chapter 121 - celebration

Stella

I practically danced through the door of the penthouse, buoyed by the afternoon's incredible events.

My little abstract piece had somehow struck a chord with viewers online, opening up intoxicating possibilities I had barely dared dream before.

Lawrence swept me up into an exuberant embrace the moment I crossed the threshold, pride shining warmly from his gorgeous green eyes. "Ah, here's the artist taking the world by storm! I can hardly contain my excitement over your meteoric debut, little star."

I flushed happily under his effusive delight, letting my bag slide to the polished floor. "I can scarcely believe so many responded to something so personal and unpolished. Andre was positively mischievous going behind my back like that!"

"On the contrary, he knew precisely what a scintillating talent you are and wanted to give your gifts to a wider audience." Lawrence pressed fervent kisses across my upturned face between remarks. "The adulation is just the first trickle of the tid