Chapter 220

#220 “The Past is Calling Me.”

Excitement filled the room as everyone gathered around the deciphered message revealed by Sophia.

“Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN; Apollo and Daphne,” Sophia announced, her voice tinged with anticipation.

“Do you know what this place is?” she inquired, turning to her companions.

“That’s the address of the National Gallery,” Benjamin responded promptly, his eyes lighting up with recognition.

“And what about Apollo and Daphne?” Sophia pressed further, eager to unravel the mystery.

“It’s a painting,” Becky interjected.” I’ve heard of it before.”

Sophia’s mind raced with possibilities as she considered the significance of the message. Why would her grandfather lead her to a renowned painting in one of London’s most prestigious art galleries? What secrets could it hold?

“I think we should definitely check it out,” Sophia suggested, her voice filled with determination.

“But what do you expect to find there?” Benjamin questioned, his curiosity piqued.

Sophia hesitated, contemplating her response. “I’m not sure,” she admitted. “But there’s something about this painting, about Apollo and Daphne, that my grandfather wanted me to see.”

“Perhaps there’s a hidden message within the artwork itself,” Becky proposed, her eyes alight with excitement. “Art has a way of conveying truths that words cannot express.”

“Even if there is a hidden message, what are you going to do, Sophia, are you going to steal the painting?” Benjamin asked with a frown.

Sophia flashed him a mischievous grin. “If I have to,” she replied playfully, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

When they were in front of the gallery, Sophia’s phone rang. Sophia’s heart skipped a beat as she saw Alexander’s name flash across her phone screen. With a quick glance at Benjamin and Becky, who were eagerly waiting to enter the gallery, she stepped aside to take the call.

“Hello, love,” he greeted her, his voice filled with warmth.

“I watched your interview, and to be honest, Mr. Stone, I slept very well last night,” she confessed, a hint of mischief in her tone.

Alexander chuckled at her words. “Ah, did you see the end? Where I accuse my father of lying and claim to have proof? ” he asked, his voice tinged with amusement.

Sophia’s eyes widened in surprise. “My God, Alexander,” she exclaimed. “You acted with your head first, didn’t you?”

“You could say that, my love,” Alexander replied.

Sophia couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration for her fiancé’s resilience in the face of adversity.

“What should I do with you?” she teased, a smile playing on her lips. “But in all seriousness, things have taken a complicated turn.”

“What do you mean? Did you find any evidence? Because if so, at least I won’t look bad in front of the reporters for my stupid statement.” Alexander inquired, his tone shifting to one of concern.

Sophia sighed, her thoughts drifting to the events of the past few days. “Not yet, but I’m working on it,”

she admitted.

She then proceeded to fill Alexander in on the discovery of her grandfather’s apartment and the enigmatic diaries that held clues to their family’s tangled history.

“And now you’re standing in front of the gallery?” Alexander surmised.

“Exactly,” Sophia confirmed, a sense of determination evident in her voice.

“I know you, Sophia. Please promise me you won’t do anything reckless or dangerous,” Alexander pleaded, his concern for her safety palpable even over the phone.

Sophia couldn’t help but smile at his heartfelt plea. “Don’t worry, I won’t,” she reassured him. “But for now, I have to go. The past is calling me.”

“Take care, love,” Alexander said tenderly before they bid each other farewell.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Sophia pocketed her phone and rejoined Benjamin and Becky, ready to uncover the secrets hidden within the walls of the National Gallery.

As soon as Sophia stepped into the gallery, she couldn’t help but notice Benjamin and Becky standing together, engrossed in a lively discussion about a painting. Their heads were bent close, their hands gesturing animatedly, and Sophia couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

Deciding to leave them to their conversation, Sophia approached one of the gallery attendants and inquired about the location of the painting Apollo and Daphne.

“Ah, yes, of course! Follow me, I’ll show you,” the attendant replied eagerly, motioning for Sophia to follow her.

Sophia followed the woman through the maze of corridors and halls until they reached the section of the gallery where the painting was displayed. As they approached, Sophia’s eyes were drawn to the majestic canvas, its colors vibrant and alive even after centuries.

“Wow, it’s stunning,” Sophia breathed, her gaze tracing the intricate details of the artwork.

The attendant smiled warmly at Sophia’s enthusiasm before launching into an explanation of the painting’s significance and the mythological tale it depicted.

As Sophia stood before the captivating painting of Apollo and Daphne, the gallery attendant began to unravel the tale depicted within the artwork.

“Well, you see, this painting depicts the mythological story of Apollo and Daphne,” the attendant began, her voice soft and melodic. “According to Greek mythology, Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and prophecy, became infatuated with the beautiful nymph Daphne. However, Daphne, fearing Apollo’s advances, prayed to the river god Peneus for help. In response to her prayers, Peneus transformed Daphne into a laurel tree to save her from Apollo’s pursuit.”

As the attendant spoke, Sophia found herself drawn deeper into the story, her imagination weaving vivid images of the mythological tale unfolding before her eyes.

“The painting captures the moment of transformation,” the attendant continued, gesturing towards the canvas. “You can see Apollo reaching out towards Daphne as she begins to transform into the laurel tree, her fingers elongating into branches, her hair becoming leaves. It’s a poignant depiction of the eternal struggle between love and destiny, desire and fate.”

As Sophia pondered the significance of the painting, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a deeper message hidden within the artwork, one that her grandfather had intended for her to uncover.

Perhaps, she thought, the story of Apollo and Daphne served as a metaphor for her own journey, a reminder of the eternal struggle between love and destiny, desire and fate. Just as Daphne had been transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo’s pursuit, Sophia wondered if her own life was being shaped by forces beyond her control.

Was her grandfather trying to warn her about the dangers of succumbing to desire, of chasing after something that was ultimately unattainable? Or was he urging her to embrace her destiny, to accept the path that fate had laid out for her, even if it meant sacrificing her own desires in the process?

Lost in thought, Sophia felt a sense of clarity wash over her. Whatever her grandfather’s intentions may have been, she knew that she had the strength and resilience to face whatever challenges lay ahead.