CHAPTER 9:The art of persuasion

26 6 2
                                    

The following weeks were a whirlwind of preparation. Jisoo worked tirelessly on new paintings, pouring her heart and soul into each piece. Taehyung used his connections to secure a venue and send out invitations to key figures who could help their cause.

On the night of the exhibit, Jisoo stood nervously at the entrance, greeting guests as they arrived. Taehyung, dressed in a sleek suit, stood by her side, his hand resting reassuringly on her back.

"Everything looks amazing," Taehyung whispered, squeezing her hand. "You’ve done an incredible job."

"Thanks," Jisoo said, feeling a surge of pride and anxiety. "I just hope it’s enough."

As the evening progressed, guests admired Jisoo’s work, many expressing interest in purchasing her pieces. Taehyung’s parents arrived, their expressions skeptical but curious. They wandered through the gallery, taking in the vibrant canvases and the whispers of admiration from other guests.

When they reached Jisoo’s favorite piece—a portrait of Taehyung and her, capturing their shared moments of joy and creativity—his mother paused, her eyes lingering on the painting.

"It’s beautiful," she said softly, turning to Taehyung. "Is this how you see her?"

Taehyung nodded, his gaze steady. "Yes, it is. She’s talented, kind, and she understands me in a way no one else does."

His father studied the painting, then glanced around at the captivated guests. "Your work is impressive, Jisoo," he said finally. "But we need to know if you’re serious about being part of our family

Jisoo took a deep breath, meeting Mr. Kim's eyes with unwavering resolve. "I love Taehyung, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to support him and his family. My art is my passion, but Taehyung is my heart. I believe that together, we can create something even more powerful than any business alliance."

Mr. Kim regarded her for a long moment, his expression inscrutable. Beside him, Mrs. Kim seemed moved by Jisoo's words. She glanced at her husband, then back at Jisoo.

"We’ve always wanted what’s best for Taehyung," Mrs. Kim said softly. "Perhaps... we need to consider what makes him truly happy."

Mr. Kim sighed, looking around the gallery once more. The admiration for Jisoo’s work was palpable, and he could see the impact she had on his son. "I’m not entirely convinced," he said, his tone measured. "But I’m willing to give this a chance. We’ll take some time to reconsider our position."

Relief washed over Jisoo and Taehyung. It wasn’t a definitive victory, but it was a start. As the evening drew to a close, they thanked their guests and began to clean up the gallery.

"You were incredible tonight," Taehyung said, pulling Jisoo into a tight embrace. "I’m so proud of you."

"We did it together," Jisoo replied, resting her head on his shoulder. "But there’s still more work to do. We have to prove to your parents that our love and my art can coexist with their expectations."

CANVAS OF DREAMS Where stories live. Discover now