KORNELIA

Yesterday's exhibition was simply incredible - artistic masterpieces, imbued with emotions, made the heart freeze with admiration. However, despite all this, sadness remained in my soul. I'd like to say that I don't know what this is about, but it's a lie. Deep down, I knew perfectly well that Arthur was the source of all my worries. This is a chapter of my life, so bright, beautiful, but sad and fleeting ended, leaving deep scars, like the first time. I tried to convince myself that I didn't need him, that it was better without him.

Then why did the thought of him make my heart clench faster, and tears welled up in my eyes? But the decision was pleasant and there was no turning back. The joint project was completed, and I firmly decided that I did not want to see him anymore. Because if our eyes meet again, if he talks to me or touch me again, I won't be able to resist anymore.

All I have to do is get my personal belongings, which I left in his office while working and permanently erase Arthur Medson from my life.

It was already late afternoon, I had just arrived at the office. After carefully packing all my things and saying goodbye to my colleagues, I headed for the elevator. Passing by Arthur's office, I stopped. I looked at the closed door, and the last month, filled with a storm of emotions, flashed before my eyes. I've been through more this month than I have in the last thirteen years. Suddenly I wanted him to come out of the office and take me into his arms and never let me leave again. But Arthur didn't do it.

Taking a deep breath, I took my gaze away from the door and headed towards the elevator. I pressed the button and waited patiently for the elevator, staring at the things in the box. Suddenly, the elevator doors opened, and I looked up. Dear eyes were looking at me.

"Kornelia?!" - she exclaimed in surprise. Arthur's mom, Olivia Medson, was standing in front of me. She hasn't changed a bit since our last meeting. She is still an incredibly thin and smiling woman. Gray streaks appeared on her hair and wrinkles appeared on her face, but she maintained her radiance and cheerfulness.

"Olivia!" - I said, a little embarrassed.

With a quick movement, she grabbed my hand and led me into the back of the office without stopping. For such a fragile and small woman, she was very strong. "Oh my God, it's been so long since I've seen you! To be honest, I really missed you. There's so much I'd like to ask you. But first, let's go to Arthur's," - she rattled off. I would have liked to object, but before I could say anything, I found myself in Arthur's office.

"Mom? What are you doing here?" - Arthur asked in surprise, getting up from the table and heading towards Olivia. She let go of my hand and ran to him to give a hug. There was always a special warmth and tenderness in their relationship. Therefore, now, as before, I sat at a distance and watched with a smile on my face as son hugged his mother.

Arthur gave me a surprised look, and then, pulling away from his mother and asked "When did you arrive and why didn't you call me to meet you at the airport?" - he was surprised and a little annoyed, but his voice still smacked of concern.

"I didn't want to distract you, knowing how busy you are." Arthur wanted to object, but she didn't let him say a word, quickly interrupting, "Look who I met at the elevator," - Olivia came up to me and quickly took my hand.

As she forgetting about her son, Olivia turned to me "How have you been, dear? "

"Everything's fine," - I replied calmly and looked at Arthur. We both felt the tension in the room building by the second.

Olivia could feel the tension, too. But she was too smart and too sensitive to the people around her to focus on it. At first glance, she might seem frivolous and flighty, but she clearly knew what to do and how to behave. Arthur and I both let her play this game with us because we both wanted it.

"How is your father?" - she continued the conversation without slowing down.

My chest tightened with grief. I took a deep breath. "He died three years ago," - I said, and there was silence in the air. "Cancer," - I added after a moment.

I shifted my gaze to Arthur. He didn't say anything, but his eyes were filled with regret. He, like me, carried on his shoulders a heavy burden of loss that weighed on our hearts.

"You should definitely have dinner with us, Kornelia," - Olivia said in the sudden. I tried to protest, but it was all in vain.

The next thing I remember, we were driving with Arthur and Olivia to his house. There was tension in the car, which Olivia tried to smooth out with endless conversation about everyday details. Arthur and I were silent, each of us was immersed in our own thoughts, trying to figure out the difficult situation that had just arisen between us.

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Thank you so much for finishing this chapter. I really hope you like it.
I'm looking forward to see you in the next one!

~ NALI

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