Chapter 896
Over the past two days, when Johanna came to visit, Victoria had heard her mention the painting.
Of course, Johanna wasn’t foolish enough to tell her that Jamie had been reluctant to part with MK’s work. Instead, she had twisted the truth, saying that Jamie recognized the figure in the painting as Victoria and had wanted to keep it for himself as a private treasure.
In reality, Jamie hadn’t realized the figure in the portrait was Victoria at all. He had simply admired MK’s artistry and spent a fortune to acquire it.
Startled, Victoria shook her head at once.
“Jamie, this is far too precious. I can’t accept it. Besides, Johanna told me you were especially fond of this piece.”
Jamie’s voice, low and slightly husky, carried an almost imperceptible softness.
“A painting is lifeless. A person is not. I won’t deny I’m reluctant to part with it, but compared to you, it’s nothing. And besides…”
His gaze lingered on the delicate figure in the painting.
“The artist captured your silhouette so beautifully. Perhaps, in his heart, he admired you as
gift one’s art to the person they secretly cherish… wouldn’t that be the greatest
world?”
But MK
a suff
Jamie would never have been so generous. In fact, he might have
- He liked the painter. In certain works, Jamie sensed a hidden heaviness, m-an echo of his own struggles at the time.
whether MK was a man or a woman. MK was neither savior nor first love. What hore like kinship, the camaraderie of kindred spirits who shared an unspoken
ung to MK’s paintings because they brought a rare flicker of interest to his otherwise rren life. He admired MK’s style, nothing more. Yes, he treated MK with more lenience than others, but compared with Victoria, the difference was vast.
Even if every one of MK’s works were burned, he would not hesitate-if it meant choosing Victoria. For her, he could abandon everything,
What was an unseen painter to him, compared to Victoria?
Still, Victoria shook her head.
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Chapter V
+15 Bonus
“No, Jamie. I can’t accept it. You rarely take pleasure in anything. How could I take that from you? A gentleman does not rob another of what they love.”
For once, his eyes softened, focused entirely on her.
“Victoria,” he said, “what does it matter if I give up such interests for you? If we speak of loves, then know this-my greatest love is you.”
Victoria opened her mouth to refuse again, but his expression hardened, his voice turning cold.
“If you don’t want it, then I’ll burn the painting. You know me–I don’t make empty threats.”
Helpless, Victoria finally relented, nodding.
“Very well. I’ll accept it… for now.
A thought struck her, and she looked at him.
“Jamie, the painting you once said you wanted me to admire with you… it wasn’t this one, was it?”
Jamie’s lips curved into a smile.
“That’s right.”
Victoria brightened. “Johanna said you’ve collected many of MK’s works. When I’m better, I’d love to see them.”
“Good,” Jamie replied. “When you’ve recovered, we’ll enjoy them together.”
Meanwhile, at the Kalen residence, Jamie had barely gone upstairs when Sharon arrived with
Carter.
By Sharon’s insistence, Wendy had not come along. This was her family’s matter, and dragging Wendy into it would only complicate things further.
As for Carter… no matter how hard Sharon tried, she couldn’t shake him. He was determined to stay by her side.
When they entered the house, Sharon immediately saw Richard and Rick seated in the living
room.
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