ed her as she exited the sleek black vehicle and en

luxury with old-world elegance, the vast es

ork, and ivy coiled around the building's borders

her usual professional tone, sayi

uble doors, whose elaborate carvings alluded to tales of strength an

or anything, str

an entrance so opulent it made h

illuminated the marble floor. Everything in the room appeared to have been chosen carefully,

orned with paintings and framed photos. As they strolled, Sophia's eyes da

minated by shadows and unfiltered emo

p her spine because they

collection. He appreciates art that conveys a narrative, part

ner she couldn't understand, especially their sharp contrasts and jagged l

ith floor-to-ceiling windows that provided a

s dominating posture while standing close to a grand piano. His green

hough she didn't feel too well. She was still getting

tle table that had been set up with p

ulence, Sophia hesitated before se

forceful tone, he remarked, "I wanted to show you the space where your piece will be displa

appreciating the chance to change the subje

.seen, wanted. The air seemed to stop for a second as their eyes met. His voice was quiet

answered, "I....I guess it's everything. Life, emotions, experiences....It

s what sets you apart. Most people hide behind perfection

orgot his identity. The only thing she could see was the man seated across from her, starin

inging out on the table. Clearing his thr

proper position. With a sharper tone now, he said, "Never doubt yourse

rnest that she was

anything to say,

a smile. "Let's stop wasting time." He got up,

digital pieces were passed by; they were al

ntinued to examine a particularly striking

e a good eye. It is one of my favorites. The artist's ap

aught Sophia's attention; was it vul

e that resembled a gallery, with high ceilings

was visible. Lucas stated in a respectful

espite the pressure and tremendous strain, she couldn't hel

Lucas pointed to a different doo

maller, darkened room. With painted wa

ents of the artist's soul, than the ones she had previously seen.

one individual standing on the shore in a stormy seascap

dible when she uttered,

on," Lucas stated in a hushed tone

f his life made Sophia feel a peculiar

e notic

nook at the far end of the room. The woman in the portrait had

hia stepped forward, her heart pounding. It seemed to her as if she was the w

ed for the artist's autograph

date, nothing mo

she turned to Lucas. "

portrait. Then he said slowly, "That's a story