Chapter 5

• Bella
• I walked around the exhibit hall, admiring the artwork on display. I couldn't help but feel proud of myself for exhibiting my art at the same event as the famous artist, Mary Wilfred. As people approached my work, I watched with a sense of satisfaction as they analyzed and tried to interpret the meaning behind my paintings. It was a proud moment for me, something that I had been working hard for since the events of a few months ago.
• Spotting Mary making her way toward me, I had a feeling that the conversation would be about the business contacts that she had mentioned to me earlier.
• "Finally found you, Bella!" Mary exclaimed, confirming my thoughts. "Remember the man I told you about?"
• I let out a sigh. "Yes, I recall. What about him, Mary?"
• "I've already spoken to him, and we need to meet him soon," she revealed, adding that he was one of the most influential people in the country.
• My hesitance was apparent, and I was not at all excited to meet him. Mary reassured me, stating that Daniel Russo may not be a fan of art but had the potential to invest in my work, and, in turn, help me take my art to the next level.
• I still struggled with the idea of having to convince someone who wasn't an art enthusiast of the true beauty of my work. Nonetheless, I reluctantly agreed to the meeting, knowing that it could be a golden opportunity for my career as an artist.
• I couldn't wrap my head around the idea of trying to explain art to someone who didn't appreciate it. To me, it was like trying to convince an atheist that God exists. I also wasn't very fond of the idea of kissing up to influential people either, as I couldn't stand the sight of rich idiots who believed the world revolved around them simply because of their money.
• "What's the point of trying to impress someone who doesn't value art? There are others in this room who would appreciate my work, and I wouldn't have to put in as much effort," I argued. However, I could tell from the look on her face that I was only frustrating her further.
• "Trust me, I wouldn't be so insistent if I didn't think he was the best option. If he supports you, others will follow, and your career could soar higher than you think. Now, come with me," she demanded, taking hold of my arm and dragging me along behind her.
• As we approached him, I was taken aback. I had pictured an elderly businessman, based on Mary's descriptions of his power and influence, but the man in front of me looked nothing like what I had imagined, and standing in front of him, I was so nervous and uncomfortable as he stared back at me silently.
• "Daniel, meet my student and the artist behind this stunning piece, Bella Cruz," Mary introduced us with a small smile.
• I looked up at him again and I couldn't help but be taken aback by his good looks. He was a lot more attractive than I had expected, and with just a word he muttered to Mary, I could tell he sounded amazing too.
• Despite his silence, he followed up after me in an attractive voice, "I've heard great things about you, Miss Cruz and this art piece is truly remarkable,"
• "If you heard them from Mary, well then, she’s right. I also happen to have heard that you're not much of a fan of paintings," I replied and he smiled before playfully glaring at Mary, who had been quietly observing our conversation.
• "You just had to tell the artist that I didn't like her job, didn't you? Thanks a lot, now I look awful," he whined to Mary in a joking manner, and she responded with an eye roll.
• "I assure you, Daniel dear, she won't take any offense to your lack of taste. In fact, she'll be very happy to explain her work to you," she told him and I quickly realized that I was trapped in this conversation.
• "Why don't you two chat while I welcome the other guests? Bella, I'll catch up with you later. And Daniel, don't forget to say goodbye before you leave," she said before walking away, leaving me alone with the uneasy feeling of being alone with this man. I wasn't keen on having to explain my work to someone who didn't care for it. However, I knew it was part of being an artist, and I didn't want to offend him or ruin my chances.
• "Would you like something to drink, Miss Cruz?" Daniel asked, interrupting my thoughts.
• "Yes, please. Thank you," I replied, gratefully accepting the glass of champagne he handed me.
• "I don't know if it's fine by you, but I'd prefer we weren't formal with each other. But if you have an issue with that, then it's fine by me," he said, breaking the silence as we sipped our drinks.
• "It's okay, Mr. Russo. I don't mind," I told him, trying not to seem uncomfortable and awkward.
• "Good then," he said, flashing me a small smile. "So, Bella, why don't you tell me about your paintings?"
• "Well, they're all abstract pieces, each one with a different emotion or feeling behind it," I explained, gesturing to the pieces hanging on the walls around us.
• "And what emotions are behind them?" he asked, leaning closer to one of the paintings for a closer look.
• "It varies," I replied. "For this one," I said, pointing to a painting with a lot of blues and purples, "I was feeling a sense of peace and tranquility. For this one," I added, pointing to another painting with a lot of reds and oranges, "I was feeling a sense of passion and energy."
• "Were there any specific events or experiences that inspired these paintings?" Daniel asked.
• "Not necessarily," I said with a shrug. "It's more about capturing a feeling or emotion and putting it on canvas,"
• Daniel nodded slowly, his eyes scanning the paintings. "I've never really understood art," he admitted. "I look at these paintings and I just don't get it,"
• "Well, I can definitely sense your lack of interest and knowledge of paintings and it’s also obvious that you're not very interested in talking about them," I accused, watching to see how he’d react. I wanted to see if he had any respect because even if he wasn't interested, he should still show some courtesy and listen to me talk about my paintings and if he didn't, he would find himself on my bad side as I couldn't stand disrespectful men.
• "I'll be real with you, I don't know much about art. I've never understood it, but I'm willing to listen and learn about why you enjoy being an artist and the meanings behind your work," he responded, and I could sense the sincerity in his tone.
• "Well Daniel, that's good to hear but before I explain, can you tell me what you see in this painting in front of us? What's your interpretation?" I asked, eager to hear his thoughts.
• "Do you want me to be honest?" he asked.
• "Yes, please go ahead," I encouraged and he sighed.
• "Well, to be honest with you, it looks like rubbish to me. You wouldn’t hate me for saying that, right?" he answered, surprising me with his direct and honest response.