Chapter 7
“Liora, that girl I knew when you were at art school-whose eyes sparkled with talent while painting-the you I see before me now has completely changed”
In my mentor’s studio, I had already knocked over three cups of coffee in a row.
He silently handed me a heat resistant coaster, his tone filled with obvious sighs.
With trembling hands, I finally steadied myself before picking up the fourth cup of coffee.
In my mind. I uncontrollably recalled that afternoon when I was eighteen.
In front of an easel, I wore a simple white dress, confidently splashing colors on canvas, sunlight streaming through my hair.
Outside the studio window stood a tall, elegant man.
3
That was Rhett back then-standing quietly, completely absorbed, looking at me through the glass with eyes full of admiration.
n his gaze was pure adoration and amazement that I never saw again.
picked up the paintbrush.
n the Gray family, my hands only appraised expensive jewelry and signed endless luxury goods invoices.
But now, I should reclaim what belonged to me.
Bang-!”
The studio door was violently slammed open from outside.
thett rushed in, his eyes bloodshot, furious, staring intently at the design sketch I had just begun creating.
Liora,” his voice was hoarse, “you promised me that in this lifetime, you would only paint for me.”
didn’t even bother to look up at him.
A warm palm suddenly rested on my shoulder as my mentor stood in front of me.
Rhett,” my mentor’s voice was calm yet carried unquestionable authority, “Right now, that design she’s working on is worth more than ten contracts from your ompany combined.”
Do you really think you still deserve her art?”
thett’s breathing hitched, his face becoming gloomy, mixed with anger and disbelief.
slowly put down the paintbrush, stood up, and calmly met his gaze.
Rhett, I don’t love you anymore.”
watched his pupils dilate in shock, then reached into my bag, pulled out a folded report, and handed it to him.
And,” I continued, “maybe you should see a doctor for a checkup and stop avoiding the inevitable.”
This is the toxicology report my lawyer retrieved from the hospital-a breakdown of the drugs Nyra has been giving you.”
n the hospital corridor, the white lights were blinding.
The doctor’s hand holding the report couldn’t stop trembling.
Mr. Rhett, your corpus cavernosum has permanent fibrosis… this is irreversible.”
Rhett snatched the report from his hands, the dense medical terminology cutting through his eyes like blades, tearing apart his last shred of dignity piece by piece.
“Bang! Crash-
He turned and punched the fire equipment cabinet in the corridor with all his strength.
Glass shards flew, reflecting his twisted, crazed face.
Blood dripped from his hand, staining the floor.
A
