As Nalani and Lena continued their exploration of the exhibit, they came across a painting of an aloe flower. The painting was mesmerizing, showing a gardener earnestly watering the aloe until it blossomed fully. The gardener's happiness was evident, symbolizing the affection the aloe flower represented. However, there was more to the painting. Nalani could feel a profound sense of grief emanating from it, as if the painter had poured deep sorrow into every brushstroke.

"I guess I was right when I said that you're a rare talent when I first saw you," a woman's voice suddenly interrupted Nalani's thoughts.

Startled, Nalani turned to see a familiar face. "Miss Anais," she greeted.

"You don't have to be so formal with me, dear," Anais chuckled.

"The aloe flower means affection, which is depicted by the gardener watering it to bloom," Anais began, noticing Nalani's keen interest. She smiled and added, "But perhaps there is another meaning."

Nalani reached out and touched the painting gently. "Grief. The clouds have turned gray, but the gardener is unfazed and continues to water the aloe. Rain symbolizes growth and cleansing, but also the death of someone the gardener deeply cared for," she explained.

"A rare talent and beauty indeed," Anais teased. Nalani, realizing she had touched the painting, quickly pulled her hand back. "I apologize for touching it. I didn't mean—"

Anais interrupted her with a gentle hand gesture. "It's alright. You can touch it to your heart's content," she said, smiling at Nalani's confused expression. "Don't worry, I own this place too, and I'm making an exception for you."

"Nali!" Lena's voice broke in as she approached with Zaire. "Miss Anais! Are you here for the exhibit too?"

"You... could say that, yes," Anais replied, giving Nalani a wink and a grin.

"I was thinking of visiting your gallery again sometime," Lena said brightly.

"Well, my doors are always open to you, my dear. S'il te plaît, viens. I better not bother you anymore. I'll see you again soon," Anais said as she bid them goodbye and left.

Translation: (Please, come)

"Nali, want lunch? Zaire's buying," Lena asked.

"Oh, no, please, you don't have to," Nalani said to Zaire.

"It's okay. I had planned on treating you both anyway," Zaire reassured her.

"Just stay here and we'll buy us lunch. We can have a picnic in the nearby park too," Lena said happily, placing a hand on Zaire's arm. Nalani smiled at her friend's happiness and nodded.

Left to explore on her own, Nalani wandered through the gallery. She came across a painting of a willow tree with its blooming flowers. It reminded her of a time with her mother when her health had started to deteriorate but she still wanted to see that tree. "Sadness... I guess he's experienced all these emotions and poured them into paint," Nalani murmured as she traced the brushstrokes with her fingers. "They're beautiful."

As she continued to look around, she noticed a man standing in front of a painting of a white hyacinth. The area was dimly lit, and the room grew darker as rain clouds gathered outside. It reminded Nalani of the mysterious man from the previous night.

Drawn by a sudden impulse, Nalani approached the man and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Excuse me," she said.

The man turned to look at her, and her eyes widened. 'He's handsome,' she thought. As they made eye contact, time seemed to stop, and Nalani couldn't look away. "Um..." he stammered, pulled back to reality by his voice.

"I'm sorry. I mistook you for someone," Nalani apologized, immediately turning to leave. 'What the hell were you thinking, you idiot!' she scolded herself.

She rushed outside the gallery, walking aimlessly. Her mind was all over the place, and she needed to clear her thoughts. She kept walking, not caring where she was going, just needing to get away from the intensity of her emotions and the unexpected encounter.

As Nalani hurried out of the gallery, a different scene was unfolding inside.

"I saw that," Anais said, approaching the man who had been standing in front of the painting. "And come on, you could've done better than that," she added in frustration.

"I will have to agree with Ms. Anais this time, sir," Koen Andilet, his PA and secretary, added bluntly, walking towards them with a clipboard and tablet in hand.

"Not you too, Koen," the man replied, standing up from picking up the pen Nalani had dropped.

"Why didn't you say she was still here? You said she left with her friend," he directed his frustration at Koen, who acted all innocent and nonchalant as if he knew nothing.

"Don't try to blame Koen. You didn't even ask and assumed she left. Isn't that why you came inside after nearly two hours?" Anais yelled, but the man just ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. 'Argh, why didn't I say anything?' he thought to himself.

"That was lame, sir. You didn't even grab her hand if you wanted to give that back," Koen said bluntly again, pointing at the pen in his hand.

The man immediately hid it in his pocket and cleared his throat. "Should... should I have done that?" he asked, scratching the back of his head.

Anais and Koen sighed in unison. "I even made sure the place was nearly empty and sent the staff to have their lunch, so why didn't you..." Anais sighed, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Don't put your feelings aside, Theo," she said gently, before walking away.

Theo stood there, still processing what had just happened. He pulled the pen out of his pocket and looked at it, frustration etched on his face. He knew her Aunt Anais and Koen were right; he had missed his chance to say something meaningful to Nalani.

"Theo, you need to be more decisive," Koen advised, glancing at the clipboard before looking up at Theo. "She seemed quite taken by the paintings. Maybe she would be interested in meeting the artist."

Theo sighed deeply. "Easier said than done, Koen."

"Not really. Just be yourself," Koen replied, adjusting his glasses. "We can arrange another opportunity. Perhaps a private viewing or a gallery tour. She's clearly passionate about the art."

Theo shook his head, refusing the idea. "No. I'm not going to force myself on her."

Koen took off his glasses and looked at him seriously. "I thought she was someone special to you. Isn't that why you ask me every damn time about her whereabouts? I'm saying this as your friend, Theo."

"She doesn't even remember me so what right do I have to step into her life as if we know each other?," Theo replied and turned away with his head down.

As Theo walked away, he couldn't help but replay the encounter in his mind. He vowed to himself that next time, he wouldn't let his nerves get the better of him. He'd find a way to connect with Nalani, to share the stories behind the paintings, and perhaps, to reveal a bit of himself in the process.