The function at the Louver was one of the most expected occasions of the year, drawing workmanship fans, authorities, and powerful figures from around the world. Alexander, joined by Zoey, showed up in the midst of a whirlwind of picture takers and admirers. Zoey looked dazzling in a profound emerald dress that complemented her blazing coppery hair, while Alexander oozed his standard sure appeal in a custom fitted tuxedo.
As they entered the excellent corridor, loaded up with magnum opuses from different times, Zoey couldn't resist the opportunity to feel a blend of energy and anxiety. This was perhaps the most lofty occasion she had at any point attended, and she was here as a craftsman, but as Alexander's visitor.
Unwind, Zoey, Alexander murmured, detecting her strain. You have a place here.
She grinned up at him, appreciative of his consolation. Much obliged to you, Alexander. It's somewhat overpowering.
They traveled through the group, halting sporadically to take part in discussions with different visitors. Zoey ended up in the stunningness of the surrounding magnificence, but she felt a feeling of having a place that she hadn't anticipated. With Alexander close by, she felt more certain and appreciated than any other time in recent memory.
As they respected a dazzling piece by a prestigious contemporary craftsman, Zoey felt a tap on her shoulder. She went to wind up close and personal with Daniel, her ex. He was faultlessly dressed, his dull eyes loaded up with a combination of shock and interest.
"Zoey," he said, his voice smooth and recognizable. "It's been quite a while."
Zoey's heart skirted a thump. She hadn't seen Daniel since their turbulent separation, and seeing him brought back a surge of recollections. Daniel. Indeed, it has.
Alexander, seeing the pressure, ventured nearer to Zoey, his presence a quiet help. "Is this a close buddy of yours, Zoey?"
"Indeed, this is Daniel," Zoey answered, her voice consistent. "We used to be... close."
Daniel's eyes flicked at Alexander, evaluating him. I see. What's more, are you?
"Alexander Blackwood," Alexander said, expanding a hand. "Zoey's accomplice."
Daniel shook his hand, his grasp firm. "Ideal to meet you. I've heard a great deal about you, Mr. Blackwood."
Alexander's grin didn't get in his eyes. "Moreover."
The air among them popped with implicit pressure. Zoey, detecting the need to stop what was happening, shouted out. "What brings you here, Daniel?"
"I'm here on business," Daniel answered without a hitch. I'm working on an exhibition in New York, and we have a couple of pieces borrowed from the Louver. I didn't anticipate seeing you here, Zoey. It's a wonderful little treat.
Zoey gestured, uncertain how to answer. Daniel had consistently had an approach to causing her to feel both complimented and awkward. "All things considered, it's great to see you're not kidding."
Daniel's look waited on her, a touch of something garbled in his eyes. I've missed you, Zoey. You look astounding.
Before Zoey could answer, Alexander's voice sliced through the strain. Zoey has been doing outstandingly well. Her work is earning a great deal of respect.
Daniel's grin was fixed. I've seen. Congrats, Zoey. You've generally had staggering ability.
"Many thanks to you, Daniel," Zoey answered, her voice amiable, however far off.
An abnormal quiet followed, broken exclusively by the mumbles of the surrounding group. Detecting the need to continue on, Alexander tenderly put a hand on Zoey's back. "Assuming you'll pardon us, we have a few different visitors to welcome."
"Obviously," Daniel expressed, venturing back. It was great to see you once more, Zoey. What's more, ideal to meet you, Mr. Blackwood.
As they left, Alexander inclined in near Zoey. "Is it true that you are alright?"
Zoey took a full breath, steadying herself. Indeed, I'm fine. That was simply... surprising.
"Would you like to discuss it?" Alexander asked, his voice loaded up with concern.
Zoey shook her head. Not at the present time. How about we simply partake at night?
They kept on blending, yet the experience with Daniel waited in Zoey's brain. She couldn't resist the opportunity to feel a feeling of disquiet, realizing that he was some place in the group. In spite of her endeavors to zero in on the workmanship and the discussions, her contemplations held floating back to the past.
Later at night, as they remained by the reward table, Daniel moved toward them once more, this time with a glass of champagne close by. "I trust I'm not encroaching," he said, his tone relaxed.
Zoey solidified, yet Alexander tried to avoid panicking. Not the least bit. How could we at any point help you, Daniel?
"I was wanting to have a confidential word with Zoey," Daniel said, his eyes zeroed in on her. "Assuming that is okay."
Alexander checked out on Zoey, giving her the decision. Zoey faltered, then gestured. Okay. How about we step outside?
They left onto a porch sitting above the city, the cool night air a welcome help from the glow inside. Daniel rested up against the railing, his disposition loose but his eyes serious.
"Zoey, I need to apologize," he started. For all that happened between us. I realize I hurt you, and I've thought twice about it from that point onward.
Zoey folded her arms, her demeanor watched. Why now, Daniel? Why bring this up after so much time?
"Since seeing you this evening caused me to acknowledge the amount I've missed you," Daniel said truly. I've changed, Zoey. I've gained from my slip-ups. I simply believed you should know that.
Zoey felt a blend of feelings — outrage, misery, and a bit of the warmth she had once felt for him. I value the expression of remorse, Daniel. In any case, it doesn't change what worked out. I've continued on.
Daniel's demeanor mellowed. I get it. I simply needed to do things right.
Before Zoey could answer, Alexander ventured out onto the porch, his presence a quiet indication of the present. "Is everything okay?" he asked, his eyes examining Zoey's face.
"Indeed, we were simply wrapping up," Zoey answered, appreciative of his mediation. She went to Daniel. "Much obliged to you for the expression of remorse, but I believe it's ideal assuming that we leave the previous where it should be."
Daniel gestured, a look of acknowledgment crossing his face. I get it. Be careful, Zoey.
As he left, Alexander ventured nearer to Zoey, his hand tenderly lying on her arm. "Could it be said that you are certain you're okay?"
Zoey gestured, feeling a liberating sensation. Indeed. I'm happy it's finished.
They got back to the party, but the experience with Daniel had made some meaningful difference. Zoey couldn't resist the opportunity to feel a waiting feeling of disquiet, in spite of Alexander's consoling presence.
Afterward, as they advanced back to Alexander's penthouse, Zoey regarded herself as out to lunch. Alexander, detecting her requirement for solace, connected and grasped her hand.
"Zoey, you don't need to go through this by yourself," he said delicately. "I'm hanging around for you, regardless.
Zoey gazed toward him, her eyes loaded up with appreciation. Much obliged to you, Alexander. You've been so steady. I don't have the foggiest idea what I would have managed without you.
"You don't need to say thanks to me," Alexander answered, his voice delicate. I care about you, Zoey. More than you know.
Zoey experienced a glow spreading through her heart at his words. Notwithstanding the shadows from an earlier time, she realized that Alexander was unique. He was somebody she could trust, somebody who really often thought about her.
As they showed up at the penthouse, Alexander drove her to the lounge, where they settled onto the sofa. Would you like to discuss what happened this evening? he asked, his tone delicate.
Zoey took a full breath, then started to share her story. She informed Alexander regarding her relationship with Daniel, the ups and the downs, and the inevitable shock. Alexander listened eagerly, his eyes never leaving hers.
Please accept my apologies you needed to go through that, he said when she wrapped up. You merit such a ton better.
Zoey grinned, feeling a liberating sensation at having shared her story. Much obliged to you, Alexander. It feels far better to discuss it at last.
I'm happy you did, Alexander answered. Also, I believe you should know that I'm hanging around for you, regardless of anything else.
Zoey felt a flood of love for him. Many thanks to you, Alexander. You make a big difference to me.