Chapter 34: The Exhibit
Moana

I couldn’t bring myself to avoid Ethan’s exhibit after he had asked me to go so many times. So, after putting Ella to bed, I went to Selina with my hand on my stomach and a frown on my face.

“I’m afraid I might have contracted food poisoning,” I said, feigning illness. “Can you keep an eye on things if Ella wakes up? I’m going to go to urgent care.”

Selina frowned, looking at her watch. “Do you need a driver?” she asked.

I vehemently shook my head. “No. It’s okay. I’ll call a cab.”

“Well… Alright,” she said, pursing her lips. “Be careful.”

After that, I put on a simple dress that could pass for urgent care attire if anyone were to question me, and flagged down a cab outside of the penthouse.

Just as I suspected, the art gallery was packed to the brim when I arrived. As I got out of the cab, I felt a lump rise in my throat; all of the other patrons seemed to be dressed lavishly, which made me feel incredibly out of place.

There was a line with a bouncer to get in. I stood in line, patiently waiting my turn.

“Name?” the bouncer said, eyeing me up and down suspiciously as I walked up to him.

“Moana Fowler,” I replied.

he said. His voice was gruff and indifferent, and before I could say anything else, he waved

I have an invitation from Ethan,” I replied, clutching my purse nervously as I stood to the

me, simply scoffed. “I highly doubt the artist personally invited a human. Quit wasting my time and get out of here.

behind the bouncer, “I did

from behind the bouncer, resulting in a chorus of murmurs making their way through the line of people waiting. The bouncer’s eyes widened, and without another

hand

replied meekly as I looked around at all of the wealthy-looking people that were milling

networking with a few of the patrons here, but feel free to take a look around. And have a glass of champagne, too.” He

took the champagne and nodded, watching

champagne for courage, I made my way into the gallery so I could get a better look at the

A jazz quartet played lively music from a small stage at the back of the gallery, creating an atmosphere that almost made the artwork come alive. Groups of patrons milled

glass of champagne in my hand as I closely studied each and every piece of artwork. Each piece seemed to fit into a similar

one else seemed to notice it; but I did. I felt entranced by the depiction of a young boy, staring

of that one, huh?” Ethan’s voice suddenly said from behind me, breaking me out of my trance. I jumped a bit at the sound of his voice, not realizing that I had been standing in

face flush. “Yes.

Ethan replied. “I haven’t given it a

the painting. There was a bit of a silence

I replied, my hands shaking a bit nervously as I reached into my purse and pulled out a single, folded piece of paper and held it out to Ethan. “It’s not much.

the paper from me and opened it. I watched with anticipation, feeling my heart rate quicken as he carefully studied my drawing. It was the same drawing that I had

he finally said after a few moments, “this is stunning. You didn’t mention that you

face go red at the famous artist’s words. “R-Really?”

drawing back to me. “You’ve got some real talent. You should try to tap into it a bit

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