The Angel's Revenge

Sofia’s Memories Part II

I feel so nervous hanging my painting in the wall exhibit. I position it at the back because I’m not confident enough to put it in front.

That position is for our great artist and this is just my first time putting my work here. I’ve been helping the organization since it started. Rickard funding this organization makes me like him more.

I like since childhood but I never dare to tell it to anyone. A woman like me can’t be stand by his side. He’s powerful and intelligent.

We’re all done and greeting our guests for tonight's exhibit. I hope a lot of our artists' works will be bought today. It will help them finance more of their artwork.

“Ms. Sofia, twenty out of fifty artworks are already sold today.” Lina, our treasurer informed me.

“That’s great news, Lina. I hope we can sell all of them today.” I replied.

We bought giggles at the news. That means we only have thirty artworks to sell.

We’re in that state when Mr. Rickard Lee arrived. Many of the press people surround him to take pictures and interviews. He answered some of them before he started to look one by one with the paintings.

We already put sold on those paintings that already paid.

I can’t stop looking at his every move. It is like slow motion and only he graces my eyes.

I’m in my dreamland when Lina nudges me. I didn’t know that Rickard is already standing in front of me.

“G-Good evening Mr. Lee. I would like to thank you on behalf of the artist in the organization. Thank you for funding this event to showcase the artworks of our artist.” I said.

“You’re welcome. I will continue looking around then let’s talk.” He said before moving to the back part where my work hung.

“Mr. Lee is handsome. A lot of girls in the Golden City are here because of him. They are trying to catch his attention.” Lina said.

As she mentioned, I scan the area and saw a lot of girls are looking at Rickard while he is looking around. Some of them tried to approach him but he disregard them easily. He’s used to it now and knows how to let them leave him alone.

“We can’t stop them. Rickard is known in the city and him being a bachelor makes the woman here excited.” I said.

“How about you Ms. Sofia? Do you like Mr. Lee?”

“Like? I don’t have any right to like him. We are so different.”

“But opposites attract one another,” Lina said then winked at me.

“Stop winking at me like that. Rickard and I are just friends. He doesn’t look at me that way, so I need to be professional.”

We are hooked on the topic and didn’t realize that someone already bought my painting.

“Look, Ms. Sofia, your work is already sold.” Lina pointed and when I look around, I saw a sold mark on the bottom of it.

“Who bought my painting?” I asked.

“Lina went to our assistant and went back to me.

“Ms. Sofia, the buyer didn’t leave his name. It will be pick-up later after the exhibit.” Lina said.

That’s sad. I want to know who’s the person who bought my first exhibited artwork.

“It’s okay. Now we are just waiting for the event to end.”

“Ma’am, Mr. Lee wants to talk to you for a moment. He’s in the office provided by the venue.” Mike, Rickard's assistant said.

“Okay. I’ll be there.” I replied.

This is the moment I need to ask for his help for my dad’s company. God, please give me courage and strength to ask him this.

“Lina, what’s the latest status of sold items?”

“As of the moment, only five are remaining but being reserved now by our online customers. I think you can report to him that we’re already sold out.” Lina's smile widens.

“That’s incredible! I’ll go now and tell him.”

I hurriedly went to the office. I knocked before I enter. I saw Rickard sitting comfy on the sofa with a drink in his hand.

“Mr. Lee.”

“Sit down Sofia. You don’t need to be too formal when we are the only ones here. We’re childhood friends after all.” Rickard said.

“I-I’m just being——“

“Don’t be nervous. Come here and sit.” It’s not a request but an order. I sit next to him and accept the drink he’s offering to me.

“How’s the event so far?”

I drink all the liquid inside that glass without thinking that it’s red wine. I don’t drink alcohol. I’m such a low tolerant of those drinks.

“I’m happy to tell you that the exhibit is successful and all arts are sold out,” I said happily.

“It’s all because of your hard work,” Rickard said.

“No, it’s not. We all do our best to make this possible and you’re the one who’s head of it. If it wasn’t for you, there will be no one attending this event.”

“Don’t flatter me too much.”

“But it is true.”

“Other than that, don’t you have anything to say to me?”

“T-To s-say?” I stutter.

“Yes, I heard what happened to your dad’s company.”

He knows it, he also knows that they will ask me to ask for help from him.

“Oh that, yes, our company will turn bankrupt soon. Father lost the money and our investors are pulling out their shares.”

“What’s your father's solution on this matter?”

“He doesn’t have one at the moment but Tita Monica told me to ask for your help.”

He smirks.

“Then what are you waiting for?”