THE ART OF REDEMPTION

ONVEN

at the outskirts of Lirena. She started art in Lirena when no other person believed there could earn a living from being an artist. She was very revered in the art industry. She was the one who sent the anonymous invite and contract to Clara as she was one of her best students. Mrs. Gavenchy was visibly advanced in age, but it didn't stop her from looking classy at the convention. She had also sent invites to La Royale and NH art gallery as well as the other art houses around Lirena. The hall was full of people, very radiant and happy. It was indeed a very joyous atmosphere. All upcoming artists came with their best work and put them on display while people walked around and looked at whatever art that attracted them. Mrs. Gavenchy was to go grade the arts of different people and select her most preferred twenty art works from twenty different artists at the convention. There were a total of thirty artists with their best work at the convention. And Clara's job was to take pictures and interview the artists on what was their motivation. Their replies would be summarized into a memoir- something that expressed their passion for art. After the first round of elimination, ten artists were sent home. The remaining twenty were going to be voted for by the renowned artists and art critics based on their favorite. They would pick a number and vote online. As Clara was almost done taking pictures, she went by the refreshments to take a break and cool off as she kept admiring the works around her. "Some people are really talented", she thought aloud. "I think so too" someone replied. She looked around. Sitting opposite her was a very handsome man in his early thirties taking a shot of Vodka. "Hello", Clara greeted kindly. "Are you a journalist?" the man asked, looking at her camera and notebook and then looking back at Clara. "Ah!" Clara laughed a bit. "I'm not. But I'm a photographer and someone asked me to work for her tonight", Clara replied. "I see", the man said walking up to her. Clara adjusted in her seat. She felt uncomfortable as she did not know who this good looking man was. "I'm Raymond", the man said holding out his hand for a handshake. "I'm Clara", Clara replied returning the handshake. "I'm the owner of NH gallery. I look too young to own an art house, don't I?" he said laughing and took another shot. "I believe you wouldn't be driving tonight", Clara said with a mild laugh. "The cops would pull you over. That's if you don't get into an accident", she added. Raymond started laughing. "I see. You have a sense of humor. But, I will be fine. I have a driver", Raymond replied. "Good to know. So you're the owner of NH right?" Clara asked again. "Don't let my pretty face fool you, darling", Raymond replied and held her shoulder. Clara shrugged it off. "I'll continue with my work now. It was nice meeting you, Raymond", Clara replied and left. Raymond immediately sat up. He was acting drunk while talking to Clara. His secretary who had been spying on La Royale, had told him that Alex, his rival had partnered up with some girl. And that she was going to be at the art convention, so he came to see for himself. "She's pretty. But she's not my type. I think I'll need to get closer so I can know what she's up to with Alex", Raymond said to himself. Alex was also at the convention and he was speaking with Mrs. Gavenchy at the VIP section. "You have been a very big inspiration to me, madam", Alex said raising his glass to her. They both smiled. "Thank you for coming. I believe you've looked around and seen the art you will be voting for?", Mrs. Gavenchy replied. "I have. In fact, I've voted already. I