I rented a Mn apartment with a studio and picked up my paintbrush again.


    All those colors Alex had drained from my life slowly came back.


    I even held a small solo exhibition.


    The theme was REBIRTH.


    Opening day brought a modest crowd.


    A distinguished silver-haired woman stood in front of one painting for ages.


    She introduced herself as the founder of a renowned local gallery.


    ‘Dear, your work has soul. There’s real life in these pieces.” She extended an invitation, “Would you like to hold a proper exhibition at my gallery?”


    could barely speak from excitement.


    But just as I was about to sign the contract, the gallery manager walked in looking ufortable.


    I’m sorry, ma’am. We just got word-Carter Industries bought out our gallery.”


    The new owner specifically requested that all exhibition space be reserved exclusively for a Maya Torres.”


    My blood turned to ice.


    Alex?


    Had he followed me here?


    The old woman’s face flushed with anger. “This is outrageous! Art isn’t some rich man’s ything!”


    but against absolute power, her words meant nothing.


    Outside the gallery, a ck Rolls-Royce sat parked at the curb.


    The window rolled down, revealing Alex’s cold face.


    He looked at me with curiosity andplete unfamiliarity.


    Miss.” His voice carried that same icy tone. “Do you happen to know a woman named Grace Carter?”


    I stared at him, struck by how absurd this was.


    He still didn’t recognize me,


    Before I could answer, Maya stepped out from the other side of the car.


    She linked her arm through Alex’s possessively, eyes challenging me.


    “Alex, don’t bother with these social climbers.”


    She turned to me with that arrogant smile. “Lady, if you want to meet Mr. Carter, you need to know your ce first.”


    “Someone like Grace-kicked out of the Carter family like a stray dog-will never get another chance.”


    Then she pulled Alex away.


    He didn’t spare me another nce.


    I stood there watching their intimate silhouettes disappear, my heart sinking into ice water.


    It’s okay, Grace. I told myself.


    You’re not the same person anymore.


    [turned around and called the old woman. <fnb8bd> Latest content published on FindN0vel</fnb8bd>


    ‘Ma’am, does your offer still stand?”


    Let’s open OUR OWN gallery.”