Printed Hearts Chapter 21-25 | CraftyCotton.co

 

Chapter 21: A Quiet Morning of Reflection

The morning light filtered gently through the windows of Mimi's apartment, casting soft golden hues across the room. The quiet was comforting, but also a little too empty for her liking. After the date with Andy the night before, she felt a lingering sense of loneliness. It wasn’t that she had expected anything grand to come from it—she knew not every date would be a fairy tale—but it had still left her feeling somewhat adrift.

Mimi stood by the window for a moment, staring out at the Chiang Mai skyline. The city was waking up, just like she was. The distant hum of traffic, the sound of birds calling to each other, and the rustle of the trees in the breeze reminded her that the world kept moving, even if she felt a little out of sync with it.

With a sigh, she decided it was time for a little self-care to clear her head. She made her way to the bathroom, turning on the taps for her jacuzzi bath. The gentle hiss of the water filling the tub was soothing, and she added a bath bomb—lemon and lavender, her favorite blend, known for its calming, refreshing scent. As the water swirled around her, filling the large, bubbling tub, Mimi settled into the warm embrace of the water, closing her eyes.

The soft fragrance of lavender and citrus surrounded her, bringing a sense of calm. She leaned back, letting the heat of the water relax the tension in her shoulders, the weight of the world slipping away. The warmth of the water seemed to work its way deep into her muscles, and for a few moments, she could forget about everything—the awkwardness of her date, the loneliness that lingered, and the uncertainty that had clouded her thoughts.

As Mimi lay in the soothing water, her mind wandered. She couldn’t help but think about the idea of a relationship—something she’d longed for, but hadn’t found yet. She wanted someone who would feel like a natural match for her, someone who would complement her in all the right ways. Someone who shared her interests, her humor, her way of thinking.

For a moment, she imagined what it might feel like to be with someone who truly understood her. Someone who made her laugh effortlessly, someone who could talk about everything and nothing at the same time, and most importantly, someone who made her feel at ease—just like Fey, her best friend. Fey was always so comfortable to be around, never judgmental, always supportive, and able to connect with others so easily.

Mimi realized that, deep down, she wanted that kind of connection with a partner. She didn’t want a relationship filled with awkward pauses or forced conversations. She wanted a match—someone who made her feel like she could just be herself without having to put up walls or try too hard.

The bubbles from the jacuzzi swirled around her, but Mimi's thoughts kept going back to one idea: matching.

She wanted someone who didn’t just check boxes on paper but felt like an extension of herself—someone who was her match, not just in interests or appearance, but in the way they connected emotionally. She didn’t want to be alone, but more than that, she didn’t want to be with someone who wasn’t right for her. After all, the whole point of a relationship was to find someone who brought joy and balance to your life, not someone who left you feeling more lonely.

A small sigh escaped her lips, and she felt a pang of longing. She wasn’t sure if such a connection was easy to find, but she knew she’d keep searching. The idea of a perfect match, of someone who would understand her on every level, was a dream she wasn’t ready to let go of just yet.

After a few more moments of peaceful reflection, Mimi slowly climbed out of the jacuzzi, feeling lighter. She dried off and wrapped herself in a soft towel, staring at her reflection in the bathroom mirror.

She wasn’t going to settle for anything less than the kind of relationship she deserved—the one where the connection was undeniable, and the companionship felt like home.

For now, though, she would focus on herself. There was time for everything else later.

But deep down, Mimi knew one thing for sure: She was ready for a match.

Chapter 22: A Productive Day

The morning sun streamed through Mimi's apartment window as she sat down at her desk with a cup of hot coffee. It was a quiet, peaceful start to the day—until her phone buzzed with a new email notification. She opened it and her heart skipped a beat.

It was from a new client, and the subject read: "Watercolor Projects—Urgent." Mimi quickly clicked the email open, and her eyes widened as she read through the message. The client, a large art retailer, had requested 20 watercolor paintings to be completed by the end of the day. They were offering a generous payment, something Mimi couldn’t pass up.

She quickly did the math in her head—this would be one of her most profitable days yet. The excitement bubbled up inside her as she set her coffee aside and opened her digital sketchpad.

"Alright," she whispered to herself, "Let’s do this."

With the clock showing just 7 AM, Mimi dove straight into her work. The first few paintings came easy as she followed her usual process—getting into a rhythm, layering colors, perfecting the strokes, and letting her creativity flow. The watercolor pieces varied, some requiring delicate, soft washes of color, others demanding sharp, bold lines. Mimi loved the challenge each piece presented. The diversity in the commission kept her engaged, and her energy remained high as the hours passed.

As the day stretched on, Mimi barely noticed time slipping by. By noon, she had already finished 10 of the pieces. Her focus never wavered as she took quick breaks to refuel with snacks and water, and then got right back to work. Each painting was an opportunity to push her skills further, and she relished the flow of creativity that seemed to pour out of her effortlessly.

By 3 PM, Mimi was more than halfway through the project. She had developed a system to keep her pace consistent—working quickly, but not sacrificing quality. She had built a solid foundation for each piece, moving swiftly between paintings as they piled up on her digital workspace. The satisfaction of seeing her progress kept her motivated, and with every completed watercolor, she could already see the dollar signs adding up in her mind.

The clock ticked toward 6 PM, and Mimi took a well-earned break. She stretched her arms and legs, the stiffness from sitting for hours settling in, but she couldn’t afford to slow down. She glanced at the remaining 5 paintings on her list. They seemed like a challenge, but the thought of finishing the commission kept her energized. Mimi grabbed a quick dinner, refueled, and dove right back in.

By 9 PM, she was starting to feel the fatigue setting in. Her eyes were a little blurry from staring at the screen for so long, but she pushed through it, knowing that the end was in sight. It was nearly 10 PM when she finished the final stroke on the last painting, her fingers slightly sore from the hours of work. She leaned back in her chair and sighed deeply, a sense of relief washing over her.

20 paintings—complete.

Mimi smiled at the finished pieces on her screen. Each one was unique, a work of art she could be proud of. Not only had she delivered the project on time, but she had also put her heart into every stroke of watercolor. It wasn’t just about the money—though that was certainly a welcome reward—it was about proving to herself that she could accomplish something huge, despite the long hours and exhaustion.

At 9 PM, the client emailed back, thanking her for the quick turnaround and expressing how happy they were with the quality of her work. The payment details were sent right after, and Mimi couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride wash over her. This was exactly why she loved being a freelance artist—days like today, where everything came together, and she saw the rewards for all her hard work.

Sitting back in her chair, Mimi allowed herself a small moment of victory. It had been a long day—14 hours of constant work—but it had been worth it.

She had completed her first 20-piece commission in a single day. And not only had she made a lot of money, but she had also proven to herself that she was capable of achieving great things, no matter how daunting the task seemed at first.

Mimi took a deep breath, then smiled as she glanced at the clock. It was time for bed, but she couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement for tomorrow—the possibilities were endless.

Chapter 23: A Dream of Possibilities

The night was quiet, the cool breeze from the winter air softly drifting through Mimi’s window, carrying with it the faint scent of jasmine from the garden below. Mimi sat on the edge of her bed, her mind still buzzing from the whirlwind day of painting and earning. It had been a productive, successful day, and she had accomplished everything she set out to do. But as the quiet of the night settled in, a sense of loneliness crept over her.

She glanced at the clock on her bedside table—it was almost midnight. The world outside was still and peaceful, but within her, a quiet restlessness lingered. Even with all her accomplishments, she couldn’t shake the feeling of emptiness that seemed to fill the space around her.

Mimi lay back on her pillow, pulling the covers up to her chin, trying to let the calm of the evening lull her to sleep. Her thoughts wandered, as they often did before she finally drifted off. She thought about her work, her life, and what she really wanted. Her freelance career had been thriving, and she was starting to feel more confident in her art, but what about the rest of her life? What about her love life, her dreams, her future?

A gentle sigh escaped her lips as her mind began to wander to possibilities. What if things were different? What if she didn’t have to work so hard all the time to make ends meet? What if she could do something completely unexpected—something like winning the lottery?

Mimi closed her eyes and imagined it, the fantasy unfolding in her mind. The idea of having all the financial freedom she could ever want, being able to pursue her passions without worry, traveling the world, and even meeting the right person. It was a daydream that felt so distant, yet so alluring. She could almost hear the sound of a lottery draw, the numbers being called out one by one.

Suddenly, in her mind's eye, she saw the numbers flash across a screen: 99.

Mimi’s heart skipped a beat. 99? She repeated the number in her head as though it held some hidden meaning. It was the final number, the one that made her the winner. The dream of a different life—of financial freedom, of the ability to live her life without the constant pressure of deadlines and work—felt so close, so real.

Her imagination took her further. She saw herself holding a giant check with a ridiculous amount of money, smiling as the world congratulated her. She imagined buying her dream house, designing her perfect studio space for painting, and having the freedom to travel to exotic places without a care in the world. She could picture herself in a quiet little café in Paris, painting by the Seine River, with not a single worry on her mind.

But just as quickly as the dream came, Mimi felt her excitement fade, and she realized she was still in her bed, in her small apartment, with only the quiet hum of the city below to keep her company. The fantasy, though brief, had been a pleasant escape. She knew it wasn’t likely, but the idea of winning the lottery still lingered in her mind, like a spark of hope.

Mimi smiled softly to herself, knowing that no matter how much she wished for a lottery win, the real work came from perseverance and the passion she put into her craft. But a little part of her, just before sleep completely took over, allowed herself to dream of the possibilities.

As her eyes fluttered shut, Mimi whispered to herself, “99.” The number was like a secret wish in her heart, a symbol of something more. Maybe, just maybe, one day, something unexpected would happen that would change everything.

She drifted into a peaceful sleep, the quiet dreams of a lottery win blending into her mind, and for the first time in a while, she felt a tiny spark of excitement for the future.

, comforted by the quiet dream of possibility.

Chapter 24: A Lucky Day

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on Mimi’s room. She stretched, her body still a bit tired from the long day before, but there was something about the quiet of the morning that made her feel calm. She glanced at the clock on her nightstand—it was still early, and the world outside seemed to be just waking up.

Mimi grabbed her phone, which lay on the bedside table, and unlocked it. She started scrolling through her messages, checking emails from clients and potential projects, but then something caught her eye. It was a reminder from one of her apps. She had signed up for a daily horoscope a few weeks ago, just out of curiosity. It had been a small, fun thing to check each day, nothing she took too seriously.

But today, the app displayed something different, something that made her pause.

"Happy Birthday, Mimi! You are a February 14th Aquarius. Today, the stars are aligning in your favor. Luck is on your side, and fortune will smile upon you. Trust your intuition and take bold steps forward. Something unexpected could change your life today."

Mimi blinked, rereading the message. February 14th—her birthday. She smiled softly, her heart warmed by the reminder.

For a moment, she felt the stirrings of excitement, even though she wasn’t one for extravagant birthday celebrations. It had always been a quiet day for her, just another day to work and reflect on the year gone by. But reading this horoscope made her think about the possibilities.

Could today really be special? Could it be the day when something unexpected happened—something that would shift her life in a positive direction?

She thought back to the dream from last night—the number 99 flashing before her eyes. Could it be a sign of luck? Could today be the day that something incredible happened? Maybe it was the universe’s way of nudging her forward, giving her a little push toward the things she wanted most.

Mimi smiled to herself, feeling a sense of hope bubbling inside her. The stars, according to the horoscope, were aligned for her today. She didn’t believe in coincidences—she believed in making her own luck. But, just this once, she decided to indulge in the idea of fate, of fortune, of things aligning perfectly.

She stood up, stretching her arms toward the ceiling. "Alright, Universe," she whispered to herself, a grin spreading across her face. "Let’s see what you’ve got for me today."

The day had only just begun, but Mimi felt a sense of anticipation in the air. It was as though the entire world was full of possibilities, waiting for her to step into them. She felt ready.

Today was going to be her lucky day.

Chapter 25: A Lucky Win

The day had barely begun when Mimi decided to act on the feeling that had been tugging at her all morning. Her horoscope had promised luck, and with her birthday bringing in a wave of anticipation, she felt bold enough to take a small leap of faith.

With the number 99 still lingering in her mind from her dream, she grabbed her phone and quickly searched for a nearby lottery retailer. She felt a flutter in her chest as she dialed the number, purchasing a ticket for the lottery with the exact digits she had dreamt about the night before.

"I'll take one ticket for number 99," Mimi said to the cashier, her voice surprisingly steady despite the rush of excitement running through her. The cashier handed her the slip, and with a smile, she tucked it into her bag, not really expecting to win, but feeling a curious sense of confidence.

The rest of the morning passed in a blur—she worked on a few watercolor projects, ran errands, and busied herself with the usual freelance tasks. But in the back of her mind, there was that one small thing: her lottery ticket. It was just a fun thought, a little moment of hope for the day, nothing more.

It wasn’t until later in the afternoon that she finally found time to check the results. The lottery website flashed the winning numbers, and Mimi scrolled down slowly, her heart racing for no particular reason.

And then, her eyes widened.

99.

Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at the screen, her mind trying to make sense of what she was seeing. She double-checked the numbers again, just to be sure.

It was real.

She had won.

Mimi let out a laugh, her voice ringing through the quiet apartment. She couldn't believe it. A rush of adrenaline shot through her body as she clutched her phone in disbelief. It was the luck she had hoped for, the unexpected twist that felt almost too surreal to be true.

Without wasting a moment, she dialed Fey’s number, her fingers trembling slightly with excitement. When the phone rang, she could hardly contain herself.

"Fey! Fey, you're not going to believe this!" Mimi said as soon as her best friend picked up. "I won the lottery! The number 99—I actually won!"

There was a moment of silence on the other end, and then Fey’s excited voice came through, full of disbelief. “What? No way, Mimi! Are you serious?”

“I’m serious! I bought the ticket this morning, just for fun, and it’s the same number I dreamed about last night. I can’t believe it. I actually won!”

Fey let out a joyful laugh. “You’ve got to be kidding me! This is amazing! What are you going to do with all that money?”

Mimi paused for a moment, still trying to process the magnitude of it all. “Honestly, I don’t even know yet. But... I want to celebrate. Let’s go out! My treat!”

Fey’s voice grew even more excited. “I love the sound of that! Let’s go eat something amazing! How about a Korean BBQ buffet? We can stuff ourselves with all the delicious food and toast to your big win!”

Mimi grinned, feeling a surge of warmth at the thought of celebrating with Fey. “That sounds perfect. I’ll pick you up in an hour! Get ready to eat your heart out.”

After hanging up the phone, Mimi stood there for a moment, still in shock. She had actually won, and now it was time to treat herself—and Fey—to a well-deserved celebration.

As she prepared to leave, she couldn’t help but reflect on how incredibly lucky she had been. Her horoscope had been right. The stars had aligned, and today was indeed a special day.

Mimi smiled to herself, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. And as she headed out the door, her heart was light, full of the promise of a bright future and the joy of sharing her good fortune with her best friend.