Love missed a call

chapter 2

In the subdued glow of her apartment, Eva's face bore an intensity that rivaled the enigmatic paintings in her darkroom. The steady ticking of the clock punctuated the silence, a relentless reminder of time slipping by. She had been immersed in her art for five hours, enveloped in solitude within those walls.

Her gaze finally settled on a painting a little girl sitting on a street corner, sharing biscuits with a circle of stray cats and dogs. The scene radiated warmth, yet to Eva, it seemed devoid of the spark of life, lacking the subtle emotions she strove to capture.

A wave of dissatisfaction surged through her, leading to a sudden emotional outburst. In a fit of frustration, Eva tore the paintings from the wall, ripping them into shreds as if she could physically discard her imperfections and disappointments along with them. With each tear, her spirits fragmented further.

Stepping out of the darkroom, Eva reached for the cigarette case and lighter on the coffee table. She lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply, the smoke blending with her loneliness, intensifying her feelings of vertigo and despair. She questioned herself was this an artistic deadlock or had her well of creativity run dry?

The cigarette crumbled between her lips. She squinted through the haze, a stark realization dawning on her, yet it did nothing to fill the void within. Dr. William had often cautioned her about her emotional barriers and tendency to seclude herself, but she had never truly heeded his advice.

Her reverie was interrupted by a buzz from her phone. A message from "Tall Eight Pack Abs"—a humorous nickname for Sean, a male model she knew, said “went out” His texts always brought a sense of lightness and anticipation. Reflexively, she replied, "Why not?" knowing it might just be another escape from reality.

Post-shower, a call from Dr. William awaited her. His voice carried a tone of genuine concern and inquiry, but Eva responded with evasion and superficiality. Despite William being her psychiatrist, she struggled with accepting such penetrating concern. She preferred facing her inner turmoil on her own terms, even if it meant isolating herself further.

After ending the call, Eva stood before the mirror, applying lipstick with a detached precision. Her expression remained unchanged—no trace of emotion crossed her face as she adhered to this daily ritual, cold and mechanical. It seemed the external world could no longer reach her, compelling her to maintain a distance, guarding her space and secrets diligently.

She hung up the phone impatiently, took out a box of condoms from the drawer, put on her high heels, and walked into the night. The examination did not change Eva's mood.

The lights of countless houses flickered around her as she ventured into the bustling city. The early summer breeze, cool and warm, seemed to ignite her whole being.

Eva pressed the doorbell. Ten seconds later, the door opened. The click of a camera shutter caught her eye. The man standing in front of her had only a bath towel around his waist, his abdomen was tight, his chest was gleaming with water, and his hair was still dripping. He has the fresh scent of shower gel and a bright smile that mesmerizes both Eva and the camera.

He pulled her into the house and said, "Exercise again?" Eva walked past him and stroked his abdominal muscles with her fingers. Just like men are attracted to breasts and butts, Eva is attracted to breasts and abs.

The man proudly displayed his abs and declared: "These are going to be the best you've ever seen."

Holding the camera, Eva glanced back at him, her eyes lingering on his abdomen for a moment. She smiled and shook her head. "I'll see better ones in the future."

"You won't," he insisted, pulling her close and kissing her neck.

Eva and Sean met six months ago in a photo studio. Eva's friend, a graphic photographer who shoots underwear ads for CK, introduced them. Model Sean immediately caught Eva's attention with his long and muscular physique, especially his chiseled abs.

Sean also noticed Eva. Her cold yet charming face, especially her direct, emotionless eyes, left a deep impression on him. It was as if she viewed the world not as a human observer but as an art connoisseur, appreciating its beauty with a detached fascination.

Their first meeting was unforgettable. Wearing only white briefs, Sean posed against a solid background. Eva stared at him intently for more than an hour.

After the shoot, while Eva was sitting in the car smoking a cigarette, Sean came over. After the smoke cleared, she smiled lightly. "Come in," she beckoned.

That day, her car was parked for two hours.

Although they didn't talk much, their relationship changed.

After an hour of intimacy today, Eva lay on the bed, wearing only high heels, smoking, her restless and dull mind becoming clearer with every exhale. After smoking, she was ready to leave.

"Eva," Sean called.

"Whah?"

"Don't leave tonight. Stay."

Eva hesitated. "No."

"I'll make you some supper, and then leave."

Sean's steak surprised her. "Can you cook?" she exclaimed.

"Don't I try hard?" he teased.

Eva giggled. "I heard that you are filming. It seems that you have mastered your role."

Sean's smile widened. "Eva, I might be a star one day."

"Congratulations," she replied dryly.

"Eva, have you ever thought about us..."

"About what?" she interrupted.

"Maybe we can take our relationship to the next level..."

Eva's hand froze on the spoon. Alarms went off in her head, but before she could react, Sean's phone rang.

Naomi's name flashed on the screen. "Are you asleep? Can we meet tomorrow?" Message read.

Eva handed him the phone, her expression unreadable. "who，girlfriend?" she asked.

Sean's tone changed. "No, I don't have any feelings for her."

Eva continued to ask. "Does she like you?"

"Yes."

"Is she pursuing you?"

"Yes."

"Since when?"

"We are high school classmates..."

"Have you slept with her?"

"Of course not!"

Eva was silent and looked at him steadily.

"She was serious about finding someone to marry. I couldn't lead her into that," Sean explained.

Eva was silent for a moment and said, "I'm leaving."

Suddenly, Eva is overwhelmed by the complexity of her relationships.

Late at night, she drove aimlessly through the city, the cool night breeze blowing in through the car window. Lost in thought, she found that she had given up all pursuit of happiness, passion and vanity. Her seemingly glittering, creative life has little practical meaning.

She found a glimmer of light in the distance, attracting her like a beacon. After taking a closer look, I realized it was a private clinic.