The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

In the past couple of days, when Simone came to visit, she'd mentioned the painting to Aurora.

Of course, Simone wasn't foolish enough to tell Aurora that Leonard was too attached to Summer's painting to part with it. Instead, she spun another story: Leonard knew the painting was of Aurora and wanted to keep it for himself.

The truth was, Leonard hadn't even realized the figure in the painting was Aurora. He'd simply admired Summer's work and paid a fortune to win it at auction.

Aurora immediately shook her head. "Leonard, this is far too valuable. I can't accept it. Besides, Simone told me how much you love this painting."

Leonard's voice, rough as ever, carried a tenderness that was almost imperceptible. "A painting is just a painting; it's people who matter. I admit, it's hard to let go of it but compared to you, it's no contest. You're far more important."

He glanced at the painted silhouette. "Whoever painted you like this must have cared for you. Maybe, deep down, Summer's heart was moved by you. To give a gift like this to someone you care about... that's probably the happiest thing in the world."

If it had been anyone else, Leonard would never have been so generous. In fact, he might have gone so far as to destroy the painting rather than give it away. But Summer was different-he admired the artist. In Summer's work, he sensed a kind of repression and frustration, not unlike his own struggles.

Leonard had no idea whether Summer was a man or a woman. There was no talk of salvation, no distant, unattainable love. He simply felt a rare kinship, the kind one feels with an old friend who shares the same passions.

He was reluctant to part with Summer's paintings, not because of any deep emotional attachment, but because they were one of his few hobbies—a small spark of joy in an otherwise monotonous life, and an appreciation for Summer's unique artistic style.

Yes, he was more forgiving with Summer than with most people, but compared to Aurora, it wasn't even close. Forget about a painting-if he had to choose between Summer and Aurora, he wouldn't hesitate for a second. For Aurora, he could give up anything. After all, what did a stranger with a paintbrush really matter?

Aurora still shook her head. "No, Leonard, I really can't accept it. It's rare for you to have something you truly enjoy. I'd feel terrible taking it from you."

For a moment, Leonard's gaze softened, rare focus and warmth lighting his eyes. He looked straight at her. “Aurora, if it's for you, why would I care about giving up

a hobby? If you want to know what my greatest passion is... it's you."

Aurora opened her mouth to protest again, but Leonard's expression turned stern. "Aurora, if you refuse, I'll burn the painting. You know I mean what I say."

Left with no choice, Aurora finally nodded. "Alright. I'll accept it—for now."

Then something occurred to her. "Leonard, that painting you wanted to show me last time-was it this one?"

Leonard smiled and nodded. "That's right."

Aurora grinned. "Simone told me you have quite a collection of Summer's work. When I'm well enough, I'd love to see them all."

Leonard replied, "Of course. Once you're better, I'll show you everything."

...

Meanwhile, at the Williams estate-

Leonard had barely made it upstairs when Stella and Haynes arrived.

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Thanks to Stella's insistence, Abby hadn't come along. This was a family matter, and involving Abby would only complicate things and make it harder to resolve. noveldrama

As for Haynes... well, no matter how Stella tried, she couldn't shake him. He was determined to stick by her side.

As soon as they entered, Stella caught sight of Skyler and Jonathan sitting in the living room.

Jonathan was sipping tea, his face composed, but gone was his usual easy smile. It had disappeared, replaced by a quiet, unreadable expression.