Zoe by Miu

Yes!

I made a fist when my period finally came.

This was the first time I was happy that this agonizing 'thing' made its presence.

It means I'm not pregnant.

I'm not pregnant.

Somehow, I was disappointed. Somewhere in me wanted to have his child so I could have another connection with him.

I shook my head.

It was two weeks since that incident in Sophia's debut. These past few days had been peaceful like I was living in a dream . . . if not for Elliot Volknov's persistent text messages and calls, asking me for a date.

I sighed and ready myself for a meeting.

----

I focused my gaze on the dignified, regal old man sitting opposite me.

Luke Jansen

This was the first time I finally met the man. I only heard and saw him on media, and they said he was intimidating and aloof.

I guess not all news are facts.

If I didn't know any better, the old man felt like a grandpa rather than a ruthless businessman who they'd made him out to be.

Leanna set me up with Luke Jansen the moment we got back from Hawaii. She said that the old man wanted to meet me about my work.

So here we are.

In this awkward silence.

The moment I got here, the old man didn't say nor did anything but stare at me.

"Uhmm . . . So . . . Leanna said you're interested in displaying my artwork in your newly built gallery in New York?" I started, trying to break the awkwardness.

Luke Jansen was startled, yet he didn't diminish the smile on his lips since the moment we've met.

"Yes. That'll help your exposure."

"Uhmm . . . So ah . . . How much will it be per day?"

I asked unsure because I was on a tight budget right now since I was officially disowning myself from the Collin's after what I said and did on Sophia's debut.

Luke Jansen chuckled.

"You don't have to worry about anything. I'm a fan of your works, so consider it as me helping my favorite artist."

He said favorite artist dotingly like I was his most pampered granddaughter that I restrained my brow from arching.

"Uhmm . . . Thank you . . . Then . . . Is there supposed to be a contract or something? You know, even without the daily fee, there's still supposed to be a percentage for the gallery when my painting sells."

I was not entirely ignorant of the business world since I have dealings like this in the past.

Luke Jansen grabbed a folder from his suitcase and handed it to me.

I then scanned the papers.

. . .

. . .

"My eyes must be playing tricks on me . . . I can't seem to find the numbers I'm supposed to give you."

Luke Jansen's smile grew wider. "There's none. All your earnings will be yours. As you probably know, I'm a rich man."

My lips pursed.

I got what the underlying meaning of his words.

He had every right to boost since he's indeed a rich and powerful man.

Many said Luke Jansen was a ruthless businessman.

Guess he's not all money.

I didn't trust anything free, but since Leanna knew him and he's Estela's grandfather in law to be . . .

I signed my name on the papers.

"Splendid. Now let's eat."

Luke Jansen raised his hand, and lined of waiters served us colorful mouth watery dishes.

"Uhmm . . . Are we expecting anyone?" I asked because the food could serve four hungry men.

Luke Jansen laughed that I couldn't help but smile as well.

For some reason, I was at ease with him.

"You can take home the leftovers. If you want something from the menu, don't hesitate to order."

"Xhank you."

I said between chewing. Luke Jansen didn't mind my lack of manners and etiquette as he watched me eat with a smile on his face.