The Wife He Tried To Erase Chapter 07
The next day, Valentina’s solo exhibition and awards ceremony were held at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
It was a grand event with the media everywhere.
As the main sponsor, Nicholas would personally present her with the Best Young Artist of the Year award.
In the backstage, he adjusted his cufflinks in front of the mirror.
His sharp features were reflected in the mirror.
He’d already reviewed the three paintings.
Even after everything Emilia had endured, her technical skill was astonishing.
The suppressed pain and despair in her brushwork gave the paintings a raw vitality, far beyond anything Valentina had produced before.
That was exactly the effect he wanted.
He wanted Emilia to watch her final shred of talent taken by Valentina.
He wanted to crush the last of her pride, make her accept reality, and return obediently to his side as the docile Mrs. Gallagher.
“Nicky, it’s time.” Valentina, dressed in a crystal-studded gown, looped her arm through his, smiling sweetly.
He patted her hand, and his gaze instinctively swept the corner backstage.
Normally, Emilia would stand quietly there, watching everything with hollow eyes.
But today, the space was empty.
He frowned and called over a bodyguard. “Where’s Mrs. Gallagher?”
The bodyguard lowered his head. “Mrs. Gallagher said she wasn’t feeling well. She’s waiting in the lounge next door.”
Nicholas didn’t think much of it.
Maybe she was sulking. The past two weeks hadn’t been easy for her.
After the ceremony, he’d handle it his way.
The host’s voice boomed through the doors. “Next, please welcome the sponsor of this exhibition, Mr. Nicholas Gallagher of the Gallagher Group, to present the award to our brilliant artist, Ms. Valentina Hughes!”
Thunderous applause filled the room.
Nicholas adjusted his tie one last time and smiled at Valentina. “Let’s go.”
They stepped onto the brightly lit stage.
He took the crystal trophy from the presenter and turned toward Valentina.
At that moment, the corner of his eye caught the backstage door, slightly ajar.
For no reason, he glanced back.
It was empty.
Not only was Emilia gone, but even the chair she usually sat in was also missing.
Something on the floor seemed to catch the light.
A faint unease tightened in his chest. His hand paused mid-motion.
Amid the enthusiastic applause, Valentina grew a little anxious and softly prompted, “Nicky?”
Nicholas pulled his gaze back, handed her the trophy, and put on a flawless smile.
They posed for photos, gave their remarks, and everything proceeded according to schedule.
The moment the ceremony ended, Nicholas strode backstage to the lounge.
He pushed the door open, but the room was empty.
He turned sharply and asked, “Where is she?”
The bodyguard hurried forward. “Mr. Gallagher, Mrs. Gallagher left over an hour ago. She said she was going to the restroom, so we didn’t follow her…”
Nicholas let out a quiet laugh. The corner of his mouth lifted.
“She’s still throwing a tantrum? Looks like she hasn’t learned to behave.
“Find her. Today is Tina’s award ceremony. She needs to be here.”
Five minutes later, the bodyguard called back, voice shaking. “M-Mr. Gallagher… The surveillance shows Mrs. Gallagher leaving with a man. She also… threw her wedding ring into the river. Then… they entered a blind spot and disappeared.”