The sincerity in Raymond''s demeanor almost had Alex second-guessing himself. Could it be possible that Raymond truly held no feelings for the woman in question?


    "Very well, if it''s merely a fleeting affair, stop this mncholic drinking," Alex advised.


    "I''m not wallowing in self-pity," Raymond retorted, his gaze once again drifting towards Selena.


    She was a considerable distance away, her head bowed in deep concentration, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding mor. A profound sense of mncholy began to creep into Raymond''s heart.


    "She''s not that extraordinary, anyway," Alex couldn''t resist a smug grin, his lips curling into an amused smirk.


    Regaining hisposure, he turned back to Raymond, his expression stern. "Indeed, New York is teeming with women far more beautiful and talented than her."


    "Indeed," Raymond agreed, the heaviness in his heart deepening.


    He ced his ss on the table and leaned back, deliberately avoiding Selena''s sight. Unperturbed by the world around her, Selena continued to paint until her masterpiece wasplete, then proceeded to pack up her easel. Caterlington leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "Finished?"


    "Indeed," she confirmed.


    He nced at the canvas, his eyebrows arching in surprise. He had always known of her talent, but he hadn''t expected her to be this exceptional. Her work was strikingly lifelike, adding an unexpected touch of sophistication to his image. "Exquisite work," heplimented.


    "If you are satisfied, I am happy," she replied.


    "Selena, I''ve done you a significant favor. Merely two pieces, don''t you think I''m being shortchanged?" he inquired.Têxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She concurred and promptly made a promise. "Whenever you require a painting, I shall not hesitate."


    Caterlington appreciated her straightforwardness and pulled her into a warm embrace. "It''s settled then. I''ll escort you home."


    "Mr. Walsh, that won''t be necessary," Selena gently extricated herself from his hold. "And you needn''t go out of your way for me."


    She was subtly suggesting that he should seekpanionship elsewhere. Caterlington nced at Raymond, who was lurking in the dimly lit corner, his expression concealed in the shadows.


    "Very well, I won''t insist. You may leave at your leisure," he conceded.


    She rose, handed over thepleted painting to Caterlington, and exited with her easel. As she neared the end of the hallway, the sound of footsteps echoed from behind. Assuming it was Caterlington trailing her, she was about to speak when her wrist was abruptly seized, and she was yanked into a nearby booth.


    Startled, she squinted against the light streaming in through the door''s window, and her eyes met Raymond''s. The room was dimly lit, the only source of light being the faint glow from the small window.


    Selena frowned, "Mr. Montague?" she questioned.


    Raymond''s fingers traced her neck, finding no fresh marks. Even the old ones had faded into oblivion.


    Selena attempted to push his hands away, but he effortlessly hoisted her up and pinned her against the wall. She considered resisting, but then remembered the debt she owed him-five more times. However, this ce was far too conspicuous.


    Her cheeks flushed with anxiety, her breathsing in short, rapid gasps. Raymond showed no hesitation as he stripped her of her clothing and held her aloft. "Ouch, it hurts," she whimpered.


    His lips imed hers in a fierce kiss, indifferent to her difort as he pressed her against the door, causing it to rattle. Selena''s purse had already ttered to the floor, and it wasn''t until Raymond gripped her waist that he noticed her rming weight loss.


    His brow furrowed, and he said in a deep voice, "You''ve lost weight."


    Hisment triggered a painful memory in Selena, the loss of her child, and a wave of agony washed over her.


    "It hurts! It hurts!" she murmured, patting Raymond''s back.