Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Onika’s POV

Two years later,

Today was going to be a lot,  a great day or a disaster, I didn’t know which and I certainly couldn’t tell.

My heart groaned as I tried to get a hold of myself by taking a glass of water and taking it all in a single gulp.

A lot of thoughts crowded my mind as I pondered on what I was supposed to center my thoughts on. Frustration was starting to slip in, mixing in with anxiousness.

I was feeling very hot even though the room was well-ventilated. A lot of people were going to be present today and not just people, but Socialites of a very high social cadre.  

I could tell I was going to be intimidated by their presence because they were just… rich. I suddenly had mixed feelings about my paintings and presenting them.

What if they didn’t like it? What if I was ridiculed? What if no one even bothers paying attention to it? I knew anxiousness was beginning to slip in and there was nothing I could do to calm myself.

At that moment, the door to the room opened and my friend-client walked in swiftly with a very broad smile on his face as he approached me. His smile was enough to force one onto my face.

I immediately smiled because I didn’t want him to know I was nervous or anything.

Kent noticed my countenance anyway as he sat down gently beside me.

“Anxiety?” He inquired calmly.

I wanted to deny it because I knew there was no way it was that evident but maybe his advice would be helpful.

“I think so,” I muttered and he smiled brightly.

“That’s normal for every upcoming star like yourself Onika, I’ll advise you to be calm because everything is going to be fine.”

It didn’t seem like that, I just didn’t feel like I wanted to do this anymore. Even if I was The Who consented to Kent's idea I was still having mixed feelings.  I didn’t want to reject his kind gesture even if I felt I wasn’t ready.

Kent was a client of mine who developed an interest in my work which I sincerely appreciated. He remained one of my top customers and slowly a friend.

Even if I wasn't fine with keeping friends, he was so determined to be my friend.

Avoiding no choice, I obliged because I also took a liking to his kind personality.

“You’re going to be fine, now we need to go down, we wouldn’t want to keep our guests waiting.” Kent excitedly walked towards the direction of the door. He almost seemed more excited than me.

“Aren’t you coming?” He inquired, staring at me with a suspicious look.

“I just need some minutes to touch up my makeup, you should go ahead I’ll meet you down there.”

“Okay if you say so, but don’t take time, we’ll like to start with a good attitude. Nice dress by the way.” He uttered and walked away, shutting the door behind him.

I finally gasped for air the moment he walked out. I wanted to touch up any makeup but I did need to see if there was anything wrong with my dress. If there was one thing about these types of events it was that every little detail was captured by the press.

I wouldn’t want to be caught slacking off, not when I was trying so hard to give a good impression.

I walked over to the mirror to check out if my dress was in good shape I could see the nervousness directly and I hoped it wasn’t obvious to the others.

“I can do this,” I mumbled under my breath and picked up my purse. After I was sure I was calm and approachable, I walked out of the room.

I got into the elevator and just as the door was about to close, I could see someone running to the door to catch up but it was too late.

I didn’t know if I was hallucinating or if the person looked rather familiar. I decided not to pay any attention to it and focus on my problem up ahead.

The faint elevator bell sounded so loud in my ear that it snapped me out of my mixed thoughts. I walked out and I was beyond shocked at the number of people in the hall.

I looked around and my rings were hung in every section of the hall in a very beautiful manner, this was my first time seeing the Interior and Kent outdid himself.

I saw a lot of people hovering around my paintings with smiles on their faces as the hall buzzed with noises from each section. This made me happy as I tried to locate Kent.

This didn’t take me long as he found me first. “Oh well, if it isn’t the talented artist herself.” He said in a very audible tone and all eyes turned to look at me.

My legs froze immediately as the paparazzi were taking pictures of me from each corner, almost blinding me in the process.

Kent noticed this and walked over to me, with his hands placed on my shoulders as he moved me around to show everyone.

Kent approached some men in threes who were the quietest ones I had seen so far in the room. They looked so eloquent and neat, and their suits looked like they could buy the whole hall.

One of them turned to the bar but I could see the faces of the other two and it looked like they belonged to a very high business group. I could have sworn the ba m figure looked so familiar but I shrugged it off.

“Hope you’re enjoying the atmosphere?” Kent inquired still with his hands placed over my shoulder which only made me nervous as their gazes turned to me.

“Yes, it’s all well. This is a great artist is it not?” One of the men inquired, staring at me.

“Yes she is, this is Onika and she’s the artist behind these magnificent works of art,” Kent said in my appraisal.

“Nice to meet you Onik, I’m Jack.” One of the men said stretching forth his hands which I took and smiled.

“And I’m Lucas, nice to meet you Onika.” The second man said stretching his hands forth for a shake too.

“And lastly, This is Nathan,” Kent uttered as my thoughts immediately ran to the Nathan I knew, he turned over and I was beyond shocked to see Nathan, my ex.

What was he doing here?!