ARTHUR

It has been several weeks since I saw Kornelia for the last time. I knew that work on the project was ongoing, but she didn't show up at the office, and I knew that she was clearly trying to avoid me. All this time I was immersed in work, but it was hard to concentrate, because all my thoughts remained in the night when I kissed her again.

When a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, Mila came into the office. Her voice was low and shrill "Mr. Medson, I remind you that the opening of the opera season will take place tonight." I said without looking up from the computer "I won't go"

Mila confirmed, " But this is an important event. You were invited as the founder of the art foundation." I waved it off, busy with work "I have so much to do right now, please tell that I won't be able to come."

She insisted "But I can't just cancel everything. Everyone is waiting for you. The event was planned months ago." Mila was obviously a little worried.

I looked up at her and asked with displeasure "Is it really that important?" Mila was clearly a little excited as she continued "The most influential people in the industry will gather there. I just think it would be good for you to be present." After a short pause, she added "Moreover, I have already picked up your tux from the dry cleaners."

Taking a deep breath with a note of irritation, I made it clear to her that I agreed to go to this event, although I was not happy about the idea myself.

...

I entered the Metropolitan Opera and immediately felt overwhelmed by luxury. Crystal chandeliers fluttered above the marble floor, and my eyes were captivated by expensive dresses and suits, the wearers of which easily held glasses of champagne in their hands and talked enthusiastically. The air was filled with the sounds of live music.

The entire beau monde of New York has gathered here for this evening. Entrepreneurs, businessmen, artists and recognized critics, and they all enjoyed the evening surrounded by luxury. I felt a little lost in this setting.

There are only 15 minutes left before the opera starts, and I decided to just disappear into the crowd for a while. As I made my way through the people, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"Mr. Medson," - I turned around and saw Adam and Kornelia walking towards me.

My heart stopped for a moment. It was the first time since we last saw each other, and I saw her beautiful face. She was wearing a black dress that accentuated her figure. Her wavy hair was neatly tied up in a bun. She was wearing a little makeup. Her plump lips were accentuated by bright red lipstick. She was studded with diamonds. The whole view revealed her beauty and dignity. She looked the way she deserved–gorgeous and mesmerizing.

They came up to me, and there was a tension in the air that everyone around felt. I tried to keep my cool.

"Mr. Zilon, it's good to see you again." And I held out my hand to shake his.

I furtively glance at Korneli. She only glanced at me briefly and looked away.

"I don't want to take up too much of your time, I see that you are clearly in a hurry," - Adam began, "But I would like to express my gratitude to you for helping so much in the development of our project."

"I am as interested in this as you are," - I replied,

"I assure you, Mr. Medson, your help for Kornelia is simply invaluable," - Adam added, taking her hand. I noticed the unexpected affectionate look he gave her, and jealousy began to grow inside me. I suppressed this unpleasant feeling and tried to keep my composure.

I realized Adam was lying because Kornelia would never tell him about me. But now the question arose, why would he do that?

"We've finally decided on a wedding date," - Adam said, a grin appearing on his face. "It will take place in two months. We will be very glad if you can come as a guest."

My heart stopped for a moment, as if my whole world had collapsed in a second. I realized that all my hopes were in vain. And all my feelings for her were useless and meaningless.

I stood rooted to the spot, my heart pounding wildly in my chest, as if trying to break free. His arms and legs became wadded up, heavy, as if tied to the ground. All my strength left me instantly, leaving only a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness.

"Congratulations," - I whispered, as if on my last breath, trying to suppress the fragile layer of disappointment that now permeated every cell of my body.

"Thank you, I really can't wait for the day when she becomes my wife," - Adam said, breaking into a smile. Then he turned to Kornelia and kissed her.

I couldn't stay there anymore. There was a feeling that the room itself began to press down on me with its walls, the noise around became louder and louder, as if mocking my perishable feelings. My head began to spin, and nausea made my throat constrict.

"I'm sorry, I have to go," - I said abruptly, and turning in the opposite direction, left without waiting for the interlocutor's answer. I could no longer listen and see the words of happiness and love that had so cruelly disturbed my heart.

I don't remember what happened after that. Some people came up and tried to talk to me. The performance seemed to take forever. At the end of the evening, I quickly left the Metropolitan Opera.

The cold air washed over me from head to toe, like a disagreeable awakening from a nightmare. I took a few deep breaths, trying to come to my senses, but even that didn't help. I heard someone call my name again, but I couldn't do it anymore. My strength was on the wane, so I just left without turning around.

I don't remember how I got home. All thoughts and feelings were mixed up in one madness, as if sanity had slipped away. I replayed our story in my head, every word, every gesture, trying to find a clue in them, what should I do, how to find a way out of this maze of grief and longing. But it was all in vain.

I spent the next day at home with a fever that was heating up my body. I haven't felt so terrible in a long time. After all, depression and disappointment were much more pervasive sources of suffering.

The phone was constantly ringing every second, but I was too exhausted to have a banal conversation.

After a couple of days, I still had to go to work, because there were things that could not be postponed. Unfortunately, the world doesn't care if your heart is broken.

Mila diligently looked after me, she brought hot tea and carefully reminded me about medicines.

It's been over a week now. Slowly, I began to get back to normal, gradually my thoughts became more and more occupied with work and daily routine.

Suddenly my phone beeped. An SMS from an unknown number appeared on the screen.

"Arthur, this is Kornelia. I urgently need to talk to you. Please come to the address as soon as possible."

The last thing I remember is rushing through the city, overtaking everyone on my way to her. To my woman. To my love. To my most inaccessible height. 

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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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