Chapter 4 - Art Show

Before the end of the day, Laurie held up his end of the bargain and got Kiara hired at Kerr Industries as his cousin Eric’s personal assistant. Laurie called Kiara to tell her the good news, and invited her to come over to his apartment for a celebratory drink. Kiara laughed and hung up the phone. 

Kiara went out to the living room and found Jackson and Jasmine sprawled out on the couch.

“Last night was pretty fun,” Kiara said, trying to make conversation. 

Jackson sat up and grinned mischievously. “You up for round two?” 

Kiara violently shook her head. “No, no, no, I think I’ve done enough damage to my liver for one weekend.”

“Hey, this is the San Myshuno lifestyle, you better get used to it,” Jackson said.

“There’s an art show tonight, everyone’s going,” Jasmine smiled. “You should come!”

The thought of drinking reminded Kiara that she had vomited all over Brianna’s bedroom floor the night before. She tried her best to push the disturbing image out of her head. “I don’t think my body is up for it...” 

“You’re coming tonight, alright?” Jackson said to Kiara before disappearing into his bedroom.

Kiara groaned but a small part of her was secretly glad that Jackson pushed her to go. She was intrigued by the concept of an “art show” - she would never have dreamed of going to such events back in Oasis Springs. But there was one thing that made Kiara reluctant to go.  

“Hey... Will Brianna and Laurie be there tonight?” Kiara asked Jasmine hesitantly. 

“Yeah, Bri just texted me before asking me what time we are going to arrive. How come?” 

“No reason...” Kiara’s voice trailed off.

“Oh my god, you totally know something don’t you?” Jasmine gasped.

"I don’t know anything, honestly. I’m going to go get ready - what are we supposed to wear?” Kiara tried to change the subject.

Jasmine’s eyes narrowed and she responded suspiciously, “dress code is cocktail.”

--- three hours later --- 

The art show was a hit and everyone was having a good time. Laurie and Brianna kept to themselves all night, which made it easy for Kiara to avoid them. 

Jackson led Kiara around the gallery, showing her all of the interesting pieces and skipping over the mediocre ones. Kiara was thoroughly enjoying Jackson's company - he was funny, attentive and easygoing. 

Kiara was deep in thought when she heard a familiar voice behind her. “Would you like some champagne?” 

Kiara spun around to face a waiter and it took her a second to realise who it was. “Dario?!”

“Kiara? What are you - ”

Before he could finish the sentence, Kiara turned around and walked away. She was shaking with anger and wanted nothing more than to punch his stupid little face. Her eyes began to well up as she ran towards the exit. Just before she could make it outside, she heard a voice call out to her.

“Hey Kiara, are you okay?”

Jasmine was running towards Kiara looking a little red and flustered. “Yeah, I'm fine," Kiara muttered.

"You're clearly not, what's wrong?" Jasmine pressed.

Kiara wiped her eyes and took a deep breath before responding. "My ex-boyfriend is here.”

“What? Who is he?”

“Dario - he’s one of the waiters,” Kiara said through muffled sobs.

“Why are you crying? Did he do something?” 

Kiara proceeded to tell Jasmine about Dario - how they met in high school and dated for five years only for him to broke up with her over the phone without any explanation. Kiara hadn't seen Dario since they were still together and she couldn't believe that Dario had also moved to San Myshuno. Jasmine listened intently and consoled her new friend.

"Don't worry Kiara, he's going to pay for what he did," Jasmine snarled.

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