Chapter 4: A visit to the Art gallery

Chapter 4: Chapter 4: A visit to the Art gallery

Simon was still standing at the corner of the house, his thoughts centered on his days at the Midas Home.

The survival. The struggles. He could not believe he was still alive to breathe.

He pictured the face of a particular child with leukemia ...

Suddenly, he heard footsteps.

It was her.

Flora walked past him like he was invisible. She did not even look at him. Her eyes were straight ahead. Then her voice cut through the silence, as cold as ice.

"Simon, get the car ready."

"Okay, Ma."

Her daughter, Maya, stood close to the house pillars. She observed him closely. She could see tears shining in his eyes, and the sight made her chest tighten.

She waited until her mother was gone, then gently walked up to him.

"Simon..." she whispered. "Don’t let my mom break you."

Simon wiped his eyes fast. He adjusted his posture.

"It’s okay, thanks, Miss," he whispered. "Please, go inside. I don’t want your mother to see you close to me. If Madam sees you, I will lose my job."

She bit her lip. She wanted to stay, but she was scared.

"Okay," she said softly. "But you will be driving us, right?"

Simon nodded. "Yes, Miss Maya."

Immediately, she turned and walked inside, her dress flowing behind her.

Inside, the polished marble floors shone. Gold lights glowed from the ceiling, cream sofas sat around the tables, fresh flowers filled the crystal vases, and huge mirrors reflected the chandeliers, making the mansion feel perfect and powerful. Nothing was out of place.

She walked upstairs to her bedroom.

Her maid, Zoe, was already waiting by the walk-in closet.

"Miss, you are here," Zoe said. "Madam said you should get ready."

"Okay, Zoe, you can select the jewelry. Let me freshen up," she said, and walked toward her giant bathroom.

Meanwhile, in Flora’s room, her corner looked like a private suite. The giant bed wore pure silk, the padded walls glowed with soft gold light, crystal chandeliers sparkled above, and every corner smelled of wealth, power, and quiet perfection.

Flora ran her hand over the dresses. "That one."

Grace, her personal maid and favourite staff, smiled and laid the silk dress on the bed.

Then she opened a small velvet box. Inside was a thin diamond necklace and matching earrings. Delicate, but you could tell they cost a fortune.

"Madam, this will look perfect on you," Grace said, smiling.

Grace helped her wear the dress, and it fits perfectly on her curvaceous body. It showed she was in shape, elegant. Not a young girl trying to impress — a woman who knew exactly who she was.

"You still have it, Madam," Grace whispered. "You look elegant."

Flora looked in the mirror. For a second, she remembered her husband. How he used to look at her like she was the only woman in the world.

"He used to look at me like I was the only woman in the world," she murmured to herself.

"I am fifty," she said, looking at her reflection. "A widow who survived. And I turned my grief into power."

"We are running late. Where is Maya?" she asked.

"She should be coming," Grace said.

As if on cue, the door opened.

Maya walked in.

Flora stared. Her daughter looked beautiful, stunning. Her dress fit so perfectly.

"Maya," Flora said quietly. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you, Mother." Maya turned a little, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes. "Is my makeup too much?"

"No. You look exactly right."

Maya sat down on the edge of the bed. She glanced at Flora’s black dress. "You will look better than everyone at the gallery."

Flora laughed softly. "I am only going to look at art."

"Of course," Maya said, and they both laughed.

Grace stepped forward. "Madam, you should finish up. The car is waiting."

Flora put on her necklace. The diamonds caught the light. In the mirror, she saw a powerful woman. A woman who no longer waits to be saved.

Maya stood up. She had added a small handbag and elegant heels. She looked perfect, but her fingers kept fidgeting with the strap of her bag.

"Ready?" Flora asked.

"Yes."

They walked down the grand staircase together. Staff stepped aside.

At the driveway, the black Rolls-Royce waited. Polished, quiet, like a piece of art.

The moment Simon saw them coming, his heart jumped.

His boss and her daughter were walking out of the mansion together. Two beautiful women in expensive dresses, but to him, there was only one woman.

He quickly stepped out of the Rolls-Royce. He straightened his suit, fixed his tie, and stood tall by the back door.

As they drew closer, he bowed his head slightly.

"Good afternoon, Madam," he said, his voice low and respectful.

Flora looked at him. Her face was brave and powerful.

"Good afternoon, Simon," she replied, her soft voice carrying power.

He opened the back door for them. His hands were steady, but inside, his chest was beating fast.

Flora entered the car first. She looked untouchable, like power wrapped in elegance. The diamonds on her neck caught the daylight and sparkled. When she bent slightly to sit, Simon caught the scent of her perfume. Expensive, clean, and mature.

He could not look away.

Maya saw everything.

She stood just behind her mother, waiting to enter the car. She saw the fire in Simon’s eyes. It was not just respect. It was desire. Deep, raw admiration.

Her heart broke in seconds.

He doesn’t want me. He wants my mother.

Maya’s face changed. Her smile disappeared. Her eyes filled with pain she could not hide.

_What is it about her that men cannot resist? Why does every man turn when she walks into a room? Why are they ready to leave everything... ready to die for her? Just like Father did._

She was still lost in that painful thought when she felt a soft tap on her hand.

"Maya, are you okay?"

Maya jumped. She looked around and realized the car was already moving, and Simon was watching them both from the mirror with those hazel eyes.