The Art of Love

Susu stood in front of her latest masterpiece, a vibrant art work on the side of a downtown building. She had poured her mind and soul into it, but she knew it wouldn't pay the bills of course . As she packed up her paintings , a sleek black Audi pulled up, and a tall, quiet intriguing young man came out of the latest Audi . He was dressed in a white kaftan , smelling so good and his eyes fixed attentively on her art. "your work is breathtaking," she looked up and saw a good looking young man in his white neatly ironed kaftan ,with the very strong smell of Arabian perfume ,Thank you sir she said in a calm voice. "I'm Asher Jones and you ? I’m susu she replied “your paintings are very intriguing. I'd like to commission a piece from you. A painting for my new office ." Susu’s eyes widened as she gazed up at him, her mind racing through the possibilities. "I'd be honored," she said, her voice sounding like a whisper . Asher smiled, with his hand in his pockets and his eyes wondering around the place looking at the beautiful paintings made by the beautiful young lady in front of him . "I knew you would be the one. Let's make something beautiful together, Susu." And that was how their journey began... ******** Asher and Susu got into a conversation and Asher asked if she would mind having lunch with him so they can discuss more on the paintings and the ideas she’s got .Susu gasped for a second and nodded sure we can .He opened the door of his car and she hopped in ,they got the restaurant and ordered food the menu was quiet different from what Susu had on a regular so she decided to have same order with Asher ,diving into the food their conversation kept on and on and even after lunch they talked until they walked through to the parking lot ,it was a nice time I had sir susu said ,it’s my pleasure susu said Asher with a smile on his face . Susu was quite intimidated by Asher as he was so young and had already achieved so much to crown it all he had this contagious smile that made susu smile whoever he looked at her . After lunch they went over to his office As they his office, Susu’s eyes widened in awe. The room was filled with stunning works of art, and the view of the city skyline was breathtaking.Wow susu said softly . Asher gestured for her to take a seat, and Susu perched on the edge of the plush brown couch, feeling a little out of her league. "So, Susu , I want you to create a very lucrative,captivating yet unique painting for my new office space ,that captures the beauty of nature and unity ," Asher said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Something that inspires hope and beauty. Can you do that for me?" Susu nodded, her mind already racing with ideas. "Absolutely," she said, her voice filled with confidence. "I can see it now color’s intertwining and filling the place with so much beauty and confidence. Asher grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I knew you were the one," he said, his voice low and husky. "Let's make it happen, Susu . Together." Sure susu replied I can already tell you are a very huge fan of paintings. Asher smiled and said of course yes I am art is love . As they began to discuss the details, Susu couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest. She was drawn to Asher’s passion and creativity, and she found herself wanting to spend more time with him even tho she knew it might be cliche but it will be great she thought to herself . But as they delved deeper into the project, Susu realized that Asher had a something that kept bothering him even tho he tried to use his smile and aura to hide it ,susu could read in between the line even tho they had not really established a great level of friendship yet she felt that there was more to him than met the eye. And she began to wonder – what lay behind those piercing eyes, and what would happen if she wanted to know more about Asher and not just about the paintings ? ****** As the days turned into weeks, Susu found herself growing more and more comfortable in Asher’s presence. They spent more hours discussing art, music, and life, and Susu felt like she had found a friend in a boss yes a boss because she was working for him which was rare for her. But despite their deepening connection, Asher remained elusive, never revealing too much about his past or his personal life just always all about painting art and nature . One evening, as they worked late in his office, Susu stumbled upon an old newspaper clipping on Asher’s desk. The headline read: "Asher Jones Wanted by the EFCC for money laundry it was a huge amount of money .Susu’s eyes scanned through the article, as her heart sinking as she read about Asher’s controversial Accusations trying to convince herself that it might not be the same Asher Jones. Just then, Asher walked in, his eyes narrowing as he saw the article in her hand. "Susu, he said I can explain it’s not what you think ," he said, his voice tight with tension. But Susu was already standing up, her heart racing with doubts. "I iiiiiii ," she said, her voice barely above a whisper she was speechless she couldn’t even complete her statement immediately few seconds later she said . "I don't know if I can work with someone who...who is under EFFCC investigation. Asher’s face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. But then, something seemed to shift in him, and he took a deep breath. "Susu, I am not into money laundering I was framed by my ex because I broke up with her after many attempts to lure me into it I was still growing at the time ," he said, his voice softening. "I did what I had to do to protect her and that’s how I became the victim . But that doesn't define me. I'm more than just a businessman I'm a person, with a heart and soul and a love for art.” Susu hesitated, her mind torn between her doubts and she kept wondering why she was feeling so uneasy ,she probably started growing feelings for Asher even tho she thinks he is out of her league and she is just a girl trying to make ends meet through her passion for painting . Could she really trust him? And what would happen if she did?