The overlap in our work made many people aware of me. People are judged not by their professions but by their worth. Managing the studio inevitably brought me into contact with people with ulterior motives.
Even though Asher really needed that contract, money, and fame, he would still block those who disrespected me, refusing to work with them ever again. When a female client asked him for a portrait, Finn would stubbornly say, “The only leading lady in my paintings is my girlfriend, Nora!”
But when did it all change? When did Asher stop needing me, stop painting for me, and even stop allowing me into the studio?
“Asher, you know I’ve only ever had you in my heart,” his words interrupted my thoughts.
“From high school until now, for so long, you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved.”
“Look, I even have a couple’s tattoo on my chest with your birthday. You have to trust me.”
The world spun around me. Asher had a half–winged butterfly and four numbers tattooed over his heart. I once curiously asked, “Why a half butterfly? What’s the meaning?”
He explained it was art-“The beauty of imperfection.” He said the numbers represented the day he fell for me.
I believed him. I even naively got a flower tattoo on my waist, thinking, “Butterflies always love flowers.”
I stared at them unblinkingly, not noticing when Declan came in.
“What are you looking at?” Declan’s voice drew Asher and Adeline’s attention.
The moment Asher saw me, his face flashed with panic but quickly returned to normal.
“Why did you follow me here? I told you to go home. Are you stalking me?”
I stared at him steadily.
Ignoring me, Asher was displeased. “I’m talking to you! When are you going home?”
He came over to grab my arm, but Declan blocked him. “Dude, talk if you have something
to say, but don’t lay a hand on my wife.”
“Your wife?” Asher furrowed his brows. “Nora, enough with the nonsense. You don’t have
to go this far to spite me by hiring someone to act.”
Adeline slowly approached. “Mr. Asher, maybe Nora is just jealous. You should comfort
her.”
