The Erotic Artiste

CHAPTER 16

In the luxurious limousine heading towards the grand gala event, Evelyn found herself grappling with mounting anxiety. The imminent task of facing the press alongside the revered Victoria Belami loomed ahead, a scary situation for someone inherently introverted and socially uneasy like Evelyn. Nonetheless, she internally harbored a steadfast resolve to face the forthcoming challenges with grace and poise.

Sebastian, seated beside her, keenly observed Evelyn's restless demeanor, noting the nervous agitation manifesting in her fidgety hands. Subtly, he reached out and clasped her hand, a gesture that caught Evelyn off guard yet imparted a comforting warmth. Meeting his gaze, she was met with a reassuring smile that served to reduce the tension gripping her. Grateful for his unspoken support, she reciprocated with a smile, mouthing a heartfelt "Thank you."

The distance between their company and the gallery was quite a long one, yet as they peered through the tinted windows of the limousine, the journey appeared remarkably brief that day, prompting Emily to voice her observation of the curious phenomenon.

"We'll be there in a few minutes. Is it just me or does the distance seem shorter today?"

"It appears shorter due to our collective anxiety. Subconsciously, we all hope that we don't arrive at the gallery quickly, hence our perception of a shorter trip," Sebastian remarked, with a hint of amusement.

"We?" Paris interjected with a smirk. "I, for one, am unaffected by such nerves. I am not anxious at all. While you all may experience nervousness, I thrive in the spotlight, my darlings," she ended with a flip of her hair.

"Well, it's a shame the spotlight won't be on you, but on Evelyn." Emily, quick to retort, pointedly redirected the spotlight to Evelyn, eliciting a surprised and discomfited reaction from Paris, much to the amusement of the other artists and even Alice, the secretary, who shared a light-hearted chuckle at the exchange.

The banter effectively silenced Paris for the remainder of their journey.

After driving through the city's bustling streets, the limousine eventually turned onto the gallery's road, causing a collective sinking feeling in their hearts as the new artists all saw the groups of fans, paparazzi, and journalists crowding the street. There were cameras everywhere and a red carpet unfolded, reaching the building's entrance.

"Damn it," Evelyn muttered aloud, voicing the shared feelings that weighed on the group as they all thought the same thing.

"Goodness gracious, look at the crowd. Are they here for us?" David inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and nervousness.

"Not yet. Currently, they're gathered for Mr. Hiro," Alice quipped with a hint of amusement. "Should you succeed in this industry, then expect to draw such a crowd of fans and paparazzi eventually."

As their gaze lingered on the spectacle unfolding outside the windows, the limousine glided to a stop, revealing a podium and microphone stand stationed at the gallery's entrance for the upcoming press conference. They saw Mr. Hiro, perched on the platform, bombarded with questions from the encircling paparazzi.

His attention was momentarily diverted as he saw the limousine and signaled their arrival to the journalists, directing the spotlight onto the rookie artists that had just pulled up down the street.

'Oh no. Stay composed, Eve. You've got this!'

"Time to make an entrance, ladies and gentlemen," announced Alice as the door swung open, ushered by one of the event's vigilant bodyguards, prompting her to step out first.

After she stepped out, the rookie artists remained frozen in their seats.

"Eve, you lead the way!" Emily urged excitedly, leaving Evelyn visibly taken aback.