Painted

Chapter 26

The evening unfolded like a dream, the kind spun from hard work and determination, polished to perfection with time and resilience. The museum gleamed under the city lights, its expansion an architectural marvel that blended historic elegance with modern brilliance. Banners fluttered in the night breeze, bearing the name of the project, while the warm golden glow of chandeliers spilled through the vast glass panels of the museum’s newly renovated wing.

Outside, a sea of cameras flashed as high-profile guests arrived—investors, city officials, scholars, and art enthusiasts, all gathered to witness the culmination of months of relentless effort. The air buzzed with anticipation, the scent of fresh lilies and champagne mingling with the crisp Bangkok night.

Rebecca and Sarocha stood at the museum’s entrance, dressed in sleek, tailored ensembles that exuded confidence and power. Rebecca, in a white silk blouse and deep navy suit, radiated an effortless authority, while Sarocha, in an impeccably fitted black suit with subtle embroidery along the lapels, carried herself with a quiet regality. Together, they were the perfect embodiment of grace and achievement, their presence magnetic.

Looknam whistled under her breath as she approached. “You two look like you just stepped off the cover of a business magazine.”

Rebecca smirked. “Funny, I think we actually did that already.”

Looknam rolled her eyes playfully. “Well, now you’ve officially cemented yourselves as the city’s power couple. I hope you’re ready for the headlines tomorrow.”

Sarocha chuckled, glancing at the growing press presence beyond the velvet ropes. “We’ll survive.”

The team slowly gathered around them, key figures who had dedicated their time and talent to making this project a reality. There was a quiet moment where they all just looked at each other, as if collectively realizing they had made it through the fire.

Richard placed a firm hand on Rebecca’s shoulder, grinning. “Not bad, sis. Not bad at all.”

Rebecca arched a brow. “Just not bad?”

Richard laughed. “Alright, fine. It’s impressive as hell. And I mean that.” His voice softened just a fraction. “Dad’s proud of you, you know.”

Rebecca stilled for a beat, then exhaled, the weight of those words settling warmly in her chest. “Yeah?”

Richard nodded. “Yeah.”

Sarocha glanced toward the far side of the crowd, where Rebecca’s father stood speaking with city officials. Their eyes met for the briefest of moments, and this time, there was no cold calculation in his gaze—only recognition. A silent acknowledgment of all she had achieved with his daughter.

It wasn’t love, nor was it a grand acceptance. But it was good none the less.

As the ceremony began, a hush fell over the crowd. The museum’s director took the stage first, speaking of legacy and vision, of history preserved and futures built.

Then, it was time.

Rebecca and Sarocha stepped onto the platform, the city’s gaze fixed upon them. The magnitude of it all pressed against Rebecca’s ribs, but when she felt Sarocha’s steady presence beside her, the nerves melted away.

Rebecca spoke first, her voice clear, carrying across the grand space. “When we first embarked on this project, we knew it would be ambitious. We knew it would require more than just time and resources—it would take trust, resilience, and belief in something bigger than ourselves.”

She turned slightly, eyes flickering toward the team, toward Sarocha. “And despite every challenge, despite every moment that tested us, we are standing here today because of that trust. Because we never lost sight of the vision, and because we stood together.”