Chapter 4 4

The shimmering realm of high society became increasingly tighter around me in the expanse of those weeks. I became acquainted with a life filled with luxury and sophistication courtesy of Alexander who was my ever charming mentor. During days, I would design clothes in my studio attracting praises from the designers' panel while my outfits would find their way into the closets of many influential people. At night, exclusive parties where rich people indulged themselves in pleasure were places I found myself in all the time.

The threshold of knowing how powerful and influential Alexander was hit me when I walked into one such event; an extravagant cocktail party held at a penthouse located on top of buildings that made up part of the glittering skyline of Chicago. Stepping out from the elevator, I heard murmurs around me while jazz music played softly over those conversations. The penthouse had sleek furnishings and breathtaking views which made it stand out as one having elegance and wealth. "Ms Taylor, you look stunning tonight," said he coming up to me smiling widely while wearing a custom-made tuxedo oozing class; his dark locks were neatly tousled in place. As he noticed my figure hugging red dress that brought out all feminine curves within me, his eyes shone bright with admiration. His kind words warmed my cheeks with a pleasant glow." Thanks Mr King! You don't look bad yourself."

A glass of champagne was offered by him, the fingers touching mine while I took it. "To new beginnings and the success of King Fashion House." I clinked my glass against his, my eyes never leaving his. "To new beginnings," I echoed, soft and full of anticipation. The room was buzzing with conversations, laughter resonating from the elite while Christmas trees fluttered gently on champagne flutes. With every moment that passed, I felt myself being drawn deeper into high society, an unchanged fascination for this way of life holding me captive. Alexander led me through the throng and introduced me to powerful personalities and industry leaders. I found myself in conversation with CEOs, socialites, as well as celebrities whom people spoke about in hushed tones. The air reeked of expensive perfume mingling jazz sounds floating on breezes. "Ms.Taylor it's such a big thing to finally meet you." A distinguished gentleman with silver hair and piercing blue eyes walked nearer extending his hand."I'm Richard Wellington, an old friend of Alexander's." I grasped his hand entertained by recognition in his eyes."The honor's mine Mr.Wellington; I have heard so much concerning you."

Alexander smiled, pride lighting up his face. "Richard, it's good to see you. I'm glad you had an opportunity to meet Ms. Taylor". As the evening progressed, I became more and more enchanted with this extravagant way of life. The penthouse shimmered in soft light that perfectly complemented the beauty of its remarkable artworks hanging on the walls while waiters went round with silver trays offering gourmet canapés and flutes of champagne. "Let's go to my secret terrace," said Alexander, guiding me towards an isolated and quiet place where city lights were sparkling beneath us, he added, "Ms. Taylor what do you think? Are you having fun?" Turning back captivatingly towards him "It's incredible Mr. King; it feels like entering into a dream". A faint smile danced on his lips; his eyes were still glued to mine. "I'm pleased that you're one with it. This is what my life looks like and in every way I want you to experience it fully". My heart skipped an unsteady surge as he said so; at the intensity of his gaze there was an indescribable shiver down my spine. I admitted, "This is far away from where I started" opening wide my eyes at this magnificent sight. His gaze softened, Alexander said "It is because of your talent and drive towards something better Miss. Taylor; you've earned every bit of success at this point in your life".

His praise made my cheeks turn a warm shade of red. I felt included in this world of richness and sophistication, a world which had been opened up to me by Alexander. As the party reached its highest point, laughter was filling up the air together with soft melodies from a jazz trio that had taken to the stage. I found myself caught up in the celebration, my heart racing with excitement. Alexander's hand found mine with an electric touch that sent shivers down my spine. "Would you like to dance, Ms. Taylor?" As we held hands it felt so good against my palm as I could see this man leading me onto the dance floor where our bodies perfectly matched every sultry sway made by the music playing around us. We were oblivious about everything else happening outside this rhythm; all I cared for was his magnetic pull towards me. When the last notes of "our" song died away Alexander pulled me closer; his eyes sparkling like fire. "You haunt me,"he whispered into my ear making me tremble from hot breath hitting my skin softly. A chill ran through me at his words leaving me breathless – there was something about those emerald ones that made it seem like suddenly I was drowning in them forevermore without any hope for redemption ("death" became synonymous with "Alexander King"). Thus evening turned out only be glimpse at what extravagant lifestyle he represented. Alongside our relationship grew more profound, I came to learn about his eventual possessions of power and sway together with its veils of obscured facts.