SONDER

3

"So, Lillian. I believe this is your work?" Noah asked as he studies my sculpture.

"Yes." I answered the grip on my wrist present again.

Nikolai who held his silence, now stood behind me. Noah walked around my work smiling then straightened his back. Walking back towards me as he lets out a small hum.

"I'm intrigued.." Noah handed me a card and I took it with both hands saying a small thank you. I stare at his card and to say I'm thunderstruck is an understatement.

Noah Wright, CEO of The Wright Group. The letter W was emphasized in the card embedded in gold ink. The wright group? That company who owns multiple luxury hotels, apartments and resorts around the world?

What on earth was this guy doing in a university event like this?

"Why are you here?" My impulsive mouth suddenly blurted out as I stared at Noah's card. Noah held an amused expression as he process my words.

Wait— "Oh, I didn't mean it like that, sorry. What I meant is, why is such an important person like you, attending a small university event such as this?"

"Well Lillian, as you've seen I own some hotels." It's not just some hotels buddy. "Are you familiar with the art works or decorations as people call it; you see at hotels? — Let's say sculptures, assemblage, paintings?"

I nod my head at the man.

"Yeah, I found myself making it a hobby into looking for artworks I can put in my buildings. Whether it's from a new artist or a classic artwork."

"That's amazing." For a student's work to be displayed in one of the luxury hotels in the world is an honor. If he does choose some artworks or even one, from this gallery that student's future is set.

"Fucker's got too much time, that's what." Nikolai said from behind me.

"Hey, don't be a dick." Noah punched Nikolai's upper arm, however, Nikolai did not show any reaction to the sudden hit from his friend. That only earned Noah another glare from Nikolai.

"How about you Nick, what are you doing here? You still didn't answer my question you know?" I craned my neck, turning to look at the man towering over me.

Nikolai's jaw clench as he tear his green eyes away from me as if he was trying to hide the displeased look I caught. I frowned at the little action he made.

He was in a better mood just a while ago.

"He's here cause I forced him to, he's a workaholic you see." Noah interjected.

"Is that true?" I tried to get any reaction from the big man.

He only nodded as he stared or rather glare over my head avoiding eye contact.

I purse my lips as I figure out the almost unnoticeable change of mood the man had. He may have been void of any expression since I saw him in this gallery, well except his annoyance for Noah; it's a bit baffling to have him avoid eye contact. He rarely did that to me. Even years before. I was the one who used to avoid eye contact.

I'm a person who mostly observe and learn a person's habits by watching, I'd rather watch than ask a bunch of questions only to turn things into awkward situation.

Thus I release a frustrated sigh and turn to Noah.

"Anyway thanks for showing interest in my work Noah, I'm sure there are a lot more amazing works that can catch you eyes. My batch mates are really talented you see."