Death of a Bachelor

#4 Who is he?

Being part of L'art de guérir à Paris and receiving an invitation from its founder, Colette Fauvel, was one of Simone's biggest goals from the moment the foundation was established three decades ago. The foundation, dedicated to supporting children’s hospitals and orphanages, offered artists an opportunity to contribute by donating their artworks, with all proceeds going to these vital causes. Now that she was given another chance to participate she spent sleepless night painting on a project hoping that there is someone with a good heart willing to buy her work, Simone looked up and observe her work she decided to use a large size canvas this time to emphasize the meaning of the art, she groaned in pain when she felt the pain in her back and shoulder she looks like she will be sick from the pain her body feels.

Simone missed her father even more while scanning her artwork, a bitter smile appeared on her face while observing her painting. Three years ago when she woke up in her room after the exhausting chemo therapy she saw her father patiently waiting for her to wake up and quietly reading the newspaper sitting on his favorite wooden chair still wearing his work clothes, her room was very bright her father had opened the window so that he could clearly read the letter in the newspaper, from outside she can see the peaceful and quiet neighborhood that image stuck in her mind and she chose to paint it.

"Good morning!" her attention shifted to Julien who just entered her studio "Ready?" he was wearing formal attire that suits him.

"No, actually I still need to wrap it in a kraft paper" Julien nodded and stood beside her his full attention is on the canvas infront of him "How much do you think I need to sell it?" Julien raised his brows and glance at Simone.

"This painting can cost a lot...maybe a million?" she quickly rolled her eyes at him.

"Stop joking!" she said before getting the kraft paper and handing it to Julien "You should help me with this one"

But i'm not joking" he answered before taking the kraft paper and starting to wrap the canvas while Simone helped him immediately.

"Thank you for this one, Jul" a smile plastered on his face he stared at her and shook his head.

"Anything for you" he said and carefully lifted the canvas without any complaint "let's go?" Simone nodded, before leaving she took a final look around her art studio, locking the door behind her. The sunlight was warm and the breeze cool as they stepped out. Julien placed the canvas in the back seat of the car, and both felt a sense of relief when it fit perfectly. They got in the car, and Julien drove away.

Being ten minutes away from the museum Simone couldn't help but feel nervous and excitement at the same time, this was her second time participating in the event, and she eagerly anticipated seeing and interacting with fellow artists from diverse cultures and meeting the elite attendees. Eight o'clock in the morning when they arrived at the museum, Julien couldn't help but be amazed as he looked around the front, he hadn't fully entered yet but he was already amazed by the building infront of him. Simone glanced at Julien and she smirked watching his reaction.

"Don't be so obvious that this is your first time" Julien frowned as he carried the canvas "follow me Jul" she said leading him inside.

As they entered the museum, a high-pitched voice called out "Simone!" A young woman quickly approached them, hugging Simone and shaking Julien’s hand "My name is Taki. I’m an employee here" she introduced herself, pointing to her nameplate.

"Julien" he replied "Simone's friend" Taki nodded and then turned her attention back to Simone.

"Thank goodness you arrived early" Taki said. Simone chuckled in relief.

It's a good thing that they arrived early Simone didn't have to fight over the place where she should hang her canvas, she wants rich elites to see her work as soon as they enter the museum. She scanned the museum as soon a staff member approached them and directed them to an empty wall.