Kane only moved his feet closer to the woman still on the floor when a man rushed towards the woman and yelled out her name, “Madeline!”
Kane froze on the spot as that name was like a siren in his ears. He never would have heard that name in a place like this and watched that man kneeling to help the woman up. Curiosity got the better of Kane and he found himself walking closer when Mariana grabbed his arm making him turn to look at her.
“Mrs Anderson and her chauffeur are coming towards us. Also, Mr Benson is waving at us.” Mariana uttered lowly while standing by his side and was quick to put her arm with his. To everyone, they looked like the ideal and perfect couple. “Mr Whitemon. A pleasure.” Kane walked ahead to share a hug with Mrs Anderson. “The pleasure is all mine Mrs Anderson. I wasn't expecting you at this fashion show. I thought you'll be chilling somewhere in the Philippines. Your husband once told me you loved the cities there.” Kane smiled and Mrs Anderson began to blush from ear to ear.
“I see you're a man with a sharp memory. No wonder you're cut out for business. Am sure the woman in your life would love having you in her life, speaking of woman...” Mrs Anderson caught Mariana's arm on Kane and slyly asked, “So...can I expect the both of you?...” But Kane was quick to notice and reply, “No Mrs Anderson. Mariana is just a friend and a good eye for sense of fashion. She's my company at this fashion show.” For some reason Kane couldn't help but turn around in hopes of finding that woman with the name Madeline but found no one except guests making their entries through the entrances.
For some days now ever since Amalie brought up Madeline, her name and thought never left Kane's mind. He wondered how she was doing and if she was even married. Six whole years had passed and he hadn't expected her to wait for him because he promised her nothing. But something inside him was pushing him to look for her. To find out about her situation and if she was happy with someone else. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't shake off that feeling of now wanting to know about Madeline after six years.
He felt his throat a bit dry and took a glass from a waiter passing by with a tray. “I need a minute. You can go in.” Kane told Mariana. “I can stay here with you...”
“That won't be necessary Mariana. I'll join you inside. Please leave me to myself.” Kane took a sip of the cold bubbling champagne and twirled his glass before staring at the golden liquid. “Is this because of Brenda?...” Brenda paused after seeing Kane's cold eyes on her. “Fine, I'll walk in. But you better come soon.” Mariana walked away and Kane felt his neck itching. He tugged his tie a little loose and didn't know why the itching feeling had something to do with that woman he bumped into earlier.
He saw himself walking back to the entrance and meeting one of the security. He enquired about a woman with the name of Madeline and the security were checking the guest lists but gave me a negative response. “Sorry sir. No woman with the name Madeline is here.”
“Are you sure? Check it again.” Kane inhaled and he didn't know what to feel and whether he would like knowing someone with the name Madeline was actually in the fashion show. “No sir. No person with the name Madeline is on our records.” The security said and Kane got a little frustrated. “How is that possible? I just bumped into someone whose name is Madeline...” Kane stopped in his tracks and saw himself as becoming someone he was not. Sparing a glance at the other guests making their way in while looking his way made him give up and walk back in. He gulped down the whole champagne and dropped the glass on a table before making his way into the fashion show.
Madeline was backstage thinking and pondering on that familiar voice. “Could it be...” She whispered to no one and got her breathing labored. She had seen him countless times on magazine covers and billboards in the last five years but not this close to hearing a voice that resembled his. She held her chest and refused to think of the past. Kane was nothing but her past and he made it clear six years ago when he chose to leave her pregnant. Maybe that voice was just a coincidence.
The door opened and Abel walked in with some first aid equipments. “Does it hurt?” Abel dragged a small wooden stool by his side and was quick to hold Madeline's arm. “No Abel it doesn't. It was just a small bruise. Just an ice would do the trick.” Madeline tried taking her arm away but one glare from Abel made her stop resisting. “Some people just don't watch where they go. I mean didn't that guy see you.” Abel muttered upset.
“Did you get a chance to see the man who bumped into me Abel?” Madeline couldn't stop herself from asking. She knew she shouldn't but she couldn't hold herself. A little worry settled in her ever since she heard that deep voice. The same voice with deep voumes that says her name when he does her in bed. She needed to clear all doubts and what were the chances that she and Kane were both present in the same building.
“No Madeline, I couldn't look at the scoundrel's face. I didn't get the chance to. I was only worried for you.” Abel got the cotton wool after dabbing it on alcohol and dabbed her bruised arm. “He didn't have the courtesy to apologize. I bet he's some rich folk who thinks he runs the world.” Abel hissed. Madeline already drifted into space and only blinked after Abel snapped his fingers in front of her. “What's the matter?” Abel asked and Madeline shooked her head.
A man walked in as Abel helped Madeline get up. “I've been looking all over for you Abel. The show is about to start. All the models are in the dresses and ready to go. I need you backstage and by my daughter's side.”
“Forgive me Mr Anton. She is Madeline Collins, the real designer behind the dresses which will soon be displayed for all of Manhattan.” Abel smiled with pride while introducing Madeline to his boss. “It's an honour to finally meet you in person Ms Collins.” Anton smiled and extended a hand. “Likewise Mr Anton. I hope there's nothing wrong with the dresses?” Madeline shooked his hand. “No no. Everything's perfect. My boss is super happy with the designs and you'll be paid handsomely of course. But you already know the deal Ms Collins,” Anton had a serious expression on.
“No one can know you are the actual designer of those designs. The company did provide the expensive fabrics but no one can know that we hired you to design those dresses out there.” Anton clarified before looking over to Abel. “Don't worry Mr Anton. Mr Abel already informed me about everything. I don't mind at all.” Madeline tried her best to assure Anton. She honestly didn't care about not taking the credit for her designs and only cared about the money. She hardly got a good job with this much pay and was only able to make her neighbors with their stitches and sewing but the money wasn't enough. She wouldn't mind taking on this unethical job as long as it provided her with the money needed for her daughter's future.
“That's perfect Ms Collins. Am so happy we are on the same page. My boss will transfer the money to your account. And, we hope to work with you in the future too.” Anton smiled and portraying himself as the ideal middleman in this transaction. “Abel, I want you with my daughter Priscilla backstage. She would be closing the show tonight.” Anton seemed cheerful and who wouldn't be. His daughter Priscilla was closing off one of the most awaited fashion shows this year from the collection of G&M Fashions. Madeline wondered the deal Mr Anton had with his boss to have his daughter close the show. But it was none of her business. She only cared about the money and making Molly's life a much happier one.
Molly crossed her mind and Madeline was beginning to wonder why Ava hadn't called yet. She watched Mr Anton walk out of the room with Abel right behind him. She dialed Ava's number only to have it go straight to voicemail. She stared at the pass tickets on the table to which she had gotten from Abel for both Ava and Molly to watch the fashion show. She had her own plans to return home and rest for the whole night.
It was thirty minutes and it was already time for the fashion show. Madeline walked out and tried Ava's number for the umpteenth time and was worried each time the call went straight to voicemail. She looked around backstage and couldn't find anyone around. She walked into the dressing room backstage to see the models all ready and dressed up in her designs. She couldn't help but smile and savor this moment. Her designs were going to make it big in the market and maybe her dreams can still be fulfilled.
Her phone rang and Madeline sighed with relief seeing Ava's name flashing on her screen. “Where are you girl? It's time for the fashion show. Hurry if you want to see it all.”
“Am sorry honey but you know how traffic can be in New York at this time. We're already in a cab close to G&M.” Ava repiled over the call. Madeline gulped before asking, “And, how is Molly? Is she still upset?” And, she heard Ava asking Molly over the phone to talk to her but only heard nothing but silence. Ava got back to the call. “She's still upset Madeline. You know how she is. She can keep malice with anyone not as long as she gets what she wants. And, forgive me for saying but you're partly to blame for her turning out this way...Oh look! We're here.”
Madeline walked out and met Ava hurrying into the building with Molly. “How was school honey?” Madeline was quick to ask Molly who only gave her the cold shoulder. “You can't stay upset with your mommy for too long now can you?” Madeline knelt down to hold her baby girl. Molly was silent and not hearing her say anything was making Madeline feel more guilty for raising her voice yesterday.
“Don't worry. She'll get over it eventually.” Ava whispered with a smile. Madeline nodded turning back to look at Molly. Touching her face and soft cheeks, Madeline leaned to give her a kiss on the cheek. “Always remember that mommy loves you very much. And, that she would do anything to make you happy and smiling all the time.” Looking at Molly reminded Madeline of the times when she was heavy and all the ordeals. The bitter times during her pregnancy and finally the baby girl was standing in front of her. Wiping her tears, she pulled Molly into a tight hug.
Molly had the right to know her father but Madeline saw it wasn't the right time to discuss such sensitive matters with a six years old. She knew her baby girl would understand in the future. Getting herself back up, she passed the pass tickets to Ava. “Enjoy the show. Abel had some great seats reserved to see the whole thing.”
“You know it sucks seeing you out here and not up on that stage with your name announced as the designer of their collection.” Madeline sighed and shooked her head. “To be honest Ava. Am not ready to take center stage just yet. It's better like this for now. Working behind the scenes.” Ava saw how tense Madeline got concerning the subject. “I wonder when you'll tell me the story and what's stopping you from being noticed by everybody. We are soul sisters and we share everything. I don't pry but I know there's something bugging you till now and why you don't feel like coming into the spotlight?”
They both heard the announcements inside and Madeline told them to go inside. Madeline gave one last hug to Molly before deciding to head back home. She didn't bother going to Abel and thought he would be busy tonight. She went back in to grab her things and went out through the backdoor. By the time she reached the main road and about to hail a cab, she got an alert and saw the money being transferred. With a sigh, she recalled her life back at PVH Corp. She barely made it up to a week before being fired and now felt chained to ever take up the risk again of coming out in this industry.
She got into the cab that would take her back home and all the while she got her phone out to shop online for those beautiful paintbrushes Molly loved and wanted so much. She smiled and hoped her surprise would earn Molly's forgiveness.
Kane was seated at the front row amongst many people groomed in the world of fashion. He simply stared at the dresses with a full expression. No doubt the designs were spectacular but that was all about it. He was only interested in those dresses bringing him a fortune for his department stores. Mariana was grinning at the designs and she couldn't help herself but admit how stunning those designs looked.
“So....are they a good catch befitting for the Whitemon stores?” He asked Mariana who seemed to be taking lots of pictures of the models walking on the ramp. “They are perfect Kane. Look at the quality of the fabric and the details embedded on those dresses. I never knew Mr Gallagher's daughter was such a talented designer. Those designs would make great sales in your stores.” Mariana's answer was like sweet music to Kane's ears. At least he didn't waste his precious time coming to this fashion show.
What seemed like forever and finally Mr Gallagher's daughter Lola as the designer stepped forward with the head model closing off the show for the night. Huge applauses resonated in the entire area. Kane along with Mariana and his assistants accompanied him to have a word with Mr Gallagher about business matters. “Congratulations on a successive show Mr Gallagher.” Kane shaked hands with Mr Gallagher and Kane was quick to notice the man who was standing a couple meters away from where he was. The man was talking with the head model and he couldn't help but see him as someone familiar.
And, then it hit him. He was the same guy by the entrance who yelled out the name Madeline while rushing to help the woman he had bumped into.
