Kieren
"I shall return as soon as possible. Contact me only for emergencies or critical updates."
Ronan stood straight, and gave me a nod.
I slipped into a brown hoodie, cast one final glance at my brother, and headed off to the art exhibition.
Just my luck, she was standing right at the entrance, patiently waiting in line, clutching the invitation envelope.
And my breath caught in my throat. Clad in a tailored pant suit, in a deep midnight blue, that hugged her curves in all the right places, exuding an effortless elegance.
It transported me back to the moment when I laid my eyes on her for the second time, but, under the clarity of the daylight.
"She has returned to New York after graduating, looking for a job." One of my men informed me.
"Where is she right now?" I could barely contain my excitement; after three months of relentless anticipation, the moment to see her again had finally arrived.
"She is, currently staying at her friend's place-
"Where can I see her. Now?" I questioned eagerly.
"I, um, I'll have have to trace her phone for that -
"Are you qualified enough to do that?"
"I am, but wouldn't that be illegal-
I pulled myself together before losing my shit on this guy.
"James" I paused "Do it."
In a matter of minutes, I received the information I had been waiting for and hurried to the bus stop, where I learned that she was there.
And yes. Like an answer to all my questions, like the home of a wanderer, the light of my darkness and the lost piece of my soul, I found her. She sat on the bench at the bus stop, oblivious to the impact she has on me and the torment I've endured for her over the past three months.
I had a clear view of her now in the daylight. Her face, sculpted with delicate precision, was adorned with features that seemed to have been crafted by the hands of an artist. Her eyes, a warm honey hue, held a radiance that drew me in, sparkling with an inner fire that spoke of hidden depths. Framing her exquisite face was a cascade of brunette silk, each strand glimmering in the soft light like spun gold.
Her skin, a rosy beige canvas kissed by the sun, radiated a soft, ethereal glow that seemed to illuminate the atmosphere around her. Cheeks flushed with a delicate blush, hinting at a secret laughter that danced in her eyes. Her lips, full and inviting, curved into a gentle smile when she looked at a kid who sat beside her.
In that moment, she was more than just beautiful; she was a vision of perfection, a goddess among mortals, and I found myself utterly captivated by her presence.
I entered the huge place after her.
The art exhibition is hosted in a prestigious gallery space, adorned with sleek, white walls that serve as the perfect backdrop for the vibrant and eclectic collection of artworks on display. As visitors weave through the gallery, they are greeted by the buzz of excitement and murmurs of admiration.
But amidst the crowd, my gaze was fixated on one person alone. I observed her from a distance as she moved gracefully from painting to painting, her eyes alight with admiration. Without her, this tedious affair would have been unbearable for me.
Four minutes, four minutes, two minutes—ah, that one must be the least appealing. Seven minutes, three minutes, twelve minutes, damn! Three minutes, five minutes, three minutes, just a fleeting glance, you lose the battle, poor painting. Four minutes, and finally, one. These are the minutes she dedicated to each painting, lost in their beauty.
I was just thankful that Ethan guy chose not to accompany her, lucky dude, will see the sun rise tomorrow.
She checked the time on her watch, which reminded me of the watch I recently sent her.
I knew she never accepted or acknowledged my gifts, instead stashing them away out of sight. Yet, I refused to let that deter me from expressing my affection through the offerings, even though it stung in the chest.
I walked away with her out of the gallery exit. She settled into her car and drove off, and I trailed behind. After about a thirty-five-minute drive, we arrived at her apartment. Once I made sure she had safely reached her destination, I turned back toward my mansion.
"I got a call from our finance manager." Ronan greeted me at the door.
This guy seriously lacks patience.
"For what?" I asked casually, walking over to my room while Ronan accompanied me.
"It seems an amount of $300 million has been washed away from your bank account." Ronan conveyed the information with concern and anxiety.
"Ah, that. I purchased something." I undid my hoodie.
"What? What did you purchase?" His anxiety escalated.
"An artwork." I didn't pay much attention to my brother.
"An artwork." He repeated.
"Well, where is it then?" He simply questioned.
"It will reach the person who it belongs to." I replied.
"What do you mean-
"You wanna shower with me?" I asked him, slowly undoing my pants.
"What? No!" He made a disgusted face and left.
Asshole.
I took a shower and laid back in my bed. Even in the silence, my mind races with multiple questions. What would her reaction be upon seeing the painting? Would she be filled with wonder, or would shock seize her at the realization she was under watch once more?
Would she appreciate my effort, or would resentment deepen its hold? But the greatest question is; How long will this hiding go on? When will we look at each other, eye to eye, heart to heart, and soul to soul? When will she smile at me like she does at others? When will her voice call my name? When will I occupy her thoughts, like she does mine? When will she have her eyes on me and me only?
I have no idea.
But one thing is certain: time will not grant me these moments. I must seize them for myself.
And I will, seize them.