Chapter 69 He Is Here
Rose
I still am. Enzo made it clear that I shouldn't tell anyone about our agreement except my family until he was ready to make it public. Luckily, Elena, who's also standing in the circle, saves me.
"Actually, we were busy preparing for the wedding. That's why Rose was hardly around," she lies smoothly.
Also it calms the women in the circle. Except Danielle.
"So, no boyfriend?" she presses curiously.
I smile and shake my head. "Nope."
"That's a relief," someone says behind me.
I turn around and find myself face to face with an unfamiliar man. He's Asian, with dark brown eyes and short chestnut hair, a perfect jawline, and a slight smile on his face.
"Excuse me, do I know you?" I ask.
His expression turns hurt. "You don't know who I am? You hurt me, Rose, really.”
I glance around the circle, hoping someone will explain.
"This is Alexander Wang," Danielle informs me.
"The guy everyone's talking about?" I ask dryly.
Apparently, he's Picasso come back to life. I've seen some of his work, but I've never met him. Until today.
"I'm glad you know about me," Alexander says from behind me.
I turn to him. "Yes. How can I help you?"
"You could help me by going on a date with me," he declares, getting straight to the point.
My jaw is about to drop, but I manage to shake off the shock. The women behind me make sounds of surprise and delight, clearly impressed.
"I'm flattered," I say quietly. "But no, thank you."
His expression flickers. I get the feeling he's not used to being rejected.
"That was cruel," he mutters. "You didn't even think about it."
“Because I can't." I shrug and give him an apologetic smile.
He sighs. "Fine then. I'll leave you to your friends."
He leaves, and I turn back to the flustered women, who immediately pounce, telling me how romantic it was and how I should have said yes. I notice a slight unease flickering in Elena's eyes, but she hides it and gives me a slight smile.
Finally, I managed to leave the ladies and look at some of the paintings myself.
"This is one of mine," says a voice behind me.
A sense of déjà vu overwhelms me. His appearance reminds me of Enzo when we first met in Daniella's gallery. I sigh softly but don't turn around. My eyes never leave the painting.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Alexander asks.
"It would be better if you weren't so bold," I mutter.
He grins. "Okay, I'll tone it down. But seriously, tell me what you think. You're an incredibly talented artist. I'd appreciate your input."
After a moment's hesitation, I decide to comply.
"It's interesting to see how you capture emotion and create a visual narrative in your work. The composition is well balanced, and it's clear you've paid special attention to detail. The use of light and shadow adds depth to your work. My only complaint is that it seems a little dark here."
Alexander walks next to me. He's much taller than I; I can barely reach his shoulders.
"You and I both know that darkness is what really attracts people," he declares.
Tell me about it. He and Enzo would be good friends. "Not everyone likes darkness."
"Well, in that case, you and I are perfect. You're all light and beautiful. I can show you how light it is tomorrow at dinner."
My lips twitch, but I hide a smile. "Can't take the hint?"
"Unfortunately, I'm incredibly persistent. That means you'll stay with me until you agree to a date," he says with a bright smile. "Unless there's a reason you can't."
"Yes. I'm not interested," I say calmly.
"Come on, then. You're hot, I'm hot. You're an artist, and so am I. We already have a lot in common. And we have chemistry. There's literally nothing stopping us."
The last time a guy thought we had chemistry, I had a marriage of convenience. Still, I don't think I have to worry about Alexander. And as he said, he really is hot. If he had approached me a month ago, I might have accepted his proposal. But it's too late now.
I look at him, meeting his eyes.
"I'm so sorry. You're definitely interesting. But my answer is still negative.”
He sighs.
"Even if I say 'beautiful, please'? I'll be honest; I've been watching you for months, Rose. I've been trying to work up the courage to talk to you, but now that I can, you shut me down. You're really hurting me here."
I'm a little touched by his words. And a little disappointed. If he had approached me a few months ago, we might both be in completely different places.
"I'm so sorry," I say again, because I have nothing else to say.
He shrugs. "It's okay. But would you mind if I accompanied you for the rest of the evening? You could help me find my next auction purchase. We could analyze other people's art, maybe even laugh," he suggests, waggling his eyebrows playfully.
"Actually, we already have plans," Enzo's voice reaches me from behind. I turn around, and there he stands. Charming, radiating confidence and strength.
With a single rose in his hand, he stands tall, his magnetic presence commanding attention. His chiseled features and confident demeanor create an aura of undeniable charm.
"Enzo, what are you doing here?" I ask, still slightly confused.
“I was hoping maybe we could check some of the pieces together. You know, I don’t understand any of this nonsense, so there’s no point in going without you. What do you think?” he asks.
I laugh. “Okay, okay. I agree.”
I apologize to Alexander and leave with Enzo.
“Is that rose for me, or are you thinking of giving it to someone else tonight?” I point to the flower he’s holding. His eyes meet mine, and a mischievous spark ignites between us.