Chapter 3

NICOLE

Working late into the night on my painting was one of the most fulfilling experiences I had in years. The thought of participating in an art exhibition for the first time since the middle school made me feel excited and nervous like a bride. It had been three days since Nina had informed me of the opportunity, and though I was exhausted beyond my limits, it was all worth it.

"You're finished," Nina's voice came from behind me.

"Hey, you're awake. Yeah, I'm done. I just need to leave it on the balcony to dry," I replied, standing behind my work.

"Oh my goodness, the painting is beautiful, as usual, Nicole," she gushed over my artwork.

"You always say that every time," I blushed.

"By the way, I finished the pencil art that someone had asked for," I pointed to the board where the art was pinned.

"Oh, you're such a sweetheart. You'll get the commission for sure," she said, walking over to the board to prepare it for framing.

As soon as I arrived at my house, Mr. Trent, the landlord, greeted me with a smirk.

"Well, well, well, look who decided to grace us with their presence. The prodigal child returns," he said, hands on his hips.

"Where have you been for the past three days, Miss Nicole? Avoiding me, I presume?"

I let out a deep sigh. "Actually, sir, I've been working hard in the studio."

"Ah, yes, the struggling artist. And what about my rent? Surely your 'hard work' has paid off by now?" Mr. Trent asked with a raised eyebrow.

I nodded. "I have the rent money, Mr. Trent. I always make sure to pay my debts." I reached into my bag and pulled out a small envelope containing the money my aunt had sent me for my upkeep.

"Here you go. It's all I have left, but I don't like to owe people." I handed him the envelope.

Mr. Trent counted the money and looked satisfied. "Very well then, Miss Nicole. You always manage to pay up in the end. Just make sure you don't fall behind again."

"I won't, sir. I'll pay the remainder at the end of the week," I assured him before retreating into my apartment, ready to get back to work.

As soon as I walked into my apartment, I scanned the room and realized it needed a clean-up. Not only that, but I had to find something suitable to wear for the exhibition later today.

I spent two hours tidying up, and when I was done, I checked the time. It was 11:45 am, the perfect time for some noodles and boiled eggs. I quickly cooked and devoured my meal, then washed the dishes and collapsed on the couch, drifting off to sleep.

Suddenly, I heard Nina's voice shouting my name, jolting me out of my slumber. I rubbed my eyes and checked my watch. It was 3:30 pm! Panic set in as I scrambled to the door to let Nina in.

"Nicole, you look like a mess," Nina said, surveying my disheveled appearance.

"I must have been exhausted. I fell asleep and didn't realize how much time had passed," I explained while frantically searching my closet for something appropriate to wear.

"Did you find something to wear for the exhibition?" Nina asked.

"No, I didn't," I replied, feeling defeated. "I shouldn't have given my landlord the money I needed for a dress."

Nina saw the disappointment on my face and pulled out a bag she had been carrying.

“Don't worry, Nicole. I've got you covered," she said with a smile, handing me a red fitted dress. "It's corporate and beautiful. I bought it because it matches the tone of your paintings."

I was grateful for Nina's thoughtfulness and felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. "Thank you so much, Nina. What would I do without you?" I said, smiling at her.

Nina shrugged and replied, "Who knows? Now go get ready, we're running late!"

Nervously, I stepped into the hall where the exhibit was to be held. As soon as I entered, I felt all eyes were on me, and it made me overly self-conscious. Whispering to Nina, I asked, “Why the hell are they all staring at me like I’m from the moon?”

“Because you look extremely beautiful tonight. Plus, they don’t recognize you, Nicole. The people in this room are of wealth and fame. So, don’t worry about fitting in. Just be yourself,” Nina reassured me.

A waiter approached us, and Nina motioned for him to come closer. She reached for the glasses of wine that stood on the tray and said "Gracias" to the Spanish waiter.

Placing one of the cups in my hand, she said, "Drink. It would help ease your nervousness." I took a sip of the wine and savored its exotic taste.

Suddenly, we heard someone call out "Nina Lyons," and we turned to see a man standing in front of us. Nina smiled and took his hand for a handshake. "Hello, Mr. Salvador," she greeted him with a smile.

"And you must be Nicole Zachary. It’s a pleasure to be in the presence of a great artist like you," he said, reaching for my hands and lifting them to his lips, kissing them slightly.

Nina introduced me to Mr. Salvador as the man behind the exhibition of my paintings that day. "Thank you, sir, for this opportunity. I will never forget this act of kindness," I said solemnly.

Mr. Salvador dismissed my thanks, saying, "Oh no, don’t make it sound so noble. I just want to expose your talent to the world. And also to have bragging rights to my Italian counterparts that I discovered an artistic painter gem for myself. They would be so jealous."

We all laughed.

"Come, let’s get your exhibition started," he said, leading me to the middle of the hall, just in front of my paintings.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to tonight's featured artist and the inspiration for our gathering. Allow me to introduce you to the talented Nicole Zachary," he announced, his voice carrying throughout the room, followed by resounding applause.

The exhibition continued for approximately half an hour, during which both paintings were bid on and sold for impressive prices. Despite the success of the sales, I couldn't help but feel disheartened when I considered my outstanding debts.

"Nicole Zachary, is it?" A familiar voice spoke up, and I turned to see a handsome man standing before me.

He was the guy from the restaurant.

"Mr. Marcus! What a pleasant surprise to see you here," I greeted him warmly.

"The pleasure is mine, Nicole. I had no idea you possessed such remarkable talent," he complimented, and I smiled in appreciation.

"Well, you never know what people are capable of, do you?" I replied, and he nodded in agreement.

"Indeed. However, Miss Nicole, I have a business proposition that I would like to discuss with you," he said, causing me to raise my eyebrows curiously.

What kind of business opportunity could he have in mind?