The Erotic Artiste

CHAPTER 24

On Friday morning, Evelyn woke up with bubbling excitement for two distinct reasons. Firstly, she was eager to unveil her latest painting in front of the organization's curators with hopes that it was approved, and secondly, she yearned to encounter Mr. Hiro in person once more. Days had passed since they last saw each other, following their intensely intimate night together.

...

After she was dropped off by Imani at the organization, Evelyn joined the group of artists in a private waiting room, and they were not just the rookies this time. They were now mingling with artists who had a year or two more experience in the field. Gathered in the expansive waiting room, they awaited the verdict of Hiro's discerning experts on their works. In total, around twenty hopefuls were present, knowing that only fifteen would be selected by the curators.

Every week, the chosen artworks would be showcased in the gallery from the ensuing Saturday, remaining on display until the following week's Saturday. Those fortunate enough would be purchased within that week, while the unpurchased pieces would be returned to their creators, a fate no artist wished for. And some of the purchased works might get resold or exhibited in prominent galleries across various states and countries. Each of them hoped to be lucky enough.

Although appearing simple to non-experts and not taken seriously by some ignorant people, the art industry was a multi-billion-dollar domain, thriving across the continents of America, Europe, and Asia.

...

Taking a seat, Evelyn observed as artists were summoned one by one into the curation offices carrying their veiled canvases. Some exited with beaming smiles and empty hands because their artworks had been chosen, while others stepped out of the offices with sad or angered expressions, unfortunately clutching their artworks.

Witnessing her colleagues—Sebastian, Paris, Emily, and David—take their turns entering the curation offices, Evelyn smiled as each stepped out of them empty-handed. Sebastian, the last to undergo the process, caught sight of Evelyn as he was leaving and she waved at him. Wearing a radiant grin on his face, he approached her.

"There she is, our prodigy," he praised, to which Evelyn chuckled, rising to greet him.

"I'm happy your work was chosen, Seb."

"Thank you. I haven't seen you since the inauguration. I meant to reach out, but assumed you'd be occupied, Evelyn."

"To be honest, I was. But feel free to call or text; I'll always respond," she assured him, returning his smile.

Unbeknownst to Evelyn, Sebastian was pleasantly surprised by her response.

"Alright, I'll give you a call then."

"Miss Evelyn Ali?"

Their conversation was interrupted by a curator summoning Evelyn to present her work.

"Here," she acknowledged, raising her hand.

"Please, step into the office," the curator directed.

"Well, it's my turn," Evelyn remarked, taking a deep breath as she grasped her covered canvas.

"Best of luck, although I'm quite confident you won't need it," Sebastian remarked with a smile.

"Thank you, Seb."

"I must head to work now. See you later this week or the next."

"Okay."

They bid farewell, and Evelyn proceeded into the curator's office.

"Good morning, sir," she greeted.

"Good morning. Please unveil and display your work."

"Of course."