Chapter9
The next morning, Xavier called.]
I had just finished getting ready for work.
After a moment’s hesitation, I answered.]
His voice was anxious.
“Ariella, I’m sorry about last night. I’m a jerk…“[]
“Is there anything else?”
My voice was cold, making him uneasy.
“Do you remember? My solo exhibition is in three days. I want you to come. I have a surprise for you.”
A surprise…]
Hearing that word made me feel even colder.
Xavier was a well–known painter in the country, with some international recognition.] •
I remember one year on his birthday, I wanted to surprise him.]
I bought 999 roses and had them delivered to his studio.
When I got there, I found him and Chloe nestled together, with a freshly painted portrait of them on display.[]
The painting showed them close and smiling, with a caption that read, “My Happiness.”
I stared at that painting, tears streaming down my face.
The 999 roses slipped from my arms, scattering on the floor.[]
I looked at Xavier through my tears, feeling utterly betrayed.]]
“Why… why wasn’t it me in that painting?“]
Xavier looked annoyed and kicked the roses aside.[]
“It’s just a painting. Is it worth getting upset over?“[]
Chloe slowly got up from Xavier’s shoulder, giving me a challenging look.
“Oh, Ariella, I asked Xavier to paint it. Don’t be mad. He can paint one for you too.“]
No one knew how many times I had begged Xavier to paint me during our eight years together.]
At first, he brushed me off, saying he had too many client orders and needed to focus on making money.
He promised to paint me when he had time.
When I asked more, he got irritated.]
“We’re together every day. What’s there to paint? You don’t inspire me. Without inspiration, I can’t paint.“[]
I was angry and hurt, crying as I looked at him.
“I don’t inspire you, but she does? Who’s your girlfriend, me or her?“]
Xavier’s expression turned cold and frightening.
“I can’t control who inspires me. Chloe is just my sister. Stop making a fuss!”
The overwhelming pain made me lose control.[]
“I took the day off to personally arrange 999 roses for you. I pricked my hands on the thorns just to surprise you, and you’re here cozying up with her!“]
Maybe it was because I had confronted him in front of his childhood friend.[]
Xavier’s long–suppressed anger finally erupted.[]
He suddenly went wild, stomping on the roses.
S.0
“Surprise? I get truckloads of these stupid roses every year. And you think they’re special?”
I was so scared by his outburst that I ran away in tears.[]
I was heartbroken for a long time.[]
After that, I never tried to surprise him again, nor did I ask him to paint me.[]
In that moment, many memories flashed through my mind.[]
Now he was talking about a surprise at his exhibition.[]
I could guess what it was.
But I wasn’t interested anymore.[]
I hesitated for a moment, then calmly replied.]
“I have work that day, no time.“]]
Xavier sounded disappointed.]]
“The exhibition is in the evening. You can come after work.“]
“I might have to work late. I have to go to work now.”
I hung up and took a cab to the office.
