Mary was silent the entire way from home to the studio, lost in heavy thoughts. Her mind was stuck on a repeating question: should she choose her job or her painting?
This painting wasn't just a simple project—it was a bridge to a bigger world of art, an opportunity that might not come around again soon. Losing this collaboration meant falling behind on a dream she had waited years for.
The indecision and anxiety sat like a knot in her throat, making it hard to breathe. But one thing she knew for sure: this time, she didn't want to let go of what she truly wanted.
Meanwhile, at the studio, the atmosphere was different. Yong, Nicholas, and Helen stood near the unfinished canvas, whispering in a quiet but serious discussion.
Nicholas ran his hand through his hair and said: "We could pause the painting for a week so Mary doesn't lose her job and can still be part of it. What do you guys think?"
Helen asked curiously: "Seriously? You mean we'll just be idle for a whole week?"
But Yong replied bluntly: "Nicholas, please stop thinking. You might damage your grey cells."
Nicholas frowned at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Yong smirked mockingly. "When's the exhibition? We announced it to everyone."
Nicholas paused. "The fifteenth of this month."
Helen added: "Today's the fifth. That gives us ten days."
Yong continued seriously: "So if we stop for a week, we'll only have three days left to finish the painting. Do you really think we can complete it in three days?"
Nicholas glanced at the painting and said hesitantly: "Probably not..."
"Then next time, think before you speak, okay?"
Nicholas said with frustration: "I'm just thinking about Mary. Seems like you're only thinking about the painting."
Trying to ease the tension, Helen said: "Yong is right. We can't move the exhibition date. The painting has to be finished on time."
Nicholas scowled. "So we just push Mary aside?"
Yong said seriously: "No one said that. But knowing Mary, if she has to choose, she might give up her job."
Helen sighed. "So what should we do?"
Yong thought for a moment. "First, we make her feel discouraged about this painting... I've got a plan for afterward."
Nicholas looked surprised. "Like what? You'll write her name on the canvas even if she doesn't help us finish it? Mary would never agree to that."
Helen nodded. "She's not like that."
Yong said in a mysterious tone: "I know. That's why we need to make her lose hope in this project first. Leave the rest to me..."
At that moment, the studio door opened quietly, and Mary walked in, out of breath, with a tired smile.
"Hey, guys… Sorry I'm late."
Yong replied coldly: "We're used to it."
He winked discreetly at Helen.
Helen added indifferently: "Yeah, it's not the first time."
Mary, feeling hurt, asked hesitantly: "Is something wrong? Why do you all seem so serious?"
Nicholas gave Yong a disapproving look and said: "No, nothing. Come put on your apron."
Mary put on her apron and picked up a brush, but then paused.
"Actually... I need to tell you something. I'm supposed to go on a work trip for a week, out of town."
Nicholas replied calmly: "That's good. You'll get some rest. We'll continue the painting without you."
Mary said firmly: "But... I don't want to go. I want to stay and continue with you all."
Helen asked: "Will there be consequences if you don't go?"
"I don't know. They approved it without asking me... but honestly, I don't care. I've made my decision."
Nicholas asked in surprise: "Even if your job gets suspended?"
Mary smiled. "Yes... This painting is an old dream of mine. I don't want to let it go again for the sake of work."
Yong said in a calculated yet calm tone: "Mary, we actually wanted to talk to you about that today. Since our progress has been slow, we've decided to come in the mornings too from tomorrow."
Mary looked worried. "But I can't come in the mornings."
"I know. That's why it's better you go on your trip. Don't worry about this place."
Helen smiled. "We'll finish it, the three of us. But your name will still be on the painting."
Mary said sadly: "But half of it is still left… How can you include my name when I wasn't even here?"
Nicholas said: "It doesn't matter. We're friends."
But Mary replied with a bitter smile: "I know... But I don't want it to be like that."
Nicholas quietly said to Yong: "Told you so..."
Mary took a deep breath. "Alright... I hope you guys do well. Sorry for slowing you down."
Helen said kindly: "Sweetheart, don't say that."
Yong said seriously but gently: "I didn't mean to upset you. I just wanted you to know everything before you made your choice."
"I'm not upset. Thanks for letting me be part of this. It was an amazing experience... Just do me a favor—don't put my name on the canvas."
Nicholas joked: "If your name's not there, I don't want mine there either!"
Mary laughed. "Be serious, Nicholas!"
Yong said: "Just go on your trip for now. We'll talk when you're back."
"Alright... Thank you all."
Mary set down the brush and started to leave.
Yong asked, surprised: "Where are you going? Why did you take off your apron?"
"You said I shouldn't be here anymore!"
"You're not leaving on the trip today, are you?"
"No, tomorrow."
"Then stay and continue for now."
Nicholas teased: "Seems like you were just waiting for someone to tell you to leave!"
Helen laughed. "Exactly, you were totally ready to run away!"
Mary, a bit embarrassed, put her apron back on. "It's not like that..."
Nicholas said: "Come on, finish this part with me. Helen, go upstairs and join Yong."
Yong joked: "Nicholas, is your back acting up again?"
Helen and Mary laughed.
Nicholas said: "You wouldn't believe it, but every time I sit next to you, some part of my body stops working!"
Yong: "Cut the jokes and get to work, master!"
Nicholas: "You're the real master here! Always giving orders!"
Everyone laughed, and then in warm silence, they resumed painting with renewed energy.
Around 10 PM, they all left the studio, tired.
Helen said: "Well, I'm heading out. Mary, call me when you leave for your trip."
"Okay, I promise."
Yong: "I've got to go pick up Diana. See you all later."
After Yong and Helen left, a heavy silence fell between Mary and Nicholas.
Mary hesitated, then finally said: "I should go now... We probably won't see each other until the exhibition. Bye for now."
Nicholas replied instantly: "Wait, I'll drive you. Stay here, I'll get the car."
Mary quickly shook her head. "No, thank you. I'll go on my own."
But Nicholas said more seriously: "Please wait... I want to talk to you."
Before Mary could protest, Nicholas was already gone. A few minutes later, he pulled the car up in front.
With hesitation, Mary got in. Neither of them spoke halfway through the drive. Only the quiet hum of the engine and the fleeting streetlights accompanied them.
Finally, Nicholas spoke. His voice was soft, hesitant.
"I'm sorry… about yesterday."
Mary, who had been staring out the window, turned her head.
"Yesterday? Nothing really happened. Why are you apologizing?"
Nicholas kept his gaze on the road ahead.
"I think Yong is right. I still haven't learned how to separate work from personal life. If I was rude to you—unintentionally—just know that I didn't mean it."
Mary offered a faint smile.
"I wasn't upset. You don't need to worry."
There was a pause before Nicholas continued:
"Mary... I joined this painting project because of you. Now that you said you're quitting, I just wanted you to know."
Mary lowered her eyes.
"Because of me? Sounds like you're joking again."
Nicholas sighed, a bitter smile touching his lips.
"I wish you'd take my jokes more seriously..."
Mary grew flustered. She fixed her gaze straight ahead, unsure how to respond. A shaky silence settled between them. Moments later, the car came to a stop in front of her house.
She stepped out quickly, but just before closing the door, something made her turn back.
"Thank you."
Nicholas tilted his head.
"For what?"
Mary's voice was quieter now, but more meaningful.
"For what you said... I'll see you at the exhibition."
Nicholas smiled—his signature smile, somewhere between mysterious and warm.
"I'll be waiting."
Mary smiled back, then hurried toward the front door. Once inside, she closed it gently behind her and stood still for a moment. She closed her eyes and whispered to herself:
"Maybe Deniz was right after all..."
Suddenly, Ava's voice rang out from inside, her usual playful tone unmistakable:
"Right about what?"
Mary jumped.
"Whoa! What are you doing here?"
Ava, emerging from the kitchen with a cup of tea, chuckled.
"Drinking tea, what else does someone do at home? So, you didn't say—what was Deniz right about?"
Mary quickly tried to change the subject.
"Tea? At this hour? Don't you have work tomorrow? You'll have trouble sleeping."
Without waiting for a reply, she made for her room.
"I should sleep too. Gotta wake up early."
Halfway down the hall, she paused and turned back.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. I have a business trip starting tomorrow. I'll be gone for a week. Take care of yourself, okay?"
Ava raised her eyebrows.
"You're leaving tomorrow and telling me now? That's so sudden."
Mary shrugged.
"I don't know... They put my name down without asking. I have no choice but to go. We leave after work and arrive late at night."
Ava smirked.
"Alright, fine. At least you can use the extra money to take us on a vacation afterward."
Mary laughed.
"Seriously? You only love me for my money?"
Ava: "Kidding! Go to sleep, you'll be tired tomorrow."
Mary: "Okay, good night."
Ava: "Good night… But you still haven't told me what Deniz was—"
Click. Mary closed the door.
Meanwhile, Nicholas was driving home at a calm pace, though his thoughts were anything but settled. Suddenly, his phone rang. Yong's name flashed on the screen.
Nicholas: "Hey, Yong… What's up?"
Yong's voice was sharper than usual.
"Did you drop Mary off?"
Nicholas: "Yeah. Why?"
Yong: "Come back to the studio. Helen and I are here. We need to talk. Also… we need the gallery van tomorrow. Coordinate with the driver."
Nicholas hesitated.
"The gallery van? What for?"
Yong replied firmly:
"Just come to the studio. I'll explain there."