Bound by fate

Chapter 5

Matilda’s pov

“Bye Mum”, Lily calls out while racing down the stairs to meet up as the school bus stops in front of our yard.

I stand there till she gets in and the bus disappears from my line of vision then I make my way to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee.

I settle down with my cup on the table and begin surfing the net, checking for the latest news when I get a message from an unknown number

“This is the secretary of Micheal’s tech industry, a meeting has been scheduled for 10:00 am later this morning. Please if for any reason you’d not be able to make it, do well to send a message. If not, my boss will be expecting you at the scheduled time. Kindly send your address so that a car can come and pick you up and if you’re not comfortable with that, The address of the meeting is written at the bottom of this message. Do have a lovely day”

I scoff after I’m done reading it and look at the wall clock to check the time. It read 8:15 am.

I still had time to finish up the painting I started earlier today since our meeting place is a train away from my location.

Heading out by 9:15 am which was neither late nor early, I get to my destination at 9:55 am. With 5 minutes to spare, I feed my eyes as I walk into the building.

Stopping to ask for directions from a doorman, I’m directed to a meeting room on the 10th floor.

I take a seat facing the window and enjoy the skytop view and a few minutes later, Bryan walks in.

“Sorry, I’m late. I just concluded a meeting and rushed here when I heard you were already seated and waiting”, he says while settling into his chair.

“That’s alright. I was enjoying the view”, I reply softly “It is quite a view”, he chuckles, agreeing with me.

“Let’s get right into it then. I went through your portfolio and like I said before I’m impressed. I’d like to contact you for a different series of artworks. I’d want a set of diptychs and three sets of triptychs.”

“Is there a time frame for this?”, I ask

“We’re opening the new branch in three months. So I’d appreciate it if they’re ready before then.” Bryan responds.

“I can work with that,” I say while taking a notepad from my bag and jotting down the date. “What about the payment?”, I say

“Well, that’s for you to decide. I’d want you to do your best so I’m willing to work with whatever price you’d call.” Bryan responds

“I was also considering a stand-alone art piece for my home but that will be after the launch so that you can focus and not feel pressured.” He adds.

I nod, considering Bryan’s words as I jot down a few more details in my notepad.

His willingness to let me set my price is a refreshing change, I could already see the things I could easily afford to get Lily without racking my brain for where my next paycheck was coming from and the flexibility of the project timeline for his piece gives me some breathing room.

“That sounds like a plan. I’ll send over a detailed breakdown of my rates and concepts by the end of the week to the number that texted earlier today,” I say, offering a small smile.

“Perfect. I look forward to it,” Bryan replies, his smile warm and genuine. He pauses, then leans back in his chair.

“Since we’re done here, how about grabbing lunch? My treat. There’s a great spot just a block away and I’m dying to know who you are and where you’ve been all this while.”

I blink, momentarily caught off guard. Lunch wasn’t part of the plan, and though the offer sounded nice, I had to pass on it. I didn’t want us meeting outside business purposes. I’m not ready for that.

“Thank you, Bryan, but I’ll have to pass,” I reply, keeping my tone light and polite. “I have something else to take care of this afternoon.”

Bryan’s expression shifts slightly, but he nods, his easygoing demeanor unchanged. “Of course. Another time, then.”

I stand, gathering my notepad and bag. “Thank you for the opportunity. I’ll be in touch soon with the details.”

“Looking forward to it, Matilda,” he says as he rises to walk me out.

As I step out of the building and into the bustling street, I turn back for a moment, offering Bryan a quick wave before continuing on my way.

Even as I cross the road, I can still feel his eyes lingering on me. It’s a sensation I quickly shake off as I hail a cab and slide inside, shutting out the world for a moment.

Once I’m settled, I take a deep breath and give the driver the address for Lily’s school. Picking her up after class is one of the best parts of my day. It’s our little ritual; warm doughnuts and ice cream at the corner shop close to her school, a tradition we started six months ago when we moved here. It’s these moments that remind me what truly matters.

Still, my thoughts keep drifting back to Bryan’s project. My hands are itching to get back to the painting waiting in my studio, and my mind is already brimming with ideas for the diptychs and triptychs he’s requested. Finishing this project on time is all I’m focused on.

I can’t afford distractions. Not from Bryan, not from the lingering tension between us, and certainly not from the secret I carry; a truth he doesn’t know. My daughter, my sweet Lily, is the result of a one-night stand he doesn’t even remember.

My life is about Lily, and this project is just a means to an end. Whatever it takes to complete the work, get paid, and move on is all I’m thinking about. The rest; the unspoken truths, the unanswered questions; can stay buried where they belong.