Chapter Two

Over the next two weeks, Aria battled with low self-esteem as would any girl whose boy-friend dumped her for someone more sophisticated and richer and better-looking than her. She used Bettina to dig out any information she could get on Giorgio's fiancée. Muriel was a high-status fashion runway model who has walked the runway of London's fashion week years in a row. She was also the guest of many fashion shows and she enjoyed a wide-range of popularity and fame. Over the next two weeks, Aria stalked her on all forms of social media, and any photo she and her ex-lover posted with a thousand likes and comments made her heart scorch with pain and jealousy. Finally Bettina couldn't take it no more; she was done petting her friend's bruised ego. 

'Aria what does Muriel do for a living?

'She is a model'. Aria huffed. 'You know that'.

'And what do you do for a living?

She rolled her eyes. 'I am a struggling model who can barely make ends meet. You also know that'.

'And don't you want to change that? Do you want to continue being a struggling model for the rest of your life? 

'Hell no.' sighed Aria. 'But where do I get the opportunities to shine and be even better than that Muriel, she's not even that good-looking! 

Bettina laughed at her out-burst. 'Alright I like that energy. I found a spot for you'. 

When Aria stepped past the glass doors into the Grand hall of Elicit, an event center set at the edge of Venice, open to only exclusive events she was more than astonished. Every inch of the marbled walls, to the marbled floors, to the chandelier lights, to the uniforms of the waiters passing around with bottles of rich Italian wine screamed luxury. Stylish models, posh designers, urbane brand influencers, and thriving photographers from the high end of Italy's fashion industry all came to grace this event. 

'How did you get invites to be here? Aria fiercely whispered to Bettina. 'Muriel.' Bettina laughed as her friend squeezed her face which was painted in light make-up that highlighted her exquisite facial contours. 

'I don't need favors from Muriel for anything'

'well, I needed you to be here because Bordini, the brand hosting this event is organizing a photo shoot to add more faces to their new make-up catalogue, and you needed an upgrade so I figured that this could be it.' 

'Woah' Aria exclaimed as she saw the train of male and female chic models dressed in up-to-the-minute fashion. 'You think I can beat that? 

'No stress, I think you have the abundant amount of good looks to scale through this. I mean, look at you' giggled Bettina as she slowly spun her friend around. Aria's svelte shape was accentuated in an almond maxi body-hug gown.

'and who is that? Aria pointed to a towering figure of a man wearing a Bordini suit, he exuded feline grace and energy with a potent masculinity that was felt all the way across the hall and it was like the muscles on his arms fought for control against the taut fabric of his suit as he flexed and inflexed. He was talking to a woman as lissome as waving grass, his jaw set stiff with nerves. 

'Major, you have to ease up'. Her gentle laugh was like a symphony. 'You are looking too tense, and you aren't even part of the models we'll be examining today'. 

Major exhaled as his tense gaze swept across the grand hall. He swiped his slender hands over his glossy, well-trimmed hair, his gaze softly landing on her face. 'I really want to be on Pietro's good side, not after what went on in the boardroom yesterday. I'm hoping that this will convince him that we are still very good business friends'.

'It's a welcome sight to see a domineering proud man that you are actually feel nerved' she chuckled. 'Worry no more; your donation to this event really pleased him. What do you think about the new faces though? 

He was the one to smile this time. 'What would I know?

'Ah-ha Major, you are the one with an exquisite taste in women. You should know' 

He looked around slowly and his eyes fell on Aria. 'If I were you, the first person I would pick would be that lady with hair the color of sunset in the beautiful almond dress'.

She gave a low chuckle. 'Your taste has never failed you Major.' 

Bettina let out a mini squeal. 'I didn't expect the Major Knight to be here at all.' 

'Who's he? 

Bettina's voice was laced with ecstasy. 'Major Knight Bacuzzi, billionaire celebrity actor, also Owner of the Knight Chain of companies of which Bacuzzi is a fashion brand under it. He's one of the largest sponsors of this annual modeling event. I've so much wanted to see him in person, I had no idea he was going to be here, if not I'd have dressed better.' 

Aria scoffed at Bettina's excitement, slightly amused. 'It's not like he's going to notice you Bettina. There are too many beautiful women here'. 

She waved her, offhandedly. 'Oh purlease. Ishhh, he's looking this way, he's looking this way', but it was only a flash. 'Meen, that was too intense even though he had his eyes on me for a brief second'. 

Aria laughed. 'It was me he looked at, not you. But geez, he has intimidating good looks.'

'All the members of the Bacuzzi family does, his is no exception. The person he is talking to, that's his sister'. 

'You really know a lot about this guy, Tina' she sniggered, as she saw her dreamily ogling him. 'Christ! You're obsessed!' 

'There's no one in all of Venice that doesn't know the billionaire Major Knight, no one'. 

His sister climbed the dais, her legs flowing with the smooth suave material of her peach gown. She grabbed the microphone and started to introduce the dignitaries one by one. 'This is a standing event' Bettina whispered to Aria as she continued with her speech. 'You don't seat, you stand'. Aria grabbed a tall flute of champagne by a passing waiter as Major Knight climbed the podium. There were feminine cheers and squeals from the crowd as he took the microphone from his sister. Aria shuddered in delight when his deep voice swelled round the hall. The cacophony of voices around her died down and everyone listened in rapt attention. She marveled at the respect that oozed from his silent audience. 

Who exactly was this billionaire and what was this imposing aura he seemed to emanate? And, why oh why was he suddenly staring at her? She gripped the flute of her glass in fright, her sip of champagne burning at the back of her throat and turned back. Yep, it was she his gaze was so drilled on, but no one else seemed to notice. Everyone looked up at him, lost in his charming cool voice. He smiled but Aria felt it directed at her, like he knew what he was doing, the uneasiness he was causing, the way his heated looks was rapidly turning her on. Then, he looked away and it was like ice water was dumped on her head. He finally handed the microphone to Muriel, whom he introduced as the lead model, and as she came forward in all her grace and elegance to address the 'try-out' models, Aria felt her blood boil.