Chapter 23: Chapter 23

My shift was coming to an end. I was finishing up organizing the last files in the company's system. When I focused on something, I hardly noticed the day passing, unless I was in the most painful boredom.

"Huh... And how is Gregory?" Samantha asks, trying to make conversation.

I'm surprised by her question. I didn't expect her to still care about him, or maybe she was just asking to avoid the almost deafening silence between us, as I was avoiding saying anything to her, afraid that I might slip up.

"He's doing well."

"I'm glad he finally found a friend. Sometimes, he rushes into things a lot."

Tell me about it.

"Has he given you a gift?" she continues the conversation.

"And you wouldn't believe it."

I end up smiling ironically as I remember what he had done.

"He furnished your apartment?"

"How did you know?" I look away from the computer screen and gaze at her in surprise.

"He really did that?" She laughs, as if she had made a bet and won. "It's so typical of Gregory to do that. Can you believe that when we were in college, he wanted to pay my tuition in the months I couldn't afford it? He's always been impulsive in helping others. That's why he desperately needed a friend. And one who wouldn't just see him for his money."

"You know... When he told me that you chose Joshua over him... I couldn't believe it."

"Despite Gregory being kind and impulsive, he's also resentful. He never forgave me."

But what friend would easily forgive being replaced?

"I think he could reconsider," I say.

"No, it doesn't matter. I prefer that we stay distant. Because even if he forgave me and tried to revive our friendship... It wouldn't be the same anymore. So, I'd rather you be his friend. I know you won't make the same mistake I did." She presses her lips together, forming a smile without much vigor.

"Miss Collins, could you accompany me?"

I hear Joshua's voice. He's walking towards the elevator. Samantha's mischievous gaze is triggered by his words.

"Yes, Mr. Scott."

I get up from my chair and grab my bag from the desk, hurrying to join Joshua. We enter the elevator together. As soon as the doors close, Joshua plants a quick kiss on my lips.

"I've been waiting all afternoon to do that," he comments, allowing a shy smile to show on his lips.

"So... Mr. Scott," I say sarcastically. "Where are you taking me?"

"Well... We'll have dinner first, and then... I'll take you to an art exhibition at a specific university. I know you like that. And I thought it could be a great idea for your course transfer process."

I can't help but smile. The elevator doors open, and we head out of the company.

***

The sunset follows us, the sky painted with shades of pink and navy blue, perfectly intertwined in a way that only Mother Nature knows how. The night is clear and crisp. The lights of London are starting to glow as it gets darker and we approach the restaurant with an excellent view of the River Thames.

Mr. Taylor parks the car.

"At eight." Joshua comments to Mr. Taylor, who soon starts the car, leaving us at the restaurant. "The exhibition is close by. We can walk there."

Joshua holds my hand, which surprises me. We were in public and he didn't seem to mind being seen with me. We choose a table with a clear view of the River and in the distance, the Big Ben tower.

"The view is incredible!" I comment, amazed.

"I knew you would like it. Artists need inspiration to create their art," he says with a smile.

I smile back and look at the menu on the table.

"Would you like to order now?" the waiter says as he approaches.

"A red wine and... You can bring me the main dish of the night. What would you like, Alice?"

"Huh..." I analyze the menu in my hands. "I'll also have the main dish and a raspberry tart for dessert."

"Okay." The waiter takes our menu and leaves with our orders.

"How was your day?"

"Well... Like any other day as the secretary of my boss's secretary," I say with a chuckle, and Joshua joins in my laughter.

"It will be for now. Samantha is essential for you to adapt well to the company. And I intend to give you an exclusive position."

"And what position would that be?"

"Mrs. Collins. I would like to keep it a secret for now."

"That's unfair!"

I end up making a face and feel Joshua touch my hand.

"The mystery is captivating," he says with a mischievous smile.

***

Joshua and I talk a lot. We seemed completely comfortable with each other. We dine, drink wine, and discover that Joshua hates raspberries, but only realized that after eating half of the tart I ordered.

We walk together, hand in hand, towards the exhibition that Joshua wanted to take me to. It was quite crowded. The flashes were relentless.

The interior of the exhibition was incredible, with each artwork being unique.

"Joshua Scott. I didn't expect to see you at my exhibition," a platinum-haired woman greets Joshua with a tight and lingering hug, followed by a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Who is this charming girl?" she asks, turning her intense gaze towards me.

"The artist who will be part of your next exhibition," Joshua says.

I widen my eyes and grip his hand upon hearing what he said. Was he crazy? He hadn't even seen any of my drawings, how could he be so sure that I would measure up to the other artists in the exhibition?

"So we have an art cultivator here?" Her intense gaze turns to me.

"I love art. But my works don't come close to all of this," I look around.

"Do not underestimate your work, my dear. That is the purpose of the exhibition. To showcase each unique piece of each artist. And if Joshua believes that your works deserve a place in my exhibitions, then it's because they are truly worthwhile. Anyway, my friends, enjoy the event."

With a wide smile on her lips, she walks away from us.

"Have you gone mad?" I turn to him, astonished. "My drawings don't come close to the ones here."

"Alice," he puts his hands on my face. "I know you're talented. Have confidence in your potential!"

A slight smirk appears on my lips, but then I regain my seriousness. He was right. I had to believe in myself more.

"Well, well, if it isn't the magnificent Joshua Scott!" Three guys approach us, greeting Joshua.

"Where have you been? Haven't seen you in ages! Decided to run away from London?" It sounds playful, as one of the guys gives Joshua a hug.

"I've been a bit busy," he says as he greets the guys.

"I hope it wasn't with Sam." He lets out a boisterous laugh. Sam? I analyze the champagne glass in his left hand; he seemed to be a bit drunk already.

"She's no longer of interest to me," Joshua responds, a bit coldly.

"Oh, I see! I see!" His gaze slides for a few seconds to me, then back to Joshua. "We have to show you something."

The guy says and almost drags Joshua away from me.

"I'll be back in a moment. Don't go anywhere." Joshua says, and I nod in agreement.

I watch him being led away by the three guys until he disappears into the crowd. I turn to look at the paintings behind me. The landscape conveyed a sense of tranquility. The combined colors of blue, pink, and purple made the sky in the image look magnificent.

"I see Joshua decided to bring the riffraff to the event."

I hear a somewhat familiar voice near me. I turn my face to the side to check. I let out a sigh. Everything was so perfect without her, but when the devil doesn't come, he sends the secretary. I glance briefly at Madelyn and then return my gaze to the painting in front of me.

"I thought you didn't know what art was," I retort, and she lets out a nasal laugh.

"Have you finally gathered the courage to face me?"

"I'm not facing you. Just made a comment," I shrug in disdain.

"And what are you doing here?"

"It's none of your business, Madelyn." I offer a forced smile and walk further away from her. But the girl insists on staying close to me.

"I hope you enjoy your time with Joshua. Because sooner or later, the fairy tale ends. And you'll go back to being the Cinderella you were before."

I can't help but laugh, and I turn to look at her again.

"You do know the end of the story, right? So, if you expect my ending to be far from Joshua, I suggest you don't compare me to a story where the maid ends up marrying the prince." I wink and move away from her, and this time, she doesn't follow me.

If she could see me now, she would see the huge smile on my face after giving a comeback that left her with no retort.

I look around searching for Joshua. It was time to leave, I had a commitment with Gregory. I observe the captivating and intense man a few meters away, walking towards me.

"Finally found you," I comment with relief, approaching him. "I promised Gregory I would spend some time with him today."

Joshua's eyes narrow automatically, analyzing.

"Seems like you two are getting friendly, huh?" I sense irony in his voice. "Alright. Mr. Taylor is already coming to pick us up."

"He's my friend," I shrug, sensible. "And... friends don't abandon each other."

Joshua chuckles nasally, but doesn't disagree with what I say. His hand descends to meet mine, and we walk together out of the art exhibition, waiting for Mr. Taylor.

***

I return to my apartment. I say goodbye to Joshua, who steals a quick kiss from me before I get out of the car. I return his brief kiss and head inside my building.

A few minutes later, Gregory arrives at my apartment, and we start our evening.

"I saw Scott's car outside," he flops onto the sofa. "What did you guys do?"

"He took me out to dinner and then to an art exhibition," I sit down next to him.

"So, it was your first date!" he exclaims with a big excited smile.

"I guess officially and... without awkwardness."

Gregory seems like he's about to burst with happiness hearing about my date with Joshua.

"But, as nothing is ever one hundred percent, I ran into Madelyn there."

"What a damn luck! But, it was expected. She's part of almost every event happening in London. After all, she has to show her professional side and charm people. Otherwise, her whole career goes down the drain."

The doorbell rings.

"It must be the delivery guy. I ordered pizza before you came."

I get up and go to the door, receiving the order and then paying with the amount Gregory had given me. I return to the sofa and we decide on which movie to watch, eventually choosing a young adult romance, "Everything, Everything."

***

Three weeks passed quickly. And I was about to start my first day at college. I had opted for the evening shift, as it would be better to align with my job at the company.

With a heart full of expectations and a sense of awe, I took my first steps into the college campus. The hallways were bustling with people moving around on the upper floor where I was. I could hear the echo of voices from the floors below, where my sight couldn't reach due to the height.

As I walked, my eyes filled with admiration at the grandeur of the university. Its structure was impressive, with majestic buildings and an architecture that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. It was so incredible that I could hardly describe in words what I was feeling at that moment.

I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. After all, how could I, an ordinary person, be a student at such a prestigious place? A feeling of gratitude and accomplishment overwhelmed me as I continued to walk through the hallways, looking at the bulletin boards filled with information about courses, renowned professors, and extracurricular activities.

Every step I took was filled with enthusiasm and curiosity. I was eager to learn, grow, and explore everything that university had to offer. After all, being there, in that moment, represented a unique opportunity in my life.

As I moved forward, I encountered my future classmates, professors, and staff who greeted me with warm smiles. I felt part of a welcoming and inspiring community where knowledge and the pursuit of learning were valued above all.

As I walked through the halls, my heart filled with gratitude for that opportunity, which came thanks to Joshua, who had recommended that college to me, and thanks to my high grades, I was able to enroll. I knew it wouldn't be easy, that I would face challenges and obstacles along the way, but I was determined to make the most of that unique experience of being a university student.

I looked around, amazed by every detail of that university. The library with its shelves full of books that invited me to dive into knowledge. The research laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment that sparked my curiosity to explore new frontiers of science. The classrooms with their neatly arranged chairs and tables, ready to welcome curious minds in search of wisdom.

In that moment, I realized that I was embarking on a journey that would change my life forever. College was not just a place to study, it was a place that would challenge me, make me grow, and prepare me to face the world with knowledge and skills. It was a privilege and a responsibility that I was willing to embrace with enthusiasm and dedication.

And so, I stop in front of the door of the room where I would have my first class. And just as I'm about to enter, eager to start the day, I hear a familiar voice behind me. I turn around and see Madelyn.

Please tell me she doesn't study here...

My heart races a bit, preparing for a possible confrontation.

"Look who's here," Madelyn's voice sounds sarcastic as she approaches, with a smug smile on her face.

I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself to face her arrogant attitude.

"Hi, Madelyn," I respond cautiously, trying to maintain my composure.

She looks me up and down with a critical gaze, as if evaluating every detail of my appearance.

"As a fashion student, I can't help but notice... but, your outfit is terrible, girl... How could Joshua be interested in you? Just look at you," she lets out a mocking laugh.

I roll my eyes, trying not to let her comments affect me.

"I am dressed appropriately for a university, where the main goal is to study, not dress like a mannequin from a designer store," I cross my arms, looking at her seriously.

She raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my response, but then lets out a laugh.

"You really have nothing special about you. Honestly... I expected something interesting from you at least. But..." she sighs, pretending to be exhausted. "I guess I'm just wasting my time."

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my patience intact.

"Well then, I guess the best thing you can do is leave and find something worthwhile to occupy your time."

She looks at me with a cynical smile, and as she opens her mouth to say something, someone calls out for her.

"Madelyn, let's go! We'll be late!" says a girl who I have to admit looked like an exact copy of Madelyn.

"Well, see you around then," she winks at me, smiling smugly, and walks back down the corridor in her towering red heels.

I take a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

It seems that Madelyn wouldn't miss the opportunity to torment me whenever she could, so I needed to be strong and smart to not fall into her traps.

I shake my head, trying to chase that woman from my thoughts and finally enter the classroom. I was determined not to let Joshua's ex's presence affect me, after all, no matter what she said or did, I couldn't let myself be shaken. I needed to focus on my career, I had a reason for it, because if it depended on her, I knew she would do everything possible to affect me.