He crossed him arms. "You were the one who bumped into me"

"Stop pushing the blame on me" she struggled to stand up. She grabbed the box. Thankfully, the cloths in it wasn't damaged.

She had gotten this in readiness for her resumption at Sinclair group. Shooting him a stink eye, she tried to leave, but he stopped her.

"Aren't you going to apologize to me? You caused this. Don't feign ignorance"

"I won't. If you touch me, I'll scream for help"

He narrowed his eyes at her. She raised her chin at and strutted off.

**********

Cressida was getting more busy as the opening ceremony approached. It was one of the biggest turning points in her life. She could not leave any stone unturned. Cedric drove her to the gallery every morning and waited for her outside in the evening. It became a routine. She stopped taking her car.

On one of such days, he dropped her off at her gallery and she was about to go in when a soft voice called her.

"Cressida"

Diana was a few steps away from her. She was wearing a fur and her lips were blood-red. She hadn't seen her since she arrived, and didn't care. They weren't in any way related.

"What are you doing here?"

"Aren't you going to invite me in?"

"Follow me"

She took Diana to her office.

"I wanted to congratulate you on your marriage"

Kevin must have told her too. It was expected.

"Is that all? By the way, how did you find this place?"

Not even Kevin knew where the gallery was.

"I was passing by some days ago. Then I saw you going in. I asked the staffs, and they said you were the boss here"

She had an innocent look on her face which Cressida hated. This woman was far from innocent.

"You may not know, but your father and I already separated"

"I know. Whatever is going on between you and him is none of my business. If that is all, you can be on your way. I have work to do"

Diana nodded and stood up. She stopped at the door. "I know you never liked me, but I'm glad you are back"

Cressida rolled her eyes and started working immediately the door was shut.

It was midnight and Cressida was still working on her laptop relentlessly. She yawned and shook her head, trying to shake off sleep.

"Need my help?"

Cedric was standing at the foot of the stairs.

"No. It's almost done"

He approached her regardless.

"You should take a break. You can continue this tomorrow"

"I have to do it now. I also need a favor from you. Two, actually. Can I include your name on the invites?" Cedric Sinclair was a big name, so it was definitely going to draw a crowd.

"Yes" he said without thinking twice.

"Can I also ask you to attend?"

He hesitated. She knew he hated appearing in public, so this was quite big a favor.

"Forget it"

"No. I'll come. I just won't stay for long"

"That's enough. Thank you'

"You should get some sleep"

"I will, when I'm done with this"

"Then I'll wait"

She didn't stop him.

*********

The big day was finally here. Her gallery's opening ceremony. She had sent out invites to as much people with influence and the press as she could.

She could only hope they turn up.

Cedric had gone very early to work because he had to attend an emergency meeting but promised to appear at the gallery later.

It wasn't long before he left, that she did too. The event was going to start at 10:00 in the morning, so she had to prepare ahead.

It was almost time. Cressida was in her office, a nervous wreck. Her hands were cold and sweaty.

Amy's message came in.

"I might be a little late. My team leader is being a dick and won't allow me to leave. But I promise I'll be there. Don't be nervous. Breathe in and out. You can do it!"

Cressida breathed in and out. It succeeded in calming her a little.

One of her staffs knocked.

"Ma'am, the red carpet is about to start"

"I'll be right outside"

She calmed her racing heart and walked towards the entrance in an elegant, black gown. Her raven hair was let down.

The gallery's exterior had LED light installation, illuminating the red carpet, while the interior had shiny marble floors, sharp white colored walls among others.

She stood at the entrance to welcome the guests.

At first, the people she welcomed in were few in number. She became worried? Will her hard work end up coming to nought?

She could not let her worry show.

Out of the blue, several exotic cars began to arrive. She could hardly contain her happiness. The red carpet was flashing with light.

Cedric finally arrived. She breathed a sigh of relief.

"Isn't that Cedric Sinclair? I saw him once before, I'm sure it's him. He has the Sinclair group logo on his suit" someone in the crowd said.

"Oh my God! That's him! He's so handsome"

He paid no attention and kept his eyes on the lady at the entrance. For a moment, she froze when their eyes met.

"You look dashing"

"You look handsome too. Thanks for coming"

They shook hands and he entered.

The room was filled with socialites, celebrities, popular art collectors. Because most of the people inside were of high social standing, they immediately recognized Cedric.

Only few people dared to approach him.

"I heard you invested in this gallery, is that true?"

"Yes"

Normally, he would not answer, but he did, for Cressida's sake.

The room was filled with lively chatter, soft music playing in the background.

Cedric stared at a particular painting, his hands crossed. It was that of a woman standing in a forest full of mist and fog, carrying a little girl close to her chest. Her face was not clearly seen, but her pose conveyed a feeling of sadness and loneliness.

"She's good, isn't she? She has always been?"

Cedric turned to the man who had spoken. He had suddenly appeared beside him, staring at the painting he was looking at. He spoke as if he knew Cressida.

"The owner of this gallery painted this"

"I know"

"I heard you invested in this place . Thank you"

Cedric frowned.

"Who are you?"