"Would you like to join my art school? I want to offer you a full scholarship." Mrs. Novak said.
For a moment, the entire room stilled.
Alena froze where she stood. The words echoed in her head. Her lips parted, but no sound came. She wasn't sure if she had heard correctly. A scholarship? To an art school? Her? Almost too big, too impossible to believe. She couldn't process them. Her breath caught.
Even Kieran was equally stunned, though his shock carried a ripple of pride underneath. His sharp eyes softened as he glanced at Alena. For months, he had watched her paint quietly, watched her fingers carry emotions onto canvas, but he had never expected someone of Mrs. Novak's stature to notice, let alone offer her something so life-changing.
Mrs. Novak's elegant smile softened. She reached forward, gently pressing Alena's trembling hands. "Alena," She spoke in a soft, persuasive way, "would you like to join darling?"
Her voice pulled Alena back into the present. She blinked quickly, her eyes brimming with tears she tried desperately to hold back. The last thing she wanted was to break down in front of Kieran's business guests and embarrass him. Her words stuck in her throat, but somehow, she managed to whisper, voice stuttering,
"I… I…" she stuttered, "I need some time to think about it."
It came out in one shaky breath.
Mrs. Novak didn't look disappointed. Instead, her smile grew even gentler. "No worries, darling. Take your time."
Alena nodded quickly, lowering her gaze to hide the storm in her eyes.
Turning back to Kieran, Mrs. Novak added smoothly, "Kieran, I would love to hear a positive response from your girl."
Kieran's heart skipped a beat at the phrase your girl. He wasn't sure why, but the words hit deeper than they should have. Aiden, standing nearby, stiffened, his eyes flicking between the two in surprise. Kieran masked it with a polite smile.
"Of course," he replied smoothly, "I'll let you know."
Mr. Novak cleared his throat, redirecting the conversation. "Well, honey, let's discuss the business deal now. What's your decision?"
Kieran straightened, breath subtly caught in his chest. This deal was too important for his father's empire. Every word mattered.
Mrs. Novak leaned back, crossing her legs with graceful ease, her expression unreadable. Then, with a smile that could make even the toughest negotiator lose their composure, she said, "I'm with the deal. But…"
Kieran's breath caught. His fist was tightly closed.
"But," Mrs. Novak continued, her eyes twinkling as they lingered on the painting hanging in the corner, "only if I get to take that piece of art home with me."
Her gaze pointed to Alena's butterfly painting.
Kieran exhaled, finally realizing he had been holding his breath. Mr. Novak chuckled, his wife's playful condition breaking the tension. The room broke into easy laughter.
But Kieran didn't answer immediately. His eyes flickered to Alena, silently asking. It was her work, after all.
Alena, still reeling from everything, blinked at him before giving a small, hesitant nod.
Kieran's lips curved. "As you wish, Mrs. Novak. I'll be honored to present the piece to someone with your eye for art."
"Perfect," Mrs. Novak said, satisfaction glowing in her smile.
Mr. Novak raised his glass. "Then it's settled. We're happy to be partners with the Moretties."
The deal was sealed with handshakes, warm words, and the unspoken relief of victory. Kieran and Aiden exchanged a glance of victory, though Kieran's heart lingered elsewhere, on the girl who unknowingly turned the night in his favor.
Alena's chest swelled with a strange, bubbling happiness. Her little painting, a thing she had made on a quiet afternoon, had not only caught the eye of a woman like Mrs. Novak but had helped secure a deal for Kieran.
"Now," Kieran said warmly, "shall we move to dinner?"
"Of course," Mr. Novak said cheerfully, and soon laughter, wine, and business conversation filled the dining hall.
Later that night
Later that night, when the Novak couple had departed, Alena's butterfly painting was carefully packed away for Mrs. Novak, and silence returned to the Moretti farmhouse.
Alena was sitting in the backyard under the dim light, looking at the sky. Thinking about all the events that happened a few hours ago.
Mrs. Novak appreciating her skill, offering her such a big scholarship, and insisting on taking the art piece with her, which she created randomly, just pouring out her emotions when it overflowed from her.
She couldn't believe all these events were true, or was she dreaming?. Her eyes welled up in tears; she didn't know why she was crying. Again, some emotions are overflowing without reason; she is feeling overwhelmed, and she doesn't know how to process all these. Because she had never been into such situation. All she did was spending her time in that filthy building, selling herself for a few dollars. That's it. She thought that's how it was going to be her entire life. But now it's going in a different direction, which she never imagined. In the last 6-7 months, her life took a 180° turn, opposite of what she was before.
She was lost in thought until a warm hand placed on her shoulder. She wiped her tears quickly and turned around. Kieran smiled and sat beside her in soft clothes that made him look far less like the ruthless mafia boss he was rumored to be, and far more like the man who had quietly, steadily pulled her back into the light.
"You are crying, Alena?" His voice was soft, yet teasing, but his eyes were full of concern.
She quickly shook her head, denying. "No, I'm not."
But her swollen eyes, flushed face, and shaky voice betrayed her.
Kieran's lips curved into a knowing smile. "You sure? Because your face tells a different story."
She huffed softly, patting her cheeks as if she could fix it and hide the truth. He only chuckled, letting the silence settle before asking gently, "What's wrong? You okay?"
Alena bit her lip, lowering her gaze. "I just… felt overwhelmed by everything that happened today."
Kieran smiled, his expression softening. "You did well, Alena. Mrs. Novak was truly impressed. Honestly, I should thank you. My deal became a lot easier because of you."
She shook her head, tears still clinging to her lashes, voice trembling. "Don't thank me. You've already done so much for me. This is nothing in front of that."
But he only smiled, squeezing her hand. "Yet, you proved you're capable of creating something unique. Something beautiful."
His words hit her harder than she expected. She sniffled, shaking her head. "Don't say things like that. It's already overwhelming. Don't make me cry more."
Kieran chuckled, ruffling her hair, deliberately messing it up. "You're cute when you cry, you know that?"
She gave him a watery glare, puffing her cheeks before wiping her nose clumsily. For reasons he couldn't explain, he found her ridiculously adorable, even like this.
"Well, tell me, crybaby," he teased softly, "would you like to join Mrs. Novak's art school?"
Her eyes flickered, uncertain. She looked down, kicking at the small stones by her feet. "I don't know."
He said softly, "You should accept this opportunity, it's once in a lifetime. Getting admission in her art school itself is a hard thing; on top of that, you were offered a full scholarship. "
"I'm scared," she admitted honestly. "I never thought of something like this. I don't know how to face it."
His chest softened at her honesty. He reached her hand. His voice was steady, warm. "Don't be nervous. I'll be with you. Every step. Until you achieve your goals. Until you live a life you deserve."
She swallowed hard, staring at him with glassy eyes. "You're doing too much for me. I feel like I'm bothering you. Like I owe you everything."
"Don't think like that," he said firmly. "I promised you before, I'd help you. And besides…" his lips curved into a faint smile, "we're friends, aren't we? At least let me do this much."
Her chest swelled, heavy with warmth she couldn't describe. She whispered, "Thank you… for everything."
"There's no sorry and thank you in friendship," he teased. "I hope your dumbhead understands that soon."
She glared at him, her cheeks puffed, a little offended. "I'm not a dumbhead. I have talent now, didn't you see? Your guests were impressed by my art."
Kieran laughed outright. "So the crybaby's offended now?"
"I'm not a crybaby!" she snapped back, giving his arm a small smack.
He smirked, leaning closer. "Says the one who was crying just a few minutes ago."
Their laughter mingled, warm against the cool night air.
Then his voice softened again. "Accept the offer, Alena. This is your chance. Shape your life with it."
She hesitated, lowering her gaze. His words wrapped around her like armor.
"Don't be scared. You're worthy of this. Don't let fear stop you. Take it. Face it. Work for it. You were born to shine, Alena. And you will."
His words were so soothing, so comforting, that her heart swelled with so much warmth. She looked at him, analyzing his features, his expressions, and she said, "You really are a Mafia boss?"
He chuckled, "Why?"
She said, "I imagined someone cruel, heartless, ruthless. But here you are all softy, pookie, and too kind to me."
He smiled, "I'm kind to you because you are innocent. I'm ruthless and heartless toward those who do wrong things. Don't underestimate me," He said, a little offended.
She looked at him for a long pause and then said, "Okay, I'll take this opportunity, I'll join the art school."
Kieran's grin widened instantly, brighter than she'd ever seen. "Really?"
She nodded, smiling.
He messed up her hair again out of happiness, and she gave an annoyed look for messing with her hair. He smiled and then said, "Well then, I'll inform Mrs. Novak right now. "
Without wasting a moment, he pulled out his phone and called Mrs. Novak.
After a few rings, the call is picked up. "Yes, Kieran," she answered.
"Sorry to disturb you at this hour," he said politely, "But I wanted to inform you that Alena wants to accept your offer. She'll join your art school."
"Oh, that's wonderful news!" Mrs. Novak replied warmly. "Bring her tomorrow. We'll complete the admission process."
"Of course, she'll be there tomorrow," Kieran said.
Mrs. Novak smiled and said, "Well then, see you tomorrow. Good night "
"Thank you, Mrs. Novak. Good night." Kieran replied.
After the call, he cupped Alena's cheeks with both hands, his smile soft and unrestrained. "It's done. Tomorrow, you'll go to the art school with Aiden. Complete your admission, okay?"
Alena nodded, happiness sparkling in her eyes. But then hesitation clouded her face.
"What's wrong now?" he asked.
She lowered her gaze, embarrassed. "Actually…"
Kieran waited for her to answer. "What is it, Alena?"
"Actually, I don't have good clothes for tomorrow. Everything I have is just…" she said slowly.
Kieran chuckled, interrupting. "That's it? You silly girl. You were hesitating to say this?"
She didn't reply, cheeks heating.
"Fine," he said warmly. "Aiden will take you shopping on the way. Buy whatever you want. And from now on, don't hesitate to tell me what you need. okay?"
Her chest warmed.
He smiled, "Now stop overthinking and go get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow."
She smiled faintly. "Thank you."
He glared, she pouted, muttering, "Good night."
He smiled, "Good night, pouty girl," he replied easily, grinning at the slip of affection in his tone.
Alena smiled, heart light, and walked back to her room, her mind swirling with new dreams.
Kieran leaned back, watching her disappear down the hall, his lips still curved. Then he called Aiden.
Aiden appeared, yawning, scratching his head. "Yes, boss?"
"Take Alena shopping tomorrow. And handle her admission process." He handed over his card.
Aiden blinked. "Me? Ladies' shopping? with Alena?"
Kieran smirked. "Don't act like you never took your girlfriends shopping."
Aiden opened his mouth, tried to protest, but no words came.
"Buy her whatever she needs," Kieran said firmly.
Aiden sighed, nodding. "Okay, boss."
"Good night," Kieran said simply.
"Good night… boss," Aiden muttered, still looking stunned as he walked away with the card.
Kieran smiled faintly to himself, heading toward his room. For the first time in a long time, he felt the night wasn't heavy with business or blood. It was full of something warmer.
Hope.
And Alena was at the center of it.