Shadows of Affection (GxG)

Chapter 1: Renaissance Eyes

The lavish art gallery in downtown Milan was abuzz with the murmurs of art enthusiasts, critics, and a smattering of Milan's elite. Golden chandeliers hung overhead, casting a soft amber glow over the pristine white walls adorned with paintings, sculptures, and photographs. At the center of the main hall, a particular painting dominated, placed atop a raised platform. It depicted a fierce, hauntingly beautiful warrior woman, her eyes reflecting both pain and resilience.

Alessia Sorento, a tall figure with short-cropped raven hair and wearing a tailored black suit, stood by the painting, her dark eyes scanning the room. Her intimidating aura and sculpted jawline contrasted with the soft curve of her lips. As the owner of the gallery, this was her domain, and everyone felt her presence.

Luciano Ciello, one of her closest friends, leaned over and whispered, "Your favorite is drawing quite the crowd, Alessia."

She smirked, "It's a masterpiece, after all."

Nearby, Isabella Adams, one of Alessia's close friends, adjusted her glasses and nodded, "It's a reflection of you, in a way. Strong, fierce, yet delicate."

Francesca laughed, twirling a strand of her curly blonde hair, "Oh, come on. Don't get her started on how every piece of art has a part of the artist. We'll never hear the end of it!"

Marco, chuckling, raised his wine glass, "To Alessia and her impeccable taste."

Alessia smiled at her friends, her walls momentarily down, her gratitude genuine. "To art, friends, and family."

A gentle chime at the entrance distracted them. A woman with flowing chestnut hair, wearing a simple white dress that accentuated her curves, entered. Her emerald eyes widened as they took in the gallery, reflecting pure wonder and innocence. This was Lily DeLuca.

As if magnetically drawn, Lily found herself walking directly towards the painting Alessia stood beside. She tilted her head slightly, lost in the depths of the warrior woman's eyes.

Lucia, noticing the new entrant, nudged Alessia, "Seems like someone is as captivated by the painting as you were when you first found it."

Alessia glanced in the direction Lucia indicated and for a brief moment, their eyes met. Alessia's usually composed facade wavered, taken aback by the raw curiosity in Lily's gaze.

Shaking off the unexpected jolt, Alessia approached the entranced woman. "Do you like it?" she asked, her voice deep yet gentle with an Italian accent.

Lily, pulled from her reverie, looked up to find the tall, intimidating gallery owner before her. But it wasn't fear she felt; it was a rush of excitement. "It's... It's breathtaking. There's so much emotion. Who's the artist?"

Alessia, a corner of her mouth twitching upwards, replied, "That would be me."

Lily's eyes widened in surprise and admiration. "It's amazing. You're very talented."

As the night deepened, the gallery slowly emptied, but the connection between Alessia and Lily had only just begun to spark. They chatted effortlessly about art, life, and everything in between. As the moon climbed higher, one thing was clear: this wasn't going to be their last meeting.

The painting, symbolic in more ways than one, was not just a reflection of Alessia's soul, but also the beginning of a renaissance in both their lives.

The duo found themselves moving to a quieter corner of the gallery, away from the departing guests. Alessia's friends discreetly kept their distance, exchanging knowing glances. Lucia gave her a playful wink, to which Alessia rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.

"Milan is filled with art," Lily began, "but there's something about this gallery, about your painting, that feels... different."

Alessia leaned against a column, crossing her arms. "Every artist has a story, Lily. Sometimes, that story just resonates with certain souls more than others."

Lily looked at Alessia, trying to decipher the woman before her. "And what's your story?" she inquired, her voice soft.

Alessia hesitated for a moment, contemplating how much to share. "I grew up surrounded by passion and intensity," she started, her voice low, "It wasn't always about art. There were... other pursuits." She left the statement hanging, hinting at a deeper, darker world she was a part of.

Lily sensed the deliberate vagueness. "That's a story for another day, isn't it?"

Alessia chuckled. "Very perceptive. Maybe one day, when we know each other better."

The atmosphere grew a bit more charged, a mix of intrigue and mutual admiration. Alessia found herself drawn to Lily's genuine interest and raw emotion, while Lily was intrigued by the layers she could sense in Alessia.

Luciano, seeing an opportunity, approached them with two glasses of Prosecco. "Ladies, a drink to new acquaintances?"

Lily smiled gratefully, taking the glass. "Thank you. Your gallery is wonderful."

Luciano winked, "Oh, it's not mine. But I've known Alessia long enough to feel like a part of this place."

Alessia rolled her eyes playfully, "Luciano, always the charmer."

As the clock struck midnight, Lily realized how late it had become. "I should be going," she said, a hint of reluctance in her voice.

Alessia walked her to the door, their conversation flowing naturally. Before leaving, Lily handed Alessia a business card. "In case you ever want to talk art, or... anything else."

Alessia took the card, her fingers brushing against Lily's. Both felt a spark, a hint of what could be.

As Lily walked away, Alessia stared at the card, lost in thought. Marco approached her, nudging her gently. "Seems like the start of something beautiful, boss."

Alessia smirked, "We'll see."

But deep down, Alessia felt a pull she hadn't felt in a long time. The night might have ended, but their story had just begun.

___

A/N:

New story y'all. This one might be longer than my first story and I will take more time writing the chapters, so the updates might be all over the place for a bit until I find the rhythm. And don't hesitate to point out my mistakes.

Be kind kids and don't forget to vote and comment.

~K.