Evelyn had never felt so vulnerable. As more people stopped by her painting, she found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions.
Some merely glanced at it and moved on, while others stood longer, tilting their heads as if deciphering a hidden meaning.
A few approached her with genuine curiosity, asking about her inspiration, her technique, or simply complimenting her work.
Every time someone spoke to her, she felt her throat tighten, but she forced herself to respond.
She wasn't used to attention—not like this. It was overwhelming but in an oddly exhilarating way.
Mia had been right.
Adrian had been right.
She deserved to be here.
---
At one point, an older man with gray streaks in his hair and a tailored suit examined her painting closely.
He turned to her, his sharp gaze studying her as much as the artwork.
"This is quite something,"
he said, stroking his chin.
"You don't see this kind of raw emotion in student work very often. What's your name?"
Evelyn's breath caught.
Was this someone important?
"E-Evelyn,"
she stammered.
"Evelyn."
He repeated her name thoughtfully before extending a hand.
"Thomas Laughton. I'm one of the senior curators at the Westfield Art Gallery."
Her heart skipped a beat.
The Westfield Art Gallery was one of the most well-known galleries in the city.
And this man—this man was looking at her painting with genuine interest.
"I'd like to see more of your work sometime,"
he continued. "You have potential."
Potential.
That word echoed in her mind long after he walked away, leaving his card in her trembling fingers.
---
"You're pale,"
Adrian noted, appearing beside her with two cups of coffee. He handed her one, eyeing her carefully.
"What happened?"
Evelyn opened her palm, showing him the business card.
"Thomas Laughton. Westfield Gallery."
Adrian's eyebrows shot up.
"Holy—Eve, that's huge! Do you know how selective they are? This could be your big break!"
Evelyn wasn't sure if she was about to throw up or scream in excitement.
"But I'm not ready for something like that."
"Of course, you are,"
Adrian said firmly.
"You just haven't seen it yet."
She stared at the card, heart hammering. Maybe, just maybe… she was starting to believe it.
---
The showcase continued, and as the hours passed, Evelyn found herself slipping into a rhythm.
She answered questions with more ease, and held conversations without feeling like she wanted to disappear.
Every encouraging comment, every kind smile, chipped away at the fear that had always held her back.
Mia, at some point, practically tackled her.
"You're glowing! I swear, if you start smiling any wider, I'll cry."
Evelyn rolled her eyes, but she couldn't stop the small smile tugging at her lips.
Maybe she had taken her first step into a world she never thought she could belong in.