Her phone trembled violently against her wooden nightstand. Reluctantly, she reached up to answer it. There were three missed calls and text message.
Ms. Hyuuga, today you are not required to report to the office. However, you will be meeting with Kagura to select a dress for the gala. She owns a series of fashionable, high end clothing stores. She will be contacting you soon with the address and meeting time. You cannot be late.
Sighing in frustration, Hinata looked up at her analog clock on her nightstand. The series of red dashes read 9:30. Her phone rang again.
"Hello? Ms.Hyuuga?" a deep, rich, feminine voice asked.
"Yes, this is she. "
"It's a pleasure to hear your voice. You and I have an appointment at 1:30 today. The address is 7431 Yagami Ave. My assistant has your information and will send a confirmation text."
"Thank you so much. "
"It's no problem at all, Ms.Hyuuga. I'll see you soon."
"Bye."
Hinata set her alarm for 11:45 and returned to her haven underneath her sheets. Grasping her pillow firmly and snuggling with it, she fell asleep.
*
Hinata looked around the small shop in awe. It was small and elegant with wall to wall red carpeting, and a chandelier that hung proudly from the ceiling. It looked like a showroom with a black runway that led to a circular platform with a singular, full length mirror that had a white trim. The walls were a pristine cream color and had golden damask pattern. There was a large street side window. She was taken out of her reverie when the receptionist called her name.
"Oh ,I'm sorry ," Hinata said blushing.
"Thats everyone's first reaction when they come here ," the petite assistant said.
"It's so beautifully decorated, who designed this room?" she asked.
" Ms. Takahashi designed most of this, however Mr. Tashio also made a few design decisions," the assistant answered.
"The both of them have excellent taste, " Hinata said exasperated.
"Why thank you,"a rich, feminine voice said.
The and Hinata turned to face the source of the voice. A beautiful, dark haired woman ,handsomely dressed in a white Christian Siriano suit and black platform pumps, approached them. Her hair was pulled into an elegant bun and she wore a pair of jade colored earrings.
"I'm Kagura Takahashi. Very nice to meet you, Ms.Hyuuga,"she said extending her hand.
"V-very nice to meet you a-as well,"Hinata said stuttering.
"Please come with me, Charlotte and I will take good care of you. You'll be the envy of every woman there," Kagura said leading her to a private room.
"Is this where I put my things?" Hinata asked.
"Yes , this your dressing room. Go ahead and disrobe, Charlotte will be along shortly with your first dress, "Kagura said," Ill get to work on some hair and makeup looks for you."
"Oh ,um, thanks," Hinata answered bowing.
Kagura closed the door and left Hinata alone with her thoughts. She stripped down to her underwear, her swollen abdomen on full display. A fluffy, white robe hung on a metal, golden hook. She quickly tied it around herself. A knock came moments later. Timidly opening the door, she peeked and saw the assistant from earlier. She was holding two large garment bags.
*
It couldn't be true, the reflection in the mirror wasn't her. Her skin was dazzlingly flawless, alive with an almost unearthly glow. Her body was embraced by a lavender and lilac gown. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline and a mermaid shape that framed her curves. A magnificent train flaired from the waist in cascading layers
of translucent fabric and the ends of the dress were adorned with tiny flowers. The train alternated between lavender and lilac hues.
Kagura learned against a nearby wall as she admired the young bluette with her arms crossed.
"You look stunning, Hinata, " Kagura complemented.
"Thank you," Hinata replied as a scarlett shrowd slowly swept across her face.
"Thank me by taking that dress and some jewelry home tonight, it's no charge to either you or Sesshomaru. Just promise me that you'll be fabulous at the gala," Kagura said as she handed her a business card.
"I-it's a promise," Hinata stuttered.
"Come back on the day of the gala, my glam squad and I will get you all dolled up ,"she said with a wink."
*
The sun was just beginning its descent when Hinata settled down with a novel, a warm bowl of sukiyaki, and some fruit with a small dollop of whipped yogurt and crushed pistachios. Her feet were propped on a pillow and her food was sitting on top of an end table.
She was beginning to drift off when a sudden, loud knock startled her. Hinata scrambled to open her door. Before her was Itachi, her ex boyfriend's brother.
"Good evening, we need to speak immediately. May I come inside?" he asked.
"Yes, of course."
Hinata stepped aside and allowed him to enter the tiny apartment. She went into her kitchenette and set a kettle of water on the fire. She looked over her shoulder as Itachi seated himself on the couch. He was casually dressed in a pair black jeans, a button down shirt with a pair of black Nike shoes, and a leather jacket. No one would've guessed that he was the head of Uchiha Corp's legal department.
He cleared his throat as he leaned back, signaling that he was tired of waiting. Inhaling in annoyance, she turned to face him. He wore the usual blue expression as he looked at her with half lidded eyes.
"Did Sasuke tell you I needed to speak with you about your current employer?"he asked
"No, he didn't. Why would either of you care about that?"she wondered.
"You're in violation of your employee contract, " he said pompously.
"I haven't been an employee for almost two months and my current employer had a clause in his contract stating that it is prohibited for me to share company secrets from either my current or former employer,"she said matter of factly.
"There's no need for the tone, I just needed to cover all our bases, " he replied bored," I need you to fax a copy of your employment contract to my office no later than Friday. You will hear from me after I've had a chance to review it."
"Why does this even matter?" Hinata asked irritated.
"You are still bound by the terms and conditions of your contract. Your benefits and contact will be effective until 90 days after termination," he replied matter of factly.
"I'll have the legal department contact you tomorrow evening, "she said with a heavy sigh.
Itachi placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes.
"You were always too good for Sasuke,"he said placing a hand on her cheek, "You would've been an excellent wife for him."
She looked up at the tall man momentarily before he pulled her into a hug. They parted as he gazed into her eyes lovingly. He grabbed her hand, firmly placing a piece of paper into her palm.
"You would be wise to take advantage of the two weeks you have remaining and schedule an appointment. Take care of my nephew or niece,"he advised softly.
He looked over his shoulder before leaving.