Leap OF Fate novel Chapter 62

After maneuvering the morning rush hour, their car stopped in front of an art gallery.

“There’s a mural that I’d like you to see,” Elaina said before she got out of the car with the help of her driver. Serene followed suit.

Entering the gallery, the employees greeted her by name, which simply shows that she’s a regular. Elaina quietly walked inside the gallery until they reached the back wall. On the wall was a mural of an abstract painting. It’s made of randomly splashed paint and bold strokes. However, a hyacinth bloom formed from the splatters if viewed from a specific angle.

“Lovely, isn’t it?” Elaina said as they both appreciated the mural. Serene just nodded as she took in the art before her.

“Is this yours?” She looked at Elaina beside her. It would not surprise her is she said she painted it herself, after all she’s one of the celebrated masters of her time.

Elaina gave a crisp laugh, “How I wish, Dear. But it’s not.”

They checked the other displays in the gallery while waiting for the staff to complete the paperwork for the mural. Elaina wanted it to be on display at Rain International.

Serene could not believe that she and her idol had a connection other than art. Elaina, like her, was a foodie. It’s hard to believe that a woman who dresses sophisticatedly was game to eat at food street. She was craving for some stir-fried noodles sold outside her university. She mentioned this to Elaina, and she gamely went with her.

Serene felt shy at first because she thought that Justin’s mother was just indulging her. However, when the store owner greeted Elaina as “Prof. V.”, she knew that she’s a regular. Elaina ordered all the best sellers without even picking up the menu.

The two ate with gusto while they exchanged stories about the university. From time to time, a bunch of students would stop by their table to ask Elaina for her signature. Unlike the strict professor she was in class, she accepted all interruptions with a smile.

After their meal, they went to an upscale mall where Elaina urged her to get a bag, or a jewelry.

“Serene, go buy something for yourself. Don’t be stingy. Justin can afford it, dear,” she said while she inspected an ostrich hide handbag.

“I’m fine, Mom. I really don’t fancy anything here,” she smiled at the older woman whose eyes scanned her. After getting convinced that she really wanted nothing, she shrugged her shoulders.

“Are you sure you did not want to buy anything at all?”

“Well, they don’t have what I want. I’ve been looking for Kolinsky sable brushes for some time now, and they don’t seem to sell it here. So, I just ordered online,” she told her honestly.

Elaina laughed crisply at her answer. Tears formed at the corner of her eyes. “You’re something, dearie. Most women would go crazy knowing that Justin’s pockets are deep and could afford them anything. Yet here you are, just wanting paintbrushes,” she said as she wiped the corners of her eyes with her fingers, all the while shaking her head.

Serene felt embarrassed by how Elaina put it so bluntly. She knew that most men would feel good about their women spending their money. Being a good provider added to their male reputation, so she heard. However, for the life of her shoes, bags, and clothes don’t give her a thrill. She’s more elated to receive an excellent quality paint brush or a sumptuous meal to a high-end restaurant.

Serene looked at the time on her mobile phone. It’s almost time for Justin to finish work. She gave his secretary and quick call to see if he had some other appointments lined up until the evening. After a couple of minutes, he confirmed Justin does not have any arrangements at night. Elaina just got out of the dressing room when she finished her call.

The two called it a day. Exhaustion was visible on Elaina’s face. She requested the driver to drop her off Rain International to Elaina’s confusion. She said simply that she would go home with Justin. Elaina gave her a knowing smile but said nothing.