ter

of her heart into each stroke, the colours inspired by Lucas's story of bouncing back from hardship. She

le standing next to her. His tone was earnest,

d, her voice drop

the lounge, creating a cozy atmosphere. Eva began carefully loading her essential tools into her bag, each item neatly placed a

ntracts are signed. Once the business co

ll," replied Lucas's voice, co

yal that was dawning on her. She replayed the fragments of their recent conversations, the laughter now shadowed by a haunting truth. The man she had once regarded with warmth and budding

she stormed into the study.

k, the mask slipping for a m

trembling. "You were planning t

t what y

houted, her voice breaking. "I tru

uette disappearing into the shadows. He was left rooted to the spot, surrounded by the remnant