Painting

***

Rhia walked into the studio, a warm smile spreading across her face as she greeted her few close friends, fellow artists who shared her passion. They exchanged gentle hugs and encouraging words, creating a sense of comfort and support. With a deep breath, Rhia settled in, her eyes scanning the blank canvas before her. She dipped her brush into a vibrant shade of blue and began to paint, the strokes flowing effortlessly as she lost herself in the creative process. As the colors blended and swirled, Rhia's worries faded, replaced by a sense of freedom and joy. Her friends chatted softly in the background, their presence a reminder that she was not alone in her artistic journey. With each stroke of the brush, Rhia felt herself coming alive, her art a reflection of her soul. Time stood still as she painted, the world outside fading away, leaving only the gentle dance of colors and the quiet camaraderie of kindred spirit.

Rhia's brushstrokes danced across the canvas, weaving a tapestry of colors that seemed to pulse with life. Swirling clouds of blue and purple hues formed the backdrop, with bursts of golden light radiating from the center. Delicate petals of flowers unfurled, their soft pink and peach tones glowing with a gentle warmth. Amidst the whirlwind of colors, a subtle silhouette emerged – a woman with outstretched arms, embracing the beauty of the world around her. The painting seemed to vibrate with Rhia's joy, her passion for life, and her connection to the world's vibrant beauty.

***

Before Rhia knew it was already hours. Lesley burst into the studio, her eyes scanning the space until they landed on Rhia, who was intently focused on her painting. With a bright smile, Lesley approached her friend, wrapping her in a warm hug.

"Rhia, your painting is stunning! The colors, the emotions, it's all so captivating!" Lesley exclaimed, stepping back to admire the artwork.

Rhia blushed, her eyes shining with pride. "Thanks, Lesley! I've been working on it for weeks."

Lesley's expression turned sympathetic. "Hey, I need to tell you something. I had a rough day yesterday. I caught my boyfriend cheating on me."

Rhia's face fell, concern etched on her features. "I never liked that guy from start" Rhia got annoyed as she stared at her bestfriend.

Lesley nodded, her voice cracking. "You told me i should have listened to you"

Rhia offered a supportive hug. "Shhhh he is a jerk. Let's focus on your happiness and forget about him." Lesley nodded with a weak smile.

"I will visit you this weekend i will also like to meet your husband "

Those words sounded so new to her as blush crept on her face. Lesley who noticed her flushed cheeks stared at Rhia.

Lesley's eyes narrowed slightly as she observed Rhia's blush. "Rhia, sweetie, I want to make sure you're doing okay. You know I'm always here for you, right?"

Rhia nodded, her eyes darting around the room. "Yes, Lesley, I know. And I appreciate it. It's just... Zander is realy different"

Lesley's gaze intensified. "Exactly. That's why I want to meet him. I want to see for myself if he's treating you right."

Rhia's blush deepened, and she hesitated before responding, "Lesley, please... Zander is... complicated. Just trust me, okay?"

Lesley's expression turned skeptical. "Complicated? That's exactly what I'm afraid of. I'll be there soon, Rhia. And I won't leave until I'm convinced you're safe and happy."

As they chatted, Lesley deliberately left out the parts about the car crash and Mr. Blonde, not wanting to burden Rhia with her own troubles. For now, she just enjoyed the warmth of their friendship and the beauty of Rhia's art.

****

Zan company

Zander's deep voice resonated through the office, his words laced with an air of command. "Kris, inform James that Rhia is to be dropped off at the mansion. Ensure he understands the importance of discretion."

Kris, accustomed to Zander's intimidating demeanor after six years of service, nodded efficiently. "Yes, sir. I'll make sure James is aware of the protocols."

Zander's gaze narrowed, his eyes glinting with an unsettling intensity. "See that he is, Kris. Rhia's safety is paramount. I won't have anyone compromising her security."

Kris swallowed, his voice steady. "Understood, sir. I'll brief James personally."

Zander's expression remained unyielding, his presence commanding the room. "Good. Keep me informed of any developments."

With a nod, Kris departed, leaving Zander to his thoughts. The air in the office seemed to vibrate with the weight of Zander's aura, a palpable reminder of his power and influence. Zander's focus returned to the papers on his desk, his eyes scanning the documents with an intensity that belied his calm exterior. His mind processed the information with lightning speed, his thoughts racing with strategies and calculations.

As he worked, his fingers drummed a staccato beat on the desk, the only hint of the tension simmering beneath his surface. His gaze never wavered, his attention fixed on the task at hand.

The room was silent, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioning and the occasional rustle of papers as Zander's secretary, Kris, worked quietly in the background.

Zander's presence was a force to be reckoned with, his commanding aura filling the space. His power and authority were palpable, leaving no doubt that he was a man who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

And yet, despite his intimidating demeanor, a hint of mystery lingered around him, a sense that there was more to Zander than met the eye. A glimpse of something hidden, something that only revealed itself in the fleeting moments when his guard was down.Zander's thoughts, once laser-focused on his work, suddenly veered off course, hijacked by the memory of Rhia's captivating smile. He felt a flicker of surprise, his mind wondering why his thoughts kept drifting back to her.

He tried to shake off the distraction, refocusing on the papers in front of him. But his mind refused to cooperate, lingering on the gentle curve of Rhia's lips, the sparkle in her eyes, and the soft blush that colored her cheeks when she was nervous.

Zander's brow furrowed, his thoughts probing for answers. Why was he so drawn to her? What was it about Rhia that had captured his attention so thoroughly?

He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about her had awakened a curiosity he couldn't ignore. And as he sat there, lost in thought, he realized that his interest in Rhia went far beyond mere curiosity...