Scarlett admired her reflection in the mirror after she was done getting ready. She only applied light make-up but she looked stunning. She lifted her black purse off the bed and started heading downstairs.
On her way to her car, she gave Lily a ring, asking her if she wanted to come along to Heartfelt Artistic Gallery.
“I'm kinda occupied right now but we can hang out later when you're back.” That was Lily's response. Scarlett said it was okay, she hung up and got into her car. She put on her seatbelt and then drove off.
Soon, she arrived at the gallery, she was approached by a female docent who welcomed her and offered to take her around the gallery. The docent was smiling, beaming ear to ear as she walked Scarlett into the gallery, she was quite popular and her tireless efforts to help humanity through her foundation won the hearts of many.
They were walking around the art gallery and looking at several pieces when a particular one caught her eye. She walked over to where it was hanging and stood there for a while, admiring the artwork. There was something about it and that just drew her to it but she couldn't place a finger on it. It was almost like her life had a connection to the painting.
She stared at it, getting more and more confused with each passing second. She didn't understand what the painting was about but she liked it a lot. She called the attention of the docent who explained the artwork to her, making mention of the significance of various parts that made up the artwork. Scarlett was very impressed, falling in love with the painting even more.
“I like it, I want to have it.” She said but the docent shook her head.
“Ma'am, this is an unpopular work, you can check out our popular collections instead and make your choice from there.” The docent politely told her but Scarlett already had her heart set on that artwork.
“This is the one I want. How much is it? I'll pay any amount for it.” Scarlett insisted. The docent was kind of surprised that Scarlett would choose to have such a weird piece of art when there were so many that were better than it.
“Ma'am, I'm sorry but you can't have this piece.” She became more stern.
“Why?” Scarlett furrowed her brows, looking confused.
“Well the president does not want to sell this piece, he only keeps it here for display.” The docent explained.
Scarlett was resilient, she was so drawn to that painting and was willing to do anything to get it. She didn't even mind paying more than it was worth.
“Mr Joey is the president, right? I know him. I will speak to him right away.” She said but the docent shook her head.
“No ma'am, Mr Joey is not the president. It's actually Mr…”
“Oh, Miss Scarlett! I was told you were here!” Joey interrupted, coming out to meet both women. He shook hands with her and they exchanged smiles.
“Yes. I told you that I would visit, so here I am, fulfilling my promise.” Scarlett smiled again.
“Thanks for coming. Is there a problem?” Joey stared at her and then at the docent.
“Well I wanted to buy this piece right here but she said I can't have it,” Scarlett answered immediately, hoping that Joey would counter the lady's words.
“Oh, I see. I'm sorry Miss Scarlett but you see, this piece is one that our president cherishes so much and he holds it very dear. It's not for sale.” Joey answered. Scarlett looked downcast, feeling disappointed, and nodded.
She continued to look around at the other pieces, she didn't even try to hide how sad she was. The docent offered to show her other works but she didn't seem interested in any other thing. Joey, who was with them got a phone call and excused himself to answer it. Within some minutes, he came back to them, smiling broadly.
“I have good news for you, Miss Scarlett.” He looked like he couldn't wait to break the news to her.
“You can have the artwork.”
Scarlett raised her brows in surprise, “Really?” She was curious to know what prompted the sudden change of mind.
“What happened all of a sudden?” She asked but even Joey looked confused because he also didn't know the reason for the sudden change.
“Well, I'm just gonna pay before you change your mind again.” She chuckled. “How much is it?”
“Oh, you don't have to pay ma'am. It's actually a gift.” Joey answered. Scarlett was even more astonished. She was sure that the piece would be expensive and now they wanted to just give it away?
“Really?” She asked again, trying to make sure that she heard right.
“I know our president to be a very kindhearted man. So I'm not surprised.” The docent chipped in.
“I would like to say hi to him then, at least to appreciate him for this.” She demanded.
“I'm sorry ma'am but he's very busy at the moment, but I will let him know how much you cherish his kindness.” Joey nodded. Scarlett shrugged and then Joey ordered some of the workers to pack the piece for her. They took it to her car and then she drove off happily.
Meanwhile, Adrian was in his office in the gallery, staring at the CCTV live footage, a little smile tugging on his lips. Joey walked in all of a sudden, grinning at him.
“Dude.. you really gave that piece to her for free? I know how much you cherish that artwork because it was made by your mom but you gave it to her!” Joey expressed his surprise.
“Well I've been holding onto it for quite a long time, I think it's high time I said goodbye to it,” Adrian replied, rubbing his chin.
“Wow… I can't wait to tell my wife that you're in love!” Joey teased. Adrian could only smile and shake his head.
“That reminds me, she set me up on a blind date. I'm supposed to meet the lady this afternoon.” He sighed.
“You know how she is about these things, I'm just sad I have to attend.”
“I know right? My wife can be crazy.” Joey chuckled. “Just go mark the register so she won't get angry at me at home today.”
“I will.” Adrian nodded.
Joey soon left to take care of some work, leaving Adrian in his office. For the next three hours that followed, Vivian kept on calling Adrian but he refused to answer her calls. At one point, he got fed up and answered the phone.
“And why have you been ignoring my calls? I need you to come to the hotel right now. I need you.” Vivian said without hesitation and Adrian sighed.
“I'm not feeling well at the moment. I won't be able to fuck you.” He responded, knowing that it was all she wanted. Before she could say any other thing, he made an excuse of needing to rest and then ended the call.
He took his keys and left the gallery in Joey's care before driving to the restaurant where he would be meeting his date.
As soon as he settled down with his date, he lifted his head and saw Scarlett, and her friend who were together at the club walking into the same restaurant. His eyes met with Scarlett's instantly, his heart missing a bit.
He couldn't believe she was there with Ethan again, was she really dating him?
Scarlett looked away immediately, upset that he was on a date with another woman. She sat with Ethan, still exchanging glances with Adrian. She was determined to prove to Adrian that she didn't need him anymore, at least she needed to give off that impression.
Adrian watched her feed Ethan some of her food as they laughed and giggled. Lily watched them in admiration, telling them how much they looked good together.
“You know, I think you both would make a great couple.” Lily giggled.
Scarlett looked at Adrian after Lily's statement, trying to rub it in. Adrian got fed up and excused himself to go to the bathroom.
He came out to wash his hands when he heard a voice in one of the stalls, the voice sounded a lot like Ethan's and he couldn't help but eavesdrop on his phone conversation.
“Paradise Hotel?”
“I'll be there, yes. 7 pm.”
“I'll meet you there.”
Adrian hid his face away when the person walked out, and the face turned out to be Ethan. He had to make sure that he was the one before drawing any conclusions.
“Wait? Paradise hotel?” He said after Ethan left the bathroom.
“I hope it's not what I'm thinking?!” He shook his head.
“This woman is just too shameless!”