Page 40 of Allure

“Hey, babe,” Niko’s warm voice called out, pulling me from my artistic trance. “It’s getting late, and you haven’t had dinner yet. Why don’t you take a break and join me in the kitchen?”

I looked up, a smile spreading across my face as I saw my husband leaning against the doorway, his eyes filled with love and admiration. “Is it that time already?” I asked, setting down my paintbrush and stretching my arms above my head.

“It is.” Niko chuckled, walking over to wrap his arms around my waist.

As he held me close, my gaze drifted to the elegant envelope that had been sitting on my desk for days. I had been hesitant to open it, unsure of what the contents might hold, but my mother’s advice echoed in my mind. She had encouraged me to save the letter and open it, with Niko by my side.

“Actually, there’s something I’ve been meaning to show you,” I said, pulling back to look into his eyes. “I received a letter a few days ago, and I’ve been waiting for the right moment to open it.”

Niko’s brows furrowed with curiosity as I walked over to the desk and picked up the envelope. I held it out to him, my hands trembling slightly. “I’m not sure what it’s about, but I have a feeling it’s important. Would you do the honors?”

He took the envelope from my hands and carefully tore it open, pulling out the letter inside. As he unfolded the paper, his eyes widened, and a grin spread across his face.

“Baby, you’ve been nominated for the Turner Prize!” he said, his voice filled with excitement.

My heart skipped a beat as I processed the news. The Turner Prize was one of the most prestigious awards in the contemporary art scene, and being nominated was a true honor. I had always poured my heart and soul into my sculptures and paintings, but I never expected to receive such recognition, especially while working under my ghost name.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” I whispered, tears of joy welling up in my eyes. “But, how? Someone has to submit your work.”

Niko looked down at the letter again and scanned the letter, searching for the answer.

“It doesn’t say, but that just means all the work you been putting in someone took notice. I am beyond proud of you.”

Niko pulled me into a tight embrace, his own eyes glistening with pride. “You deserve this, Lore. Your talent and passion is undeniable. And now, the world will get to see what I’ve always known – that you’re an extraordinary woman and artist.”

I hugged him back, feeling a sense of gratitude and love wash over me. However a bit of self-doubt and fear reared its ugly head at the thought of placing myself in front of the image I had created.

“You know what?” Niko said, pulling back to look at me with a mischievous grin. “We should celebrate both of our wins this weekend. You with your Turner Prize nomination, and me with my new position as a sports anchor. I’m taking you out.”

I smiled, my heart swelling with uncertainty and excitement. “That sounds perfect, Niko. But, I don’t know if I can do this. There are a lot of things I haven’t mentioned about myself as an artist.”

Niko raised a brow in my direction confused, I’m sure, because this was a moment that anyone else would be bouncing off the walls about. Niko took my hand into his and pulled me toward the lounge seat in my studio, then took a seat, pulling me down onto his lap.

“This is a big moment, what’s up?” he asked.

I released a sigh and then proceeded to tell him about the persona I created called Allure, how much money I actually had, and my fears of putting a face to the art I had created. He stayed silent until I finished.

“Well, I kind of figured you made good money, baby. This isn’t a damn shack; it’s far from it. Not to add salt to the wound, but you’re already in the spotlight. The moment you got into this with me, that choice was snatched away. I hate to say that shit but I say all this to say, you deserve to be recognized. Don’t let an unwarranted fear hold you back. I’ll be beside you in whatever you choose to do. Do what makes you happy.”

Niko placed two fingers beneath my chin to bring my attention to him, then he kissed me slowly before pulling back for a moment.

“Not to mention, I ain’t ever been to London. Don’t mess this up for us, baby,” he teased, getting a laugh out of me.

I nudged his shoulder, then got up, pulling him along with me. Hand in hand, we walked out of the studio and toward the kitchen, ready to share a meal and bask in the joy of our shared successes. I silently thanked my mother for her wisdom in encouraging me to share this moment with Niko. I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I had the support and love of my husband, and that was the greatest prize of all.

DINNER AT THE REEDS’

As Niko and I pulled up to my parents’ house, I sensed his nervousness. Even though he had met them briefly at our wedding reception, this was the first time he would be spending an extended period with them, getting to know them on a deeper level. I reached over and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Don’t worry, baby,” I reassured him, my voice soft and soothing. “My parents already adore you. They’re the most open and accepting people I know.”

Niko smiled, his eyes filled with gratitude. “I know, Lore. It’s just… I wish we could have this kind of relationship with my people, too, but they don’t know how to fucking act.”

My heart ached for him, knowing the struggles he had faced with his parents and their disapproval of our unconventional path to love. I leaned over and placed a tender kiss on his cheek, a silent affirmation of my unwavering support.

As we walked up to the front door, I could already smell the mouthwatering aroma of my mother’s cooking. She had promised to make a traditional Thai dinner, a nod to her heritage, and a way to welcome Niko into the family.

The moment we stepped inside, my parents engulfed us in warm hugs. My mother, Jia, with her radiant smile and kind eyes, immediately put Niko at ease.

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