Darcey was about to decline but the worried look in the lady’s eyes touched her. Surely she too would want help when she was in a similarly desperate situation, she thought.
With much hesitation, Darcey nodded. “Okay, but I’m telling you, I’m extremely clumsy!”
The woman shrieked and hugged her. “Thank you, thank you! Please, follow me. We don’t have much time.”
Chapter 26
Darcey was led down another hall. The lady opened a door to what was a dressing room. Inside, tall girls were being made up, every single one of them wore breathtaking gowns. Men and women dressed in black hurried left and right. Everyone was busy with something. Excited voices filled the air.
“Everyone, look! I found someone to replace Keiko. Do her hair and makeup quickly. The show starts in thirty!”
A man with orange hair and a girl with very pretty eyes ushered Darcey to a chair. Everything was happening so fast.
“My apologies!” the lady from the bathroom said. “I forgot my manners. What is your name?”
“Darcey. Darcey Vaughn.”
“Darcey Vaughn,” the other replied thoughtfully, as if Darcey’s name rang a bell. She finally nodded and grinned. “And I am Satomi Takemae, the designer. Thank you, thank you for helping my show! Now, let’s get you ready. Someone above loves me. I can’t think of anyone right this instant who would be more perfect to do this.” Satomi smiled again before turning to the man and woman next to them. She spoke once again in rapid-fire Japanese. Then she bowed before Darcey and excused herself.
“I’ll be back. Let me check on the others.”
What am I doing?!
Darcey never felt so fussed over in her entire life. Another girl joined the couple working on her hair and makeup. She immediately felt panic creep up. She observed the models in awe. It was like a Barbie convention. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever aspire to be a model. There was always a first for everything. The closest encounter she had to the beauty industry was the time she pretended to be a Miss Universe contestant with her cousins as an eight-year-old. Today was definitely something she would always remember as a surreal experience.
The trio wore serious faces as they teased her hair and swiftly applied makeup. After several minutes, Satomi returned with a rack full of stunning bridal gowns. Darcey gasped. The man with the orange locks cringed. The lipstick he was applying smudged past her lips. She couldn’t help gasping. These were without a doubt some of the most beautiful dresses she had ever seen.
“Here, put this one on.” Satomi removed a lace gown from the rack. “This one is my favourite. And don’t worry, I’ll be there to let you know when to walk. Just observe the pace of the models who’ll go before you and you’ll be fine. The runway is a very simple and straight one. We want the attention to be on the dresses, not the venue.”
All Darcey could do was nod. The hair and makeup team had done wonders on her face. She actually looked like she had a good night’s sleep. The Japanese weren’t known for efficiency and skill for nothing, that was easy to see.
As the team helped Darcey into the dress, Satomi proceeded to give her more tips.
“I don’t want my models to look too grim, like they haven’t eaten in six years. But don’t overdo it either. Think of the Mona Lisa, give a subtle and mysterious smile. Enjoy the moment, it will show on your face.”
To Darcey’s surprise, the dress fit perfectly. She faced the mirror and her heart stood still. The perfect hair and makeup complemented the divine dress. She stepped closer towards the mirror, her eyes studying the intricate lace on the gown.
A satisfied expression appeared on Satomi’s face. “Ah, what did I do to deserve you today?”
Darcey wasn’t used to looking this beautiful. “You have an amazing hair and makeup team, Satomi. And this dress! I can’t even begin to tell you how absolutely beautiful it is. It’s like poetry in lace.“
“Oh, don’t be too modest. Makeup and clothes can only do so much. They can never hide an ugly heart. I see there is in you beauty that radiates from within. You aren’t married, Miss Vaughn?”
Darcey shook her head.
I wish.
Satomi’s eyes dropped down to her hand. “You are also not engaged.”
Another head shake.
Satomi laughed, it was a pretty and positive sound. “Do forgive me for me being so nosy. I am certain this gown will bring you luck in love. In any case, if you get engaged, let me know. Since you like it that much, I will give it to you that as wedding present.”
“That is too kind!”
“No, you are too kind. You saved my life today. Now let’s get this show started, beautiful future bride.”
Darcey’s face heated up. Satomi’s friendliness and generosity helped her forget her troubles, even for just a few minutes. The designer proceeded to show her how to turn as soon as she reached the end of the runway.
“The whole idea is to showcase the gown. All you have to do is turn slowly, count up to twenty seconds as you turn clockwise.”
Darcey could only nod. Satomi made it all sound so simple.
“Oh, before I forget, you’re closing the show. Keiko was supposed to close the show with this finale wedding gown. Most of the girls are wearing clothes for the bridal entourage.”
“What?! I can’t—“
“It’s easier to have you do the final walk than having to re-train the models. They’ve rehearsed their part for weeks. It’s harder to teach an old dog new tricks, as you say in English. Plus, going last will give you time to observe the models.” She put an assuring hand on Darcey’s shoulders. “Don’t worry, Darcey-san. Walk slowly, take your time. I have a feeling you were made for this gown. Trust me.”
Before Darcey could protest some more, a woman with bleached blonde hair pulled Satomi aside. Darcey sat down again. A trickle of sweat ran down her back.
Oh no, Sissi will be sitting in the VIP section. What’s she going to say?
Sissi’s angry face flashed through her mind. Darcey almost forgot how to breathe. She gulped hard, the muscles all over her body tensed up to a degree she never felt before.
“It’s time!” the man with the orange hair told her. “Follow me.”
Darcey could only do what she was told. He led her behind the queue of models. One by one, the goddesses walked down the catwalk as chic music played and the crowd cheered. From where Darcey stood, she could see the models walk leisurely in time with the relaxing music. It didn’t look as difficult as she imagined just a few minutes earlier. Her shoulders began to relax a tiny bit. Before she knew it, each model had walked down the ramp and returned.
Satomi appeared behind her, her soft voice was soothing. “It’s almost time. Remember, walk as if you’re walking towards the man of your dreams, Darcey-san.” And with that, she gently nudged Darcey towards the catwalk.
She stepped on the ramp, the lights blinding her. She almost flinched, but remembered to keep her face calm. Memories of the Mona Lisa helped her regain control of her features.
Her knees wobbled a little in the heels.
This is it, I’m going to make a huge fool of myself.
Perhaps it was the beautiful music, or the simplicity of the catwalk. Maybe it was the confidence the stunning gown and professional makeup gave her. Whatever was the reason, she felt a surge of serenity course through her body. Her legs suddenly seemed to grow a mind of their own. Step by step they carried Darcey down the long catwalk. The beat of the music made it easy for her to keep a steady pace. It was exhilarating beyond her imagination and she immediately felt happy she agreed to help.
As soon as she reached the end of the ramp, her feelings changed. The faces in the audience had been a blur as she walked the catwalk, but pausing sharpened the image of the people sitting right in front of her.
There sat Sissi, with a grim line as a mouth and her eyes flashed with rage. Seated next to her was a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Nathan. Darcey’s heart skipped a bit
. She could literally feel the smile fade from her own face.
Another familiar face sat in the VIP area. Leo’s face beamed while Luis had his phone up, a look of pride on both their faces.
16, 15, 14…she mentally counted.
As Darcey slowly turned around the way Satomi had shown her, her eyes landed on yet another familiar pair of faces.
Nathan. And next to him was no other than Madeleine.
Pain pierced her heart sharper than ever.
Tears, please don’t come. Not now. You have all night to drown me.
Her eyes met his. A new stream of emotions invaded her soul. In his eyes, his beautiful eyes, she was stunned to see tenderness as Nathan gazed up at her.
But before she could revel in the admiration in his eyes, his expression changed. She knew him too well. The tenderness was replaced with sadness. Or was it anger?
10, 9, 8…
Her chest tightened. Madeleine had a hand on Nathan’s knee.
Before Darcey could accept the sight of Nathan and the evil woman, her legs failed her. To her horror, one of the heels she wore snagged on the hem of the gown. She was falling off the ramp!
Fortunately the catwalk wasn’t set too high. As she landed, the physical pain was nothing compared to the anguish and shame in her heart. She heard gasps all around her, followed by malicious whispers. Mortification assailed her senses. She had never wished for any moment to be a bad dream as she did that very second. She wanted nothing more than to run back to her hotel room and cry for a month.
Should I just lie here on the ground and die?
As she quickly tried to think of the next thing to do, familiar Italian shoes appeared in front of her. She looked up, her tears of shame and the bright lights overhead clouded her vision for a second. She blinked. It was Leo. He knelt beside her and reached over to stroke the sole tear that escaped.
He held out a hand to help her. “It’s okay, Darcey, I’m here. Let’s go. It’s time to take a bow.” He winked.
She found herself returning his smile as she took his hand. His strong arms helped her stand up with grace.
He was grinning. “The show has to go on, princess.”
Leo had always looked gorgeous but never had he appeared like a prince as he did that very moment. He placed her hand on his arm, his eyes wouldn’t let hers go. Little by little confidence returned to her.
It’s going to be okay. Luis and I will be laughing about this for decades to come.
Leo and the humour of the situation comforted her beyond measure. She smiled at her handsome escort as he walked her back to the stage.
Someone from the audience whistled, the whispers turned into applause.
“Bravo!” came Luis’s loud cheer from behind her.
Satomi was waiting for them on the ramp, a huge grin on her face.
“You did well, Darcey,” she whispered as she hugged Darcey and planted a kiss on both cheeks. “Now my show will be the talk of the fashion world!”
The cheers from the crowd grew louder as Satomi, Darcey and Leo bowed. They laughed while bowing repeatedly. The crowd loved it.
Darcey turned to Leo. “Thank you, I owe you one, Warwick.”
“You can pay me now.” He smiled as she stared at him in confusion.
Without warning, Leo gently pulled her towards him and their lips met. It was a gentle kiss. To her surprise, she responded, her mouth opening to receive his. It felt good, better than she expected.
But Nathan.
She instantly pulled back and faced the audience. The crowd was frantic. Thunderous applause filled the huge hall. People everywhere stood up to clapped even harder. Luis had the biggest grin on his face.
The show’s host didn’t miss a beat. “Now that’s how you get married! Congratulations to the newlyweds.”
Laughter and more cheers filled the air. The adrenaline flowing through Darcey’s brain clouded her judgment. In her nervousness, all she could do was grin and pretend it was all an act. The other models soon came out in a straight line to join them.
Satomi bowed repeatedly. The designer was clearly enjoying the show’s unexpected turn of events. She turned to Leo. “That was quick thinking, Mr. Warwick. It was a like a fairytale wedding, except maybe our bride is a bit clumsy. Let’s just hope neither of you is already spoken for.” She gave another smile of gratitude before turning to the host who came out to give a bouquet of flowers.
Nathan.
With a heavy heart, Darcey forced herself to look at her ex’s direction. His expression was unreadable, but it was anything but happy. His eyes showed what seemed to be a mixture of hurt and disgust.
As the crowd cheered some more and Satomi signaled for Darcey to exit the stage after the models, she saw Nathan whisper something in Madeleine’s ear. The pair stood up and turned to leave together. That was when Darcey realized all the applause in the world couldn’t drown out the sound of a shattering heart.
Chapter 27
The dinner couldn’t have been more awkward. The air was thick with unease, adding to Darcey’s humiliation. Only the Japanese host was oblivious to the drama unfolding.
Darcey sat between Leo and Luis, grateful in part that that Leo’s tall frame shielded her from the invisible darts shooting out of Sissi’s eyes. But the sharp stares from her boss were nothing compared to seeing Nathan, a stoic expression on his features. Seated at the same table were Satomi, her parents and, of course, Madeleine. The blonde clung to Nathan like he was life support. Joining them were Nathan’s sister Sophia Cromwell Orsini and a few more members of the Satomi’s family.
With a deep breath that drew worried glances from Leo and Luis, Darcey wished with all her might they were seated far away from the VIP section. Thanks to the unfortunate company, the luxurious settings and divine food didn’t make the table any less torturous.
Across her sat the man who refused to look her way, no matter how much she willed him to turn his beautiful eyes her way so he could see just how apologetic she felt.
“To my only daughter,” began Mr. Takemae, “who I’m so proud of.” Everyone raised their glass to show appreciation for the talented fashion designer.
Satomi stood up, a huge grin on her pretty face. She graciously thanked her parents, members of her staff and the models. Just when Darcey thought the speech was over, Satomi turned her eyes towards her. “My thank you speech won’t be complete without my mentioning Darcey Vaughn. She helped me at the very last minute out of the kindness of her beautiful heart.”
More applause came. Luis grinned at Darcey while Leo put an arm around her. She was speechless, caught off guard by Satomi’s acknowledgement.
Satomi beamed. “You see, the piece Miss Vaughn wore was a special one. Please allow me to share the story. I was at a friend’s wedding in America, myself and a few university friends.”
Darcey took a sip of water, sneaking a peek at Nathan. His eyes were focused on Satomi while his expression was unreadable. Madeleine leaned closer to him to whisper in his ears, her dark red nails flashing as she placed a hand on his arm. Darcey forced her eyes back towards Satomi.
“Everyone was talking about marriage and my friends were pretty expressive about their opinions. Some were not too keen about giving up their freedom, while others said they looked forward to the day they would share a life with the person they love forever. But one comment stood out for me. One of my friends, a very handsome gentleman said, ‘If I finally get her to say yes, I know she will be the source of my happiness each day. I will consider her acceptance of my proposal my greatest achievement.’”
Many of the ladies sighed at the romantic anecdote. Even Luis put a hand to his heart. Darcey’s chest tightened. Would she ever have her happy ending?
Satomi wasn’t finished. “I was intrigued, so I asked my friend, ‘How do you know she’s the one?’. Without missing a beat, he told me, ‘When I met her, I knew she would be the last girl I would take on a first date.’ Since he was a very good friend of mine, and
I am such a romantic at heart, I promised him, should this lucky girl accept his proposal, I would design a wedding gown for his bride. Of course, I told him, provided you pay for it.”
Chuckles filled the room. There was a lump in Darcey’s throat. She used to love romantic stories, but now that she was nursing a broken heart, all they did was remind her of what she didn’t have.
All of a sudden, she felt a pair of eyes on her. Without thinking, she turned her gaze towards Nathan’s direction. He was looking directly at her, a fresh wave of gentleness in his eyes. But as soon as he saw her facing him, his expression changed quickly to disgust. It changed so quickly Darcey felt she imagined the tenderness. She decided to focus her attention back on Satomi again. Nathan was tugging at her heart and soul, and not in a good way.
“And Darcey,” Satomi said softly, “when you walked on stage today, you looked exactly how I envisioned that woman would appear, the love of my friend’s life. Thank you so much for being a part of my show today.” She raised her glass, “To true love, marriages filled with bliss, and more successful bridal shows!”
The applause was enthusiastic, a far cry from how Darcey felt. At least Satomi’s gratitude warmed her heart. She raised a glass and gave the designer a huge grin.
Then, it happened again, she felt someone’s eyes were on her. She knew to whom they belonged before she even turned towards their owner. This time the tenderness in Nathan’s eyes was unmistakable. Anger was completely wiped off from his face. Nathan gazed into her eyes like no one else existed.
The world stopped for Darcey. Could it be? Was there a chance they could return to each other’s arms?
Sissi apparently noticed their silent interaction. She tapped her son’s arm and spoke to him softly. Darcey couldn’t make out what she was saying.
A sharp nudge came from Luis. “All this will pass. Don’t wear your heart out for him to see,” he whispered. “I promise to take you to a fabulous drinking session later. Oh, and karaoke!”
Be Mine Forever_Darcey's_Book 2 Page 19
