Beyond the Veil

Chapter 4

“What’s going on here?”

We all paused, I turned to see the person I came searching for—-Adrian.

The receptionist quickly left her seat and rushed to where we were.

“Good afternoon sir…..welcome.” She greeted him with a smile.

She glared at her “That doesn't answer my question, what is going on here?”

She began to look nervous, “Hmmm….sir, she said she wants to see you but she has no official appointment.”

“But sir…..You said I should meet you today. I don't have the evidence because my phone got broken” I said to him, as the receptionist looked at me.

“To my office.….” Adrina said and walked past all of us.

I dragged back my hand from the security and gave the receptionist a mocking face as I followed Adrina behind.

We entered the elevator and my nerves shot up.

What am I going to say? Why am I here? I should have gone back when the rude receptionist asked me to leave.

We finally got to the top floor and it was like I was in heaven. The top floor was void of offices and it was made from glass—from the window to the ceiling.

We walked past his secretary who stood up to greet him. When we got to the office he pulled his coat, took his seat, and began to look through some documents which were dropped on his desk.

A few minutes later, the secretary knocked and walked in with a cup of coffee which he dropped carefully on his desk.

As he was about to leave, Adrian spoke “Get me the file for last week's sales!”

“Yes sir..” The secretary said and walked out.

I stood still, waiting and looking around the beautiful office.

“Won’t you sit?” Adrian asked, startling me.

“Hmmmm…. Thank you.” I drew out the chair and sat down, I couldn’t even relax as I feared that I would stain the beautiful chair.

“So what brings you here?” He asked me and I looked confused about why he asked the question.

“Huh?”

He gave me a questioning look “Why did you come looking for me?” He asked again, dropping the file in his hands.

“Hmm…you gave me a proposal about my painting.”

“Yes and paid you in advance,” he said, cutting me off.

I cleared my throat “about that…..I lost the cheque!” I said in a low tone, my head bent down refusing to meet his eyes.

“How is that my problem?” he shot back, making me shrink into my shell.

I cleared my throat, “I did not lose it per se, it got destroyed!” I said to him and he gave me a questioning look.

“How do I know you are telling the truth?” he asked.

I looked around thinking but I found nothing to use as evidence “Hmmm…..I don't have any evidence but you can call the bank and let them know about the situation and if anyone tries to catch the cheque you will be alerted” I tried my best to convince him.

His hands rested on his face as he stared at me trying to convince him.

“What do you want, Isabella?” Adrian asked me.

I exhaled, “I want to work on your paintings collection as you wanted but I want to stay with you while I do it and then at the end, you can pay me completely.”

His head c****d to the side “You want to stay with me? What happened to your house?”

My eyes began to wonder “Hmmm…I can't afford rent!”

“Then I would pay...”

“No!” I shot Bagan leaving him shocked, I cleared my throat “I mean…you shouldn't but I just need to stay with you to be able to capture the best art that you would like.”

Adrian came closer, his piercing gaze making me shiver “I don't know who you are running from” he said making my heart sink to my stomach, “but I would accept your terms.”

I exhaled, as I secretly thanked God for scaling through.

“You can go pack. It would be for two months and after the work, you should have been able to sort out whatever you think it is that's the problem.” Adrian said to me.

“Thank you so much, I promise you won't regret it. Thank you.” I stood up quickly

“My team will be over to get you tomorrow. So be prepared.”

I bowed “Thank you.” I said and dashed out of the office.

As I rushed out of the office, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. I was relieved that Adrian had agreed to my terms, but at the same time, I was nervous about what lay ahead.

I had never stayed with anyone before, let alone a stranger like Adrian but I had no choice. I needed a place to stay, and this was my only option.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. I would make the most of this opportunity, I told myself. I would work hard and create the best artwork possible for Adrian's collection.

And who knows, maybe I would even learn something from him.

The next day, I was packed and ready to go. I had spent the entire day before preparing, making sure I had everything I needed.

As I waited for Adrian's team to arrive, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I was about to embark on a new adventure, one that would take me out of my comfort zone and challenge me in ways I never thought possible.

The doorbell rang, and I got up to answer it. It was a tall, imposing man with a stern expression.

"Isabella?" he asked, his voice firm.

"Yes, that's me," I replied, trying to sound confident.

"I'm Marcus, Adrian's head of security. I'm here to escort you to his residence."

I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. What was I getting myself into?

I followed Marcus out of the apartment and into a sleek black car. As we drove through the city, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. I had never seen such opulence before.

We finally arrived at Adrian's residence, a sprawling mansion that seemed to go on forever. I gasped as I stepped out of the car, my eyes wide with wonder.

Marcus smiled a small, indulgent smile. "Welcome to your new home for the next few weeks, Isabella."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude. I was about to embark on a new adventure, one that would change my life forever.

As I followed Marcus into the mansion, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. What lay ahead? Only time will tell.

But one thing was for sure: I was ready for whatever came next.