Chapter 2 Stunning Private Collection

Sophia was astounded by the sheer wealth that greeted her as she exited the sleek black vehicle and entered Lucas Hawke's estate's cobblestone driveway.

With a towering front that combined modern luxury with old-world elegance, the vast estate appeared like something from a novel.

Massive windows were enclosed by elaborate stonework, and ivy coiled around the building's borders as if nature itself were bowing to its grandeur.

Laura broke Sophia's trance with her usual professional tone, saying, "Right this way, Ms. Lynns."

Following Laura, Sophia ascended the stone stairs to the imposing double doors, whose elaborate carvings alluded to tales of strength and resiliency, just the concept Lucas had outlined for the commission.

Was he a freak for anything, strength, and power?

The doors silently opened to show an entrance so opulent it made her small studio seem ridiculous.

A beautifully curved staircase spiraled up to a second floor, and a crystal chandelier softly illuminated the marble floor. Everything in the room appeared to have been chosen carefully, from the thick velvet drapes that framed the windows to the abstract sculptures on pedestals.

"Come with me please," Laura said as she guided Sophia along a corridor adorned with paintings and framed photos. As they strolled, Sophia's eyes darted to the artwork, unable to contain her admiration for the sculptures.

Many of them were dark, with light dominated by shadows and unfiltered emotion leaking from each brush stroke.

She felt a shudder run up her spine because they were so eerily lovely.

Laura noticed her lingering and said, "Mr. Hawke has a large collection. He appreciates art that conveys a narrative, particularly when that narrative contains a hint of....intensity."

Sophia gave a nod but remained silent. The paintings unnerved her in a manner she couldn't understand, especially their sharp contrasts and jagged lines. It was as if they were whispering things she wasn't supposed to hear.

Finally, they reached a large sitting room with floor-to-ceiling windows that provided a stunning view of the estate's surroundings.

Despite wearing a fitted sweater and slacks today, Lucas maintained his dominating posture while standing close to a grand piano. His green eyes met hers as he said, "Ms. Lynns. I hope the drive wasn't too bad."

Sophia answered, "No, it was okay, thank you," even though she didn't feel too well. She was still getting used to the overwhelming majesty of her surroundings.

"You're welcome." He pointed to a little table that had been set up with pastries and coffee. "Please sit down."

Feeling like an imposter in the opulence, Sophia hesitated before settling into one of the soft chairs.

Sitting across from her, Lucas's focused gaze made it difficult to unwind. With a calm yet forceful tone, he remarked, "I wanted to show you the space where your piece will be displayed. I think that being aware of your surroundings is essential to your creative process."

"That would be beneficial," Sophia remarked, appreciating the chance to change the subject to something she was familiar with: art.

But instead of continuing, he kept gazing at her in a kind of way that made her feel .....seen, wanted. The air seemed to stop for a second as their eyes met. His voice was quieter now, almost inquisitive, as he inquired, "Let me ask, what inspires you, Miss Lynns?"

She was surprised by the question. Blinking repeatedly, she hesitated, then answered, "I....I guess it's everything. Life, emotions, experiences....It's the stuff I can't speak aloud at times. They infiltrate my work somehow."

Lucas looked straight ahead as he nodded. "That honesty is what sets you apart. Most people hide behind perfection, yet your art celebrates imperfection. It's raw. Real."

His words struck a chord deep within her, and for a moment, she forgot where she was. She forgot his identity. The only thing she could see was the man seated across from her, staring at her through all the walls she had constructed to keep her growing attachment in check.

The moment was interrupted by his phone ringing out on the table. Clearing his throat, he excused himself to take the call.

Afterwards, he straightened, his businesslike manner returning to its proper position. With a sharper tone now, he said, "Never doubt yourself Miss Lynns. I have a feeling you underestimate your own abilities."

His voice was so earnest that she was momentarily stunned.

Unable to think of anything to say, she simply nodded.

Lucas's mouth quirked in what might have been a smile. "Let's stop wasting time." He got up, and he took Sophia farther inside the mansion.

More paintings, sculptures, and even a few digital pieces were passed by; they were all somber, unvarnished, and full of emotion.

She muttered, "This is amazing," as she continued to examine a particularly striking fragment of a figure fading into darkness.

Lucas stopped next to her, his face unreadable. "You have a good eye. It is one of my favorites. The artist's approach to dealing with pain was distinct. I respect that."

The spark of something in his eyes caught Sophia's attention; was it vulnerability? She was unable to tell.

They kept going until they came to a large space that resembled a gallery, with high ceilings and a simple design that highlighted the walls.

With a gentle illumination, one blank area was visible. Lucas stated in a respectful tone, "This is where your piece will go."

Sophia took a step forward, envisioning her design there. Despite the pressure and tremendous strain, she couldn't help but like the challenge. "It's perfect," she said quietly.

After staring at her for a while, Lucas pointed to a different door. "I would like you to see more."

Sophia followed him curiously into a smaller, darkened room. With painted walls and lower ceilings, it was cozier.

These artworks were more intimate here, as if they contained fragments of the artist's soul, than the ones she had previously seen. She moved around them, tracing the brushstrokes with itchy fingers.

She was particularly drawn to a painting that showed a lone individual standing on the shore in a stormy seascape, their face hidden but their posture laden with grief.

Her voice was hardly audible when she uttered, "These are stunning."

"They belong to a private collection," Lucas stated in a hushed tone. "Very few individuals see these."

Being a part of such a private aspect of his life made Sophia feel a peculiar mixture of thankfulness and uneasiness.

Then she noticed it.

Her heart stopped when she saw the painting hanging in a dark nook at the far end of the room. The woman in the portrait had a reserved face but a recognizable vulnerability in her eyes.

Every detail was painstakingly drawn, and the brush work was outstanding. Sophia stepped forward, her heart pounding. It seemed to her as if she was the woman depicted in the picture. At least it bore a striking resemblance to her.

Her breath caught as she looked for the artist's autograph in the canvas's lower corner.

But it was only a date, nothing more. Six years ago.

Her voice trembled as she turned to Lucas. "Who did this painting?"

He remained silent for a minute, staring at the portrait. Then he said slowly, "That's a story for another time," without turning to face her.