I quickly descended the stairs and came back to the table. I received congratulations from others, but I couldn't focus because of Iseul. I was itching to get back home and summon her straight away.
"I'll just go to the restroom." I clenched my fist and excused myself.
I went outside to get some air. I splashed some water on my face as I made my way to the men's restroom. I needed some fresh air to wake up from this, yet I find it difficult to let go of my wrath.
I gritted my teeth and gripped the sink firmly. I can literally see how mad I am. Fuck. Screw them! Someone summoned her! That scumbag was here, I knew it!
She is there and bleeding. She is in danger as Thai had predicted. Being aware of her situation... I find myself devastated. She needs my help so badly. I want to go back to that venue and find out who did that to her. I don't care if that bastard's an honorable painter. What a fool!
"Yohan."
Hearing her voice sent shivers down my spine. I immediately looked around the restroom, but nobody was here. I looked at the mirror again, and finally, I could see Iseul again this close.
"What happened to you?" I lowered my voice so nobody could hear me but her. "You've got blood on your face, your arms, and even your neck. Who did that to you?"
Iseul smiled bitterly, but it quickly disappeared. She appeared hurt and disappointed, as if I had done something to let her down.
"Stupido, you want to be like everyone there. I knew it. You'll betray me." She looked away.
"W-what? No, Iseul. I would never betray you. I'm going to find out who's behind everything. I promise," I said. "Please trust me; I'll do whatever it takes."
"I can't stay longer, Yohan. Please don't trust anyone."
"Iseul-"
She disappeared again.
I only wanted to reassure her that everything would be fine, but she quickly walked away. Why can't she stay longer? Of course, someone who's manipulating her will find out! I bit my lip and sighed heavily. I must return inside and behave normally. I'm breathing the same air as that bastard. But I have no idea who that painter is. But whoever that person is, I will make them pay.
"Chavez! Are you alright?" Howard approached me, and we're now standing near the entrance of the venue. Everyone's done eating; they're now talking to each other.
"Yes, I just had some... stomach problems." I scratched the back of my head.
"Oh, how are you right now? Do you need some medicine?" he said in his concerned tone.
"No need; I feel better now," I said, declining his offer.
"Alright. But hey, I was wondering, are you interested in going along with me to travel to the East? "
I blinked twice. "Pardon me?"
"I've got plans to be implemented there. Sai is going with me and I have an extra ticket, and I thought you'd like to come with us," he said with a smile.
Why all of a sudden?
"You can think about it; the schedule of sailing is on Sunday. Just tell Sai if ever you've made a decision."
"I'll come," I said instantly.
East, he said. Iseul forbade me to go there, but... this is an opportunity for me to find more. I'm getting closer and closer to the truth; I can feel it. Iseul's concern before was my safety. Since I'll be traveling with Brent, it should be safer for us to go.
"That's great to hear! We'll stay there for about three days; everything's on me. You don't have to worry," he said, holding my shoulder. "You're a good friend to my daughter and a great painter too."
I was able to smile at him. Despite having this huge weight on my shoulders, I can easily go to Iseul's home with it. I will not let this chance go to waste.
"Thank you for inviting me, Sir."
I walked towards my seat; some artists were greeting me. I managed to respond to them properly before sitting down. I stared at the heart sculpture in front of me.
"Cuori di Lu Esi..." I read the engraved name on the lower part of the box.
"Looks amazing, right?" Rocco asked. He probably saw me staring at the piece intently. But honestly, I was just distracting myself.
"Yeah, it's beautiful. I can't believe I'm going home with this piece with me."
"Me too... I was surprised too," he said and grinned.
A few moments later, Rocco told me that we were going home. I was holding on to the glass box while bidding goodbye to Howard and Jin. I wasn't able to thank Damian again since he's too busy entertaining his guests. I followed Rocco to the parking lot, and we went inside his car.
"I'm glad you got along with artists like you. How's the night for you, young man?" Rocco said while driving.
I couldn't even describe it in words. After all the emotions that I've felt, I don't know anymore.
"It's fun, of course. And I guess luck is on my side; I have this now." I laughed a bit, showing the piece that I had won.
"Your vacation on this island must be more memorable now because of the dinner," he added.
Yeah, it really is memorable for a bad reason.
"Yes, and I'll continue painting and improving myself to be worthy enough to attend dinners like that again," I said.
"Oh, you are already worthy, Yohan. La Vinci also said he would buy paintings from you. That guy," he laughed.
Speaking of La Vinci, I was meaning to know who he was. Besides the fact that he owns a vintage shop, I wanted to know more.
"Is La Vinci a painter too?" I asked.
"No, he's more of a collector like me. He was a sculptor before opening his famous shop. That man would travel around the world to find hidden gems." He explained, and I was intrigued.
"Hidden gems?"
"Besides the vintage items, Damian buys paintings and sculptures. The thing is, he purchases works mostly from beginners—those artists who have a small name and are not yet known. He supports those, to the point where he buys everything he sees. That's how rich La Vinci is." I gulped. Rocco is a wealthy man, and he's calling Damian rich. Damn.
"I see. So that's why his shop never ran out of customers," I said.
A few minutes later, Rocco stopped his car in front of my apartment. I thanked him again before heading to my unit.
"There." I placed the sculpture on the coffee table. I took a quick shower and headed to my room to get my journal. I needed to write everything down.
Starting with La Vinci.