Chapter 31 Argue

Nadia blocked my way. I knew why she did it. "Don't be embarrassed, Sienna, consider it a gift from me. You must trust my taste; these clothes are far better than the cheap t-shirts you get at the market, two for ten dollars. You'll fall in love with them." I frowned in disgust, "Thanks, but I don't need it."

Nadia laughed mockingly, "I admit, lowly people are indeed only suited for cheap clothes because even in a gown, they don't look like a princess. But I sincerely suggest you try it on, don't miss this chance. I know it's rare for you to wear something this expensive."

I took a deep breath, my patience running thin, and I feared I might start arguing with Nadia—not that I was afraid of arguing, but I feared it might draw Antonio's attention. I knew Antonio and his bodyguards were nearby, watching. Even though I was just Antonio's mistress, his possessiveness was strong; he saw me as his object, but that didn't mean he would tolerate others mistreating me—of course, this wasn't love, but Antonio saw such behavior as a provocation.

I despised Nadia, but I didn't wish her dead. I hoped the foolish Nadia could see the warning in my eyes and stop provoking both me and Antonio. However, Nadia's foolishness exceeded my expectations, continually trying to provoke me, "After all, you're not like me. I don't have to work, and I have enough money to enjoy myself here. I have VIP memberships at most of these stores. If this one doesn't suit you, you can keep looking. Sometimes I just want you to see what my daily life is like."

I was truly angered and mocked her in return, "Oh? Your life is so busy, no wonder you can't keep up with your papers for Professor Dom."

"What did..." Anger flashed across Nadia's face for a moment. I shrugged, "Sorry."

"Well, you're still my good friend, Sienna." Nadia suddenly became friendly again, her quick change in temperament surprising me, "Don't you want to know why I came to Philadelphia?"

"Of course, I don't."

I thought my cold demeanor angered Nadia, her sweet expression stiffened, but it soon relaxed. She maintained a very elegant smile, "You sure have heard about that designer Katherine from Milan? Her latest design 'Black Rose' is housed in this store. As her exclusive photographer, I will use 'Black Rose' for the training challenge at the New York exhibition."

Training challenge? Nadia looked surprised at me, "Didn't you know about the exhibition organized by Brera Academy in partnership with top schools in New York? Didn't Professor Falcone tell you?"

"What?"

Seeing my surprised expression, Nadia smiled triumphantly, "My professor recommended me, and I will be participating as a trainee from Boston University, competing for exhibition spots with trainees from other schools."

What surprised me was not that Nadia knew about the joint exhibition but that she had actually signed up for the training. Nadia was well-off, with no financial or career worries, and thus typically more lax about her studies; she always refused to participate in intensive training. "I didn't see your name on the list of trainees..." Nadia, realizing she might have said something wrong, dramatically covered her mouth, "Oh my god, Professor Falcone didn't recommend you, did he?"

I looked at her expressionlessly. If she thought such malicious speculation could upset me, she was mistaken. What truly saddened me was not failing to gain recognition, but not having the means to pursue my dreams even when recognized. I didn't have the money; I couldn't afford the training fees. "Oh, I was just joking, Sienna. You're so outstanding, how could Professor Falcone not give you the opportunity?" Nadia laughed hypocritically, "You've always been my strongest competitor."

"But you're not, Nadia." Photography was my dream, my future endeavor. But for Nadia, it might just be a diversion in her boring life, just something to make her seem more interesting. She had no passion for photography; she couldn't be my competitor. Nadia's sweet expression twisted, "Your superior, honor student face is truly nauseating, Sienna. Nico broke up with you for a reason, Livia, even though she's a bitch, is a bitch who's more gentle and likable than you."

I was furious. How many people had Nico told about his affair! Oh my god, he was making sure the whole world knew. Juggling two women, indeed, he considered that something to boast about. Why did I ever fall for such a man?

"I don't need you to lecture me, Nadia. Nico is scum, are you defending scum?"

"Your face looks like a scorned woman, Sienna. I admit Nico is scum, but you must also admit you're just a whore used by scum, vile, lowlife!"

"You're the fucking whore!" I couldn't stand Nadia's insults any longer, pushing her away, hoping she would stay away from me. But Nadia was unyielding, grabbing my hair, pulling me toward her, intending to slap me, but I pulled her hair towards the clothes rack.

With a crash, the clothes rack was knocked over, successfully drawing the attention of the staff. Several store employees hurried over, quickly separating me and Nadia who were entangled in a fight. I had a few strands of hair pulled from my scalp, painfully throbbing, but Nadia was not faring much better, her hand was scratched, bleeding. Nadia was nearly hysterical, "Sienna, you bitch, slut, you deserved to be dumped by Nico, you're worse than Livia, you're less than a dog."

I wanted to stop Nadia's insults, fearing Antonio nearby might hear. As Nadia raised her hand to continue her attack, she suddenly let out a scream, her wrist was forcefully grabbed. My eyes caught a figure, and I stared blankly at his back, recognizing him.

It was Antonio.