Strength After Him

Chapter 12 - A Huge Contract

Two weeks later, my receptionist returned; her mom was doing much better. I still hadn’t been back to work, I couldn’t bear being alone, afraid that someone might come after me. I had missed several jobs because of my refusal to go in, and those days had been far from easy. I called her into my office, my eyes scanning her as she walked in nervously. I demanded an explanation for the missing pieces, wanting to know how a frame could just disappear like that. Her hands fidgeted at her sides, and she avoided meeting my gaze. She seemed genuinely confused, as if she couldn’t understand what had happened. Before I could ask whether she had left anyone in the studio, the door opened and a client stepped in. The faint jingle of the doorbell echoed across the studio.

We both stepped out of my office to attend to him. A man in his forties looked reserved, and his appearance spoke of wealth, the car keys dangling confidently from his hand as he entered. We greeted him with respect and exchanged formal pleasantries. He introduced himself as Charles, the CEO of a telecommunications company. The name rang a bell, and I immediately knew this could be a huge contract.

It was almost time for me to pick up Ivy from school. I told him that my receptionist could attend to his request while I went for the school run, but he refused, insisting that I handle it myself. His voice was calm as he said, “I don’t think she will capture all the details correctly.” Moreover, this is a huge contract. I’ll wait until you’re back. Just let me know how long it will take.

I was surprised by his tone. Who expects a client to wait patiently like that? I hadn’t planned on returning to the studio so soon, but for him, and because the contract was significant, I promised to be back in thirty minutes.

After picking up Ivy, traffic held me for about twenty minutes. All the while, I worried he might have left. Is this how I lose this contract? I whispered to myself, my hands gripping the steering wheel a little tighter.

The traffic finally cleared, and I arrived at the studio. Rushing inside, I blurted, “Please, sorry for keeping you waiting, traffic held me up.”

He waved it off calmly. “It’s fine.” We can get down to business right away,” he said, his tone steady and unbothered.

I told Ivy to sit at the reception so she wouldn’t follow me into my office. This was business, and I needed no distractions. Charles spread out his plans in a sketch. He had just opened two new offices in Edinburgh and Aberdeen and wanted artwork to beautify the spaces. I told Ivy to sit at the reception so she wouldn’t follow me into my office. This was business, and I needed no distractions. Charles had just opened two new offices in Edinburgh and Aberdeen and wanted artwork to beautify the spaces.

Charles leaned forward, spreading the sketches across my desk.“I don’t want just decoration,” he said, his tone calm but deliberate. “I need bold, abstract pieces, art that speaks of connection, innovation, growth.” Something with clean lines, vibrant colors, maybe even patterns that feel like waves or networks. My offices in Edinburgh and Aberdeen have to reflect what we stand for as a telecommunications company, communication, technology, and progress.

I nodded slowly, glancing over the sketches. “That works perfectly with my style.” I already have a few concepts in mind that can fit into that vision.

I stood up, excusing myself as I walked to the reception. My eyes scanned the display until I spotted the frame that carried exactly the feel he had described, bold strokes, a flow of colors that almost looked like waves connecting one point to another. I smiled as I lifted it carefully, already certain it matched his vision.

“This would fit what you’re describing,” I said, placing the frame before him.

Charles leaned back, studying it for a moment. His lips curved into a small smile, and he gave a firm nod. “Yes… this is exactly how I like it." You’ve proven I can trust you with the job.

The approval in his tone was enough to ease the tension that had been building in me all day.I smiled as he gave me more details about how he wanted everything done. I carefully wrote down his request. While I worked on the estimation, I noticed Charles watching me closely, his gaze fixed as though he couldn’t look away.

Our eyes met this time. I found the courage to ask if everything was okay. He nodded slowly, then tilted his head. “Ivy, your face looks familiar.”

Are you sure we haven’t met before?” he asked.

I studied him for a moment, trying to remember if we had ever met. “I don’t think we have, Mr. Charles. Or maybe I just look like someone you know. You know, these days a lot of people look alike,” I said, smiling.

He nodded in agreement. “Yes, you’re right.” Never mind, I might have mistaken you for someone else. Alright, let me know when you’re done so I can get the quote.”

After I finished the estimation, I handed it over to him and took a deep breath, hoping he would agree. After reviewing it, he asked if everything I had laid out would be enough to complete the job. I nodded.

He requested my account details and sent the funds immediately. He even added a little extra and promised that if I did a very good job, he would pay more. Everything was in order. He was satisfied, so he stood up to leave. He extended his hand for a warm handshake and said, “It was nice doing business with you.” I smiled while we walked out of my office, he saw Ivy, tired from waiting and looking a little lonely. “Is she your daughter?” he asked, smiling as he stepped closer to her. He asked her name and class, and even offered to buy her a gift the next time he came. Ivy’s face lit up with excitement. Then he added, “Continue being good to your mom and dad.”

At the mention of “dad,” Ivy’s mood changed. “I don’t know who my daddy is,” she said softly.

Charles looked at me, and I could see the shock on his face. Then he said, “I promise to be the dad she never knew.” I couldn’t understand why he would say that, I whispered to myself.

Charles turned toward me and said I should let him get something for her. “It’s obvious she needs warm love,” he added. I nodded, but I wasn’t ready to accept it.

After he left, Ivy and I returned to my office to pack up so we could head home. I was frustrated with her. “Why would you go around telling people you don’t know your daddy?” I muttered under my breath, trying to hide my irritation.