Vows in the Shadows
ed the creases of her black blouse. As a gallery assistant for one of SoHo's finest art spaces, she had attended many eve
to buy or sell; her job was to observe, network, and represent her gallery. Yet, despite her practiced
attention. Whispers rippled through the crowd like wav
ersations. Leonardo Castelli. She'd heard the name countless times-one of New York's wealthiest men, known for his vast em
eyes
r chest-a mixture of curiosity and caution. It was absurd to think someone like Leonardo would notice her, a modest gallery as
ocusing on the auctioneer
ing presented. Stunning pieces by emerging and established artists passed
irst move. "Two million," he said, his voice deep and st
there was a calm authority in the way he dominated the room. The piece he bid on waClaire Weston, a polished woman with decades of experience in the art world. "Amanda, mi
wealthy, but it was part of her job. She scanned the room, searching for a friendl
tful as he examined the piece up close. Amanda hesitated. Approaching him
he said, her voice ste
rp features softening jus
e interplay between chaos and orde
mile. "Most people see art as a statu
ted compliment. "I work at a
rt are two different things," he replied,
felt a strange pull toward this man-his calm, commanding
ery?" he as
y, in SoHo,"
ad slightly. "I'
t approached Leonardo, whispering something in his ear.
oice clipped. "It was a ple
supplied. "A
aving her standing there, her thoughts
raction from her mind. There was something enigmatic about Leon
exit, her thoughts miles away. The cold night air greeted her as sh
s Ho
ning, she saw Leonardo standing a few feet awa
surprised. "I didn't expec
u," he said, his voic
r w
art in the first place," he replied. "Per
sincere, yet there was an edge to them, as if he
n the favor," he continued. "Exp
ne, disappearing into a sleek bla
ons. Why had Leonardo Castelli taken an interest
over her. Sorting through her mail, she noticed a sleek black, thick ansd
opened it. Inside was a single card with o
ment building, clutching the mysterious enve