My parents gave me a tour of the entire company, from the executives' offices to the production plant, and finally took me to the workshop of the great designer Patrick Moreau, the place where he has created the most successful haute couture collections.
"Mr. Patrick, I see that you did not attend this morning's meeting, I would like to introduce you to the new vice president of Doinel." My father spoke to the man who was creating new designs with his back turned.
Upon hearing my father's voice, he stood up, revealing his six-foot frame, and turned towards us with a furrowed brow. His ocean blue eyes fixed on me and the corners of his lips curved slightly into a smile that seemed arrogant. He didn't seem as old as I imagined, I suppose he couldn't be much older than his thirties, which surprised me.
"Mr. Doinel, I apologize for not attending the meeting. As you can understand, the launch of the new collection is approaching, and I cannot afford the slightest distraction." He said with a deep voice, accompanied by his furrowed brow.
It made me think that he was one of those who didn't like the idea of my appointment. However, I dismissed that thought when he approached me, took my hand, and kissed my knuckles, making me feel a little uncomfortable.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Moreau. You are a legend in the fashion world." I replied, not wiping the smile off my face. Apparently, he liked hearing that, judging by the sparkle in his eyes.
Patrick was a globally renowned designer for the success of his designs for Doinel. He had been on trend in recent years, and a great part of my father's company's prestige was thanks to him. But I never imagined he would be so young.
"Please, just call me Patrick." He said before I could say another word. My mother hurried to speak.
"What news is Patrick referring to?" My body tensed, as did my father's, and Abby was the only one who could do something to get us out of answering that question.
"I'm Abby Dubois, daughter of the partners of Doinel and, of course, Paul's sister. Let me tell you, I am a big fan of yours. I love all your designs." My friend said as she shook hands with Patrick, who looked at her indifferently, erasing his slight smile.
I took the opportunity to approach my mother, who looked confused by Patrick's words about the wave of gossip.
"Don't worry, it's about the news of my divorce. It couldn't go unnoticed, considering Alexander is the president of a renowned company." I reassured my mother, telling her only part of what had happened. Judging by her relieved expression, she believed it all.
"But of course, Alexander wouldn't wait to announce his divorce. Anything can be expected of him." My mother replied. With her response, it was clear that she still didn't know the real news, and I hoped she wouldn't find out. Otherwise, she would be outraged that we had kept it from her.
After finishing the tour of Patrick's workshop, my father guided me to what would be my office. I smiled as I saw how spacious and well-decorated it was, with an incredible view of the city. He gave me clear instructions for my work.
I would be in charge of the upcoming collections alongside Patrick. He would work his magic, while I would handle the finances and production of each design. I couldn't be more excited.
He introduced me to my assistant, Jack. He had been my father's right-hand man for a long time, and although I initially refused, my father insisted that he was the only person he trusted for me.
Besides Paul and Abby, he was the only one in the company who knew my true identity. I ended up accepting because my father would leave the weight of the company on my shoulders, and he would only make an appearance when necessary.
This was undoubtedly a great challenge, and I was more than delighted to accept it.
After a long time catching up on the state of the company, my parents left to spend time together. My father had missed my mother since she went to Orlando to see me, and he had prepared a romantic date.
I couldn't help but smile with happiness for my parents. Their love was still so alive as the years went by, they were made for each other. They were the ones who made me believe in true love, although my true love was within me.
My friend stayed in the office and stopped Paul when he was about to leave my office.
"Well, now that you're officially the vice president of Doinel, I was wondering if you need a right-hand man, I mean, I know they assigned Jack to you, but I can be your right-hand woman."
My friend offered to work by my side and honestly, it didn't seem like such a bad idea, after all, she would be representing her parents as a partner just like Paul.
"You're hired." I said.