Chapter 22 – Art Gallery Turned Romantic
That was the first question my mother asked the moment I stepped inside the house.
After plotting and grinning mischievously with Damon earlier, he had kissed me once again before letting me leave telling me he’d pick me up at seven.
So I was a little elated. Giggling and feeling butterflies from the kiss and excited because soon I’d be laughing over Nadine’s stupid face.
“What do you mean?” I asked, innocently.
My father frowned, they were both peering at me and I avoided their eyes.
“Nah, something’s happened Princess,” my dad stated.
‘And you can tell all this by just looking at me?” I asked, sarcastically.
My parents shrugged and my mother smirked.
‘Get sarcastic all you want, baby girl, but I can see the glow in your eyes,” she said.
groaned, “Nothing sneaks past you both.”
They laughed, “That’s why we’re parents.”
‘Now spill!” my mom urged.
sat down and shrugged, “Well, I saw Nadine at the store today.”
My mom gasped while my dad squeezed his knuckles in anger.
‘Did she hurt you?” my mom asked.
‘Did she say anything to you? Should I teach her a lesson, Princess?” my dad asked.
smiled happily at them, “I’m so blessed to have both of you as my parents. But I handled it and showed her where she belonged-on the floor. She was thrown out.”
My parents grinned, “Alright. That’s better.”
My mom grabbed my arm, “Alright, let’s get you ready for the art show.”
She took me to my room and sat me down as she started prepping my face for makeup. My nom was very good with makeup and hair styling.
She had taken a class when I was little, she said she wanted to style my hair and do my makeup or every date night and prom night.
So, are you going to tell me the main reason why you’re glowing?” my mom asked.
frowned, “I don’t know what you mean, Mom.”
‘Don’t frown, darling, you’ll crease the makeup. Smile and tell me.”
sighed, my mom seemed well-versed in this relationship and love thing after all. She’ll advise me better.
‘When are we going to shop for the wedding dress?” I asked her.
‘That should be tomorrow. Any problem, Princess?”
“Damon kissed me,” I blurted.
“I knew it!” my mom grinned.
“You knew?” I asked, puzzled.
She shrugged, “I know you’ve just gotten your heart broken and all but I’ve seen the way you act around him, Princess. You get agitated over little stuff that he does and you blush more often when he’s around. There’s always this childish aura around you when you’re with him, like he makes you happy.”
I sighed in contentment, “He does say all the right things even though he’s always so flirty. He makes talking to him feel like a breeze.”
“Baby girl, we’ve known Damon for a while and we’ve not seen him laugh and relax the way he does around you. I know you’ve both been hurt but I hope you can figure it out and go for what you want.”
“But what if…”
“Shh… no ‘what ifs’ baby girl. All done, time to slip into your dress.”
I wore the dress and stared at the mirror. I looked stunning.
“Thanks, Mom,” I said, hugging her.
“Awww, I’m just glad to finally utilize my skills,” she smiled.
She walked me downstairs to where Damon and my dad were already waiting.
“My Princess, you look stunning. Have fun,” my dad said.
Damon was dressed in a black tuxedo and his hair was styled back. He took my hand and led
me to the car.
“I’m so glad you got this dress, Lily, there’s no one more suitable to wear it than you,” he complimented and drove off while I sat there blushing sheepishly.
The Sterling Foundation’s private art gala was packed. Champagne flutes clinked, pretentious whispers echoed against white walls, and cameras flashed like it was Paris Fashion Week.
‘Do I really have to stay the whole night?” I whispered to Damon as we made our way toward the main hall. His hand rested lightly on my lower back, grounding me.
‘You’re the guest of honor, Princess. The face of the Hart Corporation CEO. Just smile and we’ll be fine,” he said smoothly.
I rolled my eyes. “You’re enjoying this too much.”
“I enjoy everything that makes you shine.”
“Oh, shut up,” I giggled.
We made our way to a couple of investors and Damon introduced me.
I’ve never really been a fan of an art gallery but with Damon here it felt a bit better. We even discussed a painting titled ‘Distorted Reflections’ and I met with the painter.
“Okay, I’m bored,” I muttered after the fifth painting.
“I’m bored,” I said when we were done staring at all the art pieces.
2/3 36.1%
Damon suddenly smirked, “You know what will be more fun? Making out behind one of these paintings.”
I gasped, blushing furiously, “That’s scandalous, Damon, we’re outside.”
His hands encircled my waist as he grinned, “Oh come on. What’s the worst that can happen? We’re engaged.”
I was still blushing and giggling when he led me behind a huge painting. The thought of doing this where everyone could see us at any moment made me feel excited and my toes curled. Once we were safely hidden behind the painting, he closed the distance between us as he kissed me passionately.
A small moan escaped my throat as I ran my hand through his hair when suddenly I heard a familiar voice.
“Lily?”
Lily’s Pov
