Chapter 3 Keep Your Eyes Open

The following morning, Sophia arrived at the estate again and was ushered into the Lucas's private library. She sat with a sketchpad perched on her lap, experiencing a peculiar mixture of anxiety and excitement.

Lucas had convened a meeting to go over the commission's guidelines. Even in quiet, his attention was evident as he observed her honing a rough draft of the composition.

Lucas broke the silence with a deep voice, "Do not forget, I need this to speak of triumph. But it should also reflect the suffering that comes before it. Each stroke needs to feel deserving." His storm-gray eyes met Sophia's as she looked up.

With caution, she remarked, "That's a tall order. However, I believe I know what you're after."

"I hope so." Lucas steepled his fingers and relaxed back in his chair. I'm not simply interested in art, Ms. Lynns. This has to do with legacy. You're crafting a narrative that will last beyond both our lifetimes, not just a fragment."

With his words weighing down on her, Sophia paused. "I understand the seriousness of this, but I'll need clear boundaries if this is going to work."

A small smile that barely reached Lucas's eyes curled his lips. His tone was strangely light as he stated, "Boundaries are important. But so also is initiative. I'll arrange a small studio at the estate where you'll always be inspired by the art pieces, as well as everything you need to work. It's yours to use whenever you want. But..."

His eyes met hers with a disturbing intensity as he leaned forward. "There is one thing you must comprehend. "I value honesty. Tell me if you think something isn't working. Express any doubts you may have. I don't tolerate pretense."

Uncertain of how to react, Sophia nodded hesitantly. "Alright. In exchange, I will require uninterrupted space to work and at my own pace."

Lucas grinned more broadly, but he still sounded on edge. "Obviously. However, Ms. Lynns, don't confuse distance with space. I will be involved at every stage of the process."

Sophia heaved a sigh but nodded curtly. There didn't seem to be a way to get around this man. She didn't blame though, people like him have are used to having things done their way.

Pressing a bell on the glassy table in front of him, Sophia blinked, wondering why he did it, but a knock soon sounded at the door and middle aged woman entered, bowing deeply after closing the door behind her. "You called, Mr Hawke?"

"Yes Donna," he replied, then turned to face Sophia. "My house keeper will take you to the studio I mentioned, where you can work here. You might as well take a look around too."

Sophia nodded and stood, taking the cue to leave.

She ended up exploring the expansive grounds of the house after seeing the secluded space Lucas talked about.

The breeze brought a subtle lavender aroma, and the air was crisp. She wanted a respite from Lucas's intensity, an opportunity to collect her thoughts and digest the exchange.

She wondered why he had such a firm hold on her. Was it simply because he was good-looking? Or because of his commanding posture? Either way, she knew better than to mix business with pleasure or allow her emotions take the best of her.

The buzzing sound of her phone interrupted her thoughts. Pulling it from her pocket, she scowled at the name displayed on the screen.

Shirley Westbrook.

Sophia paused, her thumb resting on the response button.

She hadn't spoken to her former mentor in almost six years, and their parting had not been cordial.

Despite being the most important figure in her career, after her father, Shirley had betrayed her, broke her trust for reasons best known to her. But whatever her reasons were, her actions almost ruined Sophia's career.

Sophia answered the call against her better judgment. "Shirley," she said in a tone that was colder than she meant.

"Sophia." Despite Shirley's beautiful voice, there was a sense of urgency in it. "I didn't think you would answer."

"Well, i nearly didn't," Sophia acknowledged. "Why are you calling Shirley? What do you want?"

Shirley remarked, "I heard about your new commission. Lucas Hawke, isn't it?"

Sophia's chest tightened. "How are you aware of that?"

"I have my ways," Shirley said in a mysterious tone. "Listen, I must caution you. Lucas Hawke poses a threat. He is a dangerous man."

Sophia tensed. "Dangerous? How?"

Shirley let out a sigh. "His reputation comes before him, Sophia. You probably don't know because you're all about work and doesn't socialize. There is a history of him being manipulative. You don't know him for who he really is."

Even though the words made Sophia shudder, she made herself remain composed. "I believe I am capable of making my own decisions, Shirley. I already know that I can't rely on your advice."

With her customary poise wavering, Shirley yelled, "This isn't about me. It concerns you. I don't want you to suffer harm once more."

Sophia tightened her mouth. "That should sound laughable even to your own ears Shirley!" Sophia's voice rose a pitch, "The one who harmed me was you! But you called after all these years sprouting gibberish about a project that's supposed to be my big break. I do not need saving, okay? Especially not from you."

Shirley was quiet for a while, and her voice was quieter when she spoke again. "Just exercise caution, Sophia. Keep your eyes open. That is all I'm requesting."

Sophia was about to retort when the line died.

Breathing out frustratingly, Sophia returned to the studio Lucas had prepared for her.

As she sat looking around the space, she couldn't take her mind off Shirley's words.

The cozy room looked beautiful, filled with natural light and high-quality supplies, but it felt like a gilded cage.

She glanced at the sketches spread out on the table, her fingers curving the edges, itching to work, but her mind was too cluttered to be of any use.

'Dangerous. Manipulative. Not who you think he is.'

The door creaked open, and Sophia looked up to see Lucas standing there, his presence filling the space.

His voice was low, tinged with ambiguity as he remarked, "You're still here."

Shifting in the chair and trying not to read special meaning to his ambiguous remark, she replied, "I needed to get some work done," though her hands were still idle.

Lucas stepped closer, his gaze drifting to the sketches. "I don't see anything here."

"I'm just getting started," she admitted.

He studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Something's bothering you."

Sophia hesitated. "I got a call from someone earlier. Someone who probably knew you."

Lucas's eyes darkened slightly, but his voice remained calm. "And what did they say?"

"They warned me about you," she said, watching him carefully.

Lucas didn't flinch. Instead, he walked around the table, smiling faintly, though it lacked warmth. "Most people often fear what they don't understand. Did you believe them?"

"I don't know what to believe and I don't find the source trustworthy." Sophia admitted, her honesty surprising even herself.

Lucas stopped walking, he stepped closer, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. "Then let me make one thing clear, Sophia. I can be a lot of things, but I am never untruthful. You'll see that soon enough."

His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and Sophia's pulse quickened, wondering what to make of it.

And did he just call her by her first name? With that deep voice. Oh...this man will probably be the death of her. Or maybe her emotions will.

And with all this information about him being dangerous, manipulative and the likes, what was she supposed to do?

As Lucas turned and left the studio, Shirley's voice echoed in her mind.

"He's not who you think he is."