Chapter 2 Two

Lily’s Pov

The next morning, I woke to sunlight streaming through my curtains and the faint hum of the city outside. Last night’s events replayed in my mind as I sipped my coffee, trying to make sense of Aiden Cole and the way he’d affected me.

I told myself it was nothing, just another wealthy man used to getting what he wanted. Yet, the way he looked at me, the way he spoke, lingered in my mind longer than I cared to admit.

By the time I arrived at the gallery to meet with Hannah, I had resolved to put Aiden out of my thoughts. My career was finally gaining traction, and I couldn’t afford any distractions.

“You’re glowing,” Hannah teased as I walked into her office.

I rolled my eyes, setting my bag on the chair. “I’m tired. That’s all.”

“Tired from what? Flirting with Aiden Cole?” she quipped, wiggling her eyebrows.

“I wasn’t flirting,” I said, though the heat rising to my cheeks betrayed me. “He’s just… intense.”

“Intense is one word for it,” she said, pulling up her calendar. “Anyway, he called this morning.”

“What?” My head snapped up.

“Apparently, he wants to commission a piece from you. Something unique, just for him.”

I stared at her, my mind racing. “You’re joking.”

“I’m not,” Hannah said, grinning. “He’s serious. I Want to meet with you tomorrow to discuss it.”

A mixture of excitement and apprehension settled in my chest. Aiden Cole commissioning my work could be a career-changing opportunity. But something about him unsettled me, like he was a storm waiting to break.

“Do you think I should do it?” I asked, my voice hesitant.

“Are you kidding? This is huge, Lily. Of course, you should do it,” Hannah said. “Just… be careful. Guys like him don’t do anything without an agenda.”

The next day, I found myself standing outside one of Chicago’s tallest skyscrapers, my portfolio clutched tightly in my hands. The building was a sleek tower of glass and steel, a monument to Aiden Cole’s success.

“Ms. Monroe?” a polished assistant greeted me in the lobby. “Mr. Cole is expecting you. Right this way.”

I followed her to the private elevator, my nerves growing with each passing second. When the doors opened on the top floor, I stepped into a sprawling office with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city.

Aiden stood near the window, his back to me. He turned as I approached, his gaze as piercing as ever.

“Lily,” he said, his voice warm yet commanding. “Thank you for coming.”

“I wasn’t sure I had a choice,” I replied, setting my portfolio on the table.

His lips twitched in a hint of a smile. “You always have a choice. But I’m glad you’re here.”

“What exactly are you looking for, Mr. Cole?” I asked, keeping my tone professional.

“Something that speaks to who I am,” he said, stepping closer. “Something raw. Honest. Like Inferno.”

I frowned, unsure how to respond. “Art doesn’t work like that. It’s not something you can order like a custom suit.”

“That’s why I chose you,” he said, his voice dropping. “Because I trust you to create something extraordinary.”

I studied him for a moment, searching for any hint of insincerity. But his expression was unreadable, his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race.

“Alright,” I said finally. “I’ll do it. But on one condition.”

“Name it.”

“I need creative freedom,” I said firmly. “No interference, no micromanaging.”

He chuckled softly. “Deal.”

~

Over the next few weeks, I poured myself into the commission, working late into the night in my tiny studio. Aiden stayed true to his word, giving me the space I needed to create. Yet, he found other ways to make his presence known.

Flowers arrived at the gallery with a simple note: For inspiration.

A bottle of vintage wine appeared on my doorstep with a message: To celebrate progress.

And then there were the texts, short, enigmatic messages that somehow managed to be both infuriating and intriguing.

How’s the masterpiece coming along?

Don’t forget to take a break.

Dinner tomorrow?

I ignored the last one, refusing to let him distract me. But his persistence was wearing me down, and I hated how much I looked forward to his messages.

It wasn’t until the night of the unveiling that I saw him again. The private event was held in the gallery, with only a handful of attendees invited to view the piece.

I stood beside the painting, my nerves on edge as Aiden approached. He stopped in front of the canvas, his expression unreadable as he studied the work.

“It’s perfect,” he said finally, turning to me. “You’ve captured everything I didn’t know I wanted.”

I exhaled in relief, a small smile tugging at my lips. “I’m glad you like it.”

“I don’t just like it,” he said, his gaze locking onto mine. “I’m in awe of it. And of you.”

My breath hitched, the intensity of his words leaving me momentarily speechless.

“Aiden—” I began, but he stepped closer, cutting me off.

“You’ve been on my mind since the moment I saw you,” he said, his voice low. “I know you feel it too.”

I shook my head, trying to resist the pull between us. “This can’t happen. I can’t be another one of your—”

“You’re not,” he said, his tone fierce. “You’re not just anyone, Lily. You’re everything I didn’t know I needed.”

The air between us was electric, and for a moment, I considered giving in. But the fear of losing myself in his world, of becoming just another possession, held me back.

“I can’t,” I said, stepping away. “I’m sorry.”

His jaw tightened, but he nodded, his eyes dark with frustration and something deeper, something that mirrored the chaos swirling in my own heart.

As I walked away, I felt the weight of his gaze on my back, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I had made a mistake.