Chapter 4: The First Step

The days following the gallery opening were a whirlwind. Amara couldn't stop thinking about Ethan Cross his piercing gaze, his smooth voice, the way he'd said her name like it meant something. She replayed their conversation in her head over and over, dissecting every word, every glance.

But as much as she wanted to believe this was her big break, a part of her remained skeptical. People like Ethan didn't just walk into her life. There had to be a catch.

Lila, of course, had no such reservations. She spent the next few days bombarding Amara with texts and calls, urging her to prepare for the moment Ethan reached out.

You need to have a portfolio ready, Lila had said during one of their calls. And not just random stuff. Pick your best pieces. The ones that scream "Amara Carter."

Amara had rolled her eyes but followed Lila's advice. She spent hours sorting through her work, selecting pieces that represented her style and vision. It was harder than she expected. Every painting felt like a piece of her soul, and choosing which ones to showcase was like choosing which parts of herself to reveal.

By the end of the week, she had a small but cohesive portfolio ready. She stacked the canvases neatly in the corner of her apartment, next to her easel. Now all she could do was wait.

The call came on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. Amara was in the middle of sketching a new idea when her phone buzzed. The screen displayed an unknown number, and her heart leapt into her throat.

She answered, her voice trembling slightly. Hello?

Amara Carter? The voice on the other end was crisp and professional. This is Claire Bennett, Ethan Cross's assistant. Mr. Cross would like to meet with you to discuss your work. Are you available tomorrow at 3 p.m.?

Amara's mind went blank for a moment. She fumbled for words. Uh, yes. Yes, I'm available.

Perfect, Claire said. I'll send you the address. Please bring samples of your work.

The call ended, and Amara stared at her phone, her hands shaking. This was really happening.

She immediately called Lila, who squealed so loudly that Amara had to hold the phone away from her ear.

I told you! Lila exclaimed. This is it, Amara. Your life is about to change.

Amara wished she could share Lila's enthusiasm, but all she felt was a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest.

The next day, Amara arrived at the address Claire had sent a sleek high-rise in the heart of the city. The building's glass facade reflected the grey sky, and the lobby was all marble floors and modern art. She felt out of place the moment she stepped inside, clutching her portfolio like a lifeline.

The receptionist directed her to the elevator, which whisked her up to the top floor. When the doors opened, she was greeted by Claire Bennett a tall, impeccably dressed woman with a no-nonsense demeanour.

Amara, right? Claire said, extending a hand. Mr. Cross is ready for you.

Amara followed her down a hallway lined with abstract paintings and into a spacious office with floor-to-ceiling windows. The view of the city was breathtaking, but it was the man standing by the window who caught her attention.

Ethan Cross turned as she entered, a smile playing on his lips. Amara. I'm glad you could make it.

His presence was overwhelming, and for a moment, Amara forgot how to breathe. She forced herself to smile. Thank you for inviting me.

Ethan gestured to the table in the centre of the room. Let's see what you've brought.

Amara set her portfolio on the table and began unpacking her work. Her hands trembled slightly as she laid out the canvases, each one a piece of her heart.

Ethan studied the paintings in silence, his expression unreadable. Amara's anxiety grew with each passing second. She wanted to explain her process, her inspiration, but the words stuck in her throat.

Finally, Ethan spoke. These are… impressive.

Amara blinked, unsure if she'd heard him correctly. Thank you, she said quietly.

Ethan turned to her, his gaze intense. You have a unique perspective. Raw, unfiltered. It's exactly what I look for in an artist.

Amara's heart raced. What does that mean?

Ethan smiled. It means I want to work with you. I'm curating a new exhibition, and I'd like to feature your work.

For a moment, Amara was speechless. This was everything she'd ever wanted, but it felt too good to be true. Why me? she asked. There are so many talented artists out there.

Ethan's smile widened. Because you're different. You're not afraid to show the world who you are. That's rare.

Amara didn't know how to respond. She felt a mix of emotions excitement, disbelief, and a lingering sense of unease.

Ethan handed her a business card. Claire will send you the details. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Amara took the card, her fingers brushing against his. The contact sent a jolt through her, and she quickly pulled her hand away.

Thank you, she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he turned back to the window. Don't thank me yet. This is just the beginning.

As Amara left the building, her mind was racing. She should have been elated, but all she felt was a strange sense of foreboding.

Lila was waiting for her outside, her face lit up with excitement. Well? How did it go?

Amara handed her the business card. He wants to feature my work in an exhibition.

Lila squealed and pulled her into a hug. I knew it! This is your big break!

Amara forced a smile, but the knot in her chest remained. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into a world she didn't fully understand a world where the lines between opportunity and danger were dangerously blurred.