Disguised Danger

I tried my best to return her smile while thinking about what kind of trouble I had gotten myself into. It was already too late for me to tell Daniel that I didn’t want the painting, and it didn’t feel like the right timing for that either. I figured I would tell him later that there was no way I could accept such an expensive gift. I was well aware that he was trying his best to win me over, but that only meant it would be misleading and disadvantageous for me to accept his expensive gift.

“The painting will be available for us to see up close in the back room. Care to join me?” Daniel said as he offered me his arm invitingly.

“But…” I mumbled as my eyes glanced in the direction where Raphael had made his exit.

“Come along this way. I’m sure you’re very excited to see the painting up close. After all, you’re going to be its new and proud owner,” Daniel said as he pulled me after him.