The atmosphere at the painting exhibition was electric—vibrant in a way that made the very air hum with excitement. Esteemed artists from far and near had gathered, drawn by the promise of fresh talent and new perspectives. And among the bright new stars of this artistic sky, Mary shone the brightest.
For the first time, her painting was hanging on the pristine white walls of a prestigious gallery. Her eyes sparkled with emotion, her heart pounding with disbelief and joy. She whispered to herself, "You see? All those endless nights in that tiny room... they meant something. God heard your silent prayers."
But Mary wasn't the only one smiling with pride. Nicholas and Yong moved confidently through the crowd, answering questions, guiding visitors, and soaking in the admiration of the masters. Their work had been seen—truly seen—and for any artist, that was everything.
In a shadowed corner of the room, Diana stood with a drink in hand. She wore a mask of indifference, but her bitten nails betrayed the storm beneath. Watching Mary succeed—and beside Nicholas, no less—was a wound that refused to scab over.
Mary, meanwhile, checked her phone again and frowned. She turned to Deniz, concern in her eyes.
"Deniz, Ava's not answering. I've called her a dozen times."
Deniz replied calmly, "Don't worry. I called her before we came. She said she had to work overtime."
Mary's brows furrowed. "It's just a café. How much cake and coffee can they possibly serve that Ava's stuck doing extra shifts every other day?"
Deniz hesitated. "Honestly? I thought the same. She just told me it's good for her and she doesn't want to give it up. But... it felt like there's something more to it."
Before Deniz could say more, Ava walked in—still in her café uniform, looking tired but oddly composed.
Deniz grinned, "There she is. See? Told you not to worry."
Mary rushed over. "Why didn't you answer your phone? I was getting worried."
Ava pulled her phone from her bag. "The bus was packed. I didn't hear it. Sorry."
"You're really late…"
Just then, Nicholas approached them. "Hey Ava. We're near the end of the exhibit. You made it just in time."
Deniz smirked, "More overtime?"
Nicholas added with curiosity, "Your boss is here tonight. Maybe it's time to have a little chat?"
But Ava's eyes had already locked on Diana, who was approaching with that ever-calculated smile. Her voice dropped into a bitter whisper.
"No need. I don't have a problem."
Her eyes darkened. Her mind flashed back to a few days ago—to the moment she had accidentally overheard Diana's venomous confession while using the upstairs bathroom during a plumbing mishap at the café...
> "He's my fiancé… and now he's off painting with that girl? Nicholas... Yong... both of them. This ends now. Her sister works for me, doesn't she? I'll make sure she regrets it—she'll quit, pay a penalty, and then I'll toss her sister out of their lives for good…"
Ava snapped back to the present with disgust tightening in her chest.
Diana approached, syrupy sweet. "Ava, darling. Earth to Ava? I said hello."
Ava forced a tight-lipped smile. "Oh... sorry. Hello. How are you?"
Diana tilted her head. "Everything okay? You seem... late."
"Everything's great. Thanks for asking."
With a fake grin, Diana gestured toward a distant part of the gallery. "Did you see your sister's collaborative piece yet? It's over there."
Ava didn't even look at her. "No. Nicholas, would you mind showing me?"
"Of course. This way."
As they walked off, Diana turned to Mary with a smug expression. "Your sister doesn't look thrilled."
Mary offered a quick defense. "I think she's just tired from work…"
Ava, already a few steps away, turned and called, "Mary? You coming?"
Mary smiled and nodded. "Coming. Sorry, Diana—maybe later."
Together they walked toward the painting. But Ava's thoughts remained far away, locked in memory, burning with betrayal.
Later, as the exhibition wound down, their mentor called them together at the exit.
"Yong, Nicholas, Helen, Mary... I have news."
They turned to him, eager.
"The CEO of a major oil paint company fell in love with your collaborative piece. He's likely going to buy it."
Mary gasped. "Seriously?!"
The teacher chuckled. "That's not all. He made some... interesting promises. But I'll wait until it's finalized before saying anything more."
Nicholas grinned. "You're killing us, professor!"
Laughter rippled through the group. The room felt lighter. Diana watched from a distance, her gaze sharp with envy. Ava noticed—and in her chest, something cracked.
---
That night...
Nicholas dropped Mary and Ava home. Mary changed into comfortable clothes and made her way to the kitchen—only to find Ava still on the couch, motionless, staring at the dark TV screen.
"Ava? Why haven't you changed?"
Ava murmured, "I will... Just needed a minute. I'm tired."
Mary sat beside her. "You've been quiet all day. Aren't you happy?"
Ava didn't meet her eyes. "I'm very happy. You did something amazing today. I'm proud of you, Mary."
And then she walked off to change.
---
Five Days Later...
Their teacher gathered the four of them again at the studio. Inside the office sat a well-dressed man in his fifties, smiling warmly.
"Everyone, this is Mr. Parker—the CEO I mentioned."
They greeted him politely.
Their teacher continued, "Not only is he buying your piece, but he's interested in purchasing ten more from the exhibition. He's here today to arrange the down payment."
Yong beamed. "Thank you, Mr. Parker. This is a huge honor."
Parker nodded. "These pieces are inspiring. I want them displayed throughout my company's offices, so our workers can see what the colors they manufacture become when touched by talent."
Nicholas added, "A wise investment. Congratulations to you, too."
Laughter and smiles followed.
Then the teacher raised a hand. "Now… for the announcement I promised you."
Everyone leaned in.
"Mr. Parker is opening an art academy. But instead of hiring traditional instructors, he wants passionate, gifted young artists to take the lead. And... he's chosen you four—along with two others from the school—to be the first instructors."
Helen's eyes widened. "Seriously?! But… we're still interns!"
Mary looked down. Her heart pounded. "I'm behind the others... Are you sure there's not some mistake?"
Mr. Parker smiled gently. "No mistake at all. You all have something unique. You just need to trust yourselves."
Their teacher added softly, "I started exactly where you are now—with fear and uncertainty. But look where it brought me."
Still, Mary's chest felt tight. She couldn't help comparing herself to the others. Her breaths were shallow, controlled.
Outside the studio, Nicholas raised his arms. "This calls for a celebration! I know a great place—we have to go!"
Helen laughed, "Lead the way!"
As the others moved ahead, Yong stayed behind and gently took Mary's hand.
"I know what you're thinking."
She glanced at him, hesitant.
"This is your chance to shine. It's scary—I won't lie. But sometimes the only way to learn you can fly... is to leap."
She smiled faintly. "And if I fall? I'm still just a student. How can I teach anyone?"
"You don't have to be a master," he said gently. "Start with the basics. Teach beginners—just like you were when you started. As you grow, so will your lessons."
From across the lot, Nicholas called, "You two coming or what?!"
Yong grinned. "Forget the worries for now. Just enjoy tonight."
Mary took a deep breath. Her doubts lingered, but Yong's words had carved out a small space of calm inside her. With a grateful smile, she followed him into the night, the stars above shining like silent witnesses to the first steps of a new journey.