WHEN LOVE LASTS

Chapter:11 The Art Gala

Mercy awoke with a groggy start, her mind still muddled from the chaos of the previous night. She had barely begun her new role as stylist for Bruno, a rising star reputed for his charm and sophistication, yet complexities had already started to emerge. Today was the first full day of the prestigious three-week yacht trip—the first day of many. Tonight, they would dock at one of the most beautiful islands, setting the stage for an extravagant art gala.

Despite being emotionally drained, Mercy knew she had to put her best foot forward. She rolled out of bed, shaking off flashbacks of her ex, Isaac, and the hurtful betrayal with her once-close colleague. Her thoughts also drifted to Livia and Elana, alleged friends of Bruno, with sophistication as sharp as their cunning nature. Mercy decided today was a new day and pushed such thoughts to the back of her mind.

She planned to see her dearest friend, Clo, for breakfast. Freshening up, she left her room excited about the company. Opening the door, she bumped into Bruno, whose post-gym glow took her by surprise.

"Ooh boss, you...," Mercy stammered with a smirk. He caught her playful expression.

"I didn't know my little stylist could be so flirty," Bruno teased back, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

Embarrassed but amused, Mercy replied, "I was just heading to breakfast."

"I could join you. You seem a bit...lonely," he continued his lighthearted taunting.

Mercy didn't falter. "I'm not lonely. I'm meeting Clo."

Bruno chuckled. "I'm sure Clo has other company by now."

Mercy feigned skepticism and turned to walk away. But his parting comment left her curious. "I don’t think you want to disturb your best friend...and my assistant," he called after her.

"WHAT?!" she exclaimed, spinning around. Bruno had already disappeared. With curiosity piqued, she headed to breakfast alone, thoughts swirling. She mused with amusement, 'Clo will fill me in,' hoping her friend was forging her own adventure.

Breakfast was a grand affair with the yacht filled with the rich and famous of Y City. Mercy savored her solitude, gazing over the azure expanse, letting her encounter with Livia roll off her shoulders. Livia had tried to unsettle her again about her position as Bruno's stylist, but Mercy was learning to shrug off her jibes.

Returning to her room, Mercy found Clo waiting at the door. "Well, well, well, look who’s here—the traitor," Clo teased, a sparkle in her eye.

"Are you sure you're talking to me?" Mercy shot back with a playful smile.

Clo laughed, knowing Mercy had discovered her secret. "Bruno mentioned something this morning."

They stepped inside, Clo remarking on the room's lavishness. "Does he do this for all his stylists?" she asked pointedly.

Mercy ignored her friend’s implications and settled onto a plush couch. "So spill—what’s the deal with you and Alan?"

Clo cast her eyes down but smiled. "It just happened."

"If you say so," Mercy quipped as they fell into easy chatter, feeling more like themselves.

Their conversation was cut short by a knock. It was Alan, Bruno’s assistant. "Bruno needs you to help him prep for the gala," he informed Mercy.

"But it’s still early," she replied, surprised.

"He’s your boss," Clo interjected cheekily.

"Fine," Mercy conceded. Heading to Bruno’s room, she pushed open the already ajar door.

"Close the door," Bruno instructed, his focus elsewhere. Mercy busied herself in the sizeable closet, sorting through potential outfits.

Hours passed until they selected the perfect ensemble. "My job here is done," Mercy declared, feeling accomplished.

Bruno wasn’t through yet. "Not so fast, Ms. Williams. Remember, you're accompanying me tonight."

"Bruno, I haven’t packed anything gala-worthy," she protested.

Bruno gave a wicked grin. "I’ve made sure you’re covered. Check the box in the closet."

Skeptical but intrigued, Mercy opened the closet to reveal an elegant red dress paired with exquisite silver shoes.

"Try them," Bruno's voice called from elsewhere, laced with anticipation.

Slipping into the gown, she found it complemented her curves flawlessly. The slit was tasteful, the ensemble exuding both class and allure.

Bruno’s eyes widened as she emerged. "I have an excellent eye," he gazed appreciatively, clearly affected by her appearance.

"I'm not sure I can accept this. It's too much," Mercy hesitated.

"Think of it as your uniform," Bruno quipped, rolling his eyes at her modesty.

With no more arguments, Mercy accepted her attire and returned to her room to prepare further. Lunch arrived on a cart, which she consumed gratefully, before indulging in a brief rest.

The hours passed, and as dusk approached, so did the excitement for the gala. Mercy’s shimmering red lipstick added the final touch. She made her way back to Bruno’s suite, offering her expertise to dress him. As he stood there, more dashing than she remembered, her heart fluttered slightly.

They emerged onto the deck where most guests had already disembarked. A luxurious car awaited to whisk them to the gala venue, a testament to the lifestyle Bruno was now fully immersed in.

Cameras flashed relentlessly as they arrived, Mercy’s nerves prickling under the scrutiny of blinking flashbulbs. Bruno sensed her unease, gently clasping her hand. "I'm here. Don’t worry," he assured her, his smile sincere.

She nodded, touched by his gesture, and together, they entered the venue amidst whispers and gazes. The night was young, and the adventure of the art gala was only beginning.