The Art Of Falling 1

nd expressive. She lost herself in the process, the paint flowing from

eum. The smell of turpentine and oil paints lingered, a constant reminder of what she'd los

easel, the worn wooden floorboards, and the faded armchair where Jack used to sit and watch he

nt. Lexi hesitated, unsure if she should answer it. She hadn't

n, more insistently this time. She peered through the peephole, her heart

her soul, even through the distorted lens of the peephole. Lexi felt a shiver run down

out, trying to sound calm des

son," the man replied, his deep v

rom this stranger and his piercing gaze. But something about

stranger's demeanor put her on guard, but her curiosity got the better of

cked on hers. "Alexandra Thompson?" h

her heart raci

his gaze sweeping over her studi

flared again. "W

m an art collector. I've been trac

s narrowed.

They're... haunting. Beautiful. I'd

replaced by curiosity. "What makes

pite herself. "What makes you think I'

I've done my research, Ms. Thompson. I know you've bee

p, her heart racing. "How

I didn't mean to pry. I just want to help.

one had spoken about her art with such

he asked finally, her voi

bstantial sum for your latest piece, 'Echoes in the N

that made her head spin. It was more money

off her debts and finally find some financial stability. But could she really bring herself to part with

nk," Lexi said final

I must warn you, Ms. Thompson, I'm not the only one interested in your work.

down her spine. She didn

it," she repeated,

ting with amusement. "I'll be waiti

leave, Lexi cal

ck, his eyebrows

or wanting my painting?" Le

e regained his composure. "Let's just say I ha

something more to Julian's story

her financial worries, allowing her to focus on her art without the burd

her soul. She'd poured her grief, her pain, and her he

ney, Ms. Thompson," he said gently. "But I promise you, I'll give your art

ny sign of insincerity. But all she saw was

ly, her voice firm. "Yo

arm smile. "Thank you, Lexi. I

er painting, she felt a pang of u