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"Penelope is my fiancée," I say to the man, in a firm, confident tone. "And it must be said that she is also one of the best designers I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
Her signature blush rises to Penny's cheeks in a delightful way, and she smiles kindly.
"That I have had the pleasure of witnessing. Some of your designs have left me quite impressed," the man says, causing the blush to intensify around Penny's cheeks.
Our conversation is gradually joined in on by other friends, acquaintances, and associates who soon become interested in the business. Meeting up-and-coming talent is an exciting matter of investment and opportunity. And of course, I have not hesitated for a second to showcase and brag about Penny's undeniable skill, knowing that everyone present trusts me and my recommendations. I know for a fact that she deserves this opportunity, and I’m delighted to see her finally get it.
But, just as I’m about to close some important deals, Brittany's looming and thoroughly annoying presence makes its way in. She appears on stage, sporting a sleek, outrageous dress meant to catch everyone's attention.
"Welcome to what will be the start of the best fashion week ever. We will see many of the world's top designers, and Penelope Gould!" she says, laughing.
It is obvious that Brittany is drunk, and that's why she is acting that way, but inside my veins, I can feel my blood starting to boil. The expression on Penny's face is as if someone had squeezed her heart inside her chest, and she is full of shame and doubt.
It is clear that Brittany has no intention but to sabotage Penny's opportunity with the investors.
But, I’m not going to allow that. Without hesitation, I decide to act, so I step onto the stage to take control of the situation.
"I'm sorry, but I need to make the small correction that Brittany Cole is no longer part of the program," I say firmly to the audience. "But, with her gracious introduction, I’d like to point out the intention of this event: to pave the way for new names that will make a mark on the fashion world. Names that will be recognized by everyone someday, and that will make history. I would like to grant recognition to those who deserve it. Therefore, I just want to promote the real star of this event, Penelope Gould."
For a moment Brittany's expression, full of anxiety and doubt, is supplanted by anger.
Regardless, I haven’t thought for a moment to allow her to steal any more of the evening's limelight.
"Security, get her out of here," I say, and Brittany is escorted out of the event.
I have made it very clear to her beforehand that I don't plan to allow her to mess with Penny again.
No one else will ever hurt her. Not as long as I’m there to watch over her.
Chapter twenty-four
Penny
Investorsandbuyersstartcheering as soon as Parker finishes his concise, but effective speech, managing to make my cheeks red with embarrassment.
"We love your brand," I’m told by a kind and renowned designer I have been talking to for a while now. "And we wholeheartedly want to invest in it."
Her initial words are followed by more affirmations, full of appreciation for the novel qualities of my designs. It is too surreal and wonderful for me to believe that all this is really happening.
"If you'll excuse me," Parker says, coming to my side as he takes my hand. "I wish to speak with my fiancée for a moment."
Parker's intense green eyes remain fixed on mine as he gently leads me out onto the building's elegant terrace, where we can talk alone.
As I walk away with Parker, I feel like my heart is going to burst with happiness. Not only did Parker stand up for me, but he showed me that he loves me in front of all his colleagues and peers.
Or at least, that is how I saw it. It is as if, for a moment, I can believe that what is between us is real. That, beyond all the offense from Brittany's cruel words, is what I’m left with from that night.
"Penny, I'm so sorry for what happened with Brittany; but I won't let it happen again."
"You have nothing to apologize for." I say, trying to take a deep breath in as I feel my dizziness return. "I feel like tonight is too unreal and beautiful to believe. Brittany won't ruin that for me."
"I really wish she wouldn't. All I want is for you to fulfill all your dreams," he says.
"Right now, I do feel like I'm achieving them," I say, a small smile tugging at my lips.
Parker's smile is so radiant in that moment that it dazzles me.
He reaches his hands out toward me, wrapping them around my face as he leans into me, to whisper in my ear, "You were amazing tonight, Penny. I'm so proud of you."
