The Portrait

Chapter 1

Hiyaa, Precious is my name . This is my first non partnered book on Wattpad.

My first chapter is dedicated to , my first commentator and voter empress_ceee and to my writing partner amy13601

I will try to speed up this story considering the fact that I am going to back to school (boarding) soon.

Feel free to comment, vote and point out my mistakes.

-P

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As I walked down a pathway to the park, I realized that all the money I got from my last art work I sold was going down the drain. All the bills I had to pay were so much. I just had to start making more works.

I was on my way to meet my best friend, Simon.

"Jaz, over here!" Simon exclaimed, jumping around in a secluded corner of the park.

I noticed he brought checkered picnic blanket and a wooden blanket. I was surprised because Simon never brought things like this. He was too lazy to ever do this.

"Oh Jazzy, we have so much to catch up on," he grinned as I sat on the blanket.

"What's up," I replied.

" Your outfit, cool combo girl!," he said. "I'm digging this." I wonder what was so special about my floral skater skirt and a blue lacy crop top. At least I'm not lacking in the clothes area.

"Thanks Simon, now seriously, what's up in your life," I said as I picked a chocolate donut from the basket.

"The best thing ever, Kylie accepted my proposal though we haven't picked a date," Simon said while smiling in joy.

Simon had been with Kylie since the beginning of 9th grade. I honestly still can't believe they remained together even through all their fights. They remained Prom King and Queen till the end of high school even though they were such a childish couple.

"Ooooh, I'm happy for ya," I smiled and gave him a bone crushing hug."If I could be your best man, I would, but sadly I'm a female.

"You could still do it," he joked.

"Start being serious, you're getting married soon," I wiggled my eyebrows to tease him.

"Now to focus on you, how's your life going."

I frowned. "My artworks ain't selling and I need money to pay my bills and just before you interrupt me, I don't need you help."

"I've told you countless times, you can always come to me for anything," he pleaded.

Simon was the owner of Parkers Oil Industries and he was richer than any football players which was why we were sitted at a secluded part of the park. He always offered to help me but he never understood the meaning of 'I don't want your help'.

"Simon, please no."

"Fine, Jaz, I have to go now. I have an appointment by 3," he said in a pissed way which was quite obvious that he was joking.

"I guess I won't see you till Saturday, kiss kylie for me okay?"

"I'll miss you, and don't worry, I'll kiss her well," he replied. We hugged, packed up and bid each other goodbye.

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I walked back to my apartment in the scorching sun silently wishing I had a car. "Jazmin Winters, a delivery for you," Ms Smith, the old woman at the front desk said as I stepped into the building.

While wondering to my self who it might have been, I quickened my pace to the desk.

She brought out a huge bouquet of my favorite flowers, daffodils, in which a card was attached to. I wondered who exactly it was from. I had no boyfriend.

Maybe it's a secret admirer

Stupid inner self. Why would I have a secret admirer? I hurried up to my room and sat on my white fluffy couch.

I inhaled and exhaled. Prepared to see what was in it. I open the paper slowly, curious.

Dear Miss Jasmine Winters,

My name is Nicklaus Laude and I have a job offer for you. I heard from a good friend of mine that you are a talented artist. I do portraits of myself every 2 months. This is a tradition of my father and he expects me to follow in his footsteps.

My former artist had to go to UK to further her education in Arts and Design. I would like you to accept this job offer of being my professional artist. It comes with a good pay of 15000 dollars each portrait. If you feel this is too small please just inform me.

To contact me, please email nicklaude@gmail.com or call me at 312-697-1778.

Nicklaus Laude

CEO of Laude Business.

Oh my daisies. 15000 ! My eyes went wide. Why would I ask for more. I'm no longer broke. *starts dancing*

I then noticed the incorrect name he wrote and I told myself I was going to have to speak to him about it. I got my MacBook and searched Laude Busines. If Simon was here, he'd have given me all the info I needed.

My eyes bulges out at the net worth of the company. "He must be rich," useless inner self said.

Of course he's rich, and sexy too.

I opened g-mail and wrote my message back.

Dear Mr Nicklaus Laude

It would be an honor to be your professional artist. I agree with the price in any possible way. Just to correct you, my name in Jazmin not Jasmine. Yes, odd but unique. When do you wish to start and where can I find you?

Please email me as soon as you've received this or I'll call you.

My phone number is 317-555-0193 .

Thank you very much Sir

Jazmin Winters

I made myself the only Italian dish my mother taught me 'Pasta e fagioli' and spent my waiting time dancing and rejoicing for my newly found job. When it was ready, I set a table for 1 and brought out wine to celebrate. It was quite late so I didn't expect him to call or email me back but I jumped at the sound of my ringtone.

I quickly picked it up not wanting it to go voicemail.

Jazmin: Hello, good evening Mr Laude.

Nicklaus: I guess you already saved my number. Good evening Miss Winters, I hope I didn't wake you up.

Jazmin: No, I was just celebrating. Thank you so much, I appreciate it.

Nicklaus: It's no problem. I just hope your work is good. Our first time would be in 1 week which is on Tuesday and I realized you don't live in Chicago so I've bought you a ticket and sent it to your email. If you want to delay the time just inform me.

Jazmin: Oh thank youu. The time is fine with me.

Nicklaus: I will have to send a chauffeur to come pick you up because I will be quite busy.

Jazmin: Okay, It takes me 2-3 days to finish a painting so how long will I stay?

Nicklaus: 1 week will be just perfect and it will be a nice holiday for you.

Jazmin: Okay. Thank you and goodnight.

Nicklaus: Goodnight Miss Laude. Sweet dreams.

I melted in my seat at the sound of his deep velvet voice. I could just imagine him in a trim suit, speaking to me. I finished my food and went to sleep, sighing in joy.