Chapter 3 Art Exhibition Day
In the blink of an eye, it was the Art Exhibition Day. Mr Martins had asked his wife to accompany him to the Art Exhibition, but she refused. He wanted to take her out to meet new people and the Evans family. However, his wife was not interested to meet anyone while she was pregnant. August was sitting on the sofa in their bedroom looking at his beautiful wife with gentle eyes and said, “My love, have you changed your mind about not accompanying me? What if someone steals me from you?” Elizabeth glared at him, but she didn’t utter a word.
At that moment, Elizabeth’s phone started ringing. When she saw the caller ID she smiled brightly and said, “Hello big brother, is everything alright?” Her brother, Edwin Parker replied smiling, “Baby sister, I have great news to tell you. Your sister-in-law was in labour this morning. The Lord has blessed us with a beautiful daughter.” Elizabeth screamed and said, “Congratulations big brother, I am so happy for you. Please send my niece’s photo. I want to see how beautiful she is. I can’t wait to see her. Please send my regards to my beautiful sister-in-law.” Then they hung up. She was grinning from ear to ear. It’s been a while since August saw his wife smiling like that. He waited for her to say something, but she took the fashion magazine and ignored her husband. He was so hurt about his wife’s behaviour. It was clear to him that his wife loved children, but she didn’t want to carry his children.
He walked to the bathroom to take a shower then he walked to his closet and chose a custom-made charcoal gray three-piece suit, white shirt, sapphire cufflinks and deep red tie. He was a very handsome man. He walked to his wife and kissed her on top of her head and said, “My beautiful wife, should you feel uncomfortable anywhere please call me. I am leaving now I will see you later.” Elizabeth nodded her head. His wife was thirty-nine weeks pregnant, but he hadn’t found a full-time nanny yet. He was starting to panic because his wife made it clear that she didn’t want to be involved in their baby’s life. He would remind Paul when he saw him.
August went to his garage and chose a Silver Audi Q7, then he drove away. His Faithfulness Art Gallery was located at Umhlanga Rocks, and it was owned by Paul Evans’ daughter, Bridgette Evans. She started painting when she was twelve years old. She had won several awards with her paintings, domestically and internationally. She sent the invitations personally to the most influential people in the country.
When Mr Martins arrived at His Faithfulness Art Gallery, Bridgette was standing by the door with her two assistants, Maya Cox and Levi Hill. She was wearing an off the shoulder satin blue gown. Her make-up was meticulous, and she was breathtakingly beautiful. Mr Martins kissed her on both cheeks and said, “I can’t wait to see your work.” Bridgette was over the moon to seeing him; she escorted him to her parents. Paul shook his boss’ hand then Mr Martins kissed Paul’s wife, Suzie in both cheeks. Bridgette as a host left Uncle Martins with her parents then she socialized with her guests. Since it was a private collection, media was not invited. The security was so tight; they ensured that uninvited persons didn’t enter. Bridgette had prepared finger lunch for her guests. She asked them to enjoy food while they were looking at the paintings.
Bridgette was a gifted contemporary artist. Her paintings had a way to capture human emotions. She had displayed eleven masterpieces, cityscape paintings and landscape paintings. Her paintings were indescribable and soul starring. The guests felt calm when they were looking at the paintings. All paintings were on sale except one painting. That painting was eye-catching; a good-looking young man was carrying a girl in his arms. It was an emotional painting. Mr Martins stood in front of the painting reminiscing of the past. He was reminded of the day when he rescued his friend’s daughter. The guests started bidding for the ten paintings. The paintings were sold for twenty billion rand. Mr Martins had bought two paintings for his home. When he was about to leave, he reminded Paul about the nanny. The guests started leaving at 10 pm.
The following day at the Evans residence at La Lucia, they were having breakfast. Paul looked at his wife and asked, “My wife, have you found a nanny for Mr Martins?” His wife, Suzie, replied, “I was thinking of asking my niece from the countryside to assist.” Bridgette looked at his father and asked, “Daddy is Mr Martins looking for a nanny?” Her father looked at his daughter with sadness in his eyes and replied, “Yes, my daughter, Mr Martins is looking for a full-time nanny. His wife doesn’t want to be involved in their baby’s life.” Bridgette was shocked to hear that and replied, “Daddy, I will be his baby’s nanny. I don’t have enough words to thank him for what he had done for me. Please Daddy let me help him.” Paul looked at his wife for help. Suzie smiled and replied, “You are such a good child Bridgette, go and help Mr Martins. Mrs Martins is thirty-nine weeks pregnant; I think you have to put your house in order so that you will be able to move to the Martins mansion as soon as possible.” Bridgette was over the moon. She quickly called her assistants and asked them to meet her at His Mercy restaurant at 2 pm. She wanted to put them in charge of her Art Gallery while she was helping the Martins family. She owed Mr Martins her life. She didn’t want to think of the consequences if Mr Martins didn’t give his father a helping hand. It’s her turn to repay Mr Martin’s kindness. After breakfast the Evans family went to church to pray for the Martins family. Bridgette also asked the Lord for guidance as she would be taking care of the baby.
At 1:30 pm, Bridgette took her car keys and drove to His Mercy restaurant. When she arrived, her assistants were already there waiting for her. She smiled at them then they were ushered to the private room. The waiter gave them the menu then she went out to give them time to look at the menu. They ordered their food then Bridgette looked at them and said, “I asked you here to let you know that I will leave the Art Gallery with you guys to manage. I will visit whenever I get a chance to see you or to bring new paintings.” Maya was so shocked and asked, “Boss, what is going on?” Bridgette smiled and said, “I am taking a break for now. Please take care of the gallery for me.” Levi promised that they would take care of the gallery until she came back. Bridgette was happy to hear that. The waiter came with their food. It was delicious. She thanked them for making the Art Exhibition successful. Would Bridgette regret her decision in the future?Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.