Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(118)

“Roy, we are best friends! How can you do something like this to me? To her? To us?”

“There is too much at stake, Alexander. I won’t ruin my reputation, my family name, and everything I’ve built because of your relationship. Petra needs protection, my protection.” And he takes his queen away from my knight. “She is still young. She has time to find someone else.”

An arrow just perforated my heart. I try to drag some precious air into my lungs while I move my remaining bishop near his queen. “Roy, you’re the one who is putting our relationship at stake now.”

He looks down at the chessboard. “You have two months, Alexander. In March, you’re gone.” And he makes his move. “Checkmate.”





Chapter 32





Manhattan, January 13, 2020

Petra Van Gatt





Surprisingly, Dad has been taking his breakfast with me every single morning since we came back from the Netherlands. I can’t help but wonder if it’s part of his New Year's resolutions. After all, he knows it’s just a matter of time before I move out to live with Alex.

Today is no exception. Dad is still here in the kitchen with me, reading his paper while I’m finishing my tea.

“You don’t mind revealing your identity to the press now that you are no longer an intern, right?”

“Um, what do you mean, Dad?” I ask before giving a sip of my matcha.

“Forbes would like to interview you. Are you available tomorrow?”

But I choke on it just as fast. “What? Why me?”

“They are writing about young raising stars in finance and entrepreneurship. I talked to Chloe, the reporter, about your investments in art and your own fund. She’s keen to meet you.”

“Dad, is this really necessary? I’m still in my freshman year…”

He puts down his paper, staring intently at me. “Of course it is. Now that your agoraphobia has been under control, we need to start building up your public image, not as my daughter, but as Petra Van Gatt—with her own identity, her own personality, her own dreams.”

I roll my eyes. I want to decline, but Dad seems so happy. Seeing me profiled in Forbes is such a dear dream for him, and I don’t want to ruin it. Plus, like most things in my life, he isn’t giving me much of a choice.

I take a deep breath and give him the answer he expected from the beginning, “Fine. I’ll do it.” I stand up and give him a kiss on the cheek. “I have to go. I have class in an hour.”





Manhattan, January 14, 2020





I hear Janine pull the curtains wide apart, but I don’t dare to open my eyes just yet. “Good morning, Ms. Van Gatt.” Then hangers rattle from my wardrobe. “So, what do you think about wearing something a bit more smart-casual today? Why not some heels? After all, it’s not every day you’ll be live on YouTube.”

I gasp in terror. “Live on YouTube?” I prop myself up on my elbows instantly. “What do you mean? It’s not just a simple interview?”

Janine seems confused. “No, Ms. Van Gatt. Your dad told me you will be interviewed live for their social media channels. How incredible, isn’t it?”

“Live?” I feel like throwing up. I stand up from the bed and run as fast as I can to my bathroom. There, my knees on the floor, I throw up all my anxiety in the toilet.

Janine shakes her head. “Oh, Ms. Van Gatt, I’m so sorry to have scared you. Are you alright? Do you want to take something to help control your panic attack?”

I take a deep breath with my head down and wait, making sure there’s nothing left before standing again. “Oh, Janine, I’ve never done a live interview. What if something goes wrong? Everyone will see it.”

“Nothing will go wrong. Don’t worry, Miss. It’s a quick five-minute interview. You have to relax. All you need is a yummy breakfast. I’ll make some pancakes. What do you think?”

“No, I’m fine, thank you, Janine. A matcha tea, that’s all.”

“Miss, you need to eat something. Just avocado toast, then.”

“I’m fine, Janine, really. I’m not hungry.”

I jump into a warm shower, wondering how I’ll manage to remain in one piece in front of the camera, but one thing is for sure: I have to fight my agoraphobia. I can’t let my fear come back and haunt me again.





Columbia Economics, January 22, 2020





The interview was such a smashing success on social media that Chloe, the reporter, received approval to publish it in their biweekly printed magazine. “Success in Art: How Petra Van Gatt Is Shaping the Future of Alternative Investments.” Such a big exaggeration, dear God. The feature was three pages long with a big, colorful picture of me, taken during the interview.

Surprisingly, I’ve become an overnight role model for all my freshman colleagues who just a couple of days ago didn’t even know my name. I see some of them whispering, their faces glued on me while I close my books and laptop. The class is over, yet they are not leaving. “Congrats, Petra. Nice interview!” they finally shout from their seats on the other side of the auditorium. I nod and smile.

“Ms. Van Gatt?” Mrs. Chilnisky is now right in front of me.