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Chapter Six
September, 2023 – Fashion Week
Seated at Sergio’s conference table in his office at Delcinia’s HQ, he and Olivia reviewed the inaugural recipients of the new scholarship program. Award letters had been sent two months ago, and he was incredibly pleased with the program’s launch. Sergio wanted to see the program grow so they could help many more girls achieve their dreams. He was incredibly proud of the launch and Olivia for conceptualizing the program.
The girls that had been selected were ambitious, hardworking and deserving. They’d be well received at the big-donor charity ball in two weeks. The attending Darlings, male and female, were enthusiastic to lend their support for the event and the program.
Sergio wanted to do more, however. College wasn’t for everyone. He knew this from personal experience with family and friends.
He gazed over at Olivia, who was busy on her laptop and couldn’t help but smile. Sergio was so fucking happy he didn’t recognize his life sometimes. When she sensed him watching her, she looked up from the screen. Olivia’s smile made his heart swell with love. She raised a curious brow.
“What do you think about implementing a paid internship program for girls who might not see college as an option but still want to make a way for themselves? We could start with areas in the design, photography, and marketing departments.” Sergio liked the idea even more now that he’d expressed it out loud. Would Olivia? Or would she feel that he was undermining her efforts?
Olivia’s jaw dropped. “I love that idea. College isn’t for everyone but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful, well-paying career.” Her fingers flew over the laptop keyboard, he assumed to make preliminary notes about the program. “We could also include internships in the factories and with the seamstresses.”
He hadn’t initially considered that, but Sergio was onboard with that idea as well. His concerns about living together while also working together had been quashed. He and Olivia related well regardless of their setting. Period. Even better now than they did when they’d first met ten years ago. Older and wiser, he supposed.
“Since the fall fashion show is in four days, let’s take one last look at the Essence line before it goes live on the online store. I think everything looks great. Having the options with the lace detailing turned out so well.” An easy smile spread across Olivia’s face as they scrolled through the online store photos. The Essence line was going to be a huge success based on the prototype feedback, and adding men’s garments had been a brilliant idea.
Their customers were going to flip next February when they introduced Essence jeans to the line. The denim fabric was soft, stretchy, and ultra comfortable. The stylish prototypes for men and women looked and felt like a dream. Olivia had hit a home run with the Essence line.
They moved on to the new additions to the Eden and Enchantment lines. The latest items were beautiful, and Sergio was certain they’d be well received and sell well. The larger Darlings were absolutely gorgeous, and he hoped would expand their customer base to women who couldn’t see themselves wearing Delcinia lingerie before.
“Natalie’s and Faith’s pictures are truly stunning. Faith sure came around, didn’t she?” Sergio was proud of Faith. She’d been so shy in the beginning but now exuded confidence he hoped would inspire other women.
Olivia beamed with pride. “I know.” She grasped his hand, her eyebrows drawing together with concern. “Vera would have been thrilled with the upcoming show and everything we’ve accomplished. Has Henry responded to his show invitation?”
Sergio’s shoulders drooped and his chest ached. Vera Delair’s funeral had taken place two weeks ago. Attended by the who’s who in the fashion industry, celebrities, politicians, and former and current Darlings, it had been a celebration of Vera’s life, her enduring partnership with Henry and her many accomplishments.
Henry had put on a brave face for everyone, but privately when they were alone, he’d broken down. Sergio, Olivia, and Camille comforted Henry and each other as best as they could. They were all heartbroken. Vera’s passing was an enormous loss.
“No reply.” Sergio didn’t blame him. “I reserved a spot of honor for him beside Allegra if he decides to attend.” Attending the show could bring Henry the comfort he so badly needed right now.
Olivia frowned and rubbed her eyes. Between the work she’d done preparing for the upcoming show, the Essence line, planning the first scholarship charity ball, and her modeling obligations, she had to be exhausted.
“Let me take you to the Hamptons for a few days after the charity ball. You need a break, and we have a competent staff in place to take care of things while were gone.” Sergio could use a break himself, but he cared more about what Olivia needed. She was his priority, first and foremost.
Before she could answer, Sergio heard a commotion in the hallway. “I’m sorry sir, but you need an appointment to see Mr. Martinez,” Sergio’s executive assistant Ruby said with confidence and authority. Vera and Henry had spoken highly of the capable, no-nonsense, long-time employee who didn’t take shit from anyone. Sergio hadn’t regretted keeping her on after he’d taken over the company. She had yet to disappoint him and was a valuable asset to the company.
“Mr. Martinez is my son, and you can’t keep me away from him!”
“If you don’t leave immediately, I’m going to call security and the police. I don’t care who you are.”
Olivia cursed under her breath. Their love bubble had officially popped. Shit. Sergio had known it was only a matter of time, but his father’s timing couldn’t have been worse. They had so much going on. Multiple balls in the air.
Sergio opened his office door to find Ruby nearly ready to take his father down personally. His lips twitched in amusement. No one messed with Ruby, and his father was about to find out if he didn’t calm the hell down.
His father, on the other hand, although his eyes were narrowed and his hands were clenched into fists, seemed haggard. His hair was tousled, his navy suit was wrinkled, and his eyes were red. For a moment, Sergio felt sorry for the man. The feeling passed quickly.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Sergio didn’t have time for his father’s bullshit so the faster he could get him to leave, the better.
“I need to speak with you. It’s important. Please.”
The weakness in his father’s voice surprised Sergio as well as his use of the word please. Sergio gestured to his office and his father entered, followed by Ruby.
“As an additional witness,” Ruby whispered as she walked past Sergio. He chuckled. She was getting a raise. A substantial one.
When his father noticed Olivia sitting at the conference table, he visibly stiffened. “I need to speak with my son alone. Leave us now.”
