CHAPTER SEVEN

ISABELLA’S POV

Being back in Alabama sent my nerves on a spiral mode. Not much has changed, except a little bit of color upgrading from most buildings. Mireille had tried talking me out of coming but I couldn’t bring myself to turn down the company, later she had begged to come along and protect me, but I wasn’t selfish enough to let her when I knew how much it would affect her work. However, the company had prepared a hotel room for me and a car. But I still had heavy eyes that ached terribly from the lack of sleep because I couldn’t stop thinking about how Alaric was just an hour drive from the hotel.

Standing in the hall as I watched the hired staffs carry out their duties made me feel a little at ease. This was the biggest art auction I was holding with prominent people coming to watch and my heart swelled with immense pride. I did it. I had a name for myself. Built a life for myself. A smile caressed my lips and I dragged in the flowery scent that flooded the air.

As much as I yearned to make Alaric pay. I was too shaken to see him yet. I had to deal with the auction for a month then maybe I would think about suing him or something. The thoughts of what exactly to do to him hasn’t crossed my mind yet. But I was glad he wasn’t on the guest list because I had checked, luckily he wasn’t a fan of art.

“Miss Isa. Miss Isa.” I heard Hannah call out as she hastened her steps towards me. She was dressed in a Green silk gown, and black heels. I could tell she had a dark undertone to her ginger hair. Hannah was my personal assistant and she looked good in everything. She used to tell me how much she had wanted to walk the runway but her parents kicked against it, and it reminded me a little of old self. “The guests are arriving.” She informed, and I nodded, taking a last look at the furnished hall before heading upstairs.

The company had other people to help so all I had to do was monitor it from up there. Soon, everyone was settled and Mr. Billy was announcing each item. I watched the auction go on and on, and my heart swelled each time my piece was sold. Other artists had their paintings auctioned too. However it felt so good to be here. To be me.

“The weeping tears by Phoenix, going for two million. Do I hear a raise?”

I felt my heart skip as my eyes cascaded over it. It was a black drawing of a woman’s face, laced with blue tears that flowed over her smiling lips. The one I had in painted with tears in my eyes at the thought of my lost child. A sad smile caressed my lips and tears sting my eyes but I was different now. I was Phoenix. This was my chance of rebirth.

“Two million, five hundred.” A male announced.

“Three million.” A female tackled.

I watched more people join the bid since it was the last piece standing, and my heart swelled with pride. The bid was closed at seven million dollars in the end, and I headed downstairs, to the stage to make my speech. I took each step with grace and confidence. My neatly manicured red nails, holding onto my White gown, that had a slight split starting from my thigh and ending on my knee cap. My white shoe heels clanked against the tile, echoing through the now silent room.

I cleared my throat as my eyes wandered through the room. “Ladies and gentlemen. It is with pride and gratitude that I stand here, tonight. This auction isn’t just about art, wealth or power. It is about the dedication, the strength, the tears…” My eyes met the overly familiar eyes in the crowd and I froze for a second.

Alaric? He was smiling, and staring back at me.

I felt my heart jump a little, maybe out of fear, and my body trembled with anger. Why couldn’t he just let me bask in the moment before ruining everything.

I could tell that everyone’s eyes were on me now, curious as to what happened. Dragging a breath and reminding myself I was my own person now, I looked away from him and continued my speech. I had worked my way here tirelessly and I deserved everything good the universe could offer.

“The pain, and mostly the joy that went into each masterpiece presented today. And to every hand that bidded today, you have done more than just purchase an art, you have supported a dream, and validated an artist’s fear. Lastly, to my fellow artist whose work of perfection graced this auction, let this be a form of reminder that you are a work of art. Thank you.”

Their claps echoed through the room as they cheered me on, yet I could feel his eagle eyes penetrating through my skin. And by the time I looked in his direction, he was gone. I heaved a sigh of relief and headed back upstairs.

Maybe seeing him in the crowd had been a hallucination. An effect of not sleeping a wink. I heaved a sigh of relief and rubbed my thumb over my forehead to subdue the rising headache.

“Mrs Wolfe!”

I froze in my step, clutching onto the stairs railing. My heart was pounding fast now. No one knew me by that name anymore, except….

“Doctor Mark?” I said in disbelief. The same one who treated me.

He nodded, smiling brightly. “I didn’t know you were in town. You never came back for the checkup knowing the risk you stand to….”

“I’m fine now, Doctor. I promise.” I chirped in quickly, wanting to get this over with. The last thing I wanted was a trip to the past. I was done and over with that.

“Are you sure, Mrs Wolfe? You know you can open up to me. And about your husband. Does he know?”

My headache was getting worse now even though he was only concerned. The name he was calling me made me want to throw up.

“Call me Isabella. I’m divorced now.” I said and watched his expression switch to that of relief.

“Thank goodness. I know I sound unprofessional right now, but you deserved better than him.” He said and I burst into laughter. Relieved that he wasn’t judging me. Most men these days did. “You should come over some time. My daughter is getting married, and I’m retired now. I can put you on with some cool young men that I know.”

I sent him a smile before squeezing his hand gently. “Thank you. I will definitely let you know when I need one.”

And that would be never.

He laughed heartily, and nodded before disappearing round the corner. And all I could do was watch his retreating back, relieved that I would finally get some sleep.

“And what didn’t you tell me, wifey?” Alaric said from behind and I flinched.