When There Is Nothing Left But Love

The two sisters looked to be having more fun out there while Gregory and the housekeeper were hiding under the shade, completely in their own little world as they fiddled with some miniature laptops like usual.

Hearing a commotion coming from the study, I tore my gaze away and headed there.

I stopped at the doorway. Ashton and John were acting strangely civil with one another as they stared intently at the painting bought from Nathaniel’s art gallery yesterday.

The painting was being displayed on an easel in the center of the study. John sat in an armchair off to one side, occasionally sneaking interested glances at the artwork.

Ashton, on the other hand, was standing right in front of the easel. His expression was completely serious and his gaze was sharp as he reached out to feel the texture of the painting, as if he would be able to understand the artist’s emotions that way.

It took a while for them to notice my presence, Ashton’s eyes softening in mirth when he saw me. “You’re awake.”

“Mhm.” I entered the room, sitting down on a chair beside John. “Why were you so insistent on buying this painting? What’s so special about it?”

I eyed John as I spoke, curious about the answer.

take the chance to visit while the older relatives have returned to the country,” John randomly said instead, changing the topic. “It’ll be easier since

his words sounded like he was being considerate of other people, but I could detect a

long time. He had every right

I spoke up, “I think that’s a good

thing to lift John’s

expected, my brother quickly sprang into action and grabbed his phone off the table, dialing someone’s number as he made to leave the room. “Ask your guy to explain everything to you,” he

deserve to be called by

perturbed. The corners of his lips quirked up as he helped me to my feet and

gently lifted my right hand and guided it to touch the surface of the canvas. The rough, uneven texture of the dried

an artistic intuition, but I couldn’t feel any emotions rise within me even while observing the painting at such a close distance. After a short pause, I awkwardly pulled my hand back. “I’d rather you just tell me outright. I don’t have any talents in art, so I have no idea what you’re getting

slightly. He turned around and picked up a single banknote, mysteriously pressing it into my

some sort of power from your wealth?” I joked.