The morning after the big party was different. The house was very quiet. Marco had left early for a business meeting in the city. Eimi was all alone in the huge villa.
Eimi could not sit still. She could not focus on her writing. She started walking through the house. She walked into the "West Wing." This part of the house was dark and smelled like old paper and paint.
At the end of the hall, she saw a door. It was a little bit open. Eimi was curious, so she pushed it open and stepped inside.
The Hidden Talent
Eimi gasped. The room was not a storage room. It was a beautiful art studio. Sunlight was shining on many paintings. Some were covered with white cloths, and some were leaning against the walls. In the middle of the room, there was a large painting of the lake. It was dark, sad, and very beautiful.
"What are you doing in here?"
A cold, angry voice came from behind her. Eimi jumped. It was Marco. He was standing in the doorway. He was not wearing his suit jacket, and his sleeves were rolled up. He looked very upset.
"I was just looking," Eimi said quickly. She was scared. "Marco, did you paint these?"
Marco ran into the room. He grabbed a white cloth and covered the painting. "You should not be here. Our contract says we must respect each other's privacy."
"Why are you so mad?" Eimi asked. "These are amazing! Why do you hide them?"
"Because in my family, art is for weak people," Marco said, his eyes full of anger. "My grandfather did not want an artist. He wanted a businessman. This is my secret life. No one is allowed to see it."
We Are the Same
Eimi looked at him. For the first time, she did not see a mean billionaire. she saw a man who was sad.
"My father burned my books," Eimi said softly.
Marco stopped moving. He looked at her.
"He told me that girls in our family should not be writers," Eimi continued. "I think we have the same problem, Marco. We both have dreams that our families hate."
The room became very quiet. Marco walked to a table and picked up a paintbrush. He looked at the floor.
"My grandfather does not know about this room," Marco whispered. "If he found out, he would destroy everything here."
"I will not tell him," Eimi promised. She stepped closer to him. "Your secret is safe with me. I know how it feels to hide who you really are."
A New Feeling
Marco looked at Eimi. For a moment, his eyes were soft. He reached out and touched the ring on her finger.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Marco asked quietly. "It was easier when we were just fighting."
"Maybe you are not the 'robot' I thought you were," Eimi replied. Her heart was beating very fast.
Marco leaned down. He was very close to her face. Eimi thought he might kiss her. But suddenly, a loud CRASH came from downstairs. Then, a woman screamed.
Marco moved away instantly. His face became cold again. "Stay here!" he yelled.
He ran out of the room. Eimi stood there alone, shaking. She knew something bad had happened.