The Grand Mistress

"Yes miss, how can I help you?" The sales lady went out of the room to Simione's relief.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, I know you are closed today," Simione went on with her errand  "But I was sent here to pick some parcel for Lucilla Dimitri,"

"Oh yes Miss, Miss Dimitri did call earlier. Do you have her receipt and her authorization? " The polite saleslady accommodated her immediately as Lucy was one of their valued clients. 

"Yes," Simione grabbed some documents in her bag and gave it to the lady "Here it is,"

"Thank you Miss. Let me just authenticate this and prepare the parcel for you," She replied as soon as she had the documents she demanded.

"No worries," Simione replied. After the small curtsy which she answered with a nod, the saleslady left her to attend to her request. Simione was left standing alone in the room, aside of course from Lucas who for some reason stood at the door where the saleslady came from as if  blocking the entrance. 

'What is he doing?' Simione raised a brow at the man's unusual behavior especially earlier when he totally made a fool of himself in front of her. Curious, she tried to peek inside the room but thought it was rather unethical to pry into somebody else's business so she let it go.

Instead, she busied herself appreciating the displayed jewels that surrounded the whole store which was more amusing than the man earlier. She went on and scrutinized the pieces and entertained herself by the thought of how they were processed and carved delicately. Simione had a peculiar eye and knowledge about the manual jewelry process as it runs in her blood and such skill was the only good thing she inherited from her family. The rest, she doesn't want to think about it.

As her eyes transferred from jewelry to another, something caught Simione's eye and as if magnetized by it, she found herself approaching one particular jewelry that immediately drew a smile on her face.

It was a gold necklace with a butterfly pendant. The design was a simple one, in fact its cord was very thin, almost not visible to the eye but since it was made of gold Simione knew that it would shine enough to catch anyone's attention when worn. The centerpiece was a beautifully carved butterfly adorned with rubies. Although it seemed to be a simple jewelry, it actually was not and its rarity and value was made obvious by the fact that it was displayed on a corner of the room, separated from all the others. Simione was totally awestruck by it. With the knowledge she had, she knew it cost a lot as the design and the carving was intricately done.

"Mariposa verde," Simone read the note that was displayed with it. She took time to appreciate it then sigh helplessly at its beauty, "Such a beautiful piece,"

"Miss here is your parcel," The sales lady came back and pulled Simione's attention away from the jewelry, "I'm sorry for making you wait,"

"No problem," She went to the counter where the lady was and grabbed the box. "Thank you so much for accommodating me,"

"Anytime. Send our regards to Miss Dimitri," The polite sales lady added and bid her goodbye. 

Soon after, Simione left the store and hurried to Lucy's photoshoot site. Unknown to her, she made someone totally disturbed as soon as she left.

***

All this time, Hawk was watching the girl. She was totally clueless of his eyes all over her and of the raging fire she created on him. 

How could she wear that kind of dress in broad daylight where everyone can see all of her clearly? Her silky skin alone can already create chaos! Damn! He wanted to follow her and gouge all the eyes of those who dare look at her!

Even Lucas was not an exception! He was already plotting how to punish him later for lusting over the woman who was currently the apple of his eye.

"President Hawk?" Ami's call seemed to have awakened Hawk from whatever forbidden desires that befall on him.

Hawk turned to their side and was welcome by curious expressions. Feather and Ami had been calling his attention for a while then but he was so occupied that he could not hear anything. Only when Ami intentionally raised her voice did Hawk hear it.

"Yes? Are you done?" He asked and for reasons both Feather and Ami don't know, his tone felt like he was in a hurry.

"Miss Feather was wondering if you like this bracelet on her," Ami expressed. 'Was President Hawk that bored already that he wanted to go? He was clearly out of focus' Ami thought.

"It looks good," His reply was short and went to straighten his back to give them his full attention.

It was obvious that Hawk's mood changed into something else and Feather was alarmed knowing that she had spent a good four hours already choosing jewelry. She wanted to buy a lot more but was not willing to bore Hawk to hell as it was obvious that the latter was not anymore pleased with what they were doing.

"President Hawk, I think I've had enough already," Feather said, flushing a shy face. 

"But Miss Han—" Ami protested but Feather gave her an eye before she could finish her words. Seeing that Feather had thoroughly decided on leaving, she changed her words into something, "I mean, Miss Han you really are so considerate. President Hawk, I guess Miss Han don't want to take much of your time since she knew you have many things to do,"

"If that's the case then let's leave," Hawk concluded and gave a que to the group of salespersons to pack up all the things Feather chose. "I had some reservations, let's eat first before heading home,"

"Thank you President Hawk," Hearing it, Feather was thoroughly satisfied. She planned to have Ami leave early so both Hawk and she can have an intimate dinner. Of course, she didn't want her assistant to tag along then, her jewelry presence during the shopping was enough and she surely had served her purpose already.