Chapter 55
Chapter 55
HAZEL
FIVE YEARS AGO
It’s been a week since I lost my job, and I’m still uncertain about the path I want to take in life. Ravel
kindly suggested supporting my return to school, but the challenge lies in choosing a major that truly
resonates with me. It’s almost as if nothing has captured my attention so far.
As for the misced check, let’s not even get started. Upon revisiting the drawer, I realized the check
wasn’t there anymore. With no other alternative, I had to inform Ravel that the check was lost,
prompting him to contact his bank for cancetion. Although he graciously offered to issue a
recement, I declined because I hold a strong sense of integrity. I can’t simply reside in his home,
enjoy his hospitality, utilize resources, wear high-end clothing, and still expect him to provide me with
an open check.
As I strolled down the bustling street, holding a cup of ice cream with Adam following close behind, I
couldn’t help but appreciate the charm of the surroundings. It was my inaugural experience walking
through this particr area on foot. Typically, when I’d visit Ravel, I’d either be in a taxi or he’d
chauffeur me around. However, now that I found myself unemployed, I seemed to be exploring the
streets quite frequently.
Passing by a storefront, I came to a stop, drawn in by the sight of a man engrossed in his painting.
Stationed just outside his shop, I gazed through the ss window, observing him as he meticulously
added the final touches to his creation. Describing his painting as majestic would truly be an
understatement.
“Would you like to get one?” Adam asked me, his gaze fixed on both me and the captivating painting.
With a thoughtful tilt of my head, I continued to absorb the artwork. “When you gaze at that painting,
Adam,” I inquired, “what do you perceive?”
Baffled yet intrigued by my question, he directed his attention more intently toward the artwork. “I see
an image of a man. gazing at his son with affection.”C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.
But my interpretation differed. “As I look at it, I discern a sense of yearning.” I shared, taking a step
closer to the ss pane. “I perceive a man yearning for affection from his son, or perhaps from anyone
willing to extend it.’ He seems akin to a lost puppy.
Clearing his throat, Adam directed his gaze towards me. “How can you discern that?” he inquired,
clearly intrigued by my perception.
“It’s in his eyes,” I replied with a sense of certainty. The expression in his eyes isn’t solely admiration; it
conveys a sense of yearning. Feeling a sudden impulse, I decided to pay the artist a visit. Without
hesitation, I approached the entrance, pushed the door open, and stepped inside. Meeting the artist’s
eyes, I offered an apologetic smile for the interruption.
Setting aside his brush, he rose from his seat. With a weing smile, he inquired, “What can I assist
you with?” His warm demeanor indicated that my presence was not unwee. “I have a variety of
paintings that might capture your interest.”
I’m not currently in a position to buy any paintings. As much as I’d like to have one, my financial
situation doesn’t allow for it at the moment. Even with Ravel’s card, I don’t feelfortable making
indulgent purchases. I offered apliment to the artwork we had been discussing earlier. “That’s a
remarkable piece,” I praised.
“Thank you,” he responded, turning his attention back to the painting. “I’ve been struggling to decide on
a name for it.”
“How about “Longing’?” I suggested. He turned to me inquisitively. I borated, “The man’s expression
clearly conveys his yearning for his son’s love. It seems fitting to name it that.”
Impressed, a smile crossed his face. “A youngdy who understands her art. Quite impressive.” His
compliment made me blush. “Do you paint?” he inquired.
“No, I haven’t,” I admitted. “I don’t believe I possess that level of talent. While I greatly enjoy admiring
others’ artworks, I’ve never really thought about creating one myself. I have an eye for appreciation, but
not the skilled hands.”
Chapter 55
He shook his head in gentle disagreement. “You’ll never truly know until you give it a shot.” He selected
an empty canvas and positioned it near the window. “If you have a bit of time to spare, why don’t you
gaze out onto the streets and paint whatever catches your eye ores to your
mind?”
With time on my hands, I found myself with no immediate tasks. ncing at Adam to secure his
approval, he nonchntly shrugged, indicating that I should go ahead. Settling into a seat, I retrieved a
brush and fixed my gaze on the bustling streets outside.
The initial element that seized my attention was the floral boutique situated across from the art shop.
The shop’s entrance was adorned with daisies, coincidentally my favorite flower. My thoughts turned to
Rav and how, if he wasn’t allergic to flowers, he might have delighted in gathering them for me from the
garden.
Gently stroking the first brushstroke, I steadily worked on my canvas. As I nearedpletion, I realized
that I had inadvertently painted a garden brimming with flowers-daisies dominating the scene over
roses. Despite my earnest effort to concentrate, there were noticeable imperfections that might elicit a
cringe from anyone viewing the painting for the first time.
Stepping away from the chair, I took a moment to distance myself from my work. Chuckling nervously, I
remarked, “I had anticipated the oue to be considerably better than this.” My pout reflected my
slight disappointment.
Both Adam and the man shared a chuckle at my situation. “Recreating the images in our minds is often
more challenging than it seems,” the man remarked, and Adam affirmed his statement with a nod.
“With proper guidance and training, you have the potential to excel.”
Absolutely. “Can I acquire the painting?” I considered giving it to Ravel as a gift since he serves as my
inspiration. “I’m more than willing to cover the cost of the canvas and paint used.” Recognizing that this
is his livelihood, I wasn’t expecting him to simply offer it for free.
“You should allow time for it to dry before handling it,” the man advised. “How about you provide your
address? Once it’s fully dried, I can have it delivered to you.”
Certainly. I attentively listened as Adam provided Ravel’s address to the man. “How much do I owe you
for everything?” I inquired, preparing to utilize Ravel’s card for the payment.
“It’s alright,” he declined with a warm smile, “consider it my gift to you.”
“Oh…” Taken aback by his generosity, I unconsciously bit my lower lip. “Could I at least know your
name?”
“I’m Cayden.”
“Thank you, Cayden,” I expressed with genuine gratitude, feeling touched by his kind gesture even
though we were essentially strangers to each other. “I really appreciate your kindness, especially since
we know so little about each other.” Acts of kindness like this were rare. We exchanged our farewells
before I departed the shop, feeling content that I had ventured in there in the first ce.
Disposing of the now-melted ice cream into a nearby bin, I took a quick nce at my wristwatch. “How
long do you think it’ll take us to get back home?” I inquired.
Adam, too, checked his wristwatch. “Around thirty minutes if we maintain our fastest pace,” he
responded in an almost robotic manner
I deeply regretted the decision to leave the car behind, especially now that I was in dire need of a
restroom. Scanning my surroundings, my eyes fell upon a convenience store across the street. “Adam,”
I called out, catching his attention. “We’ll need to make a stop over there.”
He followed my extended finger to the convenience store. “Do you need to buy something?” he asked.
Н
“Nope,” I replied, the ‘p’ sound popping in my response. “I need to use the restroom.” My urgency was
quite clear. Understanding dawned in Adam’s eyes, and without hesitation, he took my hand and
guided me across the street.
He apanied me into the convenience store but stopped near the entrance. “I’ll be waiting for you
here,” he announced.
Chapter 55
I acknowledged his statement with a brisk nod before hurrying toward the restroom. Pushing the door
open, a sigh of relief escaped me as I finally found relief.
Emerging from the restroom, I headed to the sink to wash my hands, only to find myself face-to-face
with thest person I ever expected to encounter again-Kelvin, my ex-boyfriend who had struggled with
drug addiction.
A broad smile crossed Kelvin’s face. “Hello, Hazel,” he greeted with a wink.