THE ART PATRON

Elizabeth's eyes followed mine, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Sophie, what's wrong?" She grasped my shoulders, her grip gentle but firm. "Do you know him?"

The tall, well-built guy, Alex, let out a low chuckle, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Maybe she's just admiring my abs."

Elizabeth shot him a warning glance. "Not now, Alex."

I felt her gaze drift back to me.

"I think I remember what happened last night." I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Phew, I thought something happened to your head for a minute." Elizabeth's expression transformed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She let out a relieved sigh, standing up and sauntering towards Alex. She planted a kiss on his lips, her smile still evident as she pulled away.

I observed Alex as he playfully smacked Elizabeth's ass, pulling her into a tight embrace. Elizabeth let out a sultry moan, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Daddy."

I felt a surge of discomfort and quickly stood up from the couch, trying to distance myself from the intimate scene unfolding before me.

Alex turned to me, a sly smirk spreading across his face. "Want to join us for a threesome?" he asked, his voice laced with suggestion.

I looked at Elizabeth, but her attention was focused on Alex, her hands already exploring his small man. I doubted she would respond to my question.

"We have classes this morning, aren't you coming?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the awkwardness.

Elizabeth didn't acknowledge me, too engrossed in the moment with Alex. I felt a pang of unease, realizing I was no longer part of their focus.

I stepped into the room, my mind still reeling from the memory I had just regained. I quickly undressed and made my way to the bathroom, seeking a moment of solitude. As I stood in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but think about the previous night. Fragments of memories flashed through my mind - the stranger's chiseled body, his deep voice, and the intense pleasure we shared. But his face remained a blur, a mystery I was determined to solve.

After five years of being in a comfortable, yet now failed relationship with Ryan, my first love, I had never experienced such passion and connection with anyone. This stranger had awakened a part of me I thought was dormant. I felt a strong desire to see him again, to relive the intensity we shared.

As I splashed water on my face, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My eyes looked different, sparkling with a newfound sense of excitement and curiosity. I knew I had to find him, to uncover the identity of the stranger who had left an indelible mark on my heart.

As the warm water cascaded down my body, I made a mental note to visit my ailing mother in the hospital after class. It had been four days since I last saw her, and I was eager to check in. However, I had been avoiding her because I didn't want to show up with a heartbroken face. The pain of catching Ryan with another girl in his apartment still lingered.

After showering, I quickly dressed and made my way to the sitting room, only to be met with a sight that made me roll my eyes. Alex and Elizabeth were entwined, their bodies moving in sync. Elizabeth's face was contorted in a mixture of pleasure and exhaustion, as if she was on the verge of fainting.

"Liz," I said, clicking my tongue in disapproval.

I didn't stick around to watch anymore. I swiftly turned around and left the house, not wanting to intrude on their intimate moment.

****

ELITE ART ACADEMY

I fidgeted in my seat, feeling Ryan's piercing gaze on me. Since catching him with Tatiana, he'd been trying to explain, but I wasn't interested. His betrayal of our five-year relationship, built on trust, had driven me to drown my sorrows in alcohol, leading to a one-night stand - a first for me.

"Sophie, please listen to me. I was drunk and had no idea what was going on," Ryan pleaded, his voice laced with desperation.

I avoided eye contact, plugging in my earphones, but he gently removed them. "Babe... Tatiana was a mistake."

I stared at him, weighing whether to reveal my own secret. Finally, I spoke, my voice firm. "Ryan, I told you, it's over."

He begged, "No, it can't be over, please."

As he spoke, his hands caressed my cheeks, but I swiftly pushed them away. "I slept with someone last night at the after-party, Ryan. I also cheated on you. It's over."

Ryan's face drained of color, his lips agape, as if the words I spoke were a punch to his gut. "Sophie, you're lying. You...you can never cheat on me... That isn't you." He took a step back, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief.

Just then, Mr. Edward, our Arts Master, called out my name, breaking the tense moment. I stood up, leaving Ryan in his stunned state, and followed Mr. Edward.

As I walked, I felt a mix of emotions: guilt for hurting Ryan, but also a thrill from the memories of the previous night, fragmented and blurry as they were. Those memories made me feel empowered, like I had taken control of my life.

Mr. Edward led me to the Dean's office, and I knew why I was being summoned. The Dean wanted to introduce me to my art patron, the mysterious figure who wanted support my artistic journey.

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