The Return Of The Artist
Chapter 12

"Je..Jevano?"

I'm really nervous. There was a distance between the three of us. I really couldn't look him in the eye. How'this?

Jevano stepped up and passed me, and.."You're a liar Riana." Said whispering.

At that time I could not sleep and often thought about Jevano's words. I was lying but I didn't expect it to be this bad.

"I should have apologized that night, but.." I muttered.

Drtt~

"Hello? Oh Sora."

"Riana! Check out the news today!"

At first I didn't understand what was going on. What news is new artists? turns out it was wrong.

I saw my laptop. And it turns out the news was about 'FAMOUS CEO JEVANO HURZY DATING WITH A FAMOUS MODEL'

I was shocked not to move. What kind of news is this?!

"Sora.."

"Riana.sorry I should have wanted to not tell you this but you deserve to know, Mr. Jevano.he canceled the cooperation with us."

Jem!

"Cancel..?"

"I'll try to persuade her! Don't be sad Riana!"

Tut~Tut~

Why.why could this be? After a month of hard work I just crumbled. How can you do this to me Jevano! For the sake of this cooperation, I spent my time just painting but you instead..

I got upset and slammed one canvas I was about to send. I fell down and cried.Is this some kind of karma to me?

I haven't been out of the house since that incident. It's hard for me to forgive just like that, but I can't keep doing this.

In the end I decided to go out.

"I'm out first.."

As usual, I was just walking around. Sometimes there are fans asking for autographs and photos and also they ask me why I don't put out new paintings anymore. I don't know why this makes my heart happy.

After continuing my journey I passed through the gold gallery. I stopped by there for a minute.

The paintings that made me miss. But among all things only Aria's painting makes my heart ache again.

If Jevano finds out I'm Aria, will he apologize? so our relationship is back to what it used to be?

"Basic, even though I know you're me, it still doesn't feel fair. You can depend on anyone including the people you love Aria. While me? the person I wanted to approach back just left because of my selfishness. Give me back as Aria!"

I said that while crying and staring at Aria's painting. I haven't cried like this in a long time.

Ever since I decided to start life as Riana, I have just been patient and endured it all.

I thought I was good enough to act like that but, acting was cracked just because of my ego.

"Riana?"

The deg! Wh who?

I glanced to the side and it was Erik. How long has he been there? does he listen to everything ?

He looked at Erik with tears still dripping. It was hard for him to speak in a crying state.

"Riana..? No. gabe. You're not Riana. But Aria is."

"Erik..How's..?"

Erik just kept quiet and then he hugged me.

"No matter where you want to know. Know it? From the beginning I had guessed that you were Aria. Even if you change it, I still know your nature. We've been together for 3 years there's no way I don't know. So don't hide it anymore, 'Aria."

then why am I crying? What is the word I want to hear if anyone knows me is Aria..

"You okay? You were crying incessantly."

After crying Erik took me to the park to calm down. I don't know why my heart feels so much lighter than before.

It's all thanks to Erik.

"Yes, more calm. Thanks to Erik." My speech.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have known it."

I saw Erik. I want to say that it's only natural that he knows my true identity. But somehow the word didn't come out of my mouth.

"It's okay Erik. But please don't ever tell me or call me Aria back."

"Why? Ask Erik.

I was silent for a moment. Can I tell you all this?

"There are a few reasons. Well, the point is I just want a new life and can see him from afar."

"What do you mean..Kenzo?"

I glanced to the side more precisely at Erik with a smile then nodded. I told you a lot about Kenzo and me. Although I know that I shouldn't tell a story like this to someone I almost hate but I feel fine.

Erik doesn't matter if I tell him my story and Kenzo's. He even responded and gave some advice.

The night has come. Because I had too many thoughts I could not sleep and decided to go for a walk.

The cold air at night makes my mind cooler.

I didn't realize I was meeting Jevano.

"You?" I stared at Jevano. The person I used to love is now the one I hate.

"Duringly did not meet Miss Riana." Jevano.

I clenched my hand. I think I'd really like to hit him..

"How are you"

THE PLAQUE!

Without me noticing, I hit him in the face right then and there.

"BASIC! WHAT DO YOU MEAN TO SUDDENLY DECIDE TO CANCEL THIS COOPERATION?! DON'T YOU KNOW HOW DISAPPOINTED I AM!" Shouted him.

"I know I lied to you, but what the hell is it that you want to ruin my life! You're the dumbest man I ever trusted, Jevano! I don't care if you want revenge with me but this isn't the way.."

It hurts! My chest hurts. Though I'm used to it and I think I've forgiven this incident but-but-you instead came without a guilty face at all.

"I won't do anything trivial just because you lied to me once. But-" Jevano approached her face to mine and said "When did you know my story and Aria's?"

The deg! My heart seems to be beating faster. Where did he hear it? Did he finally know that I was Aria?

I'm not picking at all. I think I want to get out of here.

"I knew it from Erik." I said nervously. I really had no choice but to use Erik's name.

"Since when did you and Erik get close?"

"He and I have known each other since I went to England to paint competitions. Maybe that's when we got closer."

"cummer.."

I calmed down a little to see Jevano who seemed to believe my words a little.

"All right, I'll trust you. Then see you, Riana."

Seeing Jevano leave, I called him

"Jevano wait-"