Chapter 5 The Exhibit

• Silvana's Pov
• I felt so excited for my upcoming first art exhibit.
• Mildred, my best friend, was assisting me with all of the preparations. And we're about done. The guests have already received all of the invitations. I've finished creating the keepsake that I individually handcrafted for each and every visitor to my art exhibit.
• This is impossible without Hector's support. He helped me find the space for this art exhibit in addition to giving me a sizeable chunk of money to make it happen. He encouraged me to pursue my interests. My parents eventually understood from Hector that painting makes me happy. I'm also thrilled that my long-awaited dreams will soon come true.
• For this, I owe him greatly. I am aware that I must make amends for this, too. I'd rather not consider that right now, though. I need to pay attention to getting ready for my art exhibit.
• I recall that the clothing we would be wearing for my art presentation had already arrived. I contacted a friend who is a fashion designer to create a sophisticated evening gown for me and a set of tuxedos for Hector. Trying it on excites me. With those tuxedos, Hector will surely seem more dapper.
• I imagined ourselves wearing those clothing, and I couldn't help but smile.
• People will brand us as the perfect couple.
• If they only knew.
• Thoughts of his true sexuality just made me sigh.
• It's all right. At least he is a decent person. And that's what matters.
• I still consider myself fortunate to have a husband like him.
• *****
• I finally got the day I had been looking forward to.
• The moment has come!
• Today will mark the opening of my very first art exhibition.
• Hector knocked on the door of my bedroom and shouted, "Hey! Are you done? We'd better get going or we'll be late for your first painting display."
• Yes. We have our own space to sleep in. As opposed to a typical couple's preference for sharing a room.
• And yes, I'm not done yet because of my
• Hector asked agitatedly, "What's the matter?"
• I responded, "I'm struggling with my dress."
• Hector said, "Let me assist you, open the door," and then he inquired, "What's going on?"
• I was hesitant at first to open the door. However, I am at a loss for options. In addition, it is certain that he has no malice in viewing me in this way. I therefore made the decision to let him inside.
• I walked over to the door and said, "Okay, hold on. I'm going to open it."
• When he saw me, Hector inquired, "What's the problem?"
• I gave him a timid smile. I told him, "I'm having difficulties zipping up my dress." I'm not sure if it was all in my head or not. But I believe I caught him blushing?
• He said, "Ahm... good. Let me help you. Turn your back."
• I turned and said, "Okay," flashing him my bare back from my unbuttoned dress. The fact that Hector could see my bare back also made me feel quite conscious.
• I sense that he is also uncomfortable. given that I can feel the shaking in his hands.
• I questioned him hesitantly, "Can you do it?"
• He answered, carefully pulling up the zipper on my dress, "Of course! I can do this."
• When his finger unintentionally touches my skin, I feel it. Due to that skin-to-skin touch, I experienced intense electricity. I'm not sure if he's aware of it.
• "It's okay now," Hector said to me, and then he asked me, "Are you done, or do you have something else to do?"
• "Ahm... I'll just fix my hair then I'm go downstair after," I looked at him then smile. "Thanks for the help, Hector." I said to him.
• I looked at him and grinned, "Ahm... I'll just straighten my hair, then I'm heading down stairs after. Thanks for the help, Hector," I remarked.
• "I'll just wait downstairs. Not for too long, please," he said. "And you're welcome." He added.
• Hector exited my room. I'm not sure whether it's just me, but he seems uneasy. However, I simply brush it off. I style my hair before checking myself in the mirror. I gathered my purse and went downstairs once I was happy with how I looked. I can't be late to my own art show. And I don't want Hector to hold out for too long.
• I told Hector with excitement, "I'm ready!" He had already waited for me at the front door.
• Without glancing at me, he continued, "Alright. Let's leave," and he started to walk towards the car.
• I frown.
• Am I not attractive to him? He couldn't even compliment my appearance. I simply followed him to the car as we sped off to the location of my art exhibit.
• We got there early at the location.
• The curator assures us that everything is in order and prepared.
• And that's it!
• My very first art exhibit.
• I'm overjoyed to see my paintings displayed in this function hall's every nook and cranny as I wander around the space. I personally picked this location, which Hector rented. They are difficult to schedule an appointment with, but they can't turn down a billionaire like Hector Valderama. I was able to secure this location thanks to him.
• The visitor eventually showed up. And when I saw those people, I was amazed. Hector invited members of high society. This is not your typical art exhibit because of this. It's a party that doubles as an art exhibit. Well, what do you expect from a billionaire like my husband?
• Along with those socialites and business partners who are also our family and friends, we extend a warm welcome to the visitors.
• Hector addressed one of his business associates, "Thanks for accepting my invitation, Mr. Ramirez. I heard that you recently returned from a European cruise with your wife."
• "It gives me such great honor to include you in my art show. I hope you like it, Madam, Sir." I hesitantly informed them.
• "Of course, we can't decline Hector. I am aware of how significant this occasion is for him." Mr. Ramirez said, smiling, "that it is his wife's first art display."
• "And it's nice to meet you, Silvana. Hector is such a lucky man to have a beautiful and talented wife," Mrs. Ramirez said that made me blush.
• Hector wrapped his arm around my waist and replied, "Yes, I'm lucky to have her. My face grew hot at the thought. Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez, enjoy the party and we'll see you later."
• Mr. Ramirez responded, "See you around then," and then he entered the venue.
• Mildred came up to me giddily and said, "Silv! I am so delighted for you!" She came with Marcus. She asked me a question that caused my eyes to widen, "Why did you appear so flushed?"
• I explained, "I'm just so overwhelmed."
• "Silv, you looked gorgeous. Of course, just like Millie," said Marcus, making Mildred blush.
• "Your suit really suits you," I told Marcus. "And you look good too.
• Hector coughed, which we overheard.
• "Are you all right?" I questioned him anxiously.
• "How about your husband?"
• Marcus smirked and enquired.
• I stammered, "Of course, he looked handsome too," and Marcus laughed.
• I noticed my parents and Hector's parents coming toward us before I could ask Marcus why he was laughing. We welcomed them, and I received their congratulations.
• And then the celebration of my art exhibit began. We assist and amuse the visitor with the curator's help.
• And it makes me quite glad to hear them appreciating and admiring my artwork.
• My nominated foundations will receive the sale earnings from my painting. And I'm glad that, despite the fact that it was my first display, people recognized my talent and that my paintings nearly sold out.
• I gave the anonymous bidder my painting, "Fated," but I am unable to meet the buyer in person.
• We say goodbye and thank you to our guests and parents after the party.
• Dad hugged me and said, "We're very proud of you, Silv."
• I returned the hug and said, "Thank you, Dad."
• Mom apologized and gave me a hug, saying, "Silv, we're sorry if we didn't support you in doing what you really wanted. But now, we are glad for you."
• Hector's mom smiled at me and said, "You must be proud of her. Her paintings were absolutely magnificent."
• Hector's father remarked, "That's true. We're eagerly anticipating your next display, Silv."
• I sincerely answered. Then turn to Hector. "Thanks to Hector for making this happen. I was very overwhelmed, Mom and Dad."
• "We all need to go home and rest because it is becoming late," Hector stated.
• Hector's father concurred, saying, "Yeah, we all had a long but great night."
• After saying our goodbyes, we walked to our vehicles.
• I waited for Hector to say the words, and I finally heard them on the drive home.
• While driving, Hector commented, "You performed excellent today, and I am more proud of you. A-and... Ahm... You look lovely tonight."
• And as I looked at him, I was speechless.