d read every word on it over and over a

t. He finally understood Ela

ely lost it at him, shouting, "Sebastian, why won't you e

couldn't hav

eply. She had been there for him for four full years, through the darkest parts

e when they got marr

and Is

ays looked sharp and in control now seemed... worn out. The

g drag. The cigarette burned while shadows curved along his tired, hollow cheeks. There w

ekeeper hesitated, then said

n didn't

l. The shards of glass all over the floor

.. had be

elf together fast, professionalism kicking in. "Mr. Rich

is voice was low, unreadable. "Bury it. Do whatev

nodded. "U

upposed to be business partners more than anything? Then why did the

ot in love with

*

d into a ne

ion was prime, and the design was tasteful. From the bedroom's

e went to visit

pened between her and Sebastian. She just as

to worry. "It's all good. Seb

aria decided it was time to go back t

r apartment into a mini studio, p

brought home a dog-not a fancy breed, but all fluffy and

, she headed to

te piece was a floral work titled "Twins." She was just abo

ren

a's f

n, a soft female voice beside her sai

aw an elegant woman

two assistants who looked sharp and capable. One look told you

"My husband's la

mon from Aurvista Group. She remembered meeting her once before. Mr. Harmon

rs. Harmon's smile deepened. "I spotted you

South; the Richards

e the Harmons and Halden & Co. were-clearly, the

ction. They didn't talk deals. Just art and technique. The conversation flowed so natur

her smile calm and composed as she said, "That Mr. Clarence's paintings ar

a small, p

iced a shadow cross Mrs. Harmon's face-just

ase don't dwell on sad things, ma'am. If you ge

When I was younger, I loved someone who didn't love me back. I had his child, but then... I was hurt by others. When I woke up, my five-year-old little girl was gon

the end, and tears

near her waist. Mrs. Harmon believed that if she ever saw it

e for her. She reached over and gently hel

like I've known you forever. That must be why I'

ly believe that fate is strong between a m

through tears. "I

handed it to Elaria. "We're having a little party at our villa soon. I'd love fo

turn her down, accept

ing reluctant to part. It had been a long time since she'd felt such warmth

uietly reminded

release her hand. "Let's

, watching the sle

is wife to give her such care and comfort, and nev

left her emo

*

the last stroke of paint

his tail like

ossed in a bit of chicken sa

damp weather had left everything on the balcony still wet and clammy to the t

ingers trailed along the fabric u

Sebas

ed up in her luggag

ulled it out. He w

ersized black shirt. Her wet hair dripped over her shoulders as

e didn't think too much a

she did,

the light from the hallway. Elaria couldn't quite read his express

e week. Not a sing

ived the court notice.

eyes stayed

an oversized black dress shirt-

w the hem, a sliver of pale, exposed thigh