Leap OF Fate

Justin once again stared at Serene’s picture with their children. They happily ate at a family diner in New York. He let out a sigh. The photo had been with him for the past two years. Since then, there had been no news about her or their children. Justin’s heart tightened. His children were probably four or five years old now. He had been longing to see them for the past four years.

Each day and night he wondered how they were, especially Serene. Did she get married? The thought of her marrying another man was a torture he endured every day.

A gentle knock on the door brought him back to reality. He put the photo back in his drawer before saying, “Come in.”

When the door opened, a tall, modelesque woman came in. Anyone who saw her would describe her as sophisticated and beautiful. Anyone but him. Since he knew Serene, no one had ever come even second to her beauty as far as he’s concerned.

“Justin,” Crystal Smith flashed her toothy smile as she walked towards Justin’s table.

“What brought you here?” he asked with a slight irritation in his voice, which she simply ignored. Since Chester and Bryan had their son through IVF and surrogacy, Elaina and Nick had bothered him with his relationship status. They used to just leave that part of his life alone. However, since Nick’s terminal condition last year, his parents had taken drastic steps to get him to tie the knot. Crystal Smith was the drastic move. His parents forced their engagement in guise of furthering their business.

The Smiths were the forerunners in the jewelry business, and Rain International had recently ventured into this line of business. Having him marry Crystal would strengthen their market foothold.

“Well, Aunt Elaina’s new favorite artist and my favorite fashion designer just recently collaborated for an art exhibit. Aunt and I would like to see the exhibit --”

“what does that have to do with me?” he rudely cut her off.

“Well, Aunt Elaina wanted you to be my companion,” she said in a saulty voice, and looked at him from behind her lashes. She knew she looked attractive when she did this trick, she’s yet to see a man who could resist it.

“Dylan can go with you,” he declined.

His answer surprise and hurt Crystal. She bit her red lips and looked at him. “Actually, Chairman Nick had requested it,” she said, name dropping his father. She knew that once he knew his father requested it, Justin would give in.

up and down with

Hotel Le Grande,”

to herself. She had known Justin since they were children and had admired him for as long as she could remember. He had always been distant to her but now; she had a chance to be with him, she just needed

Justin lets out the breath he’s been holding. He hated the guts of that starlet. When she could not

was also there. Chester, Bryan and Dylan were also dressed to the occasion. His and Dylan’s eyes met. He clenched his jaws and

people for an art show?” he said, not

shush it. Felicity Pax is a celebrated new artist. She’s a big hit in New York, and it’s really a big thing in the local art scene that she’s holding an exhibit here.” she explained to her son, a bit of exasperation in

he said,

Dylan joined Bryan and Chester,

one of the function halls. Each holding a glass

in their brochure, he gathered the exhibit was called Fabric and Canvass. His eyes widened and darted to Dylan as he read further. The exhibit was a collaboration between New York-based artist

the past five years. It’s her exhibit. They had

called everyone’s attention just a few minutes before they arrived. Starting the ceremony, the host asked

as she explained the idea behind the show. Dylan did not listen to any of the words she said, but simply stared at

and her friend had always dreamed about collaborating - she as a clothing designer, and her

finished. The host called the artist responsible for the canvases on display. Justin fixed his eyes on the makeshift stage. His heart beating wildly in his chest.

Mary was referring to Serene when she said that it was hers and her friend’s

the introductions, the guests walked around the function hall to observe the exhibit. Dylan left their

the wall and to the side of it, a mannequin wearing a

reflected through a room’s window. And in front of the window

had changed nothing in the past five years. Clearly, it’s Serene’s studio in Magnolia Crescent. The painting was very detailed, it’s like he stood inside her studio. It’s as if one was staring in a photograph