Akira slowly put down the glass of wine that she was holding on the table, then she answered, "First of all, you have such wonderful paintings Ms. Aya. I genuinely mean it. Your artistry, your attention to details, and your style is unmatched. When we went through your website to look at your available paintings, my husband and I were truly mesmerized by your works. However, we were not only looking for something that is beautiful. We're looking for something that will speak to us and of us - something that can connect with us, and that was when we found Asphyxia."
Akira gave Ren a quick side glance to see his reaction. He had a calm and approving look on his face. Akira proceeded with her explanation, "I understand if you are surprised to hear that it is actually Asphyxia that we chose. After all, I guess it is not really a secret that it is one of your oldest paintings, yet no one dared to buy it. However, let me tell you this, Ms. Aya, we see the true beauty of Asphyxia."
The look on Akira's face was so serious. It might only be an act, but there was some truth to the words she just spoke.
When they went through Aya's website, Asphyxia really caught her attention. The painting really intrigued her. Ren told her about its history and reputation. It was the unwanted painting, dubbed as the "odd one" among all Aya's works. But Akira wondered, was it really as freakish as what many thought of it? Or perhaps people did not realize that among all of Aya's paintings, it was actually the most special.
When Aya stared intently and studied the painting on the website, she was not appalled nor terrified at all. When she got a closer look of the painting through the screen of the computer, she somehow, felt a tug in her heart. She was not a hundred percent certain, but she was convinced that she understood the meaning and the message of the painting.
She was well aware that Aya was no ordinary painter. She did not only paint for arts or aesthetics' sake. Aya was an artist with who painted with intentionality. When she would create a new piece, she would give it a long and proper thought. Just the planning alone would take a long time. It was not only because she wanted to make sure that the details of her painting were perfect, but it was also because she wanted to ensure that each of her paintings held a valuable meaning in them.
When Aya created Asphyxia, Akira was very confident that she did not create it with for no reason at all. She intentionally created Asphyxia the way it was for a reason and for a purpose. Asphyxia had a meaning in it and Akira thought that she had figured it out.
The name of the painting, Asphyxia was actually an actual word that meant something. Akira knew it. It was a medical condition that could lead to loss of consciousness, brain injury or death because the brain's oxygen supply was insufficient or cut off. The woman in the painting was experiencing Asphyxia as she was drowning.
Aya laughed after hearing Akira's answer. Akira and Ren gave each other a look. They were both confused as to why Aya was suddenly laughing. Did she find Akira's response funny? Was she mocking her?
"Forgive me. I meant no insult with that laughter", Aya finally said as she composed herself. "I was just surprised and so happy that I could not help but let myself laugh. You amaze me. I had never heard anyone say that to me. For many years, I had thought that Asphyxia would remain to be in my paintings' unwanted list. But it turns out I was wrong."
Akira could tell that Akira was genuinely happy.
"Despite the bad reputation that Asphyxia has, for me, it is the most beautiful and valuable piece that I have ever created. Why do you think is it the most expensive among my paintings? I had been mocked for its pricing. People said that it was absurd for me to give it such a high price, that no one would really want to buy it if I did not decrease the price. But I did not care. After all, they do not know the value of Asphyxia."
"I agree with you", Akira replied. "They do not know what they are saying. But I guess, I cannot totally blame them for that. Perhaps, they could not really see the value of Asphyxia because perhaps, they had never been in that place. When I look at Asphyxia, I see myself in it. I feel like the woman in it", Akira's voice trailed off.
There was silence in the room. Akira did not realize just how vulnerable she appeared there. She was surprised herself that those words came out of her mouth.
"Hmmmm. So, you're like her too", Aya muttered, but Ren and Akira understood it.
Akira wondered what Aya meant with her statement. When she said 'her', did she mean the woman in the painting? Or was she referring to another woman? Another person?
"Alright. I have made up my mind. You passed the assessment. You can have Asphyxia!" Aya announced energetically as she stood from her seat and clapped her hands.
Akira and Ren gave each other a joyful and satisfied look. They both stood up as well.
"Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Taira", Aya said as she offered her hand to shake theirs.
She first shook Akira's hand then she moved to Ren. Akira caught how she intentionally held Ren's hand tighter and longer. Just as when Akira thought that was starting to like the lady, here came Aya again irritating her.
"We shall have a private dinner at my private art gallery on Saturday. We shall also have our contract signing that night. After you pay and sign the contract, I'll give you the painting. My secretary will give you the exact details such as the location and time of our meeting. But if you have more questions, you can message me directly. Here is my business card."
Akira inserted her hand inside the outside pocket of Ren's tuxedo. Her hand lingered inside it longer than it was supposed to be. Her eyes were on Ren's as she did it.
Not being able to hold herself anymore, Akira cleared her throat. She was both annoyed and uncomfortable with what was happening in front of her. It might be an act, but then again, she could not understand how Aya could have the guts to do such a thing to a man she knew was married, in front of his husband.
Akira was really starting to lose respect for her.
"MY HUSBAND, and I, shall surely contact you if we have further questions", Akira said with an irritated smile on her face. She made to emphasize the words 'MY HUSBAND' to remind Aya that the man she was flirting with was married.
Aya returned the smile. She seemed to be challenging Akira, "Of course, Mrs. Taira."
"Thank you for having us today. My husband and I shall leave now. We still have other matters to attend", Akira said.
She wrapped her hand around Ren's arm immediately and held it tightly that Ren was taken aback, but he quickly hid his surprise.
"Thank you, Ms. Aya. We'll see you on Saturday", with that Ren nodded then turned around, taking Akira with her.
As the door shut close behind them, a very wide smile appeared on Aya's face.
"I like these two", she mumbled as she stared at the door.