Chapter 37
DAISY
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
“Sterling, these are utterly beautiful,” I exclaim, my gaze coasting over the exquisite artwork that adorns the walls of the art gallery in London.
There are fourteen paintings in total, each of them as stunning as the last. Swirls of bright pinks, greens, blues and yellows, turquoise, red and oranges, all shaping Harlow’s features into a beautiful mosaic of emotions. The brushstrokes capture her essence in the curve of her smile, the depth of her eyes, and the tilt of her head as she throws her head back and sings. It’s clear that each painting is an intense labour of love, a silent confession of his feelings for her.
Sterling smiles modestly. “Thank you. Though I’m honestly glad to see the back of them,” he says, his smile faltering as we both stare at the huge ten by ten foot canvas hanging on the wall in front of us, each colourful brushstroke a testament to the emotions he’s hidden from the woman he loves.
“Why?” I ask.
“Because they’re a reminder of the one thing I cannot have,” he says quietly, swiping a hand through his hair.
“Is Harlow coming tonight?”
“No, I didn’t invite her.”
“Why on earth not?”
“Honestly, because I’m not sure how she’d react to the fact that her face is on every single one of these canvases,” he adds with a lopsided smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes, a smile that carries the weight of his feelings.
“I’m sorry it’s been so difficult for you,” I say, pressing my fingers against his arm.
“It is what it is,” he shrugs. “How are things going anyway? I hear Carl needed his nose reset after Dalton punched him.”
He smiles, and I grin. “It was no more than he deserved.”
“Oh, I know. That man has had it coming for a long time.”
“He has, and things are great between Dalton and me. We’ve unpacked the last of our belongings at the flat and are settling in,” I reply, glancing over at Dalton who’s chatting with Lia and Drix, feeling a sense of contentment settle in my chest. “We’re finally finding our rhythm and are creating a home together, and that’s partly down to you. I’m so grateful for what you’ve done for us.”
“You’re welcome, Daisy. Dalton and Drix have been good friends to me over the years. I wanted to help.”
“We will pay you back. I promise,” I say.
“As and when you can, there’s no rush. Besides, if I sell each of these canvases for the asking price I’ll make more than enough to cover the rest of the debt and set myself up for the future.”
“Wow, that’s a lot of money,” I say. “I’m so proud of you, you deserve this success.”
“I appreciate that, Daisy,” he murmurs, his gaze drawn back to the painting in front of him.
I follow his gaze, my eyes falling on Harlow’s face. It’s my favourite of the fourteen, the one depicting her in a moment of pure joy, her image caught within a snapshot of time. But despite her happy expression, there’s something else hidden within the brushstrokes, a longing, a heartbreaking yearning. It makes my heart ache for him, for the love he holds inside and cannot express to the woman he clearly loves.
“You know, I never thought Dalton would settle down. You're good for him, Daisy. I’m glad you’ve found happiness,” he says after a moment, his words laced with sincerity.
“Me too,” I reply. “And, Sterling…”
“Yes?”
“If I’ve learnt anything these past couple of months it’s that love can blossom in the most unconventional ways. Remember that, okay?”
He nods. “I’ll try.”
As the night draws on, and more people arrive, I find myself musing over the past few months, caught up in the memories and emotions that have brought me to this very moment.
It’s been a long road, one that has challenged us both in so many ways, but despite the ups and downs I can’t help but feel grateful for where we are now. My future as a mother might be uncertain, Dalton and I may have more hurdles to overcome, but for now I feel a sense of peace wash over me. I’m no longer that terrified little girl my parents tried so hard to destroy, or that woman so many people have discounted or dismissed. I’m happy, content. I’m worshipped and adored. I’m blissfully and unequivocally in love.
With Dalton beside me, our fingers entwined, I watch Sterling interact with the guests, his eyes lighting up with passion as he discusses his art, his talent undeniable, and it makes me long to fulfil my own dreams.
“What are you thinking?” Dalton asks me as Lia and Drix wander off with Ben to greet some mutual friends.
“I know it’s a long shot, but do you think that Matilda would be interested in seeing some of my designs?” I ask. “I mean, I know that she probably has a raft of her own…”
“Your designs are incredible, Daisy, there’s no harm in asking,” he says, drawing me into his side and wrapping his arm around my waist.
“I’d still be happy to work at Drix’s gym alongside Clementine on reception, it’s fun, but…”
“But it’s not what fuels your fire?” he asks knowingly.
“No it doesn’t,” I admit. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m super grateful to Drix for giving me a job, but I want more. I already have the love of my life, and whilst we gather funds to start IVF treatment, I’d like to pursue my passions, at least on the side. Is that selfish?”
“Absolutely not,” he replies, shaking his head. “I’ll support you in every way I can. The world will be a much brighter place with people wearing your beautiful designs.”
I smile up at him, my arm wrapping around his waist. “Thank you. If she’s not interested, then at least I’ve tried, right?”
“Exactly,” he agrees. “But even if she says no, that doesn’t mean you stop chasing your dreams. I believe in you, Daisy.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, pressing a kiss against his lips, before pulling back. “How is your job hunting going?”
He puffs out a breath. “Well, considering my father owns most of the businesses in town, I’ve not even got an interview, let alone a job offer. However…” he grins, eyes sparkling.
“What? Tell me.”
“Ben is going away for a month in April, he wants me to take over managing Bandits Bar for him.”
“He does? Where’s he going?”
“Los Angeles with Princetown Bandits. They’re currently in talks with a couple of record labels.”
“Wow, on all counts,” I exclaim.
“And even better, if they get a deal, Ben will need someone to take over running the bar whilst he manages them full-time. So it could be a long-term position. Plus he’s been wanting to expand Bandits Bar into a franchise and he’s asked me to take the lead on the project,” Dalton says, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
“I’m so happy for you, Dalton. This could be an amazing opportunity for you,” I exclaim, hugging him.
“For us both,” he replies, dropping a kiss to my head. “Thank you, Daisy.”
“For what?”
“For…” He pauses, a broad smile lighting up his handsome face. “For everything. For the first time in my life I’m truly happy, and that’s down to you. I love you so damn much.”
“I love you too,” I reply, leaning into his embrace.
And in this moment, surrounded by the hum of voices and the soft glow of lights illuminating the room, I’m consumed by an overpowering rush of gratitude. Our path to love may have been unconventional. It might’ve been born from two individuals who once loathed each other, who signed a binding contract months ago. But now those inked signatures have been obliterated with genuine vows of devotion, they’ve been replaced with heartfelt promises, the contract torn to shreds by our commitment to love one another, to put each other first.
Always.