Faking It With a Billionaire || MaAn

Chapter 54 | Anupama

It turns out I'm terrible at being alone. I've never really been alone since I started college. I was always either with my friends or Vanraj. When I moved to LA, I was always with Stella and Devika. If one wasn't home, the other was. It wasn't often that any of us were alone.

And then I moved out here with Anuj. It seemed like we spent every second together. I loved it. It felt right.

Maybe that's why I find myself walking down a busy New York street in the middle of the day on a Monday. Typically I'd be at work, but with Anuj gone, there isn't much for me to do. I'd gotten ready this morning as if I was going to go to work. Hugo had told me when I came downstairs that Anuj had already given me the week off.

I didn't need the week, but I couldn't argue. I'd already lost the argument the day before when I'd attempted to hail a cab to meet Stella and Devika for lunch and Hugo popped out all angry at me. I really did figure he'd be traveling with Anuj, but he'd said Anuj wouldn't have it. After Hugo had dropped Anuj off at the airport, he was told to report back to our building to see what I needed.

After Hugo told me I wasn't going into the office today, I'd told him I wanted to explore the city. I had him drop me off somewhere random so he wouldn't catch on to what I'd been planning.

So that's what I've been doing for an hour when I come to a stop in front of a building I'd never had the nerve to step foot in.

Camden Hunter's art gallery. I can't help but stare in awe of the building. The iridescent glass catches the eye immediately. It's like the building itself is a piece of art. My legs shake as I stare at the building, wondering if I'm really about to do this.

I'd thought of the idea last night in my time alone. Anuj had told me he'd get an interview with his friend, and I know he'd stay true to his word. But I'm being stubborn. I don't want his help. If Camden Hunter even looks at my drawings, I'll feel like I've made it. My dreams would be made if they made it into his gallery, but I won't hold my breath.

Either way, I want to do it on my terms. Not because Anuj's calling in a favor. As much as I'd like to believe Camden wouldn't do his best friend a solid by putting my art in his gallery, I can't guarantee anything.

So, I'm taking matters into my own hands. It's why I've pulled on a large knit beanie, one that hides half my face and have wrapped a giant scarf around my neck. I'm hoping I'm not too recognizable. I hadn't had the chance to meet Camden at our engagement party. He'd been running late, and by the time he showed up, I was too busy with the Vanraj drama. But I wouldn't be shocked if he still recognized me. Right now, I hope to be unrecognizable.

A shoulder bumps into mine. I look over to apologize but lose all normal train of thought when I lock eyes with the man I came to see.

Camden Hunter is as beautiful as the art he displays. He looks like he's walked right off the pages of a catalog. With two artist parents, it's like they couldn't produce anything that wasn't anything less than a work of art—their son included.

"What are we looking at?" he asks, his voice harsh despite the words being cordial. The hard set of his jaw plays into the ruthless picture Anuj had painted of his friend. Camden comes off as rough and isolated from the world. Like engaging in conversation is a chore. I guess that's what I should expect from someone who enjoys spending time confined between masterpieces rather than in groups of people.