.” Ria said to him as they walked to his car.

Ian opened the door and waited for Ria to enter before saying anything. “It was worth the wait.” He closed the door and made his way to the driver seat.

He started the car and it glided into motion. Ria thought of what to say to start a conversation but nothing occurred to her at the moment.

“Ramsey got someone that will help set up your place. They are actually two people so I planned to meet them tomorrow.” He said.

Ria figured the conversation would be a good way to persuade him to accept what she wants to give in setting up her work place.

“Will I be there with you?” Ria asked.

“No, I will talk to them first and check out their works before introducing them to you.” Ian replied.

“Okay.” Ria mouthed.

“About the equipments you will be needing, do you have a list of machines?” Ian demanded.

“I have some on my list but…” She paused.

Ria is yet to know the rest. There are new inventions already out which she doesn’t know of and this is why she want to attend a fashion school to get to know these things and how to use the newly invented sewing machines.

“I don’t know them all.” She completed.

“You will get it at school right?” Ian asked.

“Yes.”

“So have you found any?”

Ria arched her brows. “Any?” She was confused.

“I mean the fashion institute you want to attend. Do you have any one in mind?” Ian asked.

“Yes.”

“So tell me about it.” Ian requested.

“Rory Thomas institute.” Ria said.

“Is it the best? I want you to attend the best fashion school in the state.” Ian looked at her for a split seconds.

“One of the best and it is not too expensive.” Ria answered.

“How far is it from your house?” He focused on the road ahead.

“It is about an hour drive.” Ria replied.

“What about the workplace? How far is it?” Ian questioned.

“It is closer to my workplace. I think it is about twenty minutes drive.” Ria took out her phone from the bag.

“That’s not bad. So how long will you be in school learning about sewing?” Ian looked at her again.

“At least six months. For now, I won’t be going in for the full course.” Ria stared at the few notes she had written in her note pad.

“Why are you not going for the full course? Is it because you already know about it?” Ian asked.

“Yes. And I don’t want to get stuck between school and work.” Ria replied.

“Okay. I think ma’am Elise can see to the affair of your work place while you are at school.” Ian suggested.

Ria nodded her head in agreement. “We already discussed it.” Her cellphone beeped. It was ma’am Elise.

‘Hello.’

‘Are you there now?’

‘No, we are still on our way.’

‘Okay. I want to get some stuffs from the grocery store. Is there anything you need? So I can buy it.’

Ria itched the bridge of her nose as she recalled that she had made a list last night before going to bed. She had planned to drop by at the mall on her way back but she didn’t even remember to bring the list along.

‘Ma’am Elise, I pinned the list to the board in the kitchen.’

‘Hold on let me check.’

Ma’am Elise was silent for a while.

‘Oh! I have seen it! It is almost the same with mine.’

‘Please don’t add shrimps to the list because of Phoebe.’ Ria reminded her.

‘Oh my goodness! That’s true. I will take it out from my list.’

‘Thank you, ma’am Elise.’

‘You are welcome.’ Then she hang up the call.

Ria looked at Ian whose attention was focused on the road ahead. He didn’t say anything but she felt like they should talk and like have a conversation without her being the topic. But nothing came from her mind so she just let things remain that way.

Chapter 45 Meeting his mother

It was nearly 12:00 p. m when Ian and Ria got to the Perla Jewelry Store. It was an enormous, old red building that had been renovated with an eye towards retaining the original design. The building was carved into a granite arch above the main entrance and Ria was curious to know how they came about such structure even as Ian pulled up in the private driveway and stopped the car.

Ria couldn’t help but glance around when they stepped into the store. “Want to check out some stuffs before seeing my mom?” He asked.

Ria figured Ian must have noticed from the way she was looking around with a surprised look on her face. “No.. no.. I don’t need to check out anything.” Ria replied.

Why does she need to check out anything when she doesn’t plan to buy one. She can’t even afford such accessories. Ria thought.

Ian nodded in understanding and they resumed walking side by side. Every person that passed by in the store stopped to greet Ian as if he were a prodigal son returning home. There was no need to ask why most people stopped to say hello. He is Ian Bryant! He is the chief executive officer of Lint Corporation! And he is quiet popular in the business world! Plus they must greet him as the son of the owner of the store.

“Ian.”

Ria heard a soft voice call his name. Ian heard it too because he stopped and turned to look at the person. Ria did the same and she saw a young woman dressed in an expensive red knee length gown and matching stiletto heels and bag.

Who is she? Ria mused as she drank in the features of the beautiful lady that walked up to them. She was absolutely pretty. Her straight molten short red hair framed her forehead in a neat fringe cut and it also tumbled over her shoulder. She has a slender shaped bleached velvety eyebrows, black eyes, sea nymph ear, a dainty nose and plump lips. Her alabaster skin shimmered with the lighting in the area.

Ria knew this young woman was rich noting from her outfit and the way she carried herself. She walked gracefully with her shoulder up. Who is she?

Ian tucked his hands in his pocket. “Lorna.” He called at her.

The lady in question stared at Ria for a second before looking back at Ian. “We need to talk.” Lorna said with a frown on her face.

“Okay.” Ian replied.

“Privately.” Lorna said again when he didn’t make an attempt to leave.

“Lorna as you can see I have a company.” Ian said.

Lorna glared at Ria. “Relax girl, I don’t think I want to be the one stopping you from talking to him.” Ria said to herself.

“Hey company, I need to talk him.” Lorna said rudely.

“Lorna-”

“I will just give you some space to talk to her.” Ria stepped aside at least far away for them to talk privately.

Her phone beeped. It was Cassidy then she looked back at Ian and Lorna before turning away completely to answer the call.

‘Hello Cassidy.’

‘Hi, Miss Ria.’

‘It is so good to hear from you again. How is school?’

‘Fine. I just finished a tutorial. Are you home?’

‘I am at Mrs Perla store with Ian.’

Cassidy was silent. “Don’t worry, I’ll tell you about it when we see Cassidy.’ It has been quite a while since Ria saw Cassidy because she has been busy at school but they have kept in touch via text messages.

‘Okay. See you tomorrow then.’ Cassidy replied.

‘Yeah. Take care, Cassidy.’ Ria hang up the call.

“I am sorry for delaying you.” Ria heard Ian say behind her. She turned and saw that the lady on red wasn’t around anymore. Where did she go? She pondered.

“She already left.” Ian said as if he was reading through her mind.

“It is okay.” Ria managed to say.

Every part of Ria wanted to know who that lady is to Ian. His girlfriend? Or his ex girlfriend? But Ria cut off the thought quickly. She shouldn’t be bothered about it. She concluded.

“Let us go. Your mom would be waiting.” Ria said and they continued walking.

They stopped in front of a huge door. Ian opened it and stepped aside for Ria to walk in first. She did and he stepped in right behind her. The old lady sitting behind the large desk who Ria immediately recognized to be Ian’s mom stood up and met them halfway. This was Ria and Mrs Perla first meeting but they have spoken on phone thrice while she was China with Ian through a video call.

“Good afternoon, ma’am.” Ria greeted.

Ian stood beside Ria and perform the introduction. “Mom, this is Ria Robert and Ria meet my mom, Mrs Perla Bryant.”

Then they both exchanged pleasantries. “Good to see you in person, Ria. Please take a seat.” She pointed to a large couch.

Ian and Ria settled on it. “Son, did you see Lorna? She just left my office not too long ago.” Mrs Perla asked.

“Yeah I saw her.” Ian replied after a cough in a bid to caution his mom from saying more about Lorna.

Even his mom knows Lorna. Ria said to herself.

“So how is business? How have you been doing, Ria?” Mrs Perla after exchanging facial signs with her son.

“Everything is fine ma’am.” Ria answered.

“Good to hear that.” Mrs Perla picked up a blue print file from her side and stretched it towards Ria. She leaned forward and accepted it from the old lady. “It is Amber Foundation File. Madam Charity insisted that the designer should know about the foundation and kids too.” She added.

“Is that necessary?” Ian questioned with a raised eyebrows.

“Madam Charity insisted that the seamstress should know about her foundation.” Mrs Perla repeated.

Ria scanned through the files. In the blue print file was the number and names of children ranging from the selected ages of six to eight.

“Madam Charity already indicated the right figure in the file. So will you be able to make seventy dresses in less than three weeks?” Mrs Perla’s voice was so calm.

“Yes ma’am.” Ria has to do it because she needs the money! It doesn’t matter if there are seventy children in file she could place an advert and hire another seamstress to work with her.

“How do you intend to make all those dresses?” Mrs Perla asked. Ria looked up at her trying to make sense of her question. “I mean will you be the only one to make all those dresses all by yourself?”

“No, I have someone who is helping me in the business. And I might hire one more person to hasten the process of the job.” Ria responded and she noticed that Ian was busy with his phone.

“Alright. That’s good.”

“What sort of dress do you want for children?” Ria brought out the collections from the bag and placed it on the table.

“I want a very beautiful and elegant gown.” Mrs Perla picked one out of three.

Ria was a bit nervous when the old lady opened the collection. What if she doesn’t like the style in the collections? They are actually dresses Ria had designed herself when she was blind and she only got to see after the surgery. To Ria, they could pass as pretty and awesome when she got to see them after the eye surgery but for someone like Mrs Perla she was not sure if the old lady would like it.

Ria’s phone beeped as she waited for Mrs Perla to say at least say a word. It was a message from who this time? Ian. But why did he send her a message when he was right there with her? Ria wondered even as she read the message.

‘Don’t be nervous. Your dresses are pretty and I am sure she would like it. I have to get somewhere quickly. I’ll be back to pick you up.’

Ian stood up. “Mom.”

Mrs Perla glanced up at her son. “Are you leaving?”

Ian went to her side. “Yes, I need to see someone. I will be back soon.” He kissed her cheeks and flashed Ria a bright smile before walking out.

No way! Did he just leave Ria alone with his mom?! And where was he heading to after making it clear earlier on that he was off work?! Ria heart beat accelerated.

Mrs Perla cleared her throat and Ria looked up at her. “Your collections are -” She paused with her gaze fixated on the collection.

What is she going to say? Awful? Boring? Old Fashioned?

“Intriguing.” Mrs Perla said finally.

And did she just say that?!

“And attractive.” Mrs Perla added.

A smile automatically formed on Ria lips immediately and she heaved a huge sigh of relief.

“Did you make these dresses when you were blind?” Mrs Perla questioned.

“Yes ma’am.” Ria’s face lightened up.

“I must say that this is amazing.” Mrs Perla complimented.

Ria Robert has three collections for all the dresses she has made. Andrea put the first collections together in a folder while Mrs Elise put the second and third collections together and printed them.

“No lies Ria, you are creative in this field.”

“Thank you ma’am.” Ria’s cheeks flushed at her words.

“But you can also do better than the designs in these collections. Can you make another design for the dress? A special one for me.” Mrs Perla requested.

“Yes ma’am. What type of design do you want?” Ria brought out a notepad and a pencil.

“I want something that would amaze everyone at the party. A one of a kind design that everyone would see at the event and they will be dying to know whoever made the dresses. Something that spells professionalism and practically designed by a clothe designer.” Mrs Perla explained.

And that was exactly Ria’s greatest dreams! The only thing she has ever desired after regaining her sight was to be a famous clothe designer! It is what Ria wanted to be since she was a kid!

“Let us make a sketch about the design so our next meeting will be at the Little Angels Home to take the kids measurement.” Mrs Perla said.

“Okay ma’am.” Ria shook her head in agreement.