Chapter 58-He moved on
Audrey's POV...
A month later... at the event.
"Soyez la bienvenue, madame," the French lady by the entrance of the building greeted.
"Merci beaucoup," I said with a smile.
Lena and I walked inside. The dress code was white tie in black attire.
I was putting on a strapless black floor length gown with a sweetheart neckline and a thigh high slit. The gown hugged my body perfectly and accentuated my curves. I was putting on black closed toe heels, and carried a silver clutch purse.
Lena had her own preferences and decided to put on a knee length dress. The chest area had a round cut opening. It was strapless, same with mine, but she hung a black jacket over her shoulders and carried a white clutch purse
We wore matching heels.
We stepped inside and joined the others. The orchestra was playing. There were ladies dressed in more French style attire. They all looked beautiful.
As the orchestra fell silent, the host stepped onto the stage for the opening address. Moments later, crystal champagne flutes were raised across the ballroom as the opening toast officially marked the beginning of the Luminary Ball.
Lena and I viewed so many artworks put up for display. This fundraiser powered this art house, and kept the organisation running and to cover the costs of their educational scholarship, inviting 50 youngsters every year to learn art and painting under an 18 month period.
Lena left to speak with other influential people. I wasn't prepared for any questioning, so I just kept to myself and observed paintings.
One painting caught my interest and I stopped to admire it. It was a square painting and inside the cube was a man.
He looked confused. There was a door and a ladder in the square.
He must be contemplating whether to use the door or the ladder.
I walked closer to make out the wordings written at the button of the painting.
'Two path, each leading to the same result'
I chuckled when I read that. Truly, the door and the ladder each led to the same place.
But one seemed easier than the other. Life decisions matter a lot.
We could be so blinded about our problems that we fail to see that there's an easier way out of it.
And also, choosing the easier way, could make us get comfortable and not try difficult things that'll teach us a lot.
"You know, Art is best observed from a distance,"
I froze when I heard that. The voice was oddly familiar and that phrase... I had heard it before.
I gasped when I recalled it. It couldn't be.
It couldn't possibly be him.
Maybe I was beginning to hear his voice in my head.
I turned around slowly, afraid I was losing it and then, came face to face with him.
I gasped when I saw him. My heart was beating so fast and felt like bursting out of my chest in happiness.
It was him. He was right here... in front of me, looking as handsome as ever.
I didn't even know when I smiled.
"It's you," I said, when I found my voice.
He smiled as he shoved his hands into his pockets.
"It's me... I guess," he answered.
I didn't even know what to say. I hadn't seen him for almost three months now.
"I'm not dreaming, am I?" I asked.
He shook his head. "You're not,"
I felt like running to him and embracing him. To inhale his scent again. To let him hold my hand and call me by my name.
He watched me with such intensity like he was searching my soul. His eyes hadn't changed much, except the fact that they looked distant.
It was kind of awkward, just standing there and looking at each other.
"You don't look bad," I said.
He chuckled. "You look gorgeous,"
I couldn't stop smiling. I couldn't help it, not while he was in front of me.
"I didn't expect to see you here," I said as we walked.
We were walking by the balcony. The hall was becoming too crowded so he suggested we go outside.
"Neither did I," he answered simply.
"How did you know it was me?" I asked.
He paused and raised a brow at me. "I'll always know it's you,"
I nodded slowly. He kept walking. I couldn't help the blush that creeped up my cheeks.
"So, I guess you were invited as well,"
"Yeah. I was. I didn't want to come. I was too busy, but Richard persuaded me. So..." he shrugged. "Here I am,"
"What about you?" He asked, turning to face me.
"I flew into France a month ago because I had a meeting, so I've spent the last month here,"
He looked me up and down. "You look... different,"
I blinked. "Difference is good you know,"
"I suppose it is," he muttered.
He had changed. He wasn't much of a talker anymore. He only answered in short phrases.
We walked in silence. I had so many things I wanted to say to him, but I didn't know how to say it.
I wanted to tell him that his mom came to see me. But what was the point? We weren't in a relationship anymore. I didn't owe him anything now. Besides, he could know about it.
"How have you been?" He finally asked me.
I hesitated. "I've been... great," I said, feigning cheerfulness. "I finally gave it a chance and started Journaling. I'm not perfect at it yet," I said and we both laughed.
"Lena and I went on a hike together and we ended up jumping into the river from a cliff because we were being chased by a bear," I laughed.
"It was fun though," I added.
He removed his hands from his pocket and tucked a few strands of my hair that had escaped behind my ear.
I froze at his actions.
"Just keep staying happy," he said.
I didn't know what that meant but I still nodded.
"I... I have something for you," I said as we walked past a lady with a tray of champagne.
"But first, you must close your eyes," I said.
"What's that?" He asked.
"Just close them and you'll find out," I urged.
He closed his eyes and I reached to my neck and took off my necklace.
It was a gold necklace and I had spent a fortune buying it. But I wanted to give it to him.
I reached for his hand and opened it. I put the necklace in his palms and closed it.
He opened his eyes slowly as he opened his plans and saw it.
He looked at my neck, then at me. "You gave me your necklace?" He asked and I nodded.
He shook his head. "I can't take this," he said and tried to put them in my palm but I refused.
"I want you to have it," I said. "I couldn't give you a proper birthday gift, so I'm giving you this now," I paused. "Happy birthday,"
He looked unsure whether to accept it or not. I nodded, urging him to take it.
He smiled. "Thanks Audrey,"
My name sounded different in his lips. It always did.
He held my hands and looked into my eyes. "I promise to repay the favour,"
I nodded and bit my lips, trying to hold back a smile. I had been smiling like a fool since I saw him. Just then, his phone rang.
He let go of one of my hands and took out his phone. He still held my left hand. The call was brief.
"I have to go now," he said. "Hopefully I'll see you again,"
He took my right hand and kissed my knuckles.
"Thank you for the gift,"
He stood straight and let go of my hand as he turned to go.
I watched as he left. I didn't want him to go. My hands flew to my mouth as I let out a silent sob. He didn't even kiss me goodbye.
"Jonathan," I called after him.
He turned swiftly. I stopped right in front of him, my breath was raspy.
"Please be honest with me..." I paused as I watched his countenance.
"Do you still love me?" I asked.
I knew that was wrong. I knew I shouldn't have asked him that. I didn't even know what I was doing or what made me ask that... but I just wanted to know.
He chuckled softly and lowered his head. I was desperately hoping he would say he still did.
He looked back up, his gaze on me. "I'm sorry Audrey,"
My heart stopped. He had gotten over me already. Whatever pieces left of my broken heart that night shattered into a million pieces.
The tears threatened to fall, but I didn't let them.
"I understand," I said. "I'm sorry for asking such ridiculous question,"
Without waiting for him to speak, I turned and walked away.
Here I was, going crazy because of him. But he had already forgotten me.
Hmmm. What do you think? He forgot her already. That's so terrible ????
Check the media above to see how I imagine Audrey.
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