Love Slave to the Mafia Boss's Passion

Dabbing slightly at my tears, I returned to the exhibition. It was around opening time now and we needed to be there to man the show. The exhibition was open to the public, so in addition to the students from art universities, we were also expecting many art enthusiasts and critiques to turn up.

This was the first day of the exhibition and if I remembered correctly a couple of art groups from a few universities will be visiting today as part of their coursework.

"So many people are here. I should have worn flat shoes. These heels are killing me already…" Jenny complained with a pained look on her face.

"I have a bandage. Want one?" I offered.

"You do? You’re such a lifesaver…seriously…" Jenny said, and I quickly handed her a bandage that I had in my bag.

We split and took turns to take the visiting class around to our various exhibition. Jenny’s theme was rainbow and basically everything colorful and bright. It was very like her. The theme was a smart choice because she used it to showcase her various techniques from 2D to 3D works in sculptures. I had to admit that she was very talented.

While I was wrapping up one of my little tours of guiding a group of art students around, one of the staff quickly approached me. I could see that she was slightly flustered and seemed to be in a rush.

"Malissa, there’s someone asking to see you," the staff informed.

"Who is it?" I asked curiously as my heart skipped a beat.

"He didn’t give his name. He said that you’ll know. He’s a pretty hot guy…I must say. Is he your boyfriend?" the staff said excitedly.

"Where is he?" I asked, getting straight to the point.

"He’s probably standing in front of the painting of your grandmother. You know, the one that’s your centerpiece. He mentioned that he really likes it," the woman said as she looked like she was recalling what the man had said.

I didn’t listen to her finish what she wanted to say. My feet had already started moving and before I knew it, I was sprinting towards where that painting was. I always told myself that I was doing this exhibition for the sake of my future career and that I was doing it all for myself.

However, the way my heart was pounding loudly in my chest right now told me that I had been at least partially lying to myself all this time.

I remembered what Hayden had said when I asked him about the exhibition. Whether I wanted to admit it to myself or not, I probably decided to participate in this event because he wanted me to. Moreover, I probably thought deep down that this was the only way that we may be reunited. If I joined this exhibition, Hayden might come to see me.

I can’t believe that he’s really here and after many months, I’m about to meet him face-to-face again. My legs brought me closer and closer to where he was waiting for me as my brain worked hard to figure out what I should say to him when I meet him.

By the time that I arrived where I wanted and needed to be, I was panting hard, and many people were staring at me. Rightfully so, it wasn’t normal for anyone to be running in an art exhibition hall. I knew that but I just couldn’t stop myself. I just wanted to see Hayden as soon as possible…

I was standing in front of the painting where the man was waiting for me according to the staff; however, when I looked up…

"Sorry that I’m not the man you’re looking forward to see…"

The very hot and handsome man said but he wasn’t Hayden.

"…Ethan," I whispered in shock as my eyes widened in disbelief.

Why is Ethan here?

My initial excitement and gleeful happiness of getting to see Hayden quickly evaporated and in its place was a sense of slight fear. The smile that I had melted from my lips as my mouth hung open in shock. Once again, it was like my past had caught up to me. I haven’t seen or heard from Ethan since that incident at the gala on the cruise. So, why is he here now? What does he want from me?

"How have you been doing?" Ethan asked before smiling sweetly down at me.

My lips felt dry, and my face and hands suddenly felt very numb. I didn’t know what to say to him. For some reason, I felt very scared of Ethan. Although he had never been cruel to me except for when he suddenly broke things off with me. Before that he was the perfect boyfriend and I loved him so much. He never hurt me, physically or emotionally for all the time that we were together.

So why was I so scared of him right now?

"Why are you here?" I asked in a whisper.

"I heard you were displaying your work here. It’s your first proper exhibition so of course, I wanted to see it," he replied casually.

If that was really the case, then everything should be fine. I watched as Ethan looked around at my works that were on display, and I couldn’t help thinking if that was honestly his only reason for being here.

"Thank you for coming," I managed to say.

"This painting of your grandmother looks very good. How is she doing now? I heard that she’s sick…" Ethan said, his eyes on the painting.

I wondered where he heard that from but decided not to ask. It wasn’t important anyways.

"She’s sick and has been hospitalized for a while now. Thanks for asking but you don’t need to worry," I replied.

--To be continued…