373 A Privilege

The atmosphere inside Damien's car was awkward while Katherine's question lingered in the air, waiting for an answer that didn't come. Not knowing why he hasn't said anything, she had no idea how to act now. She snuck a glance at him earlier and all she saw was his impassive expression—a face that she rarely saw on him. Especially after having just asked him if they were going to go together as a date.

Was she too vague? Too forward? Should she clarify? She totally had no idea what to think after not hearing any response from him at all.

And for the first time in a long time, she was insecure… and she didn't even know what she was feeling insecure about.

The rest of the car ride was spent in silence until they reached the district where West Bespoke Tailor was located. Damien helped her out of the vehicle and Katherine tried to ignore the nagging feeling she had in the pit of her stomach. She decided she would ask him again later if he wouldn't bring it up again. This was just so unlike Damien… and it was bugging her a lot.

As they headed towards Mr. West's luxury boutique, she felt nostalgic. It had been a long time since she last set foot inside. She remembered that the last time was when she had to do the last fitting of the gown that she wore during the charity gala that the Parks hosted—where she was blindfolded in order for her not to see what she was wearing—a total surprise that Damien orchestrated.

Of course, how could she forget when he helped her "feel" how her gown looked like while blindfolded.

It was such a memorable experience for her because it was the first time that she wore an extremely expensive gown. A gown that made her look like a glowing jellyfish amidst the riches who bid for the gown that went up to millions. 

Wait—she turned to look at Damien and remembered that he had won that bidding at $2,180,000. He recreated the whole bidding war and followed what she did to him many years ago—probably in an attempt for her to remember something of the past which was quite clever as it was actually successful. He had remembered the numbers 218 for five years without even knowing what it actually meant.

She was quite conflicted at first because he was elusive earlier but the reminiscence buttered up her heart and she melted. 'Fine. Whatever you're up to, Damien, I'll try to be patient,' she said in her thoughts.

Soon, they arrived at West Bespoke Tailor and they were just in luck as Mr. West was still there. They were greeted by Ava, the kind staff whom Katherine had been acquainted with since she first visited. Damien had called in earlier and told them that he was coming so Mr. West intentionally waited for them.

"Mr. West, thank you for waiting. I hope we're not delaying your flight." Damien shook Mr. West's hand as soon as they met.

"Ah, Mr. West, I hope you still remember Katherine?" Damien ushered Katherine forward, placing his hand on her back.

"Of course, how could I forget? It's lovely to see you again, Katherine." Mr. West shook hands with her and listened as Damien told him, "I was wondering if it would be possible for you to have another project? It doesn't have to be an entirely new line… but the thing is, it will be Katherine's first ball from The Platinum. I want her to have that long-lasting impression to awe the members and I know that wearing your creation will help with that."

Mr. West nodded softly while Damien spoke and then looked at Katherine, who was currently quiet as she felt a little shy being talked about. Instead of replying to Damien, he turned to Katherine instead and told her, "I would be more than willing to work with Natalie Young's daughter."

The mention of her mother's name sent chills down her spine and she froze. Never had she expected Mr. West to ever mention her family—especially not her deceased mother. "Y-You… know my mother?" she stuttered and was hesitant to ask. Even Damien was surprised to know that Mr. West knew Katherine's mother.

Mr. West was in his late thirties. He had an average height, a clean haircut and had dark eyes. He didn't smile often but when he did, he looked really gentle. Just like at that moment, it was the brightest smile that he had ever shown her since they first met and she felt like it was such a rare sight. "Darling, I know your parents," his words were a shock to the couple, causing them to just stare at him, unsure of what to say to that.

"They were the ones who helped me settle here in Esmea. And without them, I wouldn't be who I am today. They were the first people who believed in what I can do. Your mother, Natalie, and your father, Mason, were really good people. So, of course…. I would be honored if you would wear my creation."

Katherine could feel her heart quicken as she listened to Mr. West. It was such a bizarre feeling knowing that there was someone who knew her parents like this. Subconsciously, she had gripped Damien's hand—as if doing so would help calm her racing heart.

"H-How did I not hear about you?" she wondered.

"You were still young and in school back then. I mostly meet them outside. But I've heard a lot about you because of your parents." Mr. West answered, slightly feeling sad yet happy at the memory in his mind.

"I… I…" Her voice trailed off until she felt Damien squeeze her hand as if he was giving her some courage, soothing her throbbing heart. And it helped. "I don't know what to say to that…"

Softly chuckling, Mr. West shook his head, "There's nothing to say… It will be my pleasure, Ms. Young." And he gave her a 90-degree bow, in which Katherine hurriedly responded with her own.

With all the emotions that's stirring up inside Katherine, she was definitely overwhelmed to wrap her head around what she just discovered. Mr. West—one of the most prominent designers in the industry just told her that it was his pleasure to let her wear one of his creations. To top it off, her parents were a huge part of his success. What could she say to that?

"Thank you, Mr. West," she muttered.

"Please, call me Samuel," he said before he turned to his assistant, Ava, and asked her to help with Katherine's current measurement.

Mr. West allowing Katherine to call him by his first name was also surprising for Damien because not everyone had the privilege of doing so. Even he had never called Mr. West by his first name. This privilege that only Katherine had was definitely worth a lot. The pride that Damien had for her only continuously grew. She's truly one of a kind.