Chapter 2 Double Ecounter

Autumn's heart pounded as the figure stepped into the light, revealing a young man with tousled dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He looked just as startled as she felt, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern. The tension in the air was palpable, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

"Sorry if I scared you," he finally said, breaking the silence. "I didn't think anyone else would be here."

Autumn forced herself to take a deep breath, reminding herself that he was just another hotel guest. "It's okay. I didn't expect to see anyone, either," she replied, her voice steadier than she felt. She scanned the area, half-expecting someone else to emerge from the shadows, but it was just the two of them.

The young man stepped closer, his demeanor shifting from guarded to open. "I come here to think sometimes. This garden has a certain peace about it." He glanced around at the flowers, which now seemed to glow under the afternoon sun.

Autumn nodded, still trying to shake off the initial shock. "I thought it would be a good place to escape for a bit. I'm actually here for a job interview."

His eyebrows raised in surprise. "Really? At Grey's Hotel?"

She nodded, feeling a surge of pride mixed with nervousness. "Yeah"

My name's Jack, by the way," he said, extending his hand.

"Autumn," she replied, shaking his hand, feeling the warmth of his grip.

"Nice meeting you, i have to hurry back for my interview" she said as she turned back into the hotel.

As Autumn wandered back through the lavish lobby of Grey's Hotel, her earlier excitement was tempered by the reality of the bustling environment around her. Each guest who passed seemed to belong to a world of sophistication and elegance that she felt she could never truly enter. She marveled at their confident strides and stylish attire, feeling a pang of insecurity. Nevertheless, she was determined to make a good impression and prove that she belonged.

Her thoughts were interrupted as her gaze fell upon a set of discreet double doors at the side of the lobby. A small plaque next to the entrance read: "Art Gallery – By Invitation Only." Intrigued, Autumn hesitated for a moment. The idea of stepping into an exclusive space sparked her curiosity, igniting a sense of adventure within her.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the doors and stepped inside. The gallery was quiet and serene, a stark contrast to the vibrant activity of the lobby. The walls were lined with an impressive array of artworks, many featuring the mysterious artist known as Mysterio-whose identity was shrouded in secrecy but whose work had captivated Autumn's imagination for years.

As she wandered deeper into the gallery, her heart raced with excitement. The soft lighting highlighted the intricate details of the paintings, creating an almost ethereal ambiance. Each piece told a story, pulling her into a world of color and emotion. She moved from one artwork to another, mesmerized by the way Mysterio's brushstrokes conveyed a depth of feeling that resonated with her own struggles and dreams.

One painting caught her attention-a large canvas dominated by swirling patterns of blue and gold. It seemed to pulse with energy, evoking a sense of movement and mystery. Autumn had seen reproductions of Mysterio's work before, but this was her first encounter with his art in person. The experience was nothing short of magical, transporting her momentarily away from her insecurities and into a realm where anything was possible.

Lost in her admiration, Autumn didn't notice the figure who entered the gallery behind her. Alex Maxwell, the hotel manager, had been observing her from a distance. He had noticed her unannounced presence in the gallery, a space usually reserved for guests and special events. The gallery's exclusivity was something he took seriously, and seeing an unfamiliar face there stirred his irritation.

As Alex approached, his footsteps were muffled by the plush carpet, the soft hum of the air conditioning amplifying the tension in the room. He watched Autumn, noting her fascination with the art. While she appeared genuinely captivated, he felt a sense of duty to enforce the gallery's restrictions. His patience was wearing thin, and it was time to address the situation.

Without making his presence known, he moved closer until he stood just behind her. "You're not supposed to be here," he said sharply, his authoritative voice breaking through the tranquility of the gallery.

Autumn froze, her body tensing at the sudden intrusion. She turned slowly, her head bowed in a gesture of submission, and looked at the man who had spoken. He was strikingly handsome-tall and well-built, with a presence that commanded attention. The only blemish on his otherwise perfect features was the long dark scar that cut across his face, hinting at a story of its own.

"I'm sorry," she stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I didn't realize I wasn't allowed to be here."

Alex's eyes narrowed slightly, though his irritation softened just a touch as he studied her. "This gallery is not open to the public at this time. It's reserved for specific events and VIPs. If you're here for an appointment or a scheduled visit, you should check with the receptionist."

Feeling humiliated, Autumn nodded, unable to meet his gaze. She had entered the gallery out of sheer curiosity, not realizing that she had crossed a line. The manager's abrupt manner only intensified her discomfort, and she quickly turned to leave, eager to escape the awkward situation.

Before she could walk away, Alex's voice stopped her. "Wait," he said. "Since you're here, I'd like to know what you think of Mysterio's art."

Autumn hesitated, taken aback by the unexpected question. She had been prepared to make a hasty exit, but his inquiry caught her off guard. There was something intriguing about his interest, yet the memory of his previous sharp tone lingered in her mind. She reluctantly turned back to face him, her heart racing.

"Mysterio's art is incredible," she replied, her voice softening with genuine admiration. "His use of color and form creates such a powerful impact. Each piece tells a story and evokes a deep emotional response. I've always found his work to be both captivating and thought-provoking."

Alex observed her response with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. There was a sincerity in her words that struck him, a genuine appreciation that went beyond mere surface-level admiration. Yet, his earlier irritation lingered, and he struggled to reconcile his frustration with the unexpected insight she provided.

"Thank you for your thoughts," he said, though his tone remained clipped. "If you're interested in the art, I suggest you contact the receptionist for a proper tour or scheduled visit."

With that, Alex turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Autumn standing there with a whirlwind of emotions. The encounter had left her feeling flustered and confused. As she made her way toward the exit, she muttered under her breath, "What a jerk."

The words barely escaped her lips, a mixture of frustration and embarrassment that she couldn't quite contain. The manager's abruptness had soured what was supposed to be a serene and inspiring experience. Autumn's admiration for Mysterio's art had been genuine, and she had hoped to enjoy a moment of escape from her nerves before her interview. Instead, she felt disheartened.

As she stepped back into the lobby, the grandeur of the hotel seemed less inviting than before. The earlier excitement she had felt began to wane, replaced by a nagging sense of disappointment. Despite this setback, she reminded herself of the purpose of her visit. She was here for a job, a chance to make something of herself, and she wouldn't let a brief encounter with a difficult manager deter her.

Taking a moment to gather herself, Autumn decided to find a quiet corner to sit and compose her thoughts before her interview. She settled into a plush chair near the windows, the city skyline providing a stunning backdrop. As she gazed outside, she couldn't help but reflect on her dreams and aspirations. She had always been determined to rise above her circumstances, to prove to herself and others that she could succeed.