The Four Kings & Me

Chapter: 4

Fine Art Gallery

New York City, May 14, 2022

NVy's POV...

Accompanied by Becca, I stepped into the Fine Art Gallery. Today marked the moment when her extraordinary painting would be unveiled to the world. I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for her unwavering pursuit of her dreams. However, in the past month, she had grown increasingly hesitant about revealing the three masterpieces she had dedicated almost a year to creating.

Observing her nervous demeanor beside me, I reassured her, "Becca, your painting is truly exceptional."

She glanced down at the floor, her fingers fidgeting, and muttered, "My parents don't think so."

"They simply fail to recognize the brilliance of your art," I responded, determined to uplift her spirits. "But mark my words, once they witness the well-deserved recognition you receive from countless individuals around the globe, they will undoubtedly be filled with pride. Your talent, Becca, is bound to captivate the hearts of thousands. I despise seeing my dearest friend in despair, doubting her remarkable abilities. Throughout our friendship, I have witnessed her relentless dedication in the pursuit of her parents' approval, an approval they dispensed as freely as candy on a silver platter to her older brother Thomas.

After embracing Becca tightly, I left her to contemplate my words, standing before her awe-inspiring paintings. As I strolled down the gallery hall, my attention was abruptly seized by a magnificent artwork. It commanded my gaze, refusing to release its hold. The painting depicted a striking figure adorned in traditional Korean attire, exuding an air of profound melancholy. Seated upon a regal throne, a colossal crown rested heavily upon his head, causing his shoulders to slump forward. His enigmatic, obsidian eyes were undeniably captivating, but it was the emotions they conveyed that truly captivated me. They told a tale of a sorrowful, isolated king burdened by the weight of his kingdom.

The painting seemed to whisper secrets, inviting me to delve into the depths of its narrative. I could almost feel the palpable sadness emanating from the canvas, enveloping me in its embrace. The king's eyes held a haunting beauty, drawing me closer, compelling me to unravel the story of this desolate and lost ruler, who carried the immense responsibility of his realm upon his weary shoulders.

An inexplicable force within me urged my hand forward, compelling me to reach out and touch the picture. But just as my fingertips were about to make contact, a resonant male voice reverberated through the air, halting my movement. "Isn't it a sight to behold?" the voice declared. Startled, I swiftly withdrew my hand and turned towards the source of the voice. Standing beside me was an elegant Asian gentleman, exuding an aura of charm, his eyes fixed upon the painting, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

"Pardon me, did you say something?" I inquired, seeking confirmation that his words were directed at me.

"The painting, it's truly magnificent, don't you think?" he inquired, his gaze still captivated by the artwork. His voice carried a hint of familiarity, yet I struggled to place where I had encountered it before. Before I could respond to his query, he lowered his gaze, his smile growing more radiant, and uttered a simple, "Hello."

"Hello," I greeted, my voice filled with surprise as I found myself face-to-face with an incredibly attractive stranger. Momentarily taken aback, I redirected my attention to the painting, attempting to regain my composure. However, the moment my gaze fell upon the man depicted in the artwork, tears welled up in my eyes. I stood there, motionless, tears streaming down my face, oblivious to the growing crowd around me.