Chapter 6: The Painting We Both Loved

Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Painting We Both Loved

The big Rolls-Royce Phantom stopped in front of the art gallery.

The gallery was huge glass building, shining in sun. Simon parked smoothly under tall entrance.

Inside the car, Flora was still sitting. She was adjusting her dress. She did not want to come out quickly.

Maya could not wait. She opened the door and walked fast inside the gallery.

Then Simon stepped out of the Rolls-Royce. Looking tall and handsome. His black suit was perfect. He walked to the back door with powerful steps.

He opened the door for Flora. He bowed very low, unlike how he usually bows.

"We have arrived, Madam, please take your time," he said in deep, respectful voice.

Flora stepped out slowly with her dress. Her heels touched the ground softly. Her diamond necklace was shining.

People who came to gallery were looking at them. Some stopped walking. Some brought out phones to film her.

Flora felt like goddess. Chin went up. Small, proud smile came on her lips. She loved attention.

She started to walk slowly towards the entrance. Elegant and slow, like a queen.

Simon followed closely like personal bodyguard. His body huge and strong, like wall behind her. His chest was broad and his arms were strong against his tight suit. Every step he took was to protect her. People moved away to give space.

Immediately Amelia sighted Flora at entrance, her face lighted up.

Amelia is Flora’s best friend. She owns the biggest art gallery in London. Her husband also is one of biggest billionaires. She wore tight gold dress, hair perfect, skin glowing.

"Flora! My goddess!" Amelia shouted. She walked fast towards Flora, heels clicking, arms open.

"Amelia!" Flora said. Proud, cold face became soft for her friend.

They hugged tightly and warm. They smelled each other’s expensive perfume.

"I missed you, darling. You are shining. This dress?! You are killing everyone today," Amelia said, holding Flora’s hands.

"You too. You look like a queen who owns the world. Because you do," Flora laughed.

People around were watching two beautiful billionaire women.

Then Amelia’s eyes moved. She saw Simon behind Flora. Standing like statue, huge body in perfect black suit, face calm and handsome, muscles pushing against his shirt.

Amelia’s eyes became wide. Lips opened a little.

"Oh my God," she whispered. Looked at Flora, then back at Simon. "Flora, who is this handsome man behind you? He is... wow."

Flora saw the way Amelia was looking at Simon. Fixed on his broad chest and strong arms.

Sharp feeling entered Flora’s heart. Maybe not jealousy but hot and fast. Her smile became tight.

"Oh, him?" Flora said, pretending casual, waved hand like Simon was regular. "He is Simon. My driver."

"Driver?" Amelia smiled, still staring. "Since when do drivers look like Hollywood movie stars? Hello, Simon."

Simon turned head politely. "Ma’am," he said in deep voice.

Amelia shivered a little. "Ma’am? I like that."

Flora noticed everything. Saw how Amelia was biting her lip. Flora pretended not to see, looked away, adjusted her dress, hand tightened around her small purse. She doesn’t like Amelia’s manners around handsome men.

"Anyway, come inside! Maya is already upstairs," Amelia said, linking arms with Flora. Let’s go."

They started walking inside. The gallery was huge, full of beautiful artworks.

Even while walking, Amelia was turning head to watch Simon behind them.

Simon followed quietly. Eyes only on Flora.

He watched Amelia. "Why is she acting so childish?" he thought. Women think they can easily adapt with drivers. They think driving is petty job. She was forcing her body to shake. He laughed. Women are women, no matter their level. But my Flora is different.

Then he sighted a man staring at Flora as if his soul left his body. Simon became jealous. He moved closer to Flora so the man would get jealous and choke on it.

Upstairs, the gallery was quiet and cool. Lights soft.

Maya and Chloe were standing in front of big paintings, worth thousands and millions of pounds. Dreamy and full of stars.

Chloe is Amelia’s daughter. Same age as Maya. Beautiful and polite.

Chloe pointed at a painting "The Waiting Queen" and whispered.

"Maya, look! See this woman? Everyone thinks she is sad because she is alone by window. But I don’t think so."

"What do you mean?"

"I think she is not sad, she is powerful. See her eyes? She is not crying. She is waiting. The rain outside is like all bad things people said to her. But see this small candle near her? That is her heart. It is still burning. It means even if she is alone, she still loves herself. She is a queen waiting for her own happy ending."

Immediately Chloe saw Flora, her face became bright. "Aunty Flora!" She ran to greet, hugged tightly.

"My beautiful Chloe," Flora said warmly, touched her hair softly.

"How are your studies?"

"We are on holidays, Aunty. I got A in Art History. Mummy said I am just like you."

"Of course you are. Smart girl," Flora laughed.

"Nice to meet you Ma, I thought I should greet you." She smiled and immediately went back to Maya.

Amelia excused herself to attend to guest.

Now it was just Flora and Simon.

Flora turned to a painting of a lonely man sitting by window, waiting.

"What does this one mean?" she asked softly.

Simon stepped very close behind her. So close she could feel his warm body and nice perfume. Deep voice only for her.

"This man is not just lonely, Madam. He is strong. He is waiting, but he is not begging. He is sitting patiently waiting for his queen to come."

Flora’s heart skipped. Looked at another painting, storm and lighthouse.

"And this one?"

"This is unique. The storm is all around, but you are the light. You stand alone and everyone finds their way because of you."

Flora’s chest felt warm and tight. She adores men with wisdom. Men who understand language of body and soul. Her driver was seeing inside her soul.

She turned and looked up at his handsome face. Eyes deep and sincere.

She smiled. Real, soft, sweet smile but she didn’t show it.

"Simon," she whispered, his voice shaking a little, "how are you able to read this beautiful arts? Have you seen it somewhere else?"

Simon glanced down at her lips, then back into her eyes, fearfully.

"No Ma, I don’t need to see it somewhere because you are the most beautiful art I have seen in this gallery," he said with fear in his eyes.

Flora felt it was just compliment. She rolled her eyes, feigns indifference, yet deep inside, she secretly blossomed with hidden, smile for him.

Then she turned.

"Oooh Simon, you drive so professionally. How long have you been driving? You don’t drive like someone with three years experience," Flora asked.

Simon smiled,he was not expecting the compliment.

"Thank you Ma ,I started driving since I was fifteen. I used to drive my mother’s old manual car, until I switched to automatic," Simon said.

"I see, you are a good driver. I will recommend your efforts to the agency," Flora said.

"Thank you, Ma."

They walked toward other side of the gallery, Simon turned and saw Maya talking to lady beside giant painting, his heart skipped hard with sudden fear.