Chapter 4

“Since you’re here to wait on us, you’d better act the part.

“Take this drink and give a toast to Jesse.

“Otherwise, you can forget ever holding another trashy exhibition for the rest of your life.”

Holding the glass of strong liquor in hand, I approached Jesse.

“Happy birthday, Mr. Smith.”

Jesse reached his hand out with a smile.

His fingers brushed the glass, only to recoil abruptly.

The glass smashed onto the tiled floor, shattering everywhere.

The liquid splashed all over Jesse’s expensive leather shoes.

Tasha jumped up from her seat and struck me hard across the face.

“Are you blind? Those shoes are a limited edition. You can’t afford them even if you sold your blood.”

The taste of copper filled my mouth.

She pointed at the spill on the floor and snapped at me sternly.

“Grab some napkins and wipe Jesse’s shoes clean.

“Unless those shoes sparkle, I’ll make sure you never show your face in the art community again.”

The room burst out in laughter.

“This is hilarious. The former design prodigy is nothing more than a shoeshiner.”

“If it weren’t for Tash, he’d be living on the streets by now.”

Jesse waved his arm pretentiously.

“Tash, stop giving Soren a hard time.

“The pocket watch on him looks pretty exquisite. Why not give it to me as an apology gift?”

It was the only thing my father left for me to remember him by.

Tasha grabbed me by the collar and reached out to yank the pocket watch off me.

“It’s your honor that Jesse wants your silly watch. Give it here!”

I pushed her hands off me and took a couple of steps back.

“Don’t touch me.”

Tasha was stunned for a moment before flying into a rage.

“What has gotten into you? You guys, pin him down!”

Several security guards lunged forward and grabbed my arms.

Breaking free, I wiped the bloodstain across my lips.

I took off the vest and dumped it on the ground.

Unzipping my backpack, I pulled out a canvas wrapped in red silk.

It took me three years to bring “Tasha” to life.

I once thought the painting would be the perfect testament to the five years we’d shared.

Grabbing a lighter from the table, I flicked the flame.

The fire caught the fabric of the painting.

The dry canvas burst into flame.

I threw the flaming wooden frame right at the feet of Tasha and Jesse.

The glow of the fire flickered across their shocked faces.

“Your little game is over, Tasha.

“I don’t want you anymore.”

Not sparing another glance at her, I turned on my heel and opened the gallery door.

Tasha’s screech echoed behind me.

“Soren! If you walked out through the door right now, don’t you ever come crawling back to me!”

I strode into the night, not stopping for even a heartbeat.