INSEPARABLE | 18+

T H I R T Y - F O U R

A week later.
Rome, Italy.

-

"Grazie!"

Valentina thanked the guests as they entered the gallery. This was her first exhibition after being appointed as the director. She felt nervous but excited at the same time. Her collection had been displayed before alongside other artists, but this time, it was only hers.

All the visitors settled around the room, admiring the art adorned on the walls, but all the gazes were fixed on the main painting hung in the middle of the room, covered with a cloth. She had not hinted at her inspiration for the head painting.

Everyone was curious.

Valentina turned her head towards the entrance, a smile crept on her face when she noticed Dimitri and Zara entering. They looked around the room, their search stopping when they saw her. Dimitri waved at her enthusiastically, "Boss lady!"

"Dimitri," Valentina acknowledged him with a smile, "Zara," She proceeded to hug both of them before taking the bouquet from Dimitri's hands.

"These are beautiful, thank you."

"Anything for my Donna," He said while keeping his hand on his stomach and bowing forward. Zara and Valentina laughed in unison as he straightened.

"And where is my Don?" She asked them, looking around for Valerius.

"He will be here soon," Dimitri turned his head around, "Meanwhile we brought someone else."

Valentina widened her eyes when she saw Salvatore entering through the museum's doors. Everyone around slightly came to a halt when they noticed the infamous former Don.

She took in a deep breath as he neared; she might have gotten his approval but there was an air around him that still made her shiver.

"Congratulazioni, figlia."

(Congratulations, daughter)

Valentina felt herself smiling, "Sono contento che tu sia qui." She meant her words. She had not expected him to come, but he had.

(I am glad that you are here)

"You are family," He said, bringing the cigar to his lips, "La famiglia prima di tutto,"

(Family comes first)

"Valentina!"

She recognized the shrieking voice all too well.

"You can tend to other guests," Zara said to her, "It is alright."

Dimitri nodded, "See you,"

He and Salvatore then walked toward one of the paintings. Zara congratulated her again and followed them.

"Miss Chen," Valentina put on her wide grin when she saw her coming near, "Thank you for being here."

Fang Chen clapped her manicured hands together, "Oh I would not miss it for the world!" Her high-pitched tone almost made Valentina close her eyes, "I appreciate it." She murmured with a grateful smile.

"Although," She chewed on her gum while talking, "I am dying to know what is the mystery painting," Fang pointed towards the canvas in the middle.

"So are the others," Valentina winked at her, "You will just have to wait and see."

"Fair enough," Fang smiled at her, showing off her insanely white teeth, "See you around, Valentina." She waved at her and then walked away, leaving her overpowering scent behind.

Valentina massaged her forehead and moved away from the spot, as if on cue, the voices of the crowd halted, coming to a complete stop. The pin-drop silence lingered in the air, confusing her.