The next morning, the air buzzed with excitement. Everyone arrived at the studio with eager eyes and quick steps. The massive group painting needed only a few final touches. The colors were still slightly wet, but the piece was nearly complete.
They all took a few steps back, admiring the masterpiece. Their eyes glistened with pride and the warm glow of accomplishment.
Yong took a deep breath, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "It's finally done..."
Nicholas stood with hands on his hips, beaming. "What a painting I made!"
Yong smirked and pointed to the upper-left corner of the canvas. "You made? Look at that corner — that's professional work. I spent all day fixing your part!"
Mary and Helen burst out laughing.
Nicholas, mock offended, replied, "Okay, okay. Yours wasn't exactly a masterpiece either. Always so critical."
Yong just grinned mischievously and stuck out his tongue.
"The exhibition is in two days," he added. "The paint will be dry by then. Nicholas, how's everything going with the setup? I told the others to bring their pieces here so we can take them all together."
Nicholas nodded. "Almost everything's ready. Helen coordinated all the logistics yesterday. We just need to finalize the layout. The promotions are done too."
Yong's voice turned firm. "This has to be the best exhibition of the year. Not just for the studio, but for our careers."
Helen agreed. "Everyone's been super cooperative. I'm sure it'll be amazing."
Yong turned to Mary, his eyes sparkling. "You must be thrilled, Mary. This is your first exhibition."
Mary gave a bashful smile. "Very much. I still can't believe I got to work with all of you."
Nicholas teased, "Hard to believe you worked with someone like me, right?"
Helen rolled her eyes. "She meant all of us, Nicholas!"
Nicholas shrugged. "She was just too shy to name me directly."
Mary laughed and nudged his arm. "Don't start! I meant everyone. I feel so lucky to have met you all on this path to my dream. It's like the universe loves me."
Nicholas grinned playfully. "Of course it does. I mean, just look at the charming guy standing beside you."
Everyone laughed.
Yong, half-joking, said, "Enough flirting, Mr. Charming. Pick the best spot in the gallery and make sure this masterpiece shines. Let's see how good you are at selling."
Nicholas pouted like a child. "Why do you always kill the mood? Fine... but I want double the cut."
Helen frowned. "Why?"
Nicholas: "Because Mary's share is mine too!"
More laughter erupted. Yong slapped Nicholas on the back. "You never change, do you?"
Opening Night
Mary scanned her closet with a sparkle in her eyes. The doorbell rang. When she opened it, Deniz and Helen stood with bags in hand.
Mary: "You're here? I thought we'd meet at the gallery."
Deniz smiled. "Tonight's your big debut. You have to shine!"
Helen: "Exactly. We brought dresses. Try them on, you still need makeup and hair."
Mary: "Isn't that too much?"
Helen: "No excuses. Go, try them."
Mary tried on outfit after outfit, while Helen and Deniz fussed over her hair and makeup. Eventually, they found the perfect look. With soft makeup and an elegant hairstyle, Mary looked breathtaking.
Helen gasped. "Wow, Mary! You look stunning. Makeup really suits you."
Mary, shyly: "Thanks... you look amazing too."
As they were about to leave, Mary paused. "Ava hasn't arrived yet. Shouldn't we wait?"
Deniz: "She said she had to work late. She'll catch up."
Helen: "Don't worry. Let's go."
Art Gallery – Where Dreams Take Form
Jazz music played softly, and the venue buzzed with elegant conversation. Nicholas, dressed in a sharp black suit, moved through the crowd, ensuring everything was in place. Diana stood to the side in a glamorous gown, holding a drink. Yong welcomed the guests warmly.
As Mary, Deniz, and Helen entered, heads turned.
Nicholas and Yong paused mid-step. Nicholas walked over to Mary with a slow smile.
"Wow... you look incredible tonight."
Mary blushed. "I feel so out of place."
Nicholas leaned in. "You're perfect. When you're with me, you should always feel this special."
Helen rolled her eyes. "Mary prefers simplicity. She's only dressed up for tonight."
From across the room, Diana saw them and slammed her glass onto the table.
Yong approached Mary, but Diana quickly reached him and grabbed his arm.
Yong: "Hey, why so late?"
Helen: "We took a little longer than expected."
Diana: "It's just a simple exhibition. No need for all that glitz."
Yong replied calmly, "Visibility matters, especially for a first show."
Nicholas clapped. "Let's check out our masterpiece. I say it's the star of the exhibition!"
They gathered around the main pillar where the group painting was displayed prominently.
But Yong paused, frowning at the price tag.
"Nicholas... was this price set by the studio expert? It's way too high."
Nicholas shrugged. "We worked hard. Don't you think it's worth it?"
Diana laughed. "I bet you set this yourself."
Helen frowned. "This isn't right. High pricing might scare buyers away."
Nicholas said nothing, but his expression remained confident.
He adjusted his collar and smiled. "Don't worry. I invited a few wealthy guests. They don't know art, but they love competition. If one buys it, the rest will fight to outbid him just to show off."
Mary, quiet until now, frowned. Her voice shook with restrained anger.
"But we're selling our art... not just paint on canvas. I want this to end up in a home where someone truly appreciates it, not with someone who just wants to flaunt money."
Yong nodded. "I completely agree."
Diana smirked and approached Mary with a condescending glance. "Sweetheart, you're still new to all this. Selling art is far more complex."
Mary stepped back but held her ground. Her voice calm, yet firm: "Maybe so. But I want my work to make someone smile, not just fill a wall."
Diana shrugged. "Then price your solo pieces however you want. But this is a team effort. Respect that."
Mary said nothing, her eyes cast down, frustration evident.
Helen stepped in. "Nicholas, I agree with Mary. Let's be fair."
Yong added, voice edged with disappointment: "Seriously, you're acting like a dealer, not an artist."
Nicholas ran a hand through his hair, his confidence faltering. "I thought you'd be happy if we made good money."
Yong sighed. "It devalues our work. I'll find the expert and get the correct pricing."
Nicholas tried to stop him but locked eyes with Mary. He hesitated... then said nothing.
After the expert reviewed and adjusted the price, everyone relaxed and began enjoying the show again, exploring the various artworks.
But Diana, still bitter, drifted to Nicholas.
"You're already following Mary's lead? Looks like she's got you wrapped around her finger."
Nicholas narrowed his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous. Mary's not like that."
Diana shrugged. "Oh really? She plays it smart. First, she pushes her opinion firmly, then backs off just enough to make you feel guilty. Classic move."
Nicholas smirked but stayed silent.
Diana added with venom, "Notice how she values Yong's opinion more than yours? She consults him for every single piece."
Nicholas exhaled sharply. "Your fiancé is the one clinging to Mary. Maybe you should worry about that."
Diana raised an eyebrow. "I am watching. Maybe you should figure out where you stand with your 'friend.'"
Nicholas: "We're just friends."
Diana: "Could've fooled me."
Without another word, Nicholas walked away. He couldn't take her bitterness any longer.