Let it Rain | Olivine | Book2 | WLW

Chapter 6 " The Portrait"

Why do you make me feel this way, in a kind of very special way? The effect it's not so of me, never been so much alive...

This job, and you, Olivine, you made me feel so important—those simple gestures I made. Making me feel wanted, people around here made me feel seen, and most is being valued. Maybe I am too overwhelmed; I was walked down the aisle at a young age.

Working here, noticing you make me feel important, each passing day I started to know you. You're paying attention to such small details not only in your responsibilities but every staff around. I guess she memorized those catalogs, which I discussed with her on our first day, which is so embarrassing. How come you didn't introduce yourself? You were the owner, for goodness sake...

This whole thing, it's like a new world to me, maybe because of Aiden. Since I got married to him, I dedicated myself to him; he is my world and the kids. Being a mother is like it will suck all the life I had dedicated to every member of the family; without expecting anything in return, I became more selfless.

But to you, you gave me importance. I may assume and exaggerate things, considering what's going on, but I've been here for more than a month. Then you appeared all of a sudden, and I even didn't try thinking of the idea. I might be attracted to a woman, an extraordinary one.

This is such a wonderful feeling I felt with you. I don't mind if you're the first woman to break my heart. Because this excitement, the thrills, and the chills you gave are all true. I need to admit that to myself; I won't deny it. I need to be honest with myself; I didn't experience it since I met Aiden, not until now, considering he is my first boyfriend, but with you it's different; it's deep, I must say. The jeans you let me borrow, I carefully wash and iron. I hope I can have time alone with you to give it back. I guess it's true they say a woman knows how to understand a woman.

* * *

Aiden is kissing my cheeks goodbye inside the car; we just arrived in the parking space at the Collector's Gallery, snapping my thoughts about her. Opening the car door in the passenger seat and leaving him behind makes it hard to find affection for him these days, including going home with him. He seemed distant again for the past few days. I tried to talk to him, but he didn't say a word; he just sleeps.

I saw Olivines car has arrived nearby; I never noticed since, but she had this luxurious and expensive car. I'm not an expert in vehicles, but it's how it looks. She just arrived with her black trench coat and her suit as constantly. I'm guessing those colors say much; she's still grieving. But to me, I admit, it makes her more attractive day by day and always catches my eye for her.

Paying attention to her on the side of the road, she responded by waving her hand to someone. While the gentleman I assumed was Jeffrey was at the coffee shop, making a silly gesture towards her across the streets, they were both smiling and making fun early in the morning.

I can't imagine how tough she went through, especially since Aiden allowed me to see the picture of her late wife, who died recently. That makes sense now why seeing the sadness on her face lingers around. I felt like I wanted to take care of her. Ugh, the mother's behavior kicks in me, but this feeling is different. I have no idea this strange feeling every time I arrived here at the Collector's Gallery with her.

"Morning, are you alright, Katarina?" Franklin asked.

"Yes, I am morning too," she turned her back on him, leaving him in silence.

I went straight to her office table. Watching Olivine go outside her office, heading towards the storage area, sensing a need to follow her might, she wanted my assistance for the items to be exhibited.